Chapter 3 Charming Brian

Chapter 3

Another court-ordered patient, new today also, Debbie's patient.

I read his court file, he's on probation for beating up a man at a gay bar. I could really do without this today; it was a random attack too. Great. I took a few minutes to settle myself and buzzed for him to come in.

"Hi, my name is Daniel, I'm standing in for Debbie, I see you have been court-ordered to attend here as part of your probation?"

"Yeah." was all he said.

"OK. Would you like to talk about anything in particular?"

"No."

"So, it says here that you were arrested and sent to prison for aggravated assault and battery. You want to talk about that?"

"No."

"OK. Unfortunately, we have to, Brian. So, it says here the other guy was left in an induced coma for 2 weeks? Maybe if we know why that happened, we can figure how best to move forward. I'm not here to judge, just listen and help," I say, trying to engage him.

"I'm here to avoid going back to prison, that's it," he answered. Progress at least, I think to myself.

"You do know I have to meet with the courts and give my recommendation for that to happen, so let's try to figure this out,"

"And you'll give it, simple as that, Doc,"

Who is this dude? He's got serious issues I think to myself.

"Well, no, I won't actually. If you don't engage with me and use this time as it's been ordered, I will have no choice but to advise the courts of that."

"You'll do what I say doc, you got that?"

I press the buzzer under my desk, alerting Matt to call the police. This is going to get violent, and nasty. Can feel it. He's messing with the wrong guy today, I can more than defend myself, both Michael and I are 3rd Dan Black belts in jiu-jitsu, but I really don't need that, the man trying to hit me, me upending him, and the paperwork that goes with it.

"So, you're one of them, a 'puff'?" he said, in a vicious tone.

"If, by 'them,' you're referring to the picture on my desk then yes, I am gay, that is a picture of myself and my husband. Does that upset and offend you, Brian?"

"You're all the same, filth," he replied.

"That's your opinion and you're very entitled to it. Is that why you beat up on that guy, because he was 'filth', as you call it?"

"You know she left me, for a woman, a fucking woman"

"So, you beat up a guy at a gay bar, a 20-year-old it says here, a random guy with his whole life ahead of him because your wife left you for a woman? How does that make you feel? You could have killed him. Do you have any remorse for that?"

"None. All you fuckers are the same," he growled.

"Ok, again no judgement Brian. Do you want to talk about your ex-wife maybe? The breakup even?"

"What, about how she is gay now? How I made her gay? Is that what you want to hear? Puff boy!"

"Is that what you think Brian, that you made her gay? You know people aren't turned gay, that's not how it works," I explain, thinking we are finally getting somewhere.

"I beat up on her, apparently that's enough to turn her off men, she said,"

"Ok, then that's her preference. Maybe she now thinks that all men will beat up on her and she feels safer with women now. Do you have any remorse for that, for beating up on her, maybe?"

"None," he snarled, "she deserved it!" he snapped.

"Brian, nobody deserves to be beaten upon, no one. Do you understand that?

"Nope," he replied.

"Do you think maybe the problem here is your attitude, and maybe that's something we could work on together?" I ask.

"You wanker, you think I have a problem?" With that, he stood up, in a threatening type of pose.

"Brian, I'm obliged to inform you that the police are outside, do you understand?"

"What, are you afraid of me, Doc?" he laughed,

"Not even remotely Brian but my patients outside might be if this escalates, does that surprise you?" I ask, "Do you think I should be afraid of you?"

"Yes," he replied firmly and threateningly.

"Well Brian, I'm really not, and unfortunately for you I am also not going to be writing any glowing reports for you either. You have shown no remorse for what you have done and continue to make threats of violence towards others, even me, so the police will take it from here," I hit the buzzer again, signalling that the police can come in

"What? You can't do that! I didn't lay a finger on you!" Brian roars.

"Brian, hopefully, the next time you have such an opportunity, you will use it wisely, but today wasn't for you. I wish you well Brian and hope you take the opportunity to re-engage with counselling in the future."

"I'll kill you; you hear me?! I'll kill you!" I can hear him roaring as he is taken away by the police.

I stare at the shocked patients in the waiting room.

"It's ok everyone, he was just having a really bad day, it's ok, he's gone now. I will be with you shortly."

I have to talk to the police and make a statement, more of my time being wasted. What a day. I could have been at home having amazing sex right now, is all I keep thinking about. Must remember to get wine or something stronger on the way home, I'd need it. The rest of the day went by reasonably ok.

My last appointment is cancelled which is music to my ears as it means I can use that time for paperwork and writing the letter to the parole board and courts. I ring Michael to fill him in on the events of the day and ask if he minds takeaway instead of dinner out, I just don't have a nice dinner out in a fancy restaurant in me tonight, I just want takeaway and snuggles on the couch. Thankfully, Michael understands, and I can't wait to get home to the hugs he promised me. A text comes:

"Have everything we need at home, no need to go shopping, just come straight home, love you" God, I love this man.

I text back "You're amazing, you know that? Love you too."