"I'm so sorry to bother you Mrs. Peters but I'm in dire need of a dress to wear." Mrs. Peters smiled warmly and extended her hand to where I stood on her doorstep in work cloths. Henry had arranged for me to be picked up in approximately thirty minutes and I had yet to find anything suitable to wear. My wardrobe was modest full of garments I wouldn't consider for a party.

"Don't worry darling I have just the thing for you. Come." Mrs. Peters eased the door shut behind me and hooked her arm with mine escorting me around the familiar place. "I always hoped I could pass this on to a daughter of mine but it's sat in here for quiet some time."

She paused inside a small bedroom that only housed a few belongings. A picture frame or two a lamp, clock, small trunk at the end of the bed. The walls were a warm cream color and the windows had thin drapes to shield the room from the sun.

"I hope you don't mind, it's a tad out of style but it would suit your beautiful hair and figure I'm sure of it." She held up a dress that would rest just above the knees. It was a deep navy blue color, dark and appealing, the sleeves came to elbow length, a thin blue lace exposed the top of the shoulders while remaining modest but adding style. It was simple but stunning.

"It looks absolutely wonderful. I've never seen anything like it. I certainly have nothing as gorgeous as that." Mrs. Peters walked over and passed the dress to me.

"It's yours. It doesn't fit me anymore and I'd rather an honest young lady like yourself put it to good use." Mrs. Peters didn't leave any room for me to protest and instead moved on to a new topic. "Now what lovely young man is escorting you to this party?"

"He's a friend of mine from work. His name is Henry." Mrs. Peters nodded and bustled around the room collecting things here and there before picking up a brush. She gestured to the edge of the bed. Sitting I turned my back to her where she began to gently comb my hair.

"What's he like? Is he handsome?" She wondered.

"Well he isn't ugly." I laughed. "But yes he's got charming looks. He has a nice heart too, he cares about everyone he works with. But he's had an unfortunate accident."

"That's a shame to hear." Mrs. Peters sighed beginning to pin my hair in place.

"Indeed. But I assist him as best as I can." I replied.

"That's good dear." Mrs. Peters had such a motherly nature to her it was a shame she hadn't had any kids. I supposed it wasn't because she never tried but for some unfair reason she simply couldn't have any children. In a way, ever since I'd moved down here and away from my parents she'd sort of adopted me.

My first week here it was Mrs. Peters who showed me around. I found that in certain situations when I was in deep need of a companion I liked her company best of all. She never pried for information when I didn't feel like sharing, she listened, and she cared.

"What about you? How did you meet Mr. Peters?" I'd heard the story numerous times before but I found it was her favorite to tell.

"Well," She started with a hearty laugh. "I met my future husband at a carnival. I was playing the piano for anyone who would care to listen. A few people were kind enough to leave a cent or two. But, when I was nearing the end of a number, some silly boy sat next to me on the bench and began to play. I was so surprised I nearly fell off."

The two of us laughed lightly at the images popping into our heads. "Then what?"

"Well I looked at him and I was stunned. He was an attractive boy, well groomed, handsome face, but it wasn't his looks that won me over. No it was the way he played." Her hands faltered in their work for a moment as she sighed a dreamy sigh. "Oh how he played. His hands flying over the keys, large hands, that made such gentle and soft sounds. His eyes closed as his fingers flew. He was like an angel. An angel of music."

"No wonder you married him, handsome, and a musician." I smiled. The love she held for him was clear in her voice. Ever since I'd met her I'd longed for a deep love like that. To love someone so much you could live with them in memory even if they passed. But I was never one to be compatible with anyone. Out of the few men I'd adored none of them could understand me.

"Yes. Well there you are, beautiful hair. Now slip on your dress and hurry along. You don't want to keep your man waiting." Mrs. Peters smiled playfully and left so I could change.

The dress fit perfectly as fate would have it and I managed to not mess up my hair. Glancing at my appearance in the mirror I almost didn't recognize myself. I was so different from my casual state of being that I looked, well, foreign almost. An entirely new person somehow in the same body. Blinking I looked away and made my way towards the front door to leave.

"Gorgeous." Mrs. Peters gushed, a bright smile taking over her features.

"Thanks to you." Laughing I hugged her tightly, it was rare that I had such a warm and meaningful embrace, when you hugged Mrs. Peters you felt young and innocent again. Happy, and loved.

"Now you really must be off. And please tell me how it goes I'll look forward to the story." Nodding in promise I waved goodbye heading outside and making my way back home to my apartment which wasn't too far.

Walking in I went to my room to switch my shoes before heading back down the stairs.

"My,my. The finest piece of art I've ever seen." Glancing up from the steps I noticed Henry standing patiently in the lobby dressed up as well wearing a dazzling smile.

"You're too kind. It's not much really." I laughed.

"Even better. Some girls try too hard." Knowing exactly what he meant I smiled in humor.

"You look wonderful yourself." Henry wore a suit top navy blue as well with a cream colored tie and slacks a warm brown. His shoes glistened in the low light.

"Thank you." He smiled. I noted that his hands were in somewhat better condition a bit of the bandaging had been removed but it exposed pink and scarred flesh.

"Where to?" I questioned.

Henry smiled and offered me his arm. "It's not far if you don't mind a bit of a walk."

"I don't mind it at all." Taking his arm he lead us outside and down the streets.

"I must warn you however that this party will hold people from all over the country who work in institutions and study the brain chemistry of human beings. Sadly not all of them share the same view on things as you do. It's a gathering to discuss what we as professionals have learned so that we can better treatments and such. Overall though it's just a prestigious gathering for those to brag about themselves." Henry kept his voice low incase anyone nearby were to hear.

"You don't sound so enthused. Why go if it's such trouble?" I asked. Henry smiled in a way I hadn't seen before, his lips twisted into a playful smirk.

"The food." He chuckled heartily at his joke but I recognized some truth behind it.

"Ah I see." Nodding as if I completely understood I couldn't help but smile faintly. We walked in a peaceful silence the rest of the way. People who passed by gawked at our attire and made comments to friends which they assumed we couldn't hear.

"You'd think people would learn to whisper quieter." Henry smiled before gesturing at a building up ahead a warm glow inviting us along with the murmur of conversation. "Here we are."

"Impressive." Walking inside I studied the interior with awe. The walls were pristine and well decorated and painted with a light color that reflected the warm yellow light. Light fixtures dangled from the ceiling and a chandelier hung lazily in the center of the room.

Tables were set up in the center with white cloth draped over them and glasses waiting to be filled or refilled. Off to the side were rows of drinks and food. Men and women dressed in waiter's attire milled about ready to serve.

The men and few women who were talking animatedly with one another were dressed to the T. Clothes flashy and silk like decorated their bodies along with glinting jewelry that resembled fire in the light . I felt severely underdressed as if everyone's eyes were burning holes through my body.

"Henry! My old friend how are you?" A man had spotted us and waved animatedly asking Henry to join their group and discussion.

"John always a pleasure." Henry smiled gently guiding me over to the cluster of people who were nothing but strangers to me.

"Who's this attractive young lady of yours?" John smiled taking a sip from his glass which held what smelled to be alcohol. His hair was a deep black and combed neatly to the side. He appeared to be Italian, with dark eyes almost like ink, pale complexion and the slight hint of an accent. The wisp of a goatee rested on his chin.

"This is my friend." Henry said gesturing to me as I stood feeling like the odd man out.

"Anna Irving sir." Despite myself my voice was soft, shy like.

"Pretty name for a pretty girl. How'd you get to ole Henry here? He's never lasted more than a week with anyone but he blabs to great lengths about you." John said. By now the interest of the others had piqued and their eyes turned to us.

"I-well we work together. He's helping me adjust to my new position. I was promoted." Henry nodded in agreement. Looking up at Henry I noticed he seemed as uncomfortable as I did. "I didn't know you talked about me."

"Well you have a great mind. John is a close friend of mine we talk nearly every evening. He is the head of staff at the institution thirty miles from here all the way down town." Henry cleared his throat. "I insist on them hiring more personnel like you."

"I hardly do much." I could feel a faint blush form on my cheeks. I wasn't used to praise in front of so many people. Let alone those of superior positions.

"What's your position exactly?" A woman asked maybe in her early forties, her lips were thin as if they'd been pressed together one too many times.

"I observe patients and attempt to prescribe treatment. I made a recent breakthrough with a young friend of mine. As well as another friend of mine." The woman's face shifted to one of surprise.

"You consider them friends?"  The contempt was clear in her tone of voice.

"Why yes. They enjoy seeing me as much as I enjoy seeing them though I can't say the same for patients with more serious problems. Just yesterday I played a game of chess with a few of them." The woman looked as if she would faint any moment and the detested glare of others mixed with humor and pleased expressions of others.

"Chess? With lunatics?" A man mumbled taking a sip of his drink. Looking at Henry I couldn't help but give him a silent look for help.

"You'd be surprised how effective Anna is in her treatment. She recently got a girl who'd been mute for months to talk. And one of her patients whose had memory problems is beginning to recall things." Henry came to the rescue. "I believe Anna has had quite a breakthrough. By encouraging a normal environment the patients are able to relax more. Feel at home which allows us to treat them better."

"Seems like a brilliant idea. I like it." A weathered old man smiled. "Anna, say what else have you discovered?"

"Don't consult a woman for her opinion father, you'll only encourage her behavior." A younger man with sharp features and the eyes of a hawk straightening his suit jacket.

Unable to keep from bristling at his comment I replied with a retort of my own. "Scared I know something you don't sir? Wouldn't want you looking like a fool in front of your father would we?"

John laughed heartily along with Henry and the old man. Henry smiled brightly and rested a hand on my shoulder. "Easy Anna. Don't rip him to pieces."

"I like her Henry. Careful or I might take her for my own." John gulped down the rest of his drink. "Well I'll be back, I must relieve myself first, if you know what I mean."

"To answer your question sir no I haven't. But each day is a new experience." The old man nodded in agreement and waved for his son to follow him as he hobbled off to converse with others.

"My, my, I didn't know the little angle could bite." Henry teased as the groups dispersed.

"My apologies if I embarrassed you. But I can do my job better than any man can and how I do it is not up to them." Henry held his hands up in defense.

"I agree. I'm not attacking you. Now come along. Let's get a drink." Henry made a wide arch to where the drinks rested and glanced up almost nervously and studied the room.

"You look like a ghost is about to jump at you." I whispered as he poured to glasses of champagne.

"Worse than a ghost. A man." Henry mumbled hurriedly taking a gulp of his drink. Following his gaze I spotted a blonde haired man, tall, well dressed, with a booming voice and piercing green eyes.

"Who might that be?" I questioned.

"Alexander Nikiforov. A Russian immigrant. I nearly didn't get my job because of him. Thankfully he decided to open up his own practice and institution." Picking up my glass I noticed that everyone in the room gravitated towards him.

"He seems popular." Henry nodded at my words.

"Yes, well they're all idiots. The man is a cheat and a scoundrel." Henry mumbled an aggressive tone to his voice, more one of detest than anger. "He never went to school, his father is rich beyond belief, he bought his education. The man is completely clueless about his job."

"How so? Is he just too arrogant or does he not know anything at all?" I asked.

"Pardon me for what I'm about to tell you but Alexander uses unethical means as treatment. I understand you know what electro therapy is?" Henry questioned trying to remain unseen by the fellow workman.

"Yes. It's grotesque and completely inhumane. Electrocution is absurd. Science should have figured out by now certain levels of electricity only cause harm." I couldn't keep the passion from my voice. I knew all too well about the made up forms of treatment institutions used. It was a way to experiment on humans without government interference for the sake of illegal science.

"He does much worse Anna. I'd tell you the details but now is not the time nor place." Henry looked up and groaned as the blonde spotted him and smiled coyly.

"Do you want to leave Henry? I wouldn't mind." I said hoping he wouldn't be upset. It was the first time since his accident he'd seemed in particularly good spirits.

"No, it's alright I came so you could have a good time. Why don't you go talk to John I'll come to you when I'm done conversing." Henry didn't seem too thrilled about his suggestion but attempted to give me a reassuring smile. Sighing I left Henry and made my way hesitantly over to John who'd emerged from the restroom some time ago.

"Anna, darling where'd you leave Henry?" John asked glancing around. "Ah, the tiger got him."

"Henry doesn't like that man at all and I can say I don't like him so much either." John nodded in agreement.

"His studies are fabricated. He's a liar and a scoundrel yet, as you may have noticed, common sense is thrown in the garbage." John sighed looked at the cluster of people excitedly chatting about whatever revelations Alexander had said. "He influences them. Too much actually. By tomorrow they'll institute rules like his to make hell on earth."

"Electrotherapy?" I asked in horror.

"Worse my dear friend. Far, far, worse." John's voice lowered causing a chill to run up my spine. "I wouldn't suggest looking into it. A friend of mine did and he hasn't been able to sleep without waking in fright."

Images began to from in my head of all the horrible things that Alexander Nikiforov was doing to his patients. I suddenly felt horrible for leaving Henry alone with him. Handing John my drink despite his surprise I made my way back over to Henry who was in a heated discussion with Alexander.

"I heard about the accident such a shame." Alexander drawled. His voice was deep and smooth, each word stretched out longer than it needed to be. "Your hands look like the very lunatic who died. Funny isn't it?"

"Almost as funny as your career." Henry countered. "Don't think I haven't forgotten your cheating Alexander."

"You're mad I scored higher on exams than you in school." Alexander sounded bored and looked at his nails disinterested.

"No, I'm made you've made a false career." Henry mumbled.

"You know the other day, down in the yards, some idtiotic girl attempted to kill her self. Much like that man of yours. Of course she didn't burn alive. I'd never allow such a ghastly thing to occur on my watch." Alexander smirked and looked back at Henry as if giving him the time of day really was boring. "It was sad really. The poor thing refused any help. So we did the humane thing."

"And what was that?" Henry demanded his eyes glaring at the taller man.

"We shot her." Alexander chuckled. "If you can't help the mind...kill it."

"You monster." The words slipped out of my mouth despite myself. Henry looked at me in surprise.

"Anna how much did you hear?" He questioned.

"More than you'd like." My eyes fixed on Alexander's green ones. "One should never kill another human being under any circumstances! It's murder!"

Alexander chuckled his face twisting in mirth like a tiger smiling at its prey. "What a cute one you have Henry. I could just eat her up."

"Don't talk as if I can't hear you." My words were sharp and bitter.

"That temper of yours is going to get you in trouble. You don't know what you're talking about little lady." Alexander shook his head. "It's not murder. Simply ending a suffering life."

"The only person who dictates whether or not people die is God. And unless you're him you have no right." Alexander straightened to his full height towering over me by nearly half a foot. In a swift motion, quick, controlled, he rested a hand on my cheek as his fingers hooked the back of my neck keeping me from pulling away.

"You're interesting I'll give you that. But know who your superiors are." His voice was cold and calloused.

"Unhand her." Henry growled stepping towards the man an angry fire in his eyes. By now those who'd been talking had ceased their conversations.

Alexander pulled his hands away and smiled his fake charisma taking over. "Just a little fun isn't that right everyone?"

The others laughed and turned back to their conversations. Henry grabbed my arm his grip firm as he began to drag me towards the door.

"Won't you stay Henry? We can have more fun." Alexander smiled his eyes glinting menacingly in the light.

"Henry please, you're hurting me." Wincing I attempted to pull my arm free from his grasp. He only let go when we were a good distance away on a less crowded street.

"Are you alright?" He asked letting go of my arm where red finger prints were left in place of his grip. Rubbing my arm I nodded but my heart raced in my chest.

"He's horrible Henry. Absolutely horrible. Shooting someone?" I shook my head unable to get any more words out as my throat seemed to tighten and my eyes welled with unwanted tears.

"I know. I've tried to get rid of him before Anna but he's in too deep. The scientists protect him, his father, the government." Henry shook his head and pulled me into a gentle hug. "I never should have brought you knowing here was a chance he'd show up. I should've known you couldn't handle them and their twisted ways."

"I can handle it Henry." I insisted. "I just need to cry about it first. Then I need to change it."

He gave me a curious look clearly not following my thoughts or reasoning. Wiping my eyes on the back of my hand I laughed and composed myself before continuing. "I'm not weeping for myself Henry. I'm weeping for her. And all the other people who are being hurt by him. Now? Now I stop crying and I fix things."

"How can you fix an entire system Anna?" Henry asked.

"Easy. One person at a time." Henry smiled happily and studied my face for a brief moment.

"You're far more incredible than I could ever imagine." He glanced about for a moment before wrapping an arm around my shoulders and setting back on our route. "Let's get you home Anna."

"What about you?" I asked.

"Me? I'll be alright. Here let's get a taxi I'm tired of walking." Henry managed to snag a taxi and the two of us climbed in. The ride was quiet and peaceful, the weather cool, and the breeze gentle. Relaxing and emotionally drained from the series of events I couldn't keep my eyelids from closing. The noise dulled as did my conscience until sleep enveloped me.