Case File No. 2738

Part 2

Week 26:

Mr. Grayson continues with his insistence that he is a costumed vigilante, operating in the city of Bludhaven while maintaining a public career as a rookie police officer in the BPD.

He remains firmly entrenched in his belief, going so far as to relate the details of some of his ‘cases’ involving various and well known criminals such as Harvey Dent, The Joker, Catwoman and others. He also insists that he has the pleasure of close and long standing friendships with a number of well-known costumed heroes operating worldwide, as well as working with them on a professional basis. He mentioned Batman and Superman in particular and has begun making comments about his old team mates in the Teen Titans, going so far as to comment that he helped Speedy fight an addiction he had to heroin as a teenager.

The complete and firm certainty with which he functions in these beliefs appear to be harmless on the surface as I’m convinced his nocturnal adventures exist only in his mind but I fear for the day he crosses the line between fiction and reality and acts on his beliefs.

He is clearly getting his fantasies from current events, but the depth of his beliefs and the degree of detail he brings to his recounting of his adventures is unusually extreme.

Week 27:

I told Mr. Grayson that I would be able to better help him if I knew which hero he was.

He questioned what difference it made to me and I informed him that for me to understand the psychological challenges he faces, I needed to know what he was dealing with on a virtually nightly basis.

He was reluctant to confide in me what his secret identity is; claiming it could endanger various friends and family members. He then went on to explain that the reason he, and others, maintain separate identities was just for this purpose and he was uncomfortable compromising that security.

He was clearly hesitant to do this and declined. He was also clearly annoyed at what he termed my ‘continual refusal to believe me’ regarding his alternate identity.

The session ended early.

Week 28:

Mr. Grayson cancelled.

Week 29:

Mr. Grayson expressed continued annoyance at what he perceived as a lack of belief when, as he put it, he’d been more open with me about his life than he had been with almost anyone he’d ever known.

I asked him to see the situation from my perspective—a young man I don’t know becomes a patient of mine and makes what, on the surface, appear to be delusional and outlandish claims regarding a secret life. I commented that his knowledge of police and detective work could easily be explained by his position with the BPD.

He agreed that it was a ‘stretch’ but insisted that everything he’d told me over the course of our professional relationship was completely true. He also expressed anger at not being believed, though he did concede that he could understand my reluctance.

He informed me that he would think about arranging proof, but was deeply concerned about the safety of his family and friends.

Week 30:

Mr. Grayson arrived for his appointment with the aid of crutches and was obviously in some pain from a leg injury. When asked he told me that he’d been shot but was expected to make a full recovery. When asked how the injury occurred he said that he’d been shot by the Joker during ‘a bust when he was trying to rob the Museum of Art’.

He explained that he was on the roof while it was raining, waiting to stop a getaway but slipped in a puddle, preventing him from dodging a bullet fired by the Joker. He then added that, luckily for him, the Batman was also working on stopping the theft and got him to medical help as soon as arrests were made.

I asked Mr. Grayson if he often worked with the Batman and he replied that he’d worked with him often over the years and they commonly helped one another on cases. He added in confidence that he was the original Robin and had known Batman since he was a young child, also vehemently denying—in response to my question—the idea of any impropriety between them, insisting that Batman was far too honorable to take advantage of a young boy. Mr. Grayson was annoyed by the question, saying he’d heard it a ‘thousand times and it’s bullshit’. He added that Batman is completely heterosexual and prefers grown women; something Mr. Grayson insisted that he had personal knowledge of.

I then asked how he explained to his precinct how he’d been shot—and how he’d explained it to whatever medical facility treated him as any gunshot wounds must, by law, be reported. He answered that there are ways to avoid reporting ‘things like this’ and that he told his employers that he’d been involved in a hunting accident on his day off. He further explained that in Bludhaven such things are routinely covered up with no one thinking much about it.

After Mr. Grayson left I asked my secretary to run a check and she responded that no attempted art theft was reported in any of the media outlets, though it was possible that the police files were sealed.

I am becoming deeply concerned that Mr. Grayson’s fantasy life is becoming a serious threat to his well being.

Week 31:

A break through occurred this week. After months of asking, Patient informed me during this week’s session that he knows I don’t believe he’s who he says he is and has decided to prove it so that we are able to communicate on a more honest level. He asked me what it would take to have me accept what he says at face value and, somewhat at a loss, I finally suggesting that he use a communicator to bring one or more of his costumed co-workers in to the office at that moment to verify his claims.

Taking a custom cell phone from his pocket, he called a number on his speed dial, assuring me that ‘someone will be here in a minute’. We waited and inside of thirty seconds a man dressed as the Flash knocked on the outer door, entering and asked what it was ‘Wing’ wanted. The man appeared to be who he presented himself to be and showed me ample identification and proof of his membership in the Justice League. His demeanor towards Mr. Grayson was respectful, and almost that of an employee dealing with a superior, though I detected what seems to be genuine affection between the two men. He clearly seemed to know Mr. Grayson and was surprised when Mr. Grayson asked him—somewhat forcefully—to ‘tell him who I am, I want him to know’. The Flash was extremely hesitant to do this until Mr. Grayson spoke to him in some privacy. Finally and with great reluctance Flash assured me that Mr. Grayson is who he says he is, the vigilante known as Nightwing. He informed me that they had first met when they were both eleven years old, along with the other original Teen Titans, that they all remain close friends and see one another as often as possible. He also assured me that the others would vouch for Mr. Grayson if I wished. He also suggested that his fellow members of the Justice League all knew and respected Mr. Grayson and would be happy to add their verifications to his.

I think it unlikely that Mr. Grayson would have the resources to fake this kind of impromptu meeting, though it’s not impossible that this was somehow prearranged.

Though not 100 percent convinced, I have to admit to having some doubts about my own certainty of Mr. Grayson’s delusions.

Week 32:

Mr. Grayson finally agreed to discuss his relation with women in some detail. He says he is heterosexual and has had relationships with several women over the last few years. He admitted to having lost his virginity to a female classmate he was dating while in college and insists that he is naturally inclined towards to monogamy. He added that he is not currently involved with anyone, nor is he actively seeking a girlfriend. He explained this as his simply being too busy to devote the needed time.

He also admitted that he considered himself to blame or the failures of his previous relationships, saying he was ‘never around and usually working on cases and stuff’ when his girlfriends wanted to see him. He said he understood their frustration and felt badly about it. He also admitted that he misses the closeness a successful relationship with someone can bring.

When asked he answered that while he would like to get married and have a family ‘eventually’, he has no real thoughts about when that may be and I detected a lack of conviction about it ever becoming a reality. I suspect he has lingering abandonment issues with his parent’s deaths and fears likewise abandoning a family of his own.
At one point I referred to the patient as ‘Nightwing’ and he appeared to be at ease with the name and persona. This could, of course, be part of the delusion and an excuse to keep people at arm’s length, though I’m becoming more convinced that he may well be who he says he is.

Week 33:

This week we addressed Mr. Grayson’s feelings about the man who took him in and raised him after his parent’s murders. He insists that though he and his guardian had gone through an estrangement that lasted several years, they are now on good terms and painted a picture of a close relationship based on mutual respect. When I questioned the rosy picture he attempted to paint about his relationship with his former guardian/adoptive father, he became indignant and insisted that I was simply wrong in my assessment and that all is well between the two men and getting better month by month.

When pressed, Mr. Grayson did express some resentment regarding two other young men in need who his adoptive father had also given homes to. He mentioned that one of the young men was killed and, while he had nothing to do with the boy’s death and was in no position to prevent it, he ‘felt badly’ about it happening, suggesting the young man was simply ‘out of his depth’. He further suggested that had the estrangement not been in effect, the young man would likely not have been put into the position where he was killed. He also indicated that he felt guilt about jealousy and resentment he directed towards the young man before his death. When I suggested these feelings might have been both normal and justified, he refused to accept my opinion, insisting he ‘could have done more to help the kid’. He also made a comment—which he refused to expand on—about how it had hurt him to realize that he was so easily replaceable.

I then asked what feelings he harbors for the third young man who joined the household.

Mr. Grayson’s feelings here are a sharp contrast those regarding the previous boy. He seems to have genuine feelings of brotherly affection for the youngster, talking about him with obvious pleasure and pride in his intelligence and ingenuity. This seems to be a healthy relationship and one of the few which appear to provide emotional grounding to Mr. Grayson.

Week 34:

I’m seriously concerned about this week’s session.

When I asked Mr. Grayson where he saw himself in twenty years he looked at me for quite along time, clearly formulating an answer—several minutes, at least and then replied that he didn’t see himself anywhere in twenty years. Asked what he meant by his answer, he said that he’d never liked to project the future. I pressed again and he said that he knew that in all likelihood his vigilante activities would cause his death. He added that he’d lost any number of friends and co-workers and he assumed that it was simply a matter of time before his turn came.

He assured me that he had no suicidal thoughts or tendencies and would be pleasantly surprised to see his grandchildren, he just thought it was ‘a long shot’.

Mr. Grayson also said that he was fine with this, that he knew and understood the dangers of his choice of work and accepted them. He insisted that there’s nothing fatalistic about him, that he’s just a realist.

I am concerned for this patient.

Week 35:

I asked Mr. Grayson if it would be possible for him to have Batman come in so that I might ask him some questions about how Mr. Grayson had adapted to his new environment after his parent’s deaths. Though I assured him of both security and confidentiality, Mr. Grayson adamantly refused.

When questioned why he replied ‘You’d think he was nuts—and that, by extension, I’m as crazy as he is.’ He than added, ‘besides, it’s none of his business—I don’t want to bother him with something like this’.

I suggested that my position isn’t to pass judgement but Mr. Grayson refused to call Batman and insisted that he wouldn’t be likely to change his mind about this.

Week 36:

No-show.

Week 37:

No-show.

Week 39:

No-show.

Week 40:

No-show.

Week 41:

Mr. Grayson, somewhat to my surprise, kept this week’s appointment, after several weeks of neither appearing for his scheduled time nor calling to cancel. Calls to his phone number were unanswered and unreturned though a call to his work number gave the information that he was away on an extended assignment.

He apologized for his absence and simply said he was working. When pressed, he casually commented that he’d been ‘off-world’ with the Outsiders and had no way to contact me. He also said that he was unable to discuss what they’d been doing as it was ‘still classified’.

He is no longer using the crutches and seems to have made a complete recovery, with out even a limp. He attributed this to ‘some medicine from Kal’—which he described as Superman’s ‘real name’. He explained to me that they’re friends and that he sees Superman as something like an uncle, going to him for advice.

He offered no proof of this.

Week 42:

Mr. Grayson’s demeanor today was significantly less upbeat and bordered on depressed, which seems to be unusual for him. When questioned about this he explained that it was the anniversary of his parent’s deaths. I then asked him what he thought his life might be now if his parents hadn’t been killed. He answered quickly, indicating to me that he’d given this some thought and said that he expected that he would still be touring in some kind of show, possibly still with his parents and that they may well have moved up to the bigger productions such as Barnum and Bailey. He said that his family was fielding offers when the murders occurred. He also said it was possible that they could be performing in one of the productions of Circe du Soleil. He added that he thought he would enjoy that life and I suspect that he feels cheated on some level, though he denies this.

He quickly added that he does enjoy the life he’s living, feels he’s contributing and accomplishing things as well as making a difference. I believe him, but believe he may be rationalizing his current life style and choices he’s made.

I also asked if he thinks he would have felt satisfied as a circus performer—he is an exceptionally intelligent and talented individual. He insists that he would have been and added that he might well have advanced and ended up directing or owning a show—if he was able to raise the needed money.

I detected some melancholy, understandable under the circumstances.

When I asked Mr. Grayson how he would spend the rest of the anniversary, he said he expected to visit his parent’s graves and then see friends for dinner. I’m pleased to see he’s reaching out—or accepting support on what is, clearly, a difficult day for him.

I also asked if his adoptive father would be involved and he said he wasn’t sure as the man was extremely busy. I’ll pursue this further.

I am still undecided if Mr. Grayson is who he says he is regarding a secret identity, though he remains firmly rooted in this conviction. Despite the proof he presented, I feel it was too pat, too ready for examination and may have been faked somehow.

I am hopeful that Mr. Grayson continues with his sessions and I will suggest to him that he see a specialist in the hero fantasy genre for a more in depth analysis.

4/4/08
Week 26:

Mr. Grayson continues with his insistence that he is a costumed vigilante, operating in the city of Bludhaven while maintaining a public career as a rookie police officer in the BPD.

He remains firmly entrenched in his belief, going so far as to relate the details of some of his ‘cases’ involving various and well known criminals such as Harvey Dent, The Joker, Catwoman and others. He also insists that he has the pleasure of close and long standing friendships with a number of well-known costumed heroes operating worldwide, as well as working with them on a professional basis. He mentioned Batman and Superman in particular and has begun making comments about his old team mates in the Teen Titans, going so far as to comment that he helped Speedy fight an addiction he had to heroin as a teenager.

The complete and firm certainty with which he functions in these beliefs appear to be harmless on the surface as I’m convinced his nocturnal adventures exist only in his mind but I fear for the day he crosses the line between fiction and reality and acts on his beliefs.

He is clearly getting his fantasies from current events, but the depth of his beliefs and the degree of detail he brings to his recounting of his adventures is unusually extreme.

Week 27:

I told Mr. Grayson that I would be able to better help him if I knew which hero he was.

He questioned what difference it made to me and I informed him that for me to understand the psychological challenges he faces, I needed to know what he was dealing with on a virtually nightly basis.

He was reluctant to confide in me what his secret identity is; claiming it could endanger various friends and family members. He then went on to explain that the reason he, and others, maintain separate identities was just for this purpose and he was uncomfortable compromising that security.

He was clearly hesitant to do this and declined. He was also clearly annoyed at what he termed my ‘continual refusal to believe me’ regarding his alternate identity.

The session ended early.

Week 28:


Mr. Grayson cancelled.

Week 29:

Mr. Grayson expressed continued annoyance at what he perceived as a lack of belief when, as he put it, he’d been more open with me about his life than he had been with almost anyone he’d ever known.

I asked him to see the situation from my perspective—a young man I don’t know becomes a patient of mine and makes what, on the surface, appear to be delusional and outlandish claims regarding a secret life. I commented that his knowledge of police and detective work could easily be explained by his position with the BPD.

He agreed that it was a ‘stretch’ but insisted that everything he’d told me over the course of our professional relationship was completely true. He also expressed anger at not being believed, though he did concede that he could understand my reluctance.

He informed me that he would think about arranging proof, but was deeply concerned about the safety of his family and friends.

Week 30:

Mr. Grayson arrived for his appointment with the aid of crutches and was obviously in some pain from a leg injury. When asked he told me that he’d been shot but was expected to make a full recovery. When asked how the injury occurred he said that he’d been shot by the Joker during ‘a bust when he was trying to rob the Museum of Art’.

He explained that he was on the roof while it was raining, waiting to stop a getaway but slipped in a puddle, preventing him from dodging a bullet fired by the Joker. He then added that, luckily for him, the Batman was also working on stopping the theft and got him to medical help as soon as arrests were made.

I asked Mr. Grayson if he often worked with the Batman and he replied that he’d worked with him often over the years and they commonly helped one another on cases. He added in confidence that he was the original Robin and had known Batman since he was a young child, also vehemently denying—in response to my question—the idea of any impropriety between them, insisting that Batman was far too honorable to take advantage of a young boy. Mr. Grayson was annoyed by the question, saying he’d heard it a ‘thousand times and it’s bullshit’. He added that Batman is completely heterosexual and prefers grown women; something Mr. Grayson insisted that he had personal knowledge of.

I then asked how he explained to his precinct how he’d been shot—and how he’d explained it to whatever medical facility treated him as any gunshot wounds must, by law, be reported. He answered that there are ways to avoid reporting ‘things like this’ and that he told his employers that he’d been involved in a hunting accident on his day off. He further explained that in Bludhaven such things are routinely covered up with no one thinking much about it.

After Mr. Grayson left I asked my secretary to run a check and she responded that no attempted art theft was reported in any of the media outlets, though it was possible that the police files were sealed.

I am becoming deeply concerned that Mr. Grayson’s fantasy life is becoming a serious threat to his well being.

Week 31:

A break through occurred this week. After months of asking, Patient informed me during this week’s session that he knows I don’t believe he’s who he says he is and has decided to prove it so that we are able to communicate on a more honest level. He asked me what it would take to have me accept what he says at face value and, somewhat at a loss, I finally suggesting that he use a communicator to bring one or more of his costumed co-workers in to the office at that moment to verify his claims.

Taking a custom cell phone from his pocket, he called a number on his speed dial, assuring me that ‘someone will be here in a minute’. We waited and inside of thirty seconds a man dressed as the Flash knocked on the outer door, entering and asked what it was ‘Wing’ wanted. The man appeared to be who he presented himself to be and showed me ample identification and proof of his membership in the Justice League. His demeanor towards Mr. Grayson was respectful, and almost that of an employee dealing with a superior, though I detected what seems to be genuine affection between the two men. He clearly seemed to know Mr. Grayson and was surprised when Mr. Grayson asked him—somewhat forcefully—to ‘tell him who I am, I want him to know’. The Flash was extremely hesitant to do this until Mr. Grayson spoke to him in some privacy. Finally and with great reluctance Flash assured me that Mr. Grayson is who he says he is, the vigilante known as Nightwing. He informed me that they had first met when they were both eleven years old, along with the other original Teen Titans, that they all remain close friends and see one another as often as possible. He also assured me that the others would vouch for Mr. Grayson if I wished. He also suggested that his fellow members of the Justice League all knew and respected Mr. Grayson and would be happy to add their verifications to his.

I think it unlikely that Mr. Grayson would have the resources to fake this kind of impromptu meeting, though it’s not impossible that this was somehow prearranged.

Though not 100 percent convinced, I have to admit to having some doubts about my own certainty of Mr. Grayson’s delusions.


Week 32:

Mr. Grayson finally agreed to discuss his relation with women in some detail. He says he is heterosexual and has had relationships with several women over the last few years. He admitted to having lost his virginity to a female classmate he was dating while in college and insists that he is naturally inclined towards to monogamy. He added that he is not currently involved with anyone, nor is he actively seeking a girlfriend. He explained this as his simply being too busy to devote the needed time.

He also admitted that he considered himself to blame or the failures of his previous relationships, saying he was ‘never around and usually working on cases and stuff’ when his girlfriends wanted to see him. He said he understood their frustration and felt badly about it. He also admitted that he misses the closeness a successful relationship with someone can bring.

When asked he answered that while he would like to get married and have a family ‘eventually’, he has no real thoughts about when that may be and I detected a lack of conviction about it ever becoming a reality. I suspect he has lingering abandonment issues with his parent’s deaths and fears likewise abandoning a family of his own.
At one point I referred to the patient as ‘Nightwing’ and he appeared to be at ease with the name and persona. This could, of course, be part of the delusion and an excuse to keep people at arm’s length, though I’m becoming more convinced that he may well be who he says he is.


Week 33:

This week we addressed Mr. Grayson’s feelings about the man who took him in and raised him after his parent’s murders. He insists that though he and his guardian had gone through an estrangement that lasted several years, they are now on good terms and painted a picture of a close relationship based on mutual respect. When I questioned the rosy picture he attempted to paint about his relationship with his former guardian/adoptive father, he became indignant and insisted that I was simply wrong in my assessment and that all is well between the two men and getting better month by month.

When pressed, Mr. Grayson did express some resentment regarding two other young men in need who his adoptive father had also given homes to. He mentioned that one of the young men was killed and, while he had nothing to do with the boy’s death and was in no position to prevent it, he ‘felt badly’ about it happening, suggesting the young man was simply ‘out of his depth’. He further suggested that had the estrangement not been in effect, the young man would likely not have been put into the position where he was killed. He also indicated that he felt guilt about jealousy and resentment he directed towards the young man before his death. When I suggested these feelings might have been both normal and justified, he refused to accept my opinion, insisting he ‘could have done more to help the kid’. He also made a comment—which he refused to expand on—about how it had hurt him to realize that he was so easily replaceable.

I then asked what feelings he harbors for the third young man who joined the household.

Mr. Grayson’s feelings here are a sharp contrast those regarding the previous boy. He seems to have genuine feelings of brotherly affection for the youngster, talking about him with obvious pleasure and pride in his intelligence and ingenuity. This seems to be a healthy relationship and one of the few which appear to provide emotional grounding to Mr. Grayson.

Week 34:

I’m seriously concerned about this week’s session.

When I asked Mr. Grayson where he saw himself in twenty years he looked at me for quite along time, clearly formulating an answer—several minutes, at least and then replied that he didn’t see himself anywhere in twenty years. Asked what he meant by his answer, he said that he’d never liked to project the future. I pressed again and he said that he knew that in all likelihood his vigilante activities would cause his death. He added that he’d lost any number of friends and co-workers and he assumed that it was simply a matter of time before his turn came.

He assured me that he had no suicidal thoughts or tendencies and would be pleasantly surprised to see his grandchildren, he just thought it was ‘a long shot’.

Mr. Grayson also said that he was fine with this, that he knew and understood the dangers of his choice of work and accepted them. He insisted that there’s nothing fatalistic about him, that he’s just a realist.

I am concerned for this patient.

Week 35:

I asked Mr. Grayson if it would be possible for him to have Batman come in so that I might ask him some questions about how Mr. Grayson had adapted to his new environment after his parent’s deaths. Though I assured him of both security and confidentiality, Mr. Grayson adamantly refused.

When questioned why he replied ‘You’d think he was nuts—and that, by extension, I’m as crazy as he is.’ He than added, ‘besides, it’s none of his business—I don’t want to bother him with something like this’.

I suggested that my position isn’t to pass judgement but Mr. Grayson refused to call Batman and insisted that he wouldn’t be likely to change his mind about this.

Week 36:

No-show.

Week 37:

No-show.

Week 39:

No-show.

Week 40:

No-show.

Week 41:

Mr. Grayson, somewhat to my surprise, kept this week’s appointment, after several weeks of neither appearing for his scheduled time nor calling to cancel. Calls to his phone number were unanswered and unreturned though a call to his work number gave the information that he was away on an extended assignment.

He apologized for his absence and simply said he was working. When pressed, he casually commented that he’d been ‘off-world’ with the Outsiders and had no way to contact me. He also said that he was unable to discuss what they’d been doing as it was ‘still classified’.

He is no longer using the crutches and seems to have made a complete recovery, with out even a limp. He attributed this to ‘some medicine from Kal’—which he described as Superman’s ‘real name’. He explained to me that they’re friends and that he sees Superman as something like an uncle, going to him for advice.

He offered no proof of this.

Week 42:

Mr. Grayson’s demeanor today was significantly less upbeat and bordered on depressed, which seems to be unusual for him. When questioned about this he explained that it was the anniversary of his parent’s deaths. I then asked him what he thought his life might be now if his parents hadn’t been killed. He answered quickly, indicating to me that he’d given this some thought and said that he expected that he would still be touring in some kind of show, possibly still with his parents and that they may well have moved up to the bigger productions such as Barnum and Bailey. He said that his family was fielding offers when the murders occurred. He also said it was possible that they could be performing in one of the productions of Circe du Soleil. He added that he thought he would enjoy that life and I suspect that he feels cheated on some level, though he denies this.

He quickly added that he does enjoy the life he’s living, feels he’s contributing and accomplishing things as well as making a difference. I believe him, but believe he may be rationalizing his current life style and choices he’s made.

I also asked if he thinks he would have felt satisfied as a circus performer—he is an exceptionally intelligent and talented individual. He insists that he would have been and added that he might well have advanced and ended up directing or owning a show—if he was able to raise the needed money.

I detected some melancholy, understandable under the circumstances.

When I asked Mr. Grayson how he would spend the rest of the anniversary, he said he expected to visit his parent’s graves and then see friends for dinner. I’m pleased to see he’s reaching out—or accepting support on what is, clearly, a difficult day for him.

I also asked if his adoptive father would be involved and he said he wasn’t sure as the man was extremely busy. I’ll pursue this further.

I am still undecided if Mr. Grayson is who he says he is regarding a secret identity, though he remains firmly rooted in this conviction. Despite the proof he presented, I feel it was too pat, too ready for examination and may have been faked somehow.

I am hopeful that Mr. Grayson continues with his sessions and I will suggest to him that he see a specialist in the hero fantasy genre for a more in depth analysis.

4/4/08
 

Return to Case File No. 2738