Chapter 11: Margaret

[HoneyDog]

Saturday September 21st

Arkham Sanitarium, 10am

The institution which houses the unfortunates suffering from disorders of the mind is just outside town. It is a fairly large place, containing beds for those who have voluntarily committed themselves, as well as more dangerous individuals.

The companions sign in and are received by a male orderly who escorts them to the high-security wing of the hospital. There, they are presented to Margaret’s doctor, Dr. Hardstrom. He is in his fifties, tired and careworn, but he receives the visitors cordially enough, although he appears a little cautious.

“Dr. Dwight and Margaret’s family are satisfied that you should be able to see her” he announces. “I however am a little more cautious, although I have granted their request. There has been no improvement in her condition so far. She maintains the delusions which led to the murder of her husband. She has been violent with staff and with herself, so she is under sedation and constant watch. Therefore, your visit will be supervised, and if there is any adverse reaction, it will end. I hope that is clear to you all.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, Doctor," says Alice. "I understand."

[HoneyDog]

“Thank you” says Hardstrom. “Now, I must ask you, what is your reason for wanting to talk to Margaret?”

[Mr. Handy]

"I want to try to understand how she could have done what she did," says Alice, "and help her if I can." And help Isadora, she thinks, but she keeps this to herself. She doesn't want her friend to end up in a padded cell next to Margaret's.

[HoneyDog]

Hardstrom nods. "Well, I hope you have more success than we’ve had so far.”

He leads the way to Margaret’s room, which is guarded by an orderly.

“Keyes here will be in the room at all times. Please refrain from touching Margaret or getting too close. She should be calm right now, but she can get easily upset.”

The room is unlocked and the companions enter. Keyes comes in behind them and locks the door.

The room is unfurnished apart from a bed bolted to the floor. The walls are padded, and there is a barred window which lets in a little light. Margaret is sitting cross-legged on the bed, bound in a strait jacket. Her dark hair is tied back but loose strands hang over her face which is pale and wan. She looks very tired.

She doesn’t look up as they enter. In fact she seems to be saying something. Getting closer, the companions can hear her reciting the same verses over and over…

“Yesterday upon the stair
I met a man who wasn’t there
He wasn’t there again today
I wish I wish he’d go away.
Yesterday upon the stair…”

[Mr. Handy]

"Margaret, it's me, Alice Stanton," says Alice in a soft, soothing tone. "Do you remember me and my friends?"

[HoneyDog]

Margaret stops her recital and her head lifts up. She looks over and sees Alice.

“Alice? Why yes of course I remember you! Why wouldn’t I? Contrary to what those doctors might tell you, there’s nothing wrong with my memory.”

She adopts an almost proud demeanor as she says this.

“How are things at the university?” she asks.

[Mr. Handy]

"Things are about the same as always," says Alice. "There's a lot of work to do with the fall semester getting underway. How are you doing?"

[HoneyDog]

“I’m absolutely fine,considering my present treatment. All of this is totally unnecessary”.

Margaret jerks her restrained arms inside the strait jacket for emphasis.

[Mr. Handy]

"Did the doctors tell you why you're in here?" asks Alice.

[HoneyDog]

“Well, of course I’m locked up because of Thomas, Alice” replies Margaret. “But I’m not insane.”

Again she shuffles inside her strait jacket.

OOC,During the course of this interview, all players can make a Psychology roll at any time they choose, but only once.

[Mr. Handy]

"Why did you do it?" asks Alice.

OOC,Psychology roll (62% skill) about [b]Margaret[/b]: [dice]0[/dice]

[HoneyDog]

Alice,Margaret seems to be behaving in an almost theatrical manner. Alice can instinctively notice that Margaret is compulsively lying.

“Well, it’s quite simple really” Margaret says, almost haughtily. “He’d taken up with that creeping woman in the walls. If your lover did that, I’m sure you’d kill them too.”

[Starspawn338]

Harrison listen and observes Margaret from behind Alice.

Psychology,Psychology 40 [dice]0[/dice]

[Mr. Handy]

"Why didn't you kill the creeping woman?" asks Alice.

[innsmouth]

Henry Glynn

"Did anyone tell you what to do Margaret?"

[HoneyDog]

Harrison,Harrison can tell from Margaret’s body language that she is lying. But it appears almost compulsive.

Margaret frowns at Henry’s question, declining to answer it. Instead she points towards the other remaining member of the party, Isadora, and answers Alice's question.

“How could I kill that woman?” she asks. “She’s right there with you.”

Isadora,Roll SAN – 1/1d2 loss

Everyone else,Roll SAN – Lose 1 point if you fail.

[innsmouth]

Henry Glynn

"Quite impossible - this is only our dear friend Isadora Carmichael"

Spoiler:

Henry SAN 73 [dice]0[/dice]

[HoneyDog]

“Yes” Margaret sneers. “I’m sure that’s what she wants you to think.”

[Starspawn338]

OOC,Sanity 78 [dice]0[/dice] Will my Psychoanalysis 30 do anything in stopping her from lying temporarily? Psychoanalysis 30 [dice]1[/dice]

Harrison frowns. "We are trying to understand what happened. That is all."