Criminal in love (Muslim romance)

2First impression is the last impression

I am a punctual and methodical person. I am never late, Alhamdulillah. So I got up as usual to pray my Thahajuth and Fajr prayers, and got ready to go. It is an hour drive. I didn't want to go down for breakfast as I know my mother and step father are waiting to give me a lecture on proper decorum.

Another reason I don't want to go down is because my step father is trying hard to arrange my marriage to his business partner's son Hammad Salem. I have met Hammad many times when his family come down to visit us. And before I completed my studies in psychology, I knew Hammad is shallow, arrogant and extremely self centered. But with my education I suspect may be he is having some grandeur delusions. He always seems to think the world revolves around him and the lesser mortals are there to serve him.

I have told mom and step dad many times I will not marry Hammad but the topic was never off the table. The only reason why they haven't forced anything on me as yet is because I am financially very independent. If I choose, with some private practice, I can buy a house right next to this beach house.

So, I took spare time to write an article which is pending for a long time requested by a magazine on mental health. I have to be at the prison at 10 a.m. I requested the medical and criminal records of the inmates I will be in charge of to be sent to me, but sadly I didn't get anything as yet.

I generally wear modern clothing with a hijab. Occasionally I wear abaya, and thought it is a good as any day to wear one as I am to meet criminals. I mean, I am not judgmental but I know how the human mind works, and I have been told by many that I am very beautiful. Well, I know I am beautiful as well. I am 5"8 tall, slim, fair. My eyes are green color. My hair is black.

I checked on mom right before leaving as I don't want a confrontation as I come home latter today.

"Mom, I am leaving. I will be late" and before she could say anything, I ran out of the house as the house is on fire. My latest model of the Mercedes is awaiting for me.

****************************************************

It's 1 p.m. Time runs very slow when one is in prison. And I am the next in line to meet these so called psychiatrist. From what I saw so far, Josh who is a serial killer responsible for the death of 10 people, and attempted murder of 3 inmates and generally someone everyone keeps away, went in first. When he came out, he was sobbing. I couldn't believe when I saw him crying. Just 2 hours with the doctor and she manage to crack open this lunatic means, she is good. I mean she has to be really good.

Next was Isaac, who is a white supremacist responsible for a mass shooting. And I am waiting for him to come out to figure out what has happened in. But it matters little. I am a murderer. I have killed 3 people. When I was arrested I was told I have schizophrenia given the nature of murder. I accepted without any arguments. And I played my part. It wasn't difficult to convince the other doctors I am indeed a dangerous criminal. May be I can fool this one as well. But I have to hold my guard given how Josh came out crying. 

And Isaac came out not looking very happy. He in fact looked frustrated. It doesn't take much to get under his skin, but the pensive mood he is on means there is something going on in his mind. And I waited for my call.

*******************************************

Josh isn't a problem to deal with. Abusive childhood made him violent and drugs made him volatile. When he had hallucinations, he acted on conviction. He still has the tendency to kill as it makes him feel good. His doesn't have multiple layers as a person. But his abuse is deep.

Isaac was different. He didn't like me. And his opinion of me was never my concern. But I need to work on his guilt. He still believe what he did was right. Believes are the hardest to change.

I looked at the next file. Steve Armstrong. Age 35. And he is an extremely good looking guy. Chestnut color hair, blue eyes and well defined features. Even his prison photo is model worthy. What strike me most is his eyes. They are guarded. Generally these pics are taken soon after an arrest is made. Everyone has a look of fear, regret, sad or some feeling when taking these pics. But guarded is not seen at all unless........ I need to stop reading further details of the file. Let him tell me.

"Officer, please send the next person in please"

"Yes doctor"

"Just a second. What do you think of Steve officer? Are you in charge of his cell?" Let me see what he has to say.

"I am not sure why he did what he did doctor, but a very intelligent and street smart fellow. Never get in to any fights or arguments. He is either reading or writing. He was even doing a distance learning course. One of the few people we have to worry least about"

"Ok great. Send him in officer. I will take it from there" I said. Josh and Isaac were brought to me with handcuffs. They were also cuffed to the chair for my safety. I waited for Steve to come. My senses are supper alert and I always follow my instincts. This means, there is more to this man than what the file says.

I waited until the door open and I think my heart skipped a beat. He is a very smart guy. I wouldn't call him handsome but he is most probably one of the smart looking men I have seen in my life. It actually pained me to see him in chains. He looked directly at me. Looked me in the eyes. Interesting.

I think I kind of unsettled him as well, because the same kind of effect he had on me, I think , no, I know I have on him. And what I said next surprised me and almost knocked down the officer and Steve.

"Take off the cuffs"

*********************************************************

When Officer Harry came to me, he had his warm smile.

"Please get a good recommendation from her Steve. It will help your case. You will be given the capital punishment otherwise. And I don't want that to happen"

Most of the officers here like me. I don't get in to trouble. In fact I avoid trouble like the plague. I had issues with homosexual inmates. But I have a strong built and a firm character. That put them off. Initially they made issues for me. But as time pass by, they manage to avoid me. And now some even would call me their friend. But I am no ones friend. The days I believed people could reciprocate such feelings are way behind me. I keep my distance from everyone.

"Yes sir" I told him with a wink.

I was expecting to meet an old man who is cynical and bitter inside the room. Women don't come to places like this. But then I was told it was doctor Sarah. So I knew it is an old woman, who is very kind and generous or a vicious and malicious. But when I opened the door what I saw was a beautiful woman, who made me weak on my knees. She looked directly at me with her crystal clear green eyes and I would have totally lost it, if it wasn't for officer Harry who is still holding me.

She looked kind of unsettled as well. Is it the same kind of attraction she felt or the fear? She is a Muslim. Well, I don't know many Muslims. The things I mostly know of Islam are from media. She was wearing a red headscarf and a black cloak. 3 years ago, I would have done anything to get to know her. May be I would have slept with her too. I was never a playboy but I had my share of girlfriends. And the woman I thought I'd marry Jen was the last woman I have had. Jen, the memory. I killed the old myself. And now what we have is, me. And I need to do what I do best. Which is to hate everyone and count my days until I get the sentence.

And then she said "take the cuffs off" and I and officer Harry looked at each other dumbstruck. What the hell is she is up to?