�So what exactly you wantin� to hear?�
�Pike, son, I�m just asking you to tell me a little about yourself.�
His fingers restlessly tap against the course denim of his stonewash jeans anxiously seeking out a distraction. Digits swiftly disappear within the confines of a pocket casually retrieving a smoke, proceeding to twirl thin stick of tobacco through dexterous fingers.
�This the pawt I lie back and relive my childhood traumas doc?�
The hint of dialect slips out forcing an uncontrollable twitch as he tears his gaze away from the man sitting across from him. The smoke promptly takes its place between dry lips as the infallible grin disappears, features growing heated whilst his mind slips back to old memories.
Pike�s father had made a point to have tutors work particularly hard on the principles of proper dialect and articulation. Accounting for the area they lived, he was allowed a slight leeway but one thing Jack Tozier would not have, was his only son and child sounding illiterate or poorly schooled. Pike rather enjoys letting the dialect slip, often times its unavoidable, and on occasion, thoughts of his father come to mind.
He swiftly manages to suppress the emotions and shrug off the sudden change in attitude, once again laying impervious eyes on the man sitting feet away.
Drooping glance of a patient listener begins to lose its humor and a steady gaze takes aim on the unlit cigarette amidst his fingers.
�You know this is a non smoking building Pike.�
A casual yet rebellious smirk dons his lips.
�Doc,�
He smiles, removing the smoke from his lips, forcing it back to antsy fingers
�I assumed you read me better.�
The man�s gaze grows neither impatient nor amused, he merely sit's quietly brow furrowing watching the cocky patient twirl distraction about.
�Tell me Pike, did you grow up in Louisiana?�
Gliding the unlit stick of proverbial joy back and forth along his knuckles his grin widens slightly, eyes firmly planting themselves on the subtle waves and its bobbing oar.
�Yes sir, born and raised, Saint Charles General to be exact. My mother was a kind, compassionate, Catholic woman whom passed from a stroke when I was 13 and my father...�
The smoke abruptly halts, gaze finally turning up to meet the one so intently staring back.
�If you live anywhere within the district then you�re familiar with Jack Tozier. Most sawt after, respected, and highly paid defense attorney in the parish.�
Subtle weaving resumes, eyes straying back to the meticulous movements as he sits back once again relaxing.
�I graduated De La Salle High School, spent a few years in college, fell disillusioned dropped out and eventually applied for the NOPD.�
Head tilts slightly, a sarcastic grin developing once again connecting gaze.
�But you knew that already rigght doc? With it being the department�s dime, I assume they told you a whole lot about me.�
A soft chuckle escapes, locking in a stare.
�Tell me about the events leading up to your filing for leave.�
For the first time since the restless fingers began their eager dance, the helpless cigarette forced into his frenzy slips from its perch and fall's to the wayside. He nods slightly, sniffing amusedly as if anticipating the event.
�Now that�s what I was waitin� for.�
The fallen smoke is plucked from the ground and he slowly rises to his feet, heading for the nearest window. Before complaints can be issued the seal is cracked and open wide, allowing for a warm damp breeze to flow through. Seconds later the dark, orange embers of a cherry are ignited.
One day, I get this call. A jumper. A young Mexican girl. Pregnant, infected with aids, totally strung out. She was truly one of the doomed. I asked her to come in off the ledge and into my arms. She asked me why she should bother living.
"Cual es la punta vivir?�He repeats softly.
�What did you say?�
I was trained to say lots of things. Her dreams, all the people who�d miss her. But for a second, I hesitated. And she saw it. Within that second, I couldn�t honestly think of a single optimistic thing to say to her. So she spread her arms and jumped.�
The last remains of the nasty habit are carefully smashed out along the brick of the building, gaze continuing to stare out into the grey, rain riddled sky.
I started getting headaches��
Leaning back in he closes the window silently.
and eventually started blacking out��
Turning back to face the surely furious doc he musters the best attempt at an impervious grin.
So, I filed for leave.�
To his surprise the patient listener has managed to continue being just that, no furious outburst, no burning scowl.
�Have you seen a doctor with the symptoms, had possibilities eliminated?�
Once again his lips curl in a slight grin, this time effortless as he takes a seat back on the couch.
�Even things I�ve never heard of before. But it seems to be nothing physical, as far as things look right now anyways.�
�And what happens during these blackouts or headaches?�
�Well dawk, that's a question I�d like answered myself.�
"An answer we will certainly get to the bottom of Pike. Trust me."
Pike shook his head in feeble understanding, having heard the words spoken all too many times before. Rising to his feet, dusting off the thighs of his jeans, Pike made his way toward the door, thanking the man for his time and patience, although Tozier never budged to turn around and acknowledge the man face to face.
"Pike...
One more thing.
At what age was it again that your mother began exhibiting the signs of schizophrenia?"