Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 





   THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR

   by

   Joe Whatever

   Seventy-two hours of observation in an approved psychiatric facility was
the standard procedure in such cases.

   But nothing about this case was standard.  Everyone knew that the
vengeful former mental patient had put the LSD in Dr.  Rachel Lynn's
coffee. And the police would have been happy to wait 48 hours for the lab
results.

   But Rachel was the head of the state licensing board, and she insisted
that the rules applied to everyone; she demanded 72 hours of observation.
And she selected the women's wing of Oak Psychiatric hospital.

   ******************************

   Rachel sat on the bench and stared down the long, white, empty hallway.
The wooden bench was unyielding, and she found herself squirming in her
restraints.

   The door at the end of the hallway marked the entrance to the "Reception
Area."

   Reception, indeed!

   The last time she had walked down this hallway, she had been in charge
and in control.  Her critique of the facility had been merciless.  She had
been particularly incensed by their punishment of "disrespectful" patients.

   But Oak Psychiatric Hospital was a politically connected institution,
and her protests were quickly swept under the rug.  Oak remained the
perfect place to dispose of an unwanted wife or a difficult mistress...for
a price.

   At last the gleaming white door opened.  Rachel felt a sinking feeling
in the pit of her stomach as the craggy nurse marched towards her.

   "It's nice to see you again, Rachel," the nurse cooed, her voice
dripping with insincerity.  "I see they have you all nice and snug." Rachel
bit her lip in nervous anticipation as she stared up at the woman who would
rule her life for the next 72 hours.

   "Not so sassy now, are you?" the nurse taunted.  "That's good.  You know
how I handle sass, don't you?  I paddle sassy girls' naked little fannies
until they dance around the room."

   She winked.

   "That's a pretty blazer, dear," the nurse said as she appraisingly ran
Rachel's lapel between her thumb and forefinger.  "Cashmere?  Of course I'm
going to have to take away your fancy clothes and clip your nails, girl. 
I'll have to shower you, and delouse you, and cut your hair, and examine
that dirty little snatch of yours for contraband.

   "I'm sure all of the fellas are going to love seeing the great Dr.  Lynn
prancing around in the short-short hospital gown I picked out for you. 
You'll be cute as a button.

   "Now you just wait here, dear," the nurse said condescendingly.  "I have
to go find my rubber gloves for your examination...and the paddle, of
course."

   Rachel watched the laughing nurse stride down the sterile white corridor
and back into her lair.

   Rachel's heart raced.  Her palms were sweaty and her face was flushed.
Above all, the hot, wet stickiness between her legs was driving her crazy.

   On this side of the door, she was a DOCTOR -- strong, independent, and
answerable to no one.

   But, on the other side of the door, the paddle was waiting.



   Edited by C.  Lakewood