“If it’s all right with you, I’d like to go over the procedure that we’ll follow. I’ve discovered over time that every surgeon operates differently. I just want to be sure we’re in-sync.” She smiled. “I’ve seen some unique procedures in my day; mostly by the older doctors. They don’t seem to take to the new equipment.” She thought for a moment. “By older, I mean doctors that are in their sixties and seventies.”
He smiled at her obvious effort to be tactful. “Well, that’s certainly understandable. So much has happened since they went to medical school. I’m sure that many of them are in private practice and haven’t gotten updated over the years. They will be operating ‘old school,’ not that there’s anything wrong with that. Women have had abortions safely since the advent of modern medicine. Basically, the only things that have changed are the instruments and pre-operation testing.” He paused. “And of course there have also been big changes in hygiene.”
He spent the next ten minutes going over his modus operandi with Nurse Betty. That done, he headed to the rest area to get a Coke, and Nurse Betty went to the reception area to attend to her pre-admittance duties. Richard thought, I guess I should be grateful that I got Nurse Betty to help me and not someone like Nurse Ratched.
At zero hour he and Nurse Betty were back in room 1C. The receptionist opened the door and introduced a woman as Ms. White. It was a very apt pseudonym for the woman standing in the doorway. Her skin was ashen, as if she had never spent a moment in the sun. She was noticeably nervous, as was Richard. Only Nurse Betty had the advantage of familiarity with the clinic, the operating room, and the clandestine nature of the situation.
Richard observed the patient. She looks petrified. Thank god it will all be over in about twenty minutes. I’ll just apply my best bed-side manner. Well, here goes.
“Good evening, Ms. White. I’m Dr. Parsons and this is Nurse Betty. She’ll be assisting me tonight. Please come over here and sit on the table while I go over a few things. First, did someone go over the procedure with you that we will be doing tonight?”
“Yes, they did, and I took the medications they gave me.” Suddenly her demeanor took a one-eighty as she blurted out, “Look, can’t we just get this over with?”
Taken aback with the change in her attitude, Richard responded, “Of course we can, I was just doing my job.” So much for bed-side manners.
“Well, then do it. I didn’t pay three thousand bucks to sit around here and chat.”
Richard looked at Nurse Betty and motioned to her to get the instruments ready. Ms. White had already lowered herself onto the operating table and placed her feet in the stirrups. Her behavior shouted, Hurry up and get this finished. I have a life to live and it doesn’t include hanging around this place.
Addressing his patient, he said, “I’m going to insert several dilators now. You may feel some cramping during this procedure. That’s normal and will stop as soon as they are removed.” When the last dilator was inserted, Betty handed him a pointed plastic tube, which he inserted all the way up the uterus. It was connected to a suction machine. She waited for the doctor to signal her and then turned the machine on.
Richard began to rub the tip of the cannula over the surface of the uterus in order to loosen the placenta and sac containing the fetus. The lining of the uterus, the placenta, and fetus was then vacuumed up and transported into a glass bottle. He stopped the procedure long enough to examine the contents of the glass; ascertaining that everything had been removed. The “aspiration” abortion was complete and he removed the instruments.
Ms. White removed her feet from the stirrups and started to rise. “Is that it?”
“Hold on just a minute more. I need to do a post-operative pelvic exam.”
“Whatever,” she said, with as much attitude as possible. She placed her feet back into the stirrups.
When he finished, Richard reminded her that she had to wait at least an hour before leaving. When he asked if she had a list of “do’s and don’ts for post abortive activity,” she said, “Look, Doctor. You’ve done your job. I’m on my own now and I don’t need any advice from you how to live my life.” No sooner had she finished her outburst that she suddenly burst into tears.
Nurse Betty motioned to Richard that she would take over from this point. She helped Ms. White to her feet and guided her out the door to a small Recovery Room next door.
Richard scrubbed up and put his jacket on. He wanted to exit the clinic as quickly as possible.
He completed the required forms and gave them to the receptionist on his way out the door. As he started to push the door open, he turned and said to the receptionist, “Please thank Nurse Betty for me. Tell her I appreciate the fine job she did tonight. Goodnight now.”
The night air was refreshing. He breathed it in as if it was his last breath. He got in his car and as he reached to start it, he had a flash of something Ms. White had said, I didn’t pay three thousand bucks to sit around here and chat.
He dialed the casino. “Mr. Steele, please. Tell him it’s Dr. Parsons.”
After several minutes, Steel picked up. “Mike Steele here.”
“Mr. Steele, this is Dr. Parsons. I just left my first patient. Don’t worry, everything went well, but she said something that’s bothering me. She mentioned that it cost her three grand. You told me my tab would be reduced by twenty-five hundred. What’s going on?”
“Well, if you must know, I‘m not providing this service to my client for nothing. They lost the services of Ms. White for several weeks all because she forgot to take her daily pill. They wanted me to teach her that there are consequences for not following the rules. Twenty-five hundred goes to your tab, five hundred goes to me for miscellaneous expenses and as part of the deal, my client provides free escorts for some of my big rollers. Okay, I tell you what. I was going to keep that five hundred as a fee, but I like you, and out of respect for your father and all the money he’s left on my tables over the years, I’ll apply the whole three thousand to your debt. How does that sound?”
“I told you to leave my father out of this. He has nothing to do with the mess I got myself in. Thanks for the extra money. I appreciate it. Look, I’m a bit tired, so I’m going to say goodnight now.”
“That’s a good idea, Dr. Parsons. Go home and have a few drinks. Let me give you some advice. I’ve learned over the years that when you have an unpleasant job to do, it’s best to keep things impersonal. Don’t get involved in these women’s lives. It can’t lead to anything good for either of you. Okay? We’ll be in touch.”
Chapter 26
Today was Marilyn Symington’s customary shopping day, but instead she headed into town for a tryst with Dr. John Hazleton. She arrived at his apartment a half-hour before John. She used the key he gave her to let herself in. Much to her surprise, John was either there earlier, or had arranged to have someone set up the champagne and stock the refrigerator with hors d’oeuvres, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. She smiled as she thought, He’s such a romantic. If I had known it would be as nice as this, I would have agreed to come here months ago. I can’t wait until he gets here.
When John opened the apartment door, he was greeted by Marilyn attired in a center strap teddy that left all significant parts of her anatomy totally uncovered. He quickly rushed over and in a matter of minutes they were on the bedspread of the king-sized bed. The strings from the teddy were on the floor along with John’s clothing.
They made love twice, the second more passionate than the one before. They explored each other’s bodies, searching for every one of the so-called two thousand nooks and crannies. Finally with one cataclysmic climax, they sank to the bed, totally spent.
Breathing heavily, Marilyn spoke first. “That was the most sensuous climax I’ve ever had. It felt as if you put a firecracker inside me and waited for the series of explosions.”
“That was no firecracker I slid into you, that was a stick of dynamite. It appears that we made a propitious change of
venue. I’ve never been able to just keep going like that without a rest in between, but I just couldn’t stop myself. I didn’t want it to end.”
“We’re good together, aren’t we?”
“There’s no doubt about that. I knew it from the first time we met. I didn’t say anything right away since you were the wife of an associate, but sometimes things are just meant to be. I don’t see any harm in this, since we’re both in control of our domestic situations and nothing is suffering as a result. Do you agree?”
“After what I just experienced, I don’t give a damn about anything else.”
“We have something special here, and I don’t want anything to get in the way.”
She started to get up from the bed as she asked, “What does a girl have to do to get some of that champagne and goodies you promised me?”
He jumped up. “You, my dear, don’t have to do anything. I provide all the goodies here. You just lay there and let me make up a tray.”
As soon as he left the room, she got up and stripped the bed of its cover, which she carefully folded and placed in the corner. She picked up John’s clothes and put them on a side chair. She examined what remained of the string teddy and decided it had served its purpose. She brought it to the small bathroom, tossed it in the trash pail, and freshened up. Then she returned to the bed, slipped under the sheets and waited for John to return.
Meanwhile John was busy in the kitchen. He placed an ice bucket, in which a bottle of Louis Roederer champagne was chilling, onto a serving tray; added two glasses, a plate of hors d’oeuvres, a bowl of juicy strawberries, a bowl of chocolate syrup, and a bowl of whipped cream. He picked up the tray and headed to the bedroom.
When he suddenly appeared in the doorway, she burst out laughing.
“What’s so damn funny?”
“I’m not laughing at you, John. It’s just that I’m unaccustomed to having room service served by a naked man.”
“If you have any complaints, Madam, you’ll have to take it up with the management. This is the way we do things around here. You’d best get used to it.”
“Oh, I don’t have any complaints. Put that tray down and get over her so I can give you a suitable thank you.”
He put the tray on a side table and rushed over to the bed. Suddenly food and wine became of secondary importance. Contrary to what they had thought earlier, they both had at least one more climax in them.
When the heavy breathing finally abated, John filled up the glasses and brought them over to the bed. He held up his glass for a toast. “Here’s to the most beautiful lovemaking I have ever engaged in and much, much more.”
She clinked his glass. “I second the motion. All in favor kiss me now.”
They put down their glasses and engaged in a lengthy, passionate kiss. His hands traveled freely over her body, and hers over his.
“I feel so alive. You’ve done that for me.”
“I’m more than happy to oblige.”
“I’m serious, John. You know that I love Ron and I wouldn’t do anything deliberately to hurt him, but I’m hooked on you. I can’t be without our time together.”
“I understand what you’re saying, Lynn. We’ve got something here that only comes along once in a lifetime. I know this sounds funny, but I’m guessing that this probably wouldn’t work for us if we weren’t married to other people.”
“No, it doesn’t sound funny at all. I think you’re absolutely right. Not being married to each other is exactly the catalyst that makes this so special.” She stopped talking and gestured to the tray across the room. “Now, how about feeding me one of those strawberries dipped in chocolate and topped with some whipped cream? By the way, did you have someone set up all those goodies for you?”
“No, I came in this morning on the way to the Center and set everything up myself. I wanted everything to be perfect for you.”
“Well, you certainly have succeeded. You’re such a thoughtful lover.”
He moved the table closer to the bed. “Now let’s see.” He picked up a cocktail napkin and began the process. “I’ll start with one of these juicy ripe strawberries. I’ll dip it into the chocolate syrup like this, until it is almost covered, then I’ll spoon some whipped cream over it. There, that looks perfect.”
John turned to Marilyn and passed the strawberry under her nose. “How does that smell? Does it have a sensuous aroma that tantalizes your olfactory nerves?”
“Oh, Doctor, I love it when you talk dirty.”
She grabbed his hand and brought the offering to her mouth. After taking a bite, she moved his hand to his mouth so he could finish it. The procedure was repeated four more times.
“I just thought of another way we can use that syrup and whipped cream.” She picked up the bowl of syrup and smeared it on his body and then on her own. Then she covered it with whipped cream. She proceeded to lick up the mixture from his body and invited him to enjoy the feast on hers. Afterward they enjoyed more champagne and a few of the hors d’oeuvres.
John noticed that Marilyn seemed lost in thought. “Is there anything wrong, Lynn?”
“Well, actually there is something on my mind. I know I shouldn’t get involved and this is hardly the appropriate place to discuss this, but I am concerned about what’s going on between you and my husband at the Center.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I’m talking about that business with new applicants and John’s job as the CEO.”
“You’re right, you shouldn’t get involved. Office politics often get unpleasant. I’m just doing my job and your husband and Peter Mickelson are interfering. I don’t want you worrying your pretty head about it.”
“Don’t be condescending with me, John. We both know how important this is. I’m not asking you to do anything for me because of our being together, or for you to do anything that’s against your principles, but I want you to do me just one favor and then I promise that I won’t bring it up again.”
“You know that I’ll do just about anything for you, but it depends on what it is you want.”
“I know that you and Ron are having a disagreement over how the Center is being operated. He thinks that you’re going to attempt a coup to remove him from his position as CEO.”
“Wait a minute; he was the first to start trouble. He threatened to have me replaced as the chairman of the New Business Committee. I’m just protecting myself.”
“Be that as it may, you know as well as I do that this in-fighting is no good for the reputation of the Center. I’ll get Ron to back off trying to unseat you if you will do the same about him. The Symington Medical Center is all that he has. He’s poured his life’s blood into it. He can’t lose it now. Will you do that for me?”
John was hesitant to answer. He mulled the matter over in his head before replying. “It’s against my better judgment, but I will. I really don’t have the time or the proclivity to take on a fight of this nature, anyway, but I’m still not going to add any new practices this year. To tell you the truth, my life would be a lot easier if I didn’t have to spend time playing politics with your husband and Pete Mickelson. You have my word that I’ll smooth things over.”
Marilyn leaned over and gave him a passionate kiss. “Thank you for doing this for me. You won’t regret it.”
Ten minutes later they shared a shower together as they cleaned up before leaving the apartment.
“Next week?”
“Next week for sure; same time.”
They held each other tightly and shared a lengthy kiss before she turned and left the apartment first. John didn’t notice the tears in her eyes; tears of relief. John left the apartment a half hour later after making the bed and cleaning up the kitchen.
***
The next morning, John called Ron’s office. Ron was meeting with Peter Mickelson at the time and when he saw who was calling, he clicked on the speaker.
“Ron, this is John Hazleton. I’m calling to apologize for flying off the handle the
other day. I understand your concerns about the fiscal situation, but I still believe that we shouldn’t rush into filling the two open slots. We have to look at long range benefits before jumping into anything. I understand that adding Wallington Vein and Laser would take care of the open space we have, but it’s important that we make sure we have all our ducks in order. I hope you understand that. I believe that you’re doing an outstanding job as CEO and that goes for Peter as well. Forget what I said about unseating you. In fact, I want to offer my assistance in whatever way you need it to help you and Peter get past this year-end situation.”
Ron looked at Pete in astonishment. He shrugged as he replied, “Apology accepted, John, and I want to add mine. Lynn and I had a long talk about this and she helped me realize that all this disagreement would accomplish nothing but weaken the prestige of the Center. I know that neither of us wants that. Peter and I will do the best PR job we can to get past this dip in profits, but I may take you up on your offer to help smooth things over with the Board of Directors. We’ve all worked hard to get the Center to where it is today and I know that if we continue to work together now, things will be bright for the long term. Thanks for calling, John.” He turned off the speaker-phone.
Peter looked at Ron in disbelief. “That’s the last thing I would have imagined happening. Did you really discuss this with Lynn?”
“Certainly. She always senses when something important is bothering me. It’s good to let cooler heads prevail sometimes. I think that we’ll be able to work with John, and with his help, I know we’ll start the New Year on a favorable note.”
“I sure hope so.”
Chapter 27
“Your name again?”
“Mrs. Sadie Madigan.” She spoke hesitatingly, occasionally glancing at the twenty dollar bill that PI Robert Rousch held in his hand.
“How long have you worked for Dr. Hazleton?”
Siblings Page 12
