How does a mother choose between her only two children?
Twelve-year-old Andrew Preston was highly intelligent and extremely cunning; typical or any other sociopath such as himself. While he loved to see how much he could get away with without being caught, he took his greatest pleasure in harming his autistic little sister, Megan.
The Children’s mother, Kate Rose, always went to great lengths to protect her kids, but things changed after Andrew confesses to the crime against his sister. Now she must try to figure out how to protect them both from the different sides of the courtroom. Suddenly plunged into a twisted justice system as the criminal case unfolds, Kate must choose between her daughter’s safety and the law.
After spending many years working in the education system in Upstate, New York, Amy Quonce moved across the map with her daughter and one very spoiled dog. She now spends her days writing from a hammock nestled between two palm trees and works as a Licensed Massage Therapist.
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Excerpt
“Mrs. Rose, the doctor can see you now,” the tall receptionist with wavy black hair cascading half-way down her back called.
Kate put the magazine back on the shelf, picked up her purse, and walked toward Dr. Covington’s office as his ten o'clock appointment abruptly brushed past her on his way out. Tall, well groomed, and wearing an Armani Polo shirt and tan khakis, the child certainly presented himself well. At first glance, it would be hard for an outsider to discern there were issues of any kind. But as his mother, Kate knew looks could be deceiving.
Andrew didn't even glance in her direction as they passed but proceeded toward the waiting room in a casual strut. Kate turned her head to remind him to behave himself until she came back out, but he had already plopped himself down across from road-rage boy and took pleasure in helping him navigate toward unsuspecting pedestrians. Sighing, she followed the psychologist through the door. They walked silently into his office as if conversation at that point would be taboo.
Kate sat gingerly on the sleek black leather couch, biting her nails until the tender skin came exposed. Dr. Covington quietly looked over his notes before making eye contact.
"Mrs. Rose,” he began after review of the files, “I have been seeing Andrew three times a week for the past twelve weeks. In our time together, I have gotten to know him quite well. I can tell you one thing for sure; your son is very intelligent. Andrew can be charming, engaging, and is quite skilled in his verbal language.” He inhaled, as if what was coming next wasn't as easy to say. "But, I can also tell you there is a lot more hiding behind his fake smile. Your son is devious, manipulative, and has a preoccupation with violence. He displays no empathy toward others and avoids personal connections at all costs.”
The straight-forwardness of his remarks startled Kate. That's why we're here. You're the leading child psychologist in the state. Please help our family.
Dr. Covington flipped back through his thick piles of notes he had accumulated through the past three months. "During our time together, I have gained Andrew's trust and he has confided some very disturbing things to me. Due to doctor/patient privilege, I cannot disclose what he has said, but I can tell you I am extremely concerned for your daughter, Megan."
The blood instantly drained from Kate’s face. Megan, who was two years younger than Andrew, had been diagnosed with high functioning autism at the age of three. This had sent them on an intense path of constant doctor appointments, as well as a spectrum of therapists who worked diligently with her in an attempt to get Megan on a level with other kids her age. With so much focus spent on her daughter’s needs, she knew Andrew had been vying for attention in mischievous ways. “What about her?” she whispered in fear.
Dr. Covington straightened himself in the chair as his face grew serious. “As I said before, all I can do is voice my concerns. You've told me Megan’s autism left her speechless for the first six years of life. This trademark silence gave Andrew plenty of opportunities to do as he pleased without concern of her telling on him.”
Kate’s hands shook as she buried her head within them. She was torn between wanting to know what went on during those silent years, and pretending Andrew would never hurt his little sister. It took her a few moments before she could look up and meet the doctor’s eyes. “What are you saying?” she asked, not really wanting to hear the answer.
Placing a gentle hand on hers, Dr. Covington continued. “Mrs. Rose, Andrew is cruel and aggressive. His behaviors are combined with a self-righteous approach to getting his needs met. He has significant psychiatric concerns, and his willingness to harm others has left him void of empathy, compassion, and without significant attachments.”
“What can I do to help him?” Kate pleaded.
Dr. Covington sighed and shook his head. “We're doing all we can, but his progress in therapy has been minimal. I’m sorry to say this Mrs. Rose, but your child shows all the classical signs of being a sociopath. One day he’s going to do something that will land him at the mercy of the court system. My best guess is that he won't get the level of help he truly needs until then.”
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