Excerpt
CHAPTER SIX: THE MEETING
My car was warm from the spring sun. Heading into town, the drive shouldnt be brutal this time of day, but in Denver it is always hard to predict. There could be a Rockies game, it is Saturday. I decide to turn the radio off and go over my strategy and refusal with Susan. There is no way that I could take this case. Carl and the kids have been pushed to their limit. I am going armed with the latest pictures of the kids. This will certainly make and impact. Susan will understand, she has had her share of family turmoil.
The entry to Ward 1 A was marked only by a buzzer and intercom system. Hello, may I help you?
The very pleasant and comforting voice of Doris. She is a 60 year old African American female who keeps the unit running smoothly as the Ward Clerk. Doris is now raising her 3 grandchildren and taking care of her husband who had a stroke only 6 months ago. She is one of the strongest and most positive women I have ever met.
Hi Doris, I am here to see Susan.
Well if it isnt the lone ranger. How you doin girl?
How bout you let me in and we can chat about life in the burbs.
Doris knew how I felt about leaving the city. I have never been keen on those cookie cutter neighborhoods and covenant controls. I would complain to her that there was no culture, no diversity out there. Doris, with her great sense of humor would tell me that I was diverse enough for a whole community and that I would be spicing up the town.
Entering the unit, I notice that the south end of the unit has brown paper covering the windows. Probably more construction. This end of the unit has been ready for a face lift for some time now. The patients were eating in the day room and the unit seemed full. Doris met me in the hall with a welcome hug.
Now girl, I know you brought pictures of those babies of yours.
Oh Doris, babies no more, Jonah is driving and has a girlfriend. The twins look like linebackers. The hockey clubs have started a weight program.
Oh myhow is Carl? She asks tentatively.
Great, just fine, terrific in fact.
Things are that bad huh?
Just then Susan interrupts, Ok ladies, sorry to break up the coffee clotch, but Barbie and I have some work to take care of.
Well hello to you too, and great to see you againuuuuooooooI guess I better go Doris, we will catch up later.
Susan escorted me to her office. Walking through the unit, we tried to maintain a professional demeanor. Once inside her office, Susan and I gave each other a quick hug.
I feel like Im always dragging you into something dark, she said.
Then dont
Wow, I wasnt expecting that. Whats going on?
Look, bottom line is Carl wants me to quit altogether. This could be the last straw. Things are very tense at home.
Understandable. But this childs life could literally depend on the assessment thats done here. You know Jons not going to take this case. Hughs doing it.
Oh I get it.
But, Susan. I know nothing about this. Ive barely read the headlines. We were in Vail when it happened. Id be starting from scratch.
Better yet. You wont be contaminated.
Dammit Susan, you have a response for everything! How long?
A week. Tops. Its a court order that the reports are in by Wednesday. You can start now and work through the weekend. With the press the way it is, we have our best shot at keeping this under wraps getting as much as quickly as we can.
What about court?
Taken care of.
We wont even have to testify. Hugh and Gene will be considered the experts. Well just be behind the scenes. Melissa Rubenstine, or is it Rubenstene, has already been consulted. She says AND I QUOTE: this is the boys case, are we clear?
Get out
No. Thats exactly what she said. But it makes it all the easier for you. And, me too. Lord knows I dont need anyone from the media bothering me.
Just then there was a knock at the door.
Uh. Sorry to interrupt Susan, but I just did the count. Its off again,
Susan looked up at Brady and it was clear he wasnt expecting me to be sitting there. Our eyes met and then he quickly looked back at Susan. She probably felt like an unwanted visitor. Susan knew of my affair with Brady. Fortunately Brady was unaware that she knew. Susan cleared her throat, obviously stressed.
Ritalin again?
Of course Brady mumbled unable to take his eyes off of me.
I counted it last night and it was fine.
Hmm. Well, write up a variance report. Please keep this quiet. Well need to figure this out later.
Brady exited without another word.
As the door closed I was staring out the window. Lost in thought, lingering in moments of the past. I decided not to go there. Susan was talking, Hello space case, anyone in there? Still a distraction is he? Of course not, why would fond romantic memories be a distraction?
So. Let me fill you in on what I know.
Shoot. I said, grabbing a pad of paper and a pen from my briefcase.
Okay. Where to begin? Kids real name is Jason Wayne Carter.
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