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Mission summary:
"Doctor Xavier Tabbert opened his hospital for the chronically sick in the autumn of 1849. It was suppose to be a place of final and peaceful rest for those facing certain death - in modern times it would be referred to as a 'Hospice'. Now in 1999, a team of paranormal students under Professor Alec Sweetman have arrived at the derelict hospital to investigate the many strange happenings that have occurred over the years: are they about to encounter some real evil?"
Episode may contain the following warnings:
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
“All incidents and dialogue, and all characters with the exception of some well-known historical figures, are products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Where real-life historical figures appear, the situations, incidents, and dialogues concerning those persons are entirely fictional and are not intended to depict actual events or to change the entirely fictional nature of the work. In all other respects, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
SOME OF THESE EPISODES CONTAIN VERY STRONG LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE, HORROR AND SEXUAL REFERENCES. They are AGE RECOMMENDED suitable for persons aged 12+ years only. Some episodes are rated HIGHER at 15+ and ALL the 'ALEXANDRA' Series versions are AGE RATED at 18+”
Stephen Williams
THE AUTHOR.
Author’s notes about this episode:
[1] Names and places have been changed to protect the innocent!
[2] The original Title for this episode was: ‘SATAN’S SANATORIUM.’
[3]
A ‘Jericho Tibbs’ original story.
[4] "XAVIER TABBERT'S HOSPITAL FOR THE DEAD, THE DYING AND THE UNFORGIVEN.” The original illustration for this episode was created by the author, as was this episode, which was also conceived and written by him. Copyright © 2011-2025 Stephen Williams. No reproduction of any part without permission.
[5] There is an 'ALEXANDRA' adult extended version currently available entitled:
"ALEXANDRA AND THE PROFESSOR."
Episode details:
Concept
date: 29th September 2018
First
published: 27th October 2020
Status: COMPLETED & PUBLISHED.
Location: BOOK SERIES 3 – EPISODE 7
Revisions: 3 [last revised December 2020]
Version:
Final.
Published Episode No. 31
Previous
episode: “Napoleon’s Chinese cabinet of
magic – Part 2.”
Next
episode: “Harbinger.”
Age recommendation: 15+
Average reading time: Approximately 60 Minutes.
Angel-in-charge: Margret
Team
Assigned: Team 74
Mission: 10 - 891536 – 9 – 1999
Human time:
Gregorian Calendar: MCMXCIX
Muslim Calendar: 1419 - 1420 [AH]
Hebrew Calendar: 5759 - 5760
Christian Calendar: 1999AD
Episode preview:
"XAVIER TABBERT'S HOSPITAL FOR THE DEAD, THE DYING AND THE UNFORGIVEN."
1. THE FIELD TRIP - DAY 1.
The University mini bus turned from the road into Tabbert's Lane; "It may get bumpy so hold on!" 'Sibby' shouted [Ms Sylvia Fellows] and the other three occupants gripped seats and arm rests. Sibby kept a tight grip on the wheel and the mini bus struggled up the gravel lane; sodden by weeks of rain. "Well, I'm not getting out and bloody pushing." Jen Phillips called out to no one in particular. She drew on her shaking cigarette. She was sitting right next to a large 'NO SMOKING' sign on the window and didn't give a fuck; like she did about most things "You would have thought that old 'Sweetie' [Professor Alec Sweetman] would have bloody warned us about the bloody road." She added and blew little smoke rings about.
Callan Carter just grimaced and waved the smoke away; he was sitting behind Jen and had probably smoked three of her cigarettes with her. "For fuck sake Jen; couldn't you wait to light up when we stop?" He muttered and leaned back in his seat. 'Bloody selfish bitch.' He thought and stared out at the drizzle tumbling down the window. 'Why the fuck did 'iron pants' bother to come on this fucking field trip? She doesn't really believe in any of it.' He kept those thoughts to himself. Jen wasn't shy in expressing her opinion on what people thought about her and didn't care either - apparently - and for the sake of a peaceful trip, Callan would say silent, about what he really thought of her; a self opinionated, loud mouthed selfish bitch.
Little Morris Maxwell - sitting next to Sibby, smiled; "Should we erect a ring and let them fight it out?" Sibby chuckled and dropped a gear; "No Mouse; she'll bloody kill him." 'Mouse' did laugh quietly at that. He was always called 'Mouse' because he was so small; lot's of people told him that he should have been a Jockey; other's weren't so nice; they called him the 'dwarf'. 'midget man' or 'mini man'. He pretended not to care and laugh along with the insensitive bastards; but sometimes the little pain inside wouldn't go away. He glanced at Sibby hanging onto the juddering wheel and sighed; he absolutely adored her. But she wouldn't - of course - look at him twice. All her previous boyfriends were sportsmen or academic's or both. Sibby slowed the van and peered through the wet windscreen at the big iron gates. They were heavily padlocked.
The Tabbert hospital for incurables lay shrouded in rain. Sibby stopped the van and said quietly; "For Christ sake, they could make horror movies here." Mouse nodded and tapped her arm; he had seen the figure coming down the path, hunched up in a yellow raincoat with the hood up and walking slowly despite the rain. "Who the fuck is that?" He said softly. Jen tossed her cigarette on the carpets and stubbed it out with her boot. "Fucking Egor of course. He's just woke up Doctor Fucking Frankenstein and told him that his new laboratory mice have arrived. You had better be careful mouse; you'll be the first under his knife." Jen said; laughing at her own supposed humour. Mouse just smiled; "Yeah, very funny Jen." He really wanted to say something else; but couldn't bring himself to do so.
They watched as the hunched figure began to unlock the three heavy padlocks on the gates, with keys from a big iron key ring. He looked up at the van and the occupants; wiping rain from his face. "Holy fuck! old doctor Frankenstein must have experimented on him." Jen shouted, then laughed adding; "They must have hired the ugly bastard because his mug matches this derelict dump." They could all see the scarred face and twisted lips on the man. He swung open the big gates with little effort and walked towards the van. "Stow any comments please Jen. He must be Gary the caretaker. We don't want to upset the bloody employee's and get thrown off site before we even start." Sibby turned, not smiling at her 'friend'. Jen just shrugged her shoulders.
Gary the caretaker walked up to the driver's side window and tried to smile. It just made his appearance worse. Sibby rolled the window half way down and did smile at him. "You the party....party...from York University...Profes...Profes..the Sweetman party?" He finally stuttered out. Sibby nodded; realising he was quite a young man; probably in his early twenties. Everyone noticed his stutter. "For fuck sake, course we are. York University is written down both side of the fucking van." Jen muttered quietly; for once. Sibby explained that the Professor was following in his own car, but should be here soon. She introduced herself and briefly; the others in the van. Gary nodded and gestured towards the old hospital; "The East wing....on your...your right...is the only....hab...hab.." He stopped talking and wiped his face; "The only...only part you can use." He stared at the ground and stepped aside as Sibby started the van and thanked him with a big smile.
The van pulled past the man and Jen laughed out loud; "For fuck sake, the place does have it's own Egor and what a fucking dummy." Callan just sighed and stared back at figure watching them drive away, up the long driveway towards the old hospital. "Poor bastard, no wonder he lives and works in a place like this." Callan said and mouse agreed with him. Jen just laughed to herself. Sibby stopped outside the 'East Wing' and everyone stared at the building. This part looked alright. Well, the window's still had glass in and the roof above didn't appear to have gaping holes.
"According to Sweetie, this part of the building still has electricity, running water, heating, toilets and showers." Sibby said, leaning back in her seat. "I wonder where the caretaker stays?" Mouse asked. "Probably got a fucking coffin in the cellars." Chuckled Jen and pulled out a cigarette and lighter from her big handbag. No one laughed and Sibby sighed; "We'll get the bags out first and set up the equipment later. We have maps of the place, so, we'll need to look around first. Pick the best places to set up." Mouse agreed with that and pulled on his coat, placing on a bright red woollen hat on his head. That made Jen laugh; "You now look like a fucking gnome." No one laughed at that either. "Come on." Was all Sibby said. The team decamped from the van, grabbing their bags,
Sibby turned and found Gary standing there; she wondered immediately how he got up the drive so fast! He gestured to the big black door and held up a couple of keys. "I'll unlock...unlock for you miss...everything is...on." He stuttered and unlocked the door. Sibby noticed one hand was badly scarred with the little finger missing. The other hand was big and quite normal. She immediately noticed the wedding ring on his finger. Christ, he's married. Then told herself off for being surprised at that. The little team strolled in and found themselves in some sort of reception area. There was big desk and chairs stacked all round. It looked like a hotel foyer that had definitely seen better days. "There's a kitch...kitchen behind...and toilets." He stopped, staring at the floor again; "And a shower... plenty of...plenty of hot....hot water." He nodded at everyone and left without another word.
"Lets get settled in. Explore what we have and find a bloody kettle; I'm dying for a cup of tea." Sibby told the others and watched Gary the caretaker disappearing into the rain. Under his awful yellow raincoat, he was quite a big man and definitely only in his twenties. She wondered if they would meet his wife during their stay; she really hoped so. They set up their camp beds in two small rooms off the reception area. Sadly, Sibby would have to share with Jen; "Now that's a real bloody treat." She muttered to herself, throwing her sleeping bag and pillow on her wobbly, old ex-army camp bed. "Smile please." Mouse pointed the camera at her from the doorway and Sibby grinned and bowed a little. "Make sure you film all this. Show the bloody Dean that field trips are not holidays." She told Mouse, who nodded and disappeared, operating his camera with some skill, around the semi dark corridors and rooms.
The team met up for tea in the foyer and ate their packed lunches. They laughed and joked about the old hospital and the stories and legends about the place. Mouse lifted up on his chair and said - with a broad smile - "The boss is here." Sibby dropped her cheese sandwich back in her lunch box and went to the door. She didn't notice the amused look that passed between Callan and Mouse. She watched the professor jump from his old car - a classic Jaguar from the Fifties - collect his bags and walk to the door. He grinned and lifted his bags in greeting. Sibby opened the door and watched him walk up.
Professor Alistair (Alec) Sweetman was a tall, athletic and very handsome man. He was employed to teach History, but the University allowed him to indulge in his hobby - that he was quite passionate about - the study of the paranormal and supernatural. He was thirty eight years old and had been widowed for five. His wife; Christina, dying of breast cancer just a year after their marriage. Sibby watched him come through the door shouting; "Everyone here? Everyone OK?" and dump his bags on the floor. Mouse called back; "Yes boss, including Jen." Rolling his eyes in mock despair. Sibby watched her 'boss' carefully; he only had to wag his finger at her again and....she pushed those delicious thoughts and memories away. She would have private words with him, when the occasion arose.
He was dressed like some fashionable young man from the fifties. Three piece suit, fob watch, classic brown shoes, 'Mackintosh' raincoat and Homburg hat. He openly admitted to being born in the wrong time. He loved the forties and fifties and lived the part; much to the amusement of his students and colleagues. But he was immensely popular with both. He stood hands on hips and looked about. "Well people, we are truly privileged to be here. There have only been two sets of Paranormal teams allowed to study this place. So let's do a damn fine job." He removed his hat and joined the group. Sibby actually shifted her chair to sit next to him. Mouse finished his sandwich and asked the professor; "What did the other team discover? Is there a report available? I didn't think anyone else had been here. I can't find any of their reports."
The professor didn't smile - he sat, hat clasped in his hands - and looked around. He said softly; "They didn't make any reports, I'm afraid." Callan sipped his tea and asked; "Why not boss?" The professor almost smiled; "They didn't make out a report because they simply vanished, they were never seen or heard of again. That was in 1956 and all three simply disappeared from here."
There was absolute silence until Jen said; "Well that's fucking terrific news." She actually felt herself shudder a little; if she had known that wonderful fucking fact; she wouldn't have come. Alec smiled; "Let me settle in and we'll decide on the placement of camera's and microphones. You ok for the thermometers Jen?" She nodded; wishing she was at fucking home watching the TV.
It was quite a subdued team of paranormal investigators that placed their equipment around certain parts of the old hospital that afternoon. There were places they simply couldn't go; parts of the building were closed off because it was dangerous. They settled down and waited the night.
"XAVIER TABBERT'S HOSPITAL FOR THE DEAD, THE DYING AND THE UNFORGIVEN " CONTINUES IN 'TEMPORAL DETECTIVES' BOOK SERIES 3 [EPISODE 7.]
End of Preview.
Copyright © 2011-2025 Stephen Williams. No reproduction of any part without permission.