Cognitive Deviance

46. Rehab

June 3, 2045 - 9:30 AM

"I don't know why Mason was so ominous about the mask," Holden said with a shrug. "After I asked again, she just told me they'd 3D-print several copies of the mask for the infiltration of the Rabbit Hole."

"Yeah, when the commissioner knows we'll get something done, she goes all out," Andrade replied. "We uncovered the Sentient trafficking ring, took down the House of Pleasure, and we'll do the same for the Rabbit Hole. Just gotta stay positive, Sanger."

Holden nodded his head before the two of them resumed their duties, passing through files upon holographic files of patient records. Margo sat at a desk, glaring angrily at Andrade. Ever since the night a stranger broke into her apartment, she could never see her superior the same way. She kept feeling more and more like one of the parasites who worked hard to tarnish Psychwatch's reputation, seeing the organization's sympathetic nature as nothing more than a facade. Did she even care about Holden? Would she eventually disregard his safety, too?

But one thing she definitely couldn't forgive her for was impulsively accusing Carl of cooperating with the perpetrators of the Red Riot. She had respected him and his alters up until that point. What the hell was that all about?

I don't need an apology from her, Margo thought to herself as she skimmed through more files. All I need to see is her apologizing to Carl.

"I'm surprised Mason isn't worried about patient confidentiality," Holden said, his eyes still glued to the holographic screens before him. "I mean I actually recognize some of these people from the streets, and I never would've thought they were taking stuff before. I feel like I'm invading so much privacy."

"Yeah, honey, it's remarkable seeing someone overcome their addictions," Andrade replied. "Hard to believe it's the same person sometimes. But sadly confidentiality isn't our top priority right now. Mason believes some of our patients in rehab could help us track down Wonderland suppliers here in Philadelphia. As a recovered addict myself, I can see her point."

As a brown-noser, I agree with everything Mason says and have no opinion of my own, Margo taunted in her head, although she winced at the realization people undoubtedly perceived her the very same way.

"You used to do Wonderland Mist?" Holden asked.

"Holden," Margo groaned, "don't be rude."

"No worries, you two," Andrade replied. "I'm ashamed of my past decisions, but I'm not afraid to share my story in the hopes I can persuade someone else from repeating the same mistakes." She cleared her throat and sat up straighter in her seat. "Back when I lived in Miami, I was all for that shit. Jumped straight into the deep end by trying heroin when I was twenty. Then I got into Apaths a year later in order to numb the pain of withdrawal. I fucking OD'd twice because of that unholy combination."

"What did you do after that?" Holden asked.

"Checked in at the hospital regularly. Went so often, I ended up befriending half of the doctors working in the emergency room. But I was still a dumb college kid so I didn't listen to the doctors. Sure, I stopped doing heroin. Absolute fucking miracle. But I had discovered Wonderland Mist instead. Not as addictive as heroin, but a hell of a lot more fun to use."

"Some of the kids at school said it's a lot like LSD. Is that true or just bullshit?"

"Firstly, Sanger, either ditch those friends or rat them out to us. You shouldn't be around kids like them."

"That's what I was thinking!" Margo laughed, although she couldn't hide the frustration in her voice that existed solely because of Andrade's presence.