After observing the court proceeding regarding Julie Stovall; Benton arrives at a small office building. Passing by it several times in the past; never bothering to enter until now, Benton looks at the entrance directory to see what floor Doctor France Twist has her office. Entering the elevator; Benton presses the button and watches the door close.
“I’m doing this for you Frieda,” Benton sighs; the elevator doors open and Benton steps out. Heading to the end of the hall he enters through the door marked Doctor Frances Twist.
Sitting in Frances’s office, Benton stares at the were-feline in front of him. Nervous at the thought of having to discuss his feelings; Benton speak up.
“Your receptionist, he won’t hear what is being discussed?”
“The room is sound proof,” Frances answers; “plus Rudy is a normal. He couldn’t hear what is being said even if he was a were.”
“You’re the second person toady that has mentioned the useful benefits of a sound proof room,” Benton muses.
“Oh and who was the first,” Frances’s asking?”
“Eric Anderson,” Benton answers.
“Oh yeah,” Frances smiling; “William’s sound proof basement does have its benefits.”
“You sound like you have been there a time or two,” Benton responding.
“Well the Anderson’s do live next door to me and Samantha,” Frances answering; “but you didn’t come here to discuss that did you.”
“You know why I’m here,” Benton sighs; “the elder council ordered it.”
“No,” Frances correcting the were-panther in front of her; “you requested me. Doctor Abigail Robinson noted it in her referral file. The elder council merely requested I give them regular updates as to your condition.”
“You mean me being bi-polar,” Benton responding; “no need to dance around the subject, it is a condition that can be fatal for all weres the world over.”
“You’re afraid you might lash out and expose our existence,” Frances making a note in her note pad.
“So is the council,” Benton states; “it’s why they barred me from leaving town for thirty days. They want to make sure I’m mentally stable. They are afraid I could go feral.”
“You are taking the medication doctor Robinson prescribed to you correct?”
“Yes,” Benton responding; “but I don’t have them here with me. All of them are at home currently.”
“That’s fine,” Frances answering; “Doctor Robinson gave me a detailed list of all the medication she prescribed for you. So how do you feel right now?”
“Stressed,” Benton answers.
“Can you elaborate?”
“My wife is in the hospital, My daughter Frieda is seeing both Eric Anderson and Spencer Lawson. Last night the three engaged is several sexual acts that I would rather not know about. And to top it all off, there is someone trying to take over my company.” Benton looks at the therapist, “that elaborate enough for you?”
Tell me more about last night with regards to your daughter with Eric and Spencer. Why do you consider that stressful?”
“Last night was the final were-panther gathering for the year,” Benton responding; “Frieda inducted Eric Anderson and Spencer Lawson into the pride. With the three being the only unique were’s in the pride, I was worried they might have been-“
“Harmed,” Frances; “finishing the statement. “But why are they unique?”
“My daughter is a grey furred were-panthress with red highlights. Spencer Lawson is a werewolf/feline/panther hybrid. Eric’s is a pure white furred were-panther with a light hint of brown on his head. But all three have the same shade of green eyes; in and out of their fursonas.” Benton pausing; “everyone in my were-panther pride is brown, black or grey furred. The only exceptions are those slowly going grey due to age.”
“Interesting,” Frances taking notes; “but why is your daughter’s sex life stressful for you?”
“Because it’s not exactly traditional,” Benton answering; “I’m still finding it difficult accepting her being bisexual.”
“You think it’s unnatural,” Frances asking; “what about my relationship with Samantha? Do you consider that unnatural?”
“What you and Samantha do in your home is of no concern of mine,” Benton responding; “while I’ll never understand why were’s can be homosexual or bisexual, I was raised by my parents to believe in the only true paring is that of one man and one woman.”
“Are you religious,” Frances asks?
“No,” Benton answers; “I never believed in the concept of worshiping a divine being whose existence cannot be confirmed or denied.”
“How is your relationship with your daughter,” Frances asks; “is it healthy?”
Benton sighed; “No, it’s strained."
“How so?”
“Let’s just say,” Benton lamenting; “that I have made mistakes in raising her. My wife Amanda also shares in those mistakes.”
“What has your moods been like,” Frances asks; “have you had any erratic displays of emotion?”
“I’m not sure how to answer that,” Benton responds; “what would characterize erratic emotions?”
“Happy or content one moment,” Frances asks; “depressed, sad or anger the next. A combination of all at once?”
“I have had those emotions you described,” Benton answering; “but mostly feeling conflicted.”