Chapter 4; Down South
With Kat staying with friends for the rest of the school term, Rachel set out to do her job of questioning the Atlanta house. All the while she was in transit; Nick’s comment was fresh on her mind. Edgar Mince was referred to as Hitler, "what a nickname" Rachel shuddered at the thought of someone being such a tyrant. Thinking on as the plane landed, Rachel let out a laugh, Nick had to be playing with her mind... exaggerating a little if you will. After all he does have this thing about authority and he and Derek do butt heads quite a bit. Putting the thoughts of Nick’s little mind games out of her educated head, Rachel decided to enjoy some of the time she would be spending in Georgia. There were some great shops where she could spend some of her money.
Atlanta was pleasant for May, highs in the 70’s and lows in the upper 50’s. While en route to the Buckhead area of the city, Rachel enjoyed the beautiful scenery as it passed by. Smiling as she sang along to the radio, Rachel didn’t know just how much she missed the south until she returned. Too bad she was only here for a business trip, one day she would have to bring Kat when she has time to herself. Being a southern girl, Rachel placed a large amount of pride on her heritage wanting young Katherine to learn everything she can about where her mother came from. Placing a hand on the briefcase next to her, the shrink studied the long driveway that belonged to the Atlanta chapter of the Luna Foundation.
"I am Dr. Rachel Corrigan, here to see Mr. Edgar Mince" Rachel showed her driver’s license to the guard at the gate. "Yes ma’am" Sgt. Graham matched the picture to the face behind the wheel of the SUV. "Mr. Sloan said you would be paying us a visit." "Here I am" Rachel sighed in discomfort as the man’s eyes burned right through her soul. "You might as well go on up" Sgt. Graham opened the gate for her. "I will phone the house to let them know of your arrival." "Thank you" Rachel retrieved her license and slowly put the vehicle into drive. "That was creepy."
Staring aimlessly at the beauty of the grounds, Rachel forgot about the tense meeting she had with the guard at the gate. The Atlanta house was nothing like the San Francisco house; it had more of a modern look to it. Even the gardens were different; they possessed more types of flowers than Angel Island's. The weeping willow and dogwood trees gave added character to its loveliness.
Before she could knock, a large man in a black suit opened the door, stunning the shrink as she looked up at his hard expressionless features. "This way Dr. Corrigan" Charles stepped aside and motioned for her to come in. ‘That is a Lurch if I ever saw one’ Rachel tried to calm her nervousness by thinking of the perfect Nick Boyle comment. While scanning the white painted walls of the large foyer, Rachel’s train of thought was shattered by a forceful male voice that oozed of authority.
"Dr. Corrigan, I see you found the place alright" Edgar’s voice held a mocking tone. "How is Dr. Rayne these days?" "Fine" Rachel spoke slowly as she carefully scanned the Atlanta precept for the first time. "Do I pass?" Edgar spoke with harshness in his voice. "Pass what?" Rachel felt the weight of his sarcasm. "Your first test?" Edgar’s stare was more intense than Sgt. Graham’s. "I… I haven’t even started yet" Rachel found herself stuttering, hoping her deodorant wouldn’t fail her. The last impression she needed to instill on this man on their first meeting was that she sweats like a pig under pressure. Complete with the unsightly dark circles under the arm pits.
"Let’s get to it, I don’t have all day" Edgar showed Rachel to the day room. "I do have a house to run." "Wouldn’t your office be more appropriate?" Rachel noticed a couple of the house members enjoying tea. "Unlike Derek, I have nothing to hide" Edgar replied. "Have a seat Dr. Corrigan." "Th… thank you" Rachel felt his demanding tone run through her body like a deep chill. "Charles, take Dr. Corrigan’s bags to her room while we talk" Edgar instructed the butler. "As you wish" Charles excused himself.
