Allen nodded and smiled. He decided to check the man out a little further.

“I’d like to read something you’ve written to get an idea of your work. Dr. Caul says one of your books was made into a movie.”

“I’ll send you a copy of the novel,” the writer said. “After you’ve read it, if you’re interested, we can talk about it again.” When the writer left, Dr. Caul suggested that before things went any further, Billy should get a local attorney to look after his interests. Columbus public defenders would no longer be able to represent him.

That week Allen, Arthur and Billy took turns reading the novel the author had sent. When they were finished, Billy said to Arthur, “I think he’s the one who should do the book.”

“I agree,” Arthur said. “The way he gets into the mind of his character is the same way I would like him to tell our story. If anyone is to understand Billy’s problem, it must be told from the inside. The writer will have to stand in Billy’s shoes.” Ragen spoke out: “I disagree. I do not think book should be written.”

“Why not?” Allen asked.

“Let me put it this way. Billy will talk to this man and so will you and the others. You might tell him things for which I could still be charged—other crimes.”

Arthur thought about it. “We don’t have to tell him those things.”

“Besides,” Allen said, “we have an out anytime we want to use it. If things come out in the conversations that could be used against us, Billy can always destroy the book.”

“How is possible?”

“Just deny the whole thing,” Allen said. “I can say I just pretended to have a multiple personality. If I say it’s a fake, no one will buy the book.”

“Who would believe that?” Ragen said.

Allen shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. What publisher would take a chance on publishing a book if the man it’s about says the whole thing is a lie?”

“Allen has a point,” Arthur said.

“The same holds true for any contracts Billy might sign,” Allen added.

“You mean, pretend he is incompetent to sign it?” Ragen asked.

Allen smiled. “ ‘Not guilty by reason of insanity,’ right? I talked to Gary Schweickart on the phone about it. He said I can always say I was too crazy to sign a contract, that I was pressured by Dr. Caul. That’ll make it null and void.”

Arthur nodded. “Then I think we can safely go ahead and

tell the writer to seek a publisher for the boot.

“I still do not think it is vise,” Ragen said.

“I believe it is very important,” Arthur said, “that this story be told to the world. Other books have been written about multiple personalities, but never a story like Billy’s. If people can be made to see how these things come about, then we might make a contribution to mental health.”

“And besides,” Allen said, “we’ll make a lot of money.” “That,” said Ragen, “is best and most intelligent argument I have heard today.”