THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR (F/F, PHOTO, BASED ON THE WHITE DOOR, THE
PICTURE OF THE WHITE DOOR AT THE END OF THE TEMPTY HALLWAY).

72 hours of observation in an approved psychiatric facility was the
standard procedure in such cases.

But nothing about this case was standard.  Everyone knew that the
vengeful former mental patient had put the LSD's in Doctor Rachel Lynn's
coffee.   And the police were happy to wait 48 hours for the lab
results.

But Rachel was the head of the state licensing board, and she insisted
that the rules applied to everyone.  Rachel demanded 72 hours of
observation.

Rachel selected the Woman's wing of Oak Psychiatric hospital.

Rachel sat on the bench and stared down the long white empty hallway. 
The wooden bench that she was unyielding, and Rachel found herself
squirming in her restraints.

The door at the end of the hallway marked the entrance to the "Reception
Area".

Reception, indeed!

The last time Rachel had walked down this hallway she had been in charge
and in control.  Her critique of the facility had been merciless. 
Doctor Lynn had been particularly incensed by their punishment of
"disrespectful" patients.

Oak Psychiatric Hospital was a politically connected institution and
Rachel's protests were quickly swept under the rug.  Oak remained the
perfect place to dispose of an unwanted wife or a difficult
mistress...for a price.

At last the gleaming white door opened. Rachel felt a sinking feeling in
the pit of her stomach as the craggily nurse marched towards her.

"It's nice to see you again, Rachel", the nurse cooed, her voice
dripping with sarcasm.   "I see they have you all nice and snug" she
teased.

Rachel bit her lip in nervous anticipation as she stared up at the woman
who for the next 72 hours would rule her life.

"Not so sassy now are you?" the nurse taunted.  "That's good".  "You
know what I handle sass, don't you?"  "I'll paddle your cute little
fanny until they dance around the room".

"That's a pretty wool blazer, dear", the nurse said as she appraisingly
ran Rachel's lapel between her thumb and forefinger.  "Of course I'm
going to have to take away your fancy clothes, and clip your nails, dear
you".  "I'll have to shower you, and delouse you, and cut your hair, and
examine that dirty little snatch of yours for contraband".

"I'm sure all of the fellas are going to love seeing the great Doctor
Lynn prancing around in the shortly little hospital gown I picked out
for you".  "You'll be cute as a button!"

"Now you just wait here dear", the nurse said condescendingly.  "I have
to go find my rubber gloves for your examination...and the paddle!"

Rachel watched the laughing nurse stride down the sterile white corridor
and recede back into her lair.

Rachel's heart raced.  Her palms were sweaty and her face was flush.

And the hot wet stickiness between her legs was driving her crazy!

On this side of the door she was a doctor:  strong, independent, and
answerable to no one.

But on the other side of the door the paddle was waiting.