Jefferson had a lot of work to do to prepare himself for the second session with this particular client. He spent the better part of the weekend going through all of the notes that the client had been provided at the end of his first session. He read every detail and scoured through everything his former colleague has written about this patient. When Jefferson had finished going through the entire file, it had backed up everything Francis had said during their first session. Regardless of his feelings, his urges as he called them, Francis had never given into them and no one up to this point had been harmed. The reason why Frank was going to therapy at all was to make sure it stayed that way; that no harm would come to any man, woman, and especially children. Part of Jefferson applauded the man for seeking help and doing everything in his power to prevent any incident for happening, as most people with demons like this would just keep them bottled inside and fight them on their own, alone. It takes courage to step up and ask for help, especially considering how most rational people might respond if they ever knew the sick, perverse thoughts that were inside his head. There are many people who believe Francis should be dragged out into the streets and shot for thinking of such things, let alone doing them. Jefferson did his best to control his thoughts, as their next appointment approached. Regardless of how he felt about the man and what he revealed in previous session, he knew that there was only one way to deal with this situation. He would be completely honest with the man and let the chips fall where they may. This was bound to be one of the toughest sessions he had in years, but Jefferson knew this had to be done properly for there to be anymore contact with this client. Matters would have to be handled with care, and respect so that he could try to provide Frank with the same help his previous therapist did. When the light came on to let him know that Frank had arrived, Jefferson took a deep breath before walking up to the door and opening it up.

“Frank,” Jefferson said, greeting him with a warm smile. “Welcome back.”

“Thank you,” Frank said, as he strolled into the room, hanging his coat on the rack before making his way to the couch. He took a seat and took a deep breath and watched Jefferson walk over this his own chair and sit down.

“I went over Doctor Stevens notes,” Jefferson started, “Every note on every page provided.”

“Thank you,” Frank said, looking rather nervous. “I apologize if some of it was rather difficult for you to digest.”

“I appreciate that,” Jefferson said, trying to find the right words. “I admire the work you and Doctor Stevens have done over the last several years, and I would like to do what I can to continue that work.”

Frank let out a deep sigh.

“Thank you,” Frank said, “I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I am to hear you say that.”

“I am going to have rules,” Jefferson added, “Very strict rules that you must abide by if you want this therapy to continue.”

“I will do whatever I must to earn your trust,” Frank said, “I want this process to work, and I will give the same vigilant effort that I did for Stevens. No one want this to work more than I do.”

“I doubt any of this has been easy for you,” Jefferson said, as he read as much in the notes from his previous doctor.

“The alcoholic metaphor you used in our previous session is quite accurate,” Frank explained, “It’s a metaphor that Stevens liked to use often, and we often spoke that way so that if we were ever overheard, we would lie and state that I was an actual alcoholic.”

“That’s quite clever,” Jefferson said, “Despite the deceit, it’s a clever way to talk about your issue without actually saying it.”

“Like an alcoholic,” Frank continued, “I stay away from places that would tempt me or cause me to have urges that I don’t want to feel.”

“That’s a good way to approach the issue,” Jefferson said, thinking about it, “That means you stay away from parks, schools, and other places that might cause problems?”

“I do,” Frank concurred, “I’ve made great efforts to keep my distance, to stay away from them and keep them away from me as much as possible, but no process or effort is ever perfect.”

“I suppose not,” Jefferson said, “What happens when you are in their presence, and cannot avoid them in certain situations?”

“I made the effort to remove myself,” Frank explained, “If someone that makes me uncomfortable walks onto my elevator, then I’ll get off and take another elevator or even the stairs if I must.”

“That is dedication,” Jefferson said, “How do others see or respond to your avoidance?”

“I tell people that I hate kids,” Frank replied, “I tell everyone that I despise them and never want to be around them. They seem to buy that, and it lowers my rate of incidence.”

“That’s another interesting approach,” Jefferson noted, “And there are people out there who feel that way so it’s not entirely hard for people to believe, even if it’s not true in your case.”

“I wish it were true,” Frank admitted, “It would make my live so much easier to endure.”

“Something I’ve been meaning to ask,” Jefferson started, “How do you deal with the children within your own family?”

“That’s easy, I just don’t speak to them.” Frank said, rather casually.

“You don’t speak to any of them?” Jefferson asked.

“I do not,” Frank confirmed, “I made the effort to burn those bridges and I managed to torch them all quite well. None of my family members want anything to do with me and keep their distance. I’ve made no effort to speak to them and avoid them out of choice and necessity.

“So, you’ve never interacted with nieces or nephews?” Jefferson asked.

“Never met them,” Frank said, “And maybe when they’re in their late twenties or early thirties, I might try to get to know them.”

“That’s very interesting,” Jefferson said, taking notes of his own. “And what about your own children?”

“They do not exist,” Frank informed him, “I never had any, and I likely never will.”

“That’s rather confident of you,” Jefferson noted, “How can you guarantee that?”

“I had a vasectomy,” Frank replied, “I will never be having any children of my own, period.”

“That feels like a drastic measure,” Jefferson said, “Do you not feel bad about leaving a legacy or carrying on the family name?”

“I don’t,” Frank said, not sounding that upset by it. “My brothers have taken care of the family name, so there’s no pressure. When I pass on, I’ll leave what I have to them or their kids. I might even leave a large chunk of it to charity to spread the love as they say.”

“That is very kind of you,” Jefferson said, “But is there more to that?”

“There is,” Frank said, “I’m afraid that if I ever had any kids, they might be just like me, and I’d be adding more predators into the world. There’s also no guarantee that they’d be able to control themselves, to I thought it was best that I didn’t procreate as a precaution.”

“That’s a tough confession to make,” Jefferson added.

“It’s a hard truth I had to admit a while back,” Frank said, “I made the decision to have no kids a long time ago, and just did it. That also happens to back up the whole “I hate kids” charade that I have going as well. Considering the issue that we’re dealing with this was the best decision moving forward. I haven’t regretted it yet and I doubt I ever will. This is what’s best for everyone involved.”

“Well, if you have no family,” Jefferson started, “Then what do you do for fun? To entertain yourself?”

“The same things most people do,” Frank answered, “I go out for dinner with friends, maybe hit a gallery or museum. Watch movies and bad television, and even take the odd vacation whenever I can.”

“So, you keep yourself busy,” Jefferson acknowledged. “What about a hobby? Physical activities?”

“I work out privately,” Frank answered, “I have a personal trainer that kicks my sorry ass every week. I play sports but am careful about what leagues I sign up for and take the usual precautions.”

“It feels like you’re always on the look out,” Jefferson said, “Do you ever get a chance to relax and let those defenses down?”

“I do,” Frank admitted, “But most of the time that happens when I’m alone at home and watch movies or bad television. Never miss a single episode of Survivor or Law & Order.”

“I binge old shows that have been gone for a while,” Jefferson countered, “Better to watch a series that is already done than wait week to week for more. I don’t have to patience to follow a weekly show anymore. The streamers have hooked me on the binge, and I prefer to wait until everything is over and watch it all at once.”

“That sucks the fun out of it,” Frank said, “The best part was anticipating the coming week ahead and looking forward to new stuff.”

“I suppose,” Jefferson conceded, “But at least you have something to distract you and keep you busy.”

“I try my best,” Frank said, “But often if I can’t find something to do, I’ll just get back to work and use it to distract myself.”

“That’s productive,” Jefferson admitted, “But all work and no play makes Frank a very dull boy.”

“I’m aware,” Frank conceded, “But I’d rather be dull if it keeps me busy.”

“So how does this work?” Jefferson said, holding up the phone his client gave him the week before. “What do I do with this?”

“You keep that,” Frank informed him, “That’s my lifeline to you. The only time it will ever ring is if I’m in crisis and need your immediate help.”

“How often did that happen with my predecessor?” Jefferson asked.

“Only twice over several years,” Frank said, “But both times I had blown something out of proportion and wasn’t even close to where I thought I was. Yet that means you have to keep that close to you at all times.”

“All times?” Jefferson repeated.

“I’m afraid so,” Frank confirmed, “But I paid your predecessor extra to be on call and to take calls. I only use it in case of emergencies, so odds are you won’t be hearing its annoying ringtone any time soon, if at all.”

“What ringtone?” Jefferson asked.

“And ruin the surprise?” Frank said with a grin, “You’ll know it when you hear it. Just be close by when that happens, please.”

“I’ll agree to this for now,” Jefferson said, placing the phone back down. “But I will change it if you abuse the situation.”

“I won’t,” Frank promised, “I never did with my previous doctor.”

“Alright,” Jefferson said, “I hope I never hear this ringtone.”

“Me too,” Frank said, “Thanks for your support.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” Jefferson reminded him.

“It’s still appreciated,” Frank said, “So what else shall we talk about today?”

“Let’s talk about your parents,” Jefferson suggested.

“Really?” Frank asked.

“Fraid so,” Jefferson said, “I think this could help.”

Frank sighed, “Alright. What do you want to know?”