Chapter 10a: Vic

[HoneyDog]

As the cab negotiates the busy streets on its way north, Bayldon answers Vic’s question.

“I don’t rightly remember. The doctor said that I was cured now, and that I didn’t need to stay anymore.”

Blessing is watching Bayldon closely as she is speaking.

"Annie Bayldon was a patient at Malbray" he says.

He turns to Bayldon.

“What do you remember about Joan?” he asks.

Again, Bayldon hesitates before speaking, looking unsure of herself.

“I don’t remember anyone called Joan” she says.

[Philulhu]

Vic glanced sharply at Dr. Blessing. She had thought she had heard him right earlier, when he had addressed Bayldon as ‘Joan’.

”Who is - or was - Joan?” she asked him.

[HoneyDog]

Blessing indicates Miss Bayldon.

"This is Joan."

He turns again to Bayldon.

"When we get to Malbray, I'd like to hypnotise you. I think you are repressing your memories, and we need to find out why. Is that acceptable to you?"

Joan looks concerned, but nods agreement. She is clearly very fearful and anxious.

[Philulhu]

”And Annie?” Vic asked. “Who is Annie Bayldon?”

[HoneyDog]

"I'm Annie Bayldon!" says Joan, crossly.

"Annie was your mother's name" says Blessing to her gently. Turning to Vic, he says,

"Perhaps these questions should wait. We don't want to upset her."

[Philulhu]

Vic shifted uncomfortably. Clearly there was a difference in opinion as to who this young woman was. She smiled at her, weakly.

Looking to Dr Blessing, she said, ”Can hypnotism do that? Unlock someone’s memories, I mean.”

[HoneyDog]

"Certainly!" says Blessing. "We need to find out what prompted Miss Bayldon to ah, behave in this way."

Joan turns and looks at Blessing.

"Do you know what I did, Doctor?" she asks.

"Y-Yes" he stammers, looking nervous for the first time.

Joan says nothing more, and eventually turns to look out of the window.

OOC,Just let me know anytime you've had enough, and I will move things on to the arrival at the asylum.

[Philulhu]

Vic wanted to ask what it was that Annie did but judged by Blessing’s reaction, thought it better to wait until she could speak to him alone. Whatever it was, it was putting the doctor on edge.

OOC,Happy to move on.