Fast Fiction: Treatment
A reporter had better watch his step when he investigates reports of “sexual healing’’ as Richard Mallinson’s story reveals.
I went in and sat down facing her.
'Well,' she said, 'you're not here for treatment, are you?'
'How can you tell? Why shouldn't I be?'
'Simple,' she said, 'you have Daily Blare written all over you.'
'Oh, is it as obvious as that?'
'Well, it certainly is to me ... Now, how may I help?'
To begin with, can you explain why it is that all these people trust you? You're not qualified, yet they flock to you for treatment.'
'Well, I don't need letters after my name to do what I do,' she said. 'I simply give them my full attention.'
'Is that all? Don't you give them pills as well?'
'No, I wouldn't dream of it. My secret, which isn't really a secret, is that I am a very good listener. . . Now is there anything else?'
'Well...' I began.
'Ah, you're hesitating ... So what's behind that jaunty tabloid exterior, then? Is something troubling you? At work, perhaps? I know one or two things about the Daily Blare . . . Drat, I'm talking too much . . . You must talk and I will listen.'
*
As I was leaving she said, 'Now about those male patients who have accused me of taking advantage of them for sex, can you honestly say that it applies in your case? I mean, you didn't take much seducing, did you?'
'Come on, don't be naive,' I said. 'You don't expect me to go back to the news editor and say there's nothing in the complaints, do you? I can assure you that the story will run as planned under the headline:
'Lust in the suburbs - female healer seduces patients'
She smiled at me, in a superior sort of way. 'Oh, never you mind the news editor, dearie,' she said, 'just check with the editor first.'
Believe me, I'm glad that I did.
