Two things looked immediately out of place. In the corner between the sofa and the bookcases was a large video monitor on a mobile stand, the modern technology contrasting harshly with the ‘old-school’ feel of the office. Near Dr. Drexel’s desk were several cardboard boxes, some already filled with personal items.
“Please, make yourself comfortable,” Dr. Drexel motioned to the two chairs near her desk.
Mark took one of the chairs as Dr. Drexel sat down behind her desk.
Ellen pulled a small, collapsible tripod out of the camera box and mounted the camera on it.
“Is it okay if we video?” Mark asked.
Drexel looked at the camera.
Mark could see a hint of displeasure on Drexel’s face before she turned back to him and put on a broad smile.
“Of course,” Drexel said. “Are you sure you’re up to this?”
Mark looked over at Ellen.
Ellen nodded and flipped the camera on.
Mark turned back to Dr. Drexeclass="underline" ‘I’m fine. Sorry about that.”
Dr. Drexel leaned forward a bit from behind her desk: “When was the last time you had a checkup?”
Mark caught himself thinking back, trying to remember the last time he had even thought about going to the doctor. Then he caught himself. This woman was a psychiatrist — she’s trained in getting into her patient’s heads. He couldn’t let that happen. “It’s been a while,” Mark finally said, hoping to cut off her inquiry.
“Typical. Most men ignore their health until it becomes a problem.” Dr. Drexel looked over at Ellen, as if to gain her agreement.
Mark watched the unspoken conversation between the two women.
Ellen noticed Mark’s look. She turned her attention to the camera. “Ready,” she said to Mark.
Mark looked back at Dr. Drexel. “If it’s okay, I’d like to get started with the interview.” Mark took out a small note pad and pen.
“Of course,” Drexel said.
Mark glanced back over at Ellen.
“Rolling,” Ellen said.
Mark then turned his attention back to Drexeclass="underline" “Thanks very much for talking to us, Dr. Drexel,” Mark said.
“My pleasure.”
Mark noted that Dr. Drexel had taken on a slightly different ‘personality’ as the interview began. She was good.
“It’s a sad time for us at the hospital,” Drexel continued. “I’m glad someone is taking an interest.”
“With the closure?”
“Yes. This building,” Drexel lifted her hands from her lap, palms up. She glanced up a bit as well. “.. this facility has been in existence since eighteen fifty-five.”
“Always as a psychiatric hospital?”
“Yes. At its peak it had over seven-hundred patients.”
“Can you tell me about some of those patients?” Mark asked.
“No, I’m afraid I can’t get into specific patient information due to privacy restrictions. What I can tell you is that many breaking edge treatments were developed. We helped a lot of people regain their lives…”
Mark glanced over at Ellen to confirm the camera’s red light was on. It was. He turned back to Dr. Drexel. “You couldn’t help everyone, though, could you? In fact, some of those treatments were detrimental, weren’t they?”
Dr. Drexel leaned back in her chair, her eyes drilling into Mark. She interlocked her fingers in front of her, clasping her hands together. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Mark leaned forward slightly in his chair: “Not to pick on your hospital, but psychiatry in general has had some… I guess I’ll say disputed moments.”
Dr. Drexel smiled. Mark took it as more of a sarcastic grin. He could tell she was going to try and defuse the discussion. She even laughed a little.
“It’s a science that has certainly evolved,” Drexel said, relaxing her hands in her lap. “Different techniques, different treatments have been developed. Some worked…”
“But some didn’t?” Mark interrupted. “Can you tell me about those?”
Dr. Drexel leaned forward. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable with where this interview is headed. I thought you were here to cover the hospital’s closing?”
Mark read Drexel’s body position, posture, and tone. He knew he had to back off a bit, or she’d cut him off and the story would die before he got started. He leaned back, dropped his hands to his knees so she knew he wasn’t writing anything down. “I am, of course,” Mark assured her. “But I have to be honest. I grew up nearby. There were a lot of stories when I was a kid.”
“Why don’t we just focus on the hospital?” Drexel said. “We’ve done a lot of good here over the years.”
Drexel hadn’t taken the bait. Mark tried another ploy: “Okay. How about a tour while you tell me about the good things you’ve done?”
Drexel checked her watch. “I have some appointments to take care of, patients come first of course.”
“Of course,” Mark said.
“But,” Dr. Drexel continued, “you can certainly take a look around. We still have about a dozen inpatients in the north wing, so that’s off limits.” Dr. Drexel stood up and stepped toward the door. “Other than that, you’re free to check the place out. I really am glad you’re documenting this. I hope you’ll let me have a copy of your tape when you’re done.”
Mark stood and followed Dr. Drexel toward the door.
Ellen had shut off the camera and was pulling it off the tri-pod. “I’m sure we can do that,” she said to Dr. Drexel.
Mark glanced back and gave Ellen a harsh look.
Ellen spotted his look. She simply shrugged her shoulders as she folded the tripod.
Mark turned his smile back on and addressed Dr. Drexeclass="underline" “We’ll have to check with our editor. You understand?”
Dr. Drexel held the door open for Mark to step through. “Of course,” she said.
As Mark stepped through, Drexel put her hand on his arm. The harsh demeanor she had previously displayed was replaced with a doctor’s look of concern. “Are you feeling better?” she asked.
Mark couldn’t tell if her concern was genuine, or simply a ploy to gain his confidence. “Yes. Thanks,” Mark said.
Ellen stepped through the door, tripod in one hand and the camera hoisted over her shoulder.
Dr. Drexel locked the door behind her. She addressed Mark one more time: “Get a checkup. Could be low blood sugar. Have you been sleeping well?”
“I’m okay, really.” Mark said.
Drexel pulled a business card out of her lab coat pocket. “Here’s my card. Call me if you need anything. You, or your story.”
“Thanks,” Mark took the card. He and Ellen both shook Dr. Drexel’s hand.
Drexel pointed beyond her office, farther down the hallway. “The north wing is this way — patients only. Back toward the entrance and beyond is already empty. I recommend you start there.”
The hallway Mark had seen when he passed out. Great.
Drexel turned toward the north hallway, while Mark and Ellen headed back toward the entrance.
Mark could feel his blood pressure rising as he recalled what Ellen had told Dr. Drexel. He walked quickly as Ellen struggled to catch up with him. He waited until there was no one within earshot, then whispered sharply: “What was rule number one?”
Ellen was taken aback at his tone. She considered before replying: “You do all the talking,” she said.