He started to get up but she tugged his sleeve. “I wish it was a joke, but believe me. I wracked my brain before I realized what had happened. Remember that afternoon when we were at my folks’ apartment right before graduation? I was going with Howie at the time. When I found out I was pregnant, three months later, I naturally assumed he was the father and we got married.
Breathing deeply, Vic settled back down, his hands spread flat on the table, the color leaving his face.
“No one thought too much about it at the time,” Shirley continued, “because Howie and I had been talking about getting married, but I’d put it off because I wanted to go downstate to the U of I for at least a year. When this happened, he was thrilled and our folks agreed that we should push up our plans. It never crossed my mind that he wasn’t David’s father, although I do have to admit that there’ve been times when I looked at David, I thought how much he reminded me of you. Now I know why.”
Coughing nervously and taking a few deep breaths, Vic swallowed and stuttered in a low shaky voice, “Shirley, I don’t know what to say or believe with you showing up here and telling me this. It sounds too crazy to be true. There’s got to be a mistake.”
“I know. I felt the same way, but Victor, I swear that other than Howie, you were the only one that I slept with at that time. I wouldn’t have ever known this was possible if it hadn’t been for David’s illness. Please Victor… I need your help and more importantly he needs your help.”
Vic felt like the wind was knocked out of him. Could it be possible? His head was spinning. Did he have another son and did this boy need him. Thoughts of Darlene flashed across his mind. How would she react? He looked at Shirley, leaning forward, in her elegant clothes, eyes looking up and pleading with him. Shirley Siegal, all these years later and she’s still looking for a way to trap me.
He glared at her. “I can’t believe what you’re saying. This is too far-fetched—you showing up after all this time, claiming I’m the father of your son. It doesn’t make sense. I can’t get involved with this.”
She stared back, her eyes compressed into slits. “Victor I don’t like doing this, but you have to be tested. It may be the only way to save my son. If I am forced to hire a lawyer and go into court to claim you are his father, I will.”
Vic looked down, putting his hand to his chin, a deep crease forming on his forehead. He shook his head.
Leaning forward, she clenched her teeth as she spoke. “Before you say anything, I want you to know I have powerful friends and if I have to sue you for paternity, it won’t be pretty.”
He frowned. “Are you threatening me?”
“No, I’m only telling you how determined I am to save my son. I will do whatever I have to. I don’t want to make anything awkward for you, but this is bigger than anything in our past or now.”
“Yeah, so, I’m listening,” his breathing steadier, he looked her way.
“My son has a promising career as a research doctor. He is emerging as a respected leader in the new field of Invitro fertilization and has written articles and been a featured speaker at three medical conferences in the last two years. I am very proud of him. I am also desperate and will do anything to see that he gets this transplant.”
Vic looked up. Shirley met his eyes and said, “Victor, I promise you that I will do everything I can to keep this conversation and anything that comes of it very confidential. No one, not even my son knows that I am here. I don’t want to hurt or embarrass you.”
Vic nodded. “Is there anything else I should know? If not, I think I should go. I have a lot to think about.”
She shook her head and wiped at the corner of her eyes. Retrieving a card from her purse, she handed it to him. “Call David’s doctor, or ask your doctor to call and mention my name. He’ll be able to tell you what’s necessary for the test. If you need me for anything, call me at the number on the back.”
Standing, she reached for his hand and he rose, their eyes meeting for an instant.
“Will you help?”
Vic opened his palms out at his sides and said, “I can’t answer you now. Give me some time to think.”
Looking down and then back at her, he said softly, I’m sorry we had to meet this way.”
She nodded. “Me too, but please call the doctor as soon as possible. Time is running out.” She stepped away from the table. “And thank you, Victor, for coming here. You’re a good man. I know you won’t disappoint David and me.” Turning to leave, she stopped. “Don’t worry about the restaurant, I took care of it earlier,” she said, and headed for the door.
His heart was pounding heavily and his brain was swimming as he pondered their conversation.. Ten minutes later he pulled out of the lot and headed back to Wayne Construction. Once there, he closed the door and sat at his desk, not leaving until everyone else had left for the day.
He called the doctor in Florida the following morning. An hour later, the doctor called back and Vic gave him the name of his doctor in Chicago who could set up the test as soon as possible..
Chapter 37
The Wednesday morning staff meeting at Wayne Construction lasted longer than usual due to a report of damage to a load of wallboard at one of the job sites. It concluded with the project manager stating that he had a shipment of board to replace the damaged goods coming in Thursday and the installers scheduled to go back to work Friday.
Frank stopped at Vic’s office afterward. “You okay?” he inquired. “You seemed a little quiet at the meeting.”
“I’m alright. I guess I didn’t sleep too well last night.”
“I was surprised you didn’t question the guys about the wallboard. You usually get more involved.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right, but I’m sure it’ll be okay. I’ll check Thursday afternoon, to make sure the shipment arrives.”
“Good, by the way, I think you’ll be glad to know that I’m having lunch with the two guys who head the group that took over the building across from that large insurance company on Wabash. They’re talking about building a multi-use structure to replace it, with retail, offices and apartments on the upper floors.” Frank smiled, backing toward the door. “That should make you feel better.”
“Sure does,” Vic chuckled. “Go get ‘em.”
The rest of the morning passed with some routine phone calls and interruptions from people in the office seeking answers or advice. Thinking about the bone marrow test results, Vic was having difficulty concentrating.
After a quick lunch alone, Vic returned to the office at one thirty. He began working on a proposal he and Frank had been preparing for a children’s clinic in Hyde Park for the University of Chicago hospital. It was a complex job and one they were anxious to get, because previous projects like this highly specialized medical construction had been profitable and could lead to more opportunities. The numbers and complex jargon however swam in front of his eyes, as he awaited news of the test, until he finally had to set the paper aside and close the door to his office.
At four-fifteen, the call came from David Rabin’s doctor. Sounding upbeat, he told Vic he was a perfect match and would be an excellent donor for his patient’s transplant.
Returning the phone to the cradle, Vic loosened his tie and reached for the bottle of scotch in his bottom drawer; poured himself a drink and leaned back, his fingers drumming nervously on his desk as he sipped. How would he tell Darlene? Even though he had been with Shirley before they were married, he knew she would take it hard. He pictured her, her dark eyes tearing up as she tried to think of what to say in response to his startling confession. Or possibly she would react scornfully, in a voice pierced with anger and disbelief. He shuddered, realizing how the revelation would affect what was left of their marriage.
Leaning forward, shoulders sloping and hands holding the scotch tumbler in front of him , he pon
dered the possible outcomes.
There was no way that Darlene would be sympathetic. It had always bothered her that Shirley had been his girlfriend when they were young. She had teased him enough times about Shirley in the past, and sometimes let it slip that she worried that she hadn’t really been his first choice. It wasn’t true, but like a lot of women, even after many years, old jealousies surfaced. Knowing that he had been with her while he and Darlene were going steady might put her over the edge. And ever since Darlene had found out about Mitzi Rubin, there’d be no way to get her to believe that he hadn’t known about Shirley’s son.
Lastly he thought of Frank and the business they had built on integrity and reputation; and his supporters on the Crime Commission, who were encouraging his bid for Congress. What would they all think about Shirley being the madam of a whore house, with a husband in jail and he being the father of her child? He had always made such a big deal about being so proper and honest about everything. Now they would find out he was deeply involved with a woman that most people would consider a tramp or worse and think him a hypocrite. It wouldn’t help that he hadn’t known of Shirley’s profession until this week. If the story came out, he and his “Mr. Clean” reputation would go right out the window. Draining the glass, he got up and walked into Frank’s office, closed the door and sat in front of the desk; biting his lip as he waited for Frank to finish a call.
“What’s up? You look terrible,” Frank said, hanging up and turning his way.
Sighing, Vic cleared his throat. “I need a favor and you’re the only one I can trust.”
Frank’s eyebrow curved up quizzically, as he replied softly, “What is it? Whatever you need, you know I’ll do it.”
“You remember my old girlfriend Shirley from high school?”
Franks eyes widened. “Yeah, so,” he said, sitting quietly. Then listening and shaking his head as Vic unburdened himself.
When he finished, Frank sat still for a moment, then sighed. “I can’t believe it. Jesus Christ, what a goddamn mess. So what are you gonna do?”
“That’s what I need you for. I’ve thought about it and there’s no way I can tell Darlene. It’ll break her heart.”
“I understand. Women can’t handle that kind of shit.”
Vic made a soft sound, straightened and set his jaw. Focusing hard on his brother, he added, “I have to go to Florida to donate bone marrow for this kid.”
Are you sure? Isn’t she the same broad who lied to you when you were in high school?”
Closing his eyes, Vic nodded, “yeah, that’s her and I’m sure, or at least the doctor told me I’m a match and can save his life. So I’ve gotta do it.”
“Absolutely, I agree. What can I do to help?”
“I need you to go with me when I donate the bone marrow. I’ll probably be a little weak or sore and will need some help. But it shouldn’t take more than a few days. We can tell everyone we’re going on business. When we return, we’ll just say the deal fell apart.”
Walking around the desk, Frank settled in the chair next to Vic.
“Okay, so when are we goin’?” he said resting a hand on his shoulder. “Hey look, it’s not the end of the world. Nobody has to know what’s goin’ on. The kid’s 36 years old. You can make him and his mother sign some kind of confidentiality agreement before you’ll consent to be a donor. Remember, they need you more than you need them.”
“It’s just that I feel so shitty for Darlene. She doesn’t deserve this. Especially, now since I’ve announced my bid for Congress and I’m getting all sorts of publicity. What if this gets out? The news will kill me and Darlene and I’ll be over.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll handle it”
Bowing his head into his hands, Vic slumped in the chair. “I’m sorry to bother you with this, but I was afraid to talk to any one else.”
“You did the right thing. Just let me know when you have to be in Florida and I’ll work it out with the office. Connie can make the reservations and take care of the details. It’ll be like any other business trip.”
Rubbing his eyes but not looking up Vic, answered quietly, “Thanks Frank. Give me a few minutes and I’ll get you everything you need.”
Standing, Frank put his hand on Vic’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Now get yourself together while I tell Connie. We’re gonna’ need her to stay a little late to make the arrangements. I’ll tell her we’re meeting with an investment group that’s interested in our Buffalo Grove property.”
Closing the door, he left Vic alone.
Chapter 38
The Sunday flight to Fort Lauderdale landed at six-thirty.
The next morning, Vic, with Frank in tow, reported to Holy Cross Hospital. Crowds of people were milling around in the light, open lobby as they approached the front desk. A pair of older men in wheelchairs, pushed by orderlies in green scrubs, stared blankly as they waited at the elevator. As people emerged from the elevator to the left of the desk, the orderlies exchanged a high five and moved their patients. A heavyset nurse, conversing with a white-coated doctor bumped Vic and mumbled an apology. Another physician, a stethoscope sticking out of his pocket, hustled to catch the elevator.
Frank, taking charge, maneuvered Vic around a family of four, the mother holding a small child with a bandage over one eye, to a line where they observed others perched nervously in chairs, waiting to hear their names called. Foreign languages mixed with the hum of voices over soft background music filled the air as they moved to the admissions section and found seats after giving Vic’s name at the desk.
After a short wait, they called his name .He registered and was directed to the outpatient surgical area.
Per his request, Shirley was not present. The outpatient waiting room was small, having only six wooden, cloth-backed chairs, light green walls and a worn beige carpet. Out-of-date magazines were strewn across a light maple table and a faint anti-septic odor filled the air.
A white coated female attendant with a long blonde pony- tail, toting a clipboard came in. She checked his name on her list.,
“The doctor will see you shortly, just have a seat. I’ll be at the desk right outside if you need anything before he arrives,” she told them with a cheery smile and returned to her desk. A few minutes later, she escorted a white haired woman and her husband in and delivered the same message.
It was almost a half hour before Dr. Fredericks arrived with his nurse Anita. They shook hands and sat to the left of Vic and Frank.
The doctor, a short, white-haired man, spoke softly and confidently as he explained the donor procedure. Vic was told that he would experience some discomfort but should be fine within a day or two at most; and if no complications occurred, he would be free to travel two days later. He also explained the risks involved for the recipient of the transplant and that it was not in any way a guaranteed cure.
Patting Vic’s arm, the doctor advised him, “David still has a long way to go. He will face several months of recovery and might reject the transplant. He also will be very weak from the ravages of the illness.”
“Will I be able to see or talk to him,” Vic inquired.
“Under the unusual circumstances of this case and David’s weakened condition, I would prefer that he gain some strength before you talk to him.” The doctor paused for a moment and looked away, then turned back. “I don’t know if Mrs. Rabin told you, but she requested that you not be introduced at this time and I have also been instructed not to tell David that you are his father. He believes that you are simply an anonymous donor,” the doctor added, looking over his glasses. He then took Anita aside and quietly conferred with her.
Vic nodded, as the doctor’s words sunk in, “yeah, I understand. I guess it’s best to do whatever is best for the boy,” he mumbled, thinking, probably better for me too.
Frank touched his shoulde
r, whispering, “I think the Doc is right, wait until he’s stronger. Besides you don’t know what, if anything, Shirley told him about you, so you better talk to her first. Being introduced as his father, might be too much of a shock for him. He should be properly prepared and maybe it’s better this way.”
Coming back to Vic, the doctor turned him over to Anita.
“You can wait here, Mr. Wayne,” she said to Frank, “or come back in four hours. He’ll be in recovery by then and should be able to leave by late afternoon.”
Looking at Vic, Anita smiled taking his arm, “C’mon, let’s get you ready,” she said.
A half hour later, after being prepped and taking a sedative in a small room adjacent to the surgery, Vic was moved to a gurney by Anita with the help of two nurses and was wheeled into the brightly lit surgery.
Back at the hotel, at five forty five, Frank insisted Vic rest while he went in the bedroom to check with their office in Chicago before it closed. Ten minutes later he returned reporting all was well and ordered a light room service dinner for the two of them.
Vic on the couch in the dimly lit parlor, shifted several times, to find a comfortable position to avoid putting pressure on the hip, where the bone marrow had been removed.
“Now that the anesthesia is wearing off it’s getting a little uncomfortable,” he said popping a pain pill in his mouth.
“You sure you’re okay?”
“Hey don’t worry Frank, the doctor said I was doing fine and insisted I take these for pain tonight, so I get a good night’s sleep. He said to take one more early tomorrow and after that every four hours, if necessary.”
“Well just don’t try to be a hero.”
Watching the news a half hour later and sipping some tomato soup, Vic turned to Frank, drowsily sitting with his feet propped up on a hassock in a lounge chair to his right.
“I wonder how much of what is going on here is being told to Shirley’s husband. She’s never discussed him in our meeting, except to say that he’s in jail and doesn’t know he’s not David’s father. She did say though that the one thing in their marriage that was good, was the boy and how devoted he and the boy were to one another. It seems inconceivable that he isn’t curious about who the transplant donor is and where he came from.”
Albany Park Page 42
