Chapter 32 Learned helplessness
Vincent
In the 1960s, there was a psychological experiment that was carried out by Martin Seligman on the concept of learned helplessness, a psychological state where individuals cease attempting to change a negative situation after repeated, uncontrollable failures.
It was fascinating, really, if you think about it, especially now that I could see it materialise before my very eyes in Ariel Bennett. The slow realisation in her eyes, the tremors in her voice, and the quiet defeat in her body...
It wasn't surprising to know my plan had worked; after all, I had mapped out this very outcome from the beginning the moment I found out about her history with Richard. Let's look at it from this angle.
The number one belief of learned helplessness is lack of contingency, which is the belief that 'nothing I do matters'. That belief had already been formed in her through her experience with Richard but to solidify that belief, I'd gone through with a series of events.
First, urging her to kill Richard. That had been more about making her an accomplice than helping her get revenge. In that way, I was sure she wouldn’t turn to the police for help if things went awry. Her interrogation with John had been a bonus to let her know I had people within the force, just in case she ever decided to waver.
Two, her mum getting transferred to St Valerio. That was to create a constant sense of danger around family, especially knowing the lengths she would go to for them. I mean that was the original staple of Richard's blackmail against her from the very beginning, right?
Three, her first task. The party invitation. I could have easily got it myself but knowing just how much anxiety her fear of consequences could create had made me pass it on to her. Well, also to ensure a clean background in case she gets scrutinized.
And lastly, Felix Matthews. Current CEO of Star Entertainment. His mention of my name had been for a very simple reason. To create the paranoia of always being watched. A mental cage, if you will, and was she locked tightly within that cage? Yes.
I gestured at the documents in her lap. "That's all the information you'll be needing for this task. For the rules you're to follow, listen carefully..."
"One, under no circumstances should you mention my name or anything relating to me. For example, Russo, Vincent Russo or even the great Meridian." She kept her head down, her hands doing something to her skin that looked quite painful. I sighed and leaned back on the couch. "Look up at me." She glanced up slowly to fix her gaze on me.
"Yuri is an absolutely paranoid bastard and if for whatever reason he thinks you're a spy or trying to betray him, he's going to make you wish for death and not give it to you." I felt more than saw the shudder go through her. Good. Fear.
"Two, after each meeting with Yuri, send the code MC through the burner, then a quick debrief of the meeting. I'll decide after if we're to meet or not."
"Up here." I ordered when she tried to look away again. She was obviously trying to hide the tears in her eyes but it was of no use. I'd already seen it and would have considered the sight... pretty if not for the situation.
"Three, never take the burner with you to any of your meetings with Yuri. I know i said keep it on you at all times but this is an exception. If found on you, it can lead to suspicions and we don't want that. At all."
"Talk only when talked to. Never fret in awkward situations and learn to be proactive in seeking out information on Project Y every opportunity you get."
"Understood?!" I raised my voice a notch and nodded when she moved her head ever so slightly.
"Lastly, be alert whenever you're coming here. Turn off your black-box cameras and your GPS functions, and leave your phone behind next time. Come with the burner only. For this party, your main goal is to ensure he calls you back for another meeting. You fail, you might as well forget everything and everyone you love. Give it your all. Understood?"
She moved her head again. I wasn’t satisfied.
"Answer me."
"Yes... Sir." She croaked out.
Good. Now...
I whipped my head in time to see the cars approaching the cabin on the camera feed. There were two, one clearly Ariel's car and the other Kael's. The motion sensors started beeping just as I recognised the customised licence plate on the car.
Just about time.
I stood up and headed for the door. "Come on." I directed at Ariel when she made no move to stand from the couch. She shot to her feet.
"Your car is here so you can go."
"Oh."
I pulled open the door before Kael could put in the code and stepped aside for Ariel to pass before stepping outside myself.
"Sir..." Kael bowed slightly.
"Has Jules found the person?"
"Well, it's more of a location than a person, but we were able to make a deduction from our findings." He responded as Tasha came down from Ariel's car and handed the key to her. She looked like she couldn't wait to get the hell out of here. I mean, I would feel the same way too if I were her.
She got in and drove off.
"Sir," Tasha came up to the porch and nodded in greeting. I nodded back. "Use the bike in the shed. I'm sure Frank needs your attention back at the hospital."
"Yes sir." I waved for her to go on. Then I gestured for Kael to come in. "Fill me in.”