Read Before I Wake for Free Online Page A

the participants had roomed in the old Mercy Hospital, adjacent to Cottage 25. She was relieved to find that her new digs would be farther away.
    Years ago, in order to save the asylum from crumbling into disuse and disrepair, the city had purchased it for a dollar. In return, the town council agreed to restore it to its original glory. In order to afford that restoration, the city rented out various buildings. Some of the residents had probably changed, but back in Arden’s day, the main occupants had been the Webber Research Institute, a mental health clinic, physicians’ offices, and a psychoanalysis wing.
    “You have your initial consultation with Dr. Harris tomorrow morning at eight thirty.” Victoria whipped out a photocopied map and circled one of the outer buildings with a red pen. “Go out the front doors, then take a right down Maple Lane. Webber Research Institute, located in the Mercy Unit, will be on your left, just past the power plant and blacksmith shop.”
    Arden stared at the building labeled Cottage 25, her heart slamming. The FBI agent had said it was closed, that they were no longer using it, but it had long been rumored that a tunnel linked the Mercy Unit and Cottage 25.
    “And Cottage 25?” Arden’s voice echoed, and the vast space seemed to fill with bleak imprints of the past.
    “Administration. But most of the building is in disuse. I think it’s the next one slated for restoration.”
    Arden felt herself relax. “What about Harley? Harley Larson.” She had to see Harley. Harley was the only one who would understand. Harley had been through what she’d been through.
    Victoria frowned in thought. “Mr. Larson was here, but he didn’t stay.”
    Arden tensed again.
    “He left after a couple of hours, as I understand it.”
    “Why?”
    Victoria shook her head. “I have no idea.” She handed Arden a heavy gold key that was worn smooth.
    A key. Even the Holiday in Artesia had upgraded to a card system.
    “Unfortunately, the main lobby elevator is the only one in working order right now. That is, except for service elevators.”
    Why had Harley left? Had coming back been too much for him? Or had he been turned down for the program? Would they turn her down?
    All along she’d been thinking she would have Harley’s support when she got here, that they would be a team once more, and be able to lean on each other.
    Arden dragged her bag across the black-and-white-checkerboard lobby floor to the antique elevator, pushed the button, and waited.
    When the brass doors finally jerked open, a shriveled old woman stood in the corner. “What are they serving?” she asked loudly. “I hope it’s not turkey and mashed potatoes.”
    The woman shuffled off the elevator. She looked around. “Where’s the lunchroom?” she asked, as if she were accusing Arden of making off with it.
    Arden got herself and her bag into the elevator. The space was hot and stuffy. Taped next to the round, black basement button was a yellowed label that said lunchroom.
    “It’s in the basement,” Arden said.
    “Huh?”
    “You’re on the wrong floor.” This time she made sure she spoke with more volume.
    “I am?” Panic set in. “Oh, oh.”
    Arden held the open button while the woman got back inside.
    “My daughter-in-law tricked me into coming here,” the woman confided. “Told me it was just for a week, while she went on vacation. Been here six months. Don’t have a car. Can’t drive anyway. And where would I go? They sold my home. I don’t have a home.” She looked at Arden with eyes that were clear and lucid. “Is that why you’re here? To visit your mother-in-law? Did you trick her into coming, too?”
    “No, I’m staying in the women’s wing. I don’t have any relatives here.”
    “Good for you. My name’s Vera. Vera Thompson. I suppose you think that’s an old-lady name.”
    “I’m Arden.”
    Vera glanced around with that sudden, swift irritation old people often displayed. “Did you