Dark Red: The Beginning of the End

ISBN-13: 9781467969086 / Angielski / Miękka / 2011 / 208 str.

Walter Masterson

Opis

Dr. Argo Masters, a psychotherapist in NYC, has just finished with his last patient for the day when he discovers a prospective client in his waiting room. It's late but he decides to see him. From the first instant of the intake he senses something is very different. When asked how he heard about Argo, the mysterious visitor provides details indicating an unexplainable level of knowledge. The client speaks obliquely about his personal history until finally, when pressed, stating that he is Satan. Argo takes this as clear evidence of psychosis, but his new client has anticipated this and works cleverly to dispel that notion. By the end of the session, Argo is no longer sure. Everybody has a price. Although Argo has scant interest in wealth or fame, he possesses an unquenchable passion for spiritual knowledge. His new client knows this and offers glimpses into domains heretofore beyond human access. In spite of his hunger to explore this unimaginable resource, he cannot proceed until he obtains answers to key questions. Is he dealing with Satan or a fantastically delusional psychotic? What ethical basis exists for treating Satan? What could be so troubling that the most intractable rebel in all of history would seek a therapist's couch? Who would supervise his treatment, and keep him from losing all perspective? Most importantly, would he be writing his own ticket to hell? As the work progresses it becomes clear there is a larger drama unfolding. Satan sees a world where evil abounds, but most of it no longer bears his brand. He explains how he has been pushed into the background. His new client is more troubled than he realizes, and Argo must walk a tightrope where one misstep could cost him his life. Argo works very diligently to distinguish the source of his client's angst, and discovers the contours of the stark vision that haunts him.