Summary

In Beatrix’s office, Alex and Suzette explained about the Walpurgis celebration gone wrong. Alex began to panic as he talked, but Beatrix silenced him. She told them that the situation had become too unstable, and they should consider a facility for Hanna. They were both shocked, and Alex asked whether Beatrix thought Hanna was a psychopath. She carefully explained that she only could give a preliminary diagnosis, but she thought it likely that they were dealing with either psychopathy or sociopathy. The prior was genetic, and “marked by more-aggressive, remorseless traits” (267), while the later was acquired by brain injury or abuse, and was characterized by manipulation. She suggested that Marshes, a nearby, state-of-the-art mental health facility for children, might be the right option for them. There were horses and 24/7 care. Alex resisted at first, broken hearted at the idea of sending Hanna away...