Bad Doctor

39

Bruce Luce is all smiles when I walk in his office.

“What?” I say.

“You received rave reviews from the new nurses.”

“I did?”

“No one was more surprised to hear it than me.”

“I think Rose has a calming effect on me,” I say.

“She’d have just the opposite effect on me,” he says.

“Can I keep her?”

“Under lock and key if necessary.”

“Why so enthusiastic?”

“She strong-armed Mr. Devereaux to write a check for twenty million, even though Lilly’s still in a coma.”

“Medically induced,” I say.

“Right.”

“Were you aware Rose plans to leave in nine months?”

Bruce frowns. “No way!”

“She told me her stay here is temporary.”

“She can’t leave,” he says. “If I have to, I’ll offer more money.”

“Excellent.”

“Speaking of money,” Bruce says, “I agreed to make changes to accommodate the hiring of Rose and Melba, and help soften the sting from the sweetheart schedule they negotiated.”

“How does that affect me?”

“We’re expanding your role.”

“In what way?”

He picks up a manila folder on his desk and hands it to me. As I open it he says, “You’re going to add one serious case a month, in addition to the more difficult ones you’ve received in the past.”

“You think?”

“If you intend for the board to continue paying Rose and Melba.”

I glance at the patient file.

“Who’s this?”

“The first of your cases.”

“Why this one?”

“I’m told it’s difficult enough to warrant your attention, though it should be a snap for someone with your skills.”

“Nothing’s a snap when it comes to children.”

“Don’t start with me,” he says. “I’ve been told four members of our staff have the expertise to perform this brain stem thing.”

“ Brain stem thing?”

“This is a surgical resection of a brain stem cavernoma.”

He waves his hand. “Whatever it is, I’m told you can handle it.”

“Not that you’d know the difference,” I say, “But the brain is located above the neck.”

“What’s your point?”

“I’ve worked heart, lungs, and internal organs for seven years.”

“You did these brain resections for three years before switching to heart.”

“It’s not like riding a bicycle, Bruce.”

“Well, you’ll have a few days to bone up on the procedure.”

“Will Rose and Melba work these cases with me?”

“They’ve been assigned to you. Doesn’t matter what the case is.”

“Can Rose help me deal with the parents?”

“This is a single mom. And anyway, I’m told you did a fine job with Austin and Dublin.”

“Who?”

“Lilly’s parents. Mr. and Mrs. Devereaux.”

“Rose won them over, not me.”

“You’re sure about that? Because she gave you all the credit.”

I laugh. “Does that sound right to you?”

He frowns. “No.”

“Ask Nurse Sally who deserves the credit.”

“No need,” he says. “I believe you.”

I point to the file in my lap. “This one, Addie Gray.”

“What about her?”

“Former burn patient, years of reconstructive facial surgery. She’s spent most of her life in hospitals.”

“So?”

“Her mother’s done the rounds. She’ll expect detailed consultations.”

“We’ve been doing this for your patients for years. But we’re done covering for you. From now on you’re going to consult, review, recommend, explain, and be actively involved with the parents both pre- and post-op.”

“For these types of patients,” I say.

“For all types. Get used to it.”

“I only did well with Lilly’s parents because of Rose.”

“You’ve got it bad for her,” he says.

“Doesn’t matter. She’s not interested in a relationship.”

“You’ve already learned that?” He pauses. “I’m thinking it’s a bad idea. I’ll get Melba to hold your hand when meeting the parents.”

“That’s fine,” I say. “Except that…”

“Except what?”

“I’m already starting to forget how to perform those brain stem things you were talking about. It would be a shame if I lost my first patient because I was afraid of upsetting Addie’s mom.”

He frowns. “I’ll assign Rose this time and we’ll take it case by case after that.”

“Thanks Bruce. You won’t be sorry.”

“I better not be.”