Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

“I am not at liberty to discuss our residents or the particulars
of this home. And I resent the cross-examination.”
“It was just an observation,” Stephen piped up. He straddled
a chair back to front and draped his arms over the top rung as
he tried to get into the conversation. He grinned at Josie who
had no humor to spare. He tried the same trick on Reynolds
who ignored him, too.
“Not true, Mr. Reynolds,” Josie said. “This is a grave
situation, and I would like to know everything starting with
how she is paying for this kind of facility. I would like to talk
to everyone who has contact with her now and for the last
however many years she’s been here. That would include the
other residents. I want to see her commitment papers. Who is
her guardian? I will need her medical records. Most of all, I
would like to arrange to transport her as soon as possible. I’ll
be taking her back to California. A referral by your doctors
would be appreciated, but isn’t necessary.”
“Is that all?” Reynolds asked and Josie missed the ice in his
voice.
“Yes, for now.” She got up, tugging at her long knit shirt
with her good hand. The shirt and her pants were ruined,
covered in blood.
“You’ll have a long wait, Ms. Bates. Not only will I not
allow you access to any of our people, I wouldn’t tell you what
Emily had for breakfast.” Mr. Reynolds looked at Stephen. “If
there is legal action by this woman, there will be counter suits
and you will also be named. This is a private institution and as
such–”
“I believe this institution sits on Federal land and is,
therefore, under the jurisdiction of the Federal courts,” Josie
pointed out and his attention swung her way again. He was
more formidable than she first imagined.
“And the buildings and the people who run this institution
are private. We hold a ninety-nine year lease on forty acres