Read Four Shades of Recovery: Boxed Set Online
Authors: J. S. Luxor
Tags: #Fiction, #Psychological, #Retail, #Suspense, #Thrillers
“It’s good to know that you and Abby worked together so well,” he smiles in approval.
I nod my head slowly and then tear up a bit. “Yeah, it’s helped to heal some of the distrust and anger I felt towards her over the years.”
We hear someone clear their throat and announce our names. We look up into the eyes of Abby’s physician. I take a long, deep breath and stand up to hear the latest news about her condition.
MEGAN POV
“Hello, Ms. Pine and Mr. Pine. I’m Dr. Carl and head of the treatment team working on your mother and ex-wife, Abby.” He smiles thinly and shakes our hands. He looks earnestly at each of us, in turn. He’s middle aged, experienced and kind.
“As you know, Abby’s still in a coma. The good news today concerns her physical responses. We’ve used the Glasgow Coma Scale to assess her visual, motor and verbal responses.” Dr. Carl appears quite tired but behaves in a professional and respectful manner.
“How responsive is she?” I’m excited that there’s been some progress. I turn to Paul with a smile.
Dr. Carl elaborates, “She opens her eyes to pain. That is, if we prick her skin. She’s also begun to make some sounds but they are incomprehensible at this point. Finally, her motor responses are improving. Not only does she open her eyes when given the skin prick, her body actually moves away from the source.”
“Does that mean that she’s regaining consciousness?” Paul prods.
The doctor shrugs, “She remains in a comatose state because no voluntary behaviors are noted. She may or may not awaken from her coma. At this point, she demonstrates a severe disability. Her eyes remain closed, she has some impaired breathing – thus remains on a respirator, and her sleep-wake cycles are abnormal.”
My mood sinks again when I hear the phrase ‘severe disability’. “Are there any other tests or procedures to be conducted?” I query with hope building in my mind.
He pats my hand and explains, “There is no cure for a coma. We’ve run all the standard assessments on her reflexes and pupil size to determine her level of consciousness. We have also taken blood samples to gauge her electrolyte balance, glucose levels and her overall blood count. Our job, at this juncture, entails preventing any further damage. She’s had a closed head injury but there’s been focal damage to one area near her left frontal cortex.”
I take a sharp intake of breath, “What does that mean?”
“When her head hit the window frame, the skull took the impact. However, the soft tissue on that side of her brain lost tissue from contact with the skull. We’re medicating her to prevent swelling in that area. My team’s focus involves monitoring the injury in the ICU. We may need to insert a catheter to relieve any pressure that could build.” The doctor obviously knows his way around such cases. I’m relieved to learn she’s in good hands.
I notice that Paul swallows hard while listening to the prognosis. I begin to tear up. We’ll need to keep a vigil here over the next two days. Dr. Carl holds each of our hands and adds another comment before leaving us, “Right now, we’re maintaining proper blood flow and nutrition to Abby’s body. The best news is that her Glasgow Score is an eight. Her responses indicate that she may be on the cusp of shifting into the moderate category.”
“Thanks, doctor. We know you’ll do what’s best for Abby.” I say as he waves us off. Rush approaches us from his lookout in the corner of the room and we both update him on the situation. He looks more encouraged than I feel.
Paul and I gaze at Abby through the ICU window. She appears peaceful as the respirator works her lungs. There’s nothing we can do for her at this point. We head to the hospital’s cafeteria for a quick lunch. Paul announces that he’s going to check the police report of the accident and leaves. I sit near Rush and call Matt. He answers on the first ring.
“The report sounds hopeful, Megan,” he says with optimism in his voice. “The crisis at work appears to be easing as well. We negotiated another loan to fill the gap left by INK. Let me know if anything changes with Abby…Where’s Rush? Paul?”
Just speaking with Matt eases my mind. His attitude affects me in a positive manner. “Let’s see… Rush sits three seats down from me….Paul went to check the police report on the accident…And, I miss you already, Matt.”
Matt lets out a dramatic breath, “Oh, baby, I can’t wait until you return to me. Let’s hope for the best!”
“Glad to know that your situation has improved. In the meantime, I’m going to get some work done on the never ending pile of columns that Renee forwards me from the newspaper.” I need a major distraction.
Matt chuckles and then observes, “You’re the ultimate worker bee, Megan.” I giggle.
“If I’m a worker bee, Matt, you must be the queen of the hive. Thanks for your upbeat mood, baby. Hugs!” I cluck my tongue goodbye.
“Later, Megan.” Matt clicks off. I smile with pleasure as the call ends. Rush gives me a nod.
Paul returns by the middle of the afternoon. “Did you learn anything new about the accident, dad?”
He looks exasperated. “Not much. The driver of the pickup claims that someone in a dark blue Mercedes cut him off, then sped away in the rain. It still doesn’t excuse the fact that he was speeding with bald tires.”
I pause and hold my breath when I hear the description of the car that caused the F-250 to lose control. A thought struggles to the edge of my consciousness. An image of Michael Kingsfield floats to mind. Doesn’t Michael own a blue Mercedes? I dismiss the idea almost immediately. He couldn’t be that irrational and unethical. Besides, I haven’t heard from him in at least one week.
“Any change here with your mom’s situation?” he asks.
I shake my head no and then perk up, “I’ve edited four columns while you were away.”
A wry smile crosses Paul’s mouth. “Then, it’s time for you to take a break. Why don’t you and Rush take a walk outside? It’s a lovely day and hospitals are sterile and dull. I’ll call you with any updates.”
“Great idea, dad. Rush are you ready to get some exercise?” I tease him. My backside feels numb from sitting for hours.
“I thought you’d never ask for a break, Ms. Pine…There’s a small park nearby.”
It always feels a bit awkward to walk alone with a member of Matt’s security team. I know that they’ve been given training and instructions about not getting too friendly with me. In the past, Matt warned me against flirting with Rush one time. I thought I was only using friendly banter.
Matt felt a bit threatened. My poor insecure lover. There’s no way I want to revisit that issue, given the status of our current relationship. I think Matt handled the Michael Kingsfield encounter rather well and don’t want to stress him any further.
However, I need to distract myself from thoughts of Abby’s condition. I tell Rush about some of my fears concerning Abby’s accident.
When we return to the hospital, it’s already dark. Paul tells us that nothing has changed. I worry because the longer a coma continues, the more the risk of disability or brain death grows.
The ICU nurse approaches us with a broad smile. “It looks like your mother has quite an admirer.”
“Really? Well, that’s great. What do you mean by an admirer?” I inquire.
She beams with enthusiasm. “Mr. Michael Kingsfield just had a huge bouquet of flowers delivered for her. He sends his best wishes to the family. Of course, we all know who Mr. Kingsfield is around here.”
My jaw drops and my heart stutters. I must tell Paul about Michael without any more hesitation. Perhaps Michael had something to do with the accident after all. I call Rush and Paul to a quiet corner in the ICU waiting room and tell them my suspicions. Paul’s medical skills may be very handy at this point. Then, I quickly dial Matt’s phone number to update him on Michael’s latest signal.
FOUR SHADES OF RECOVERY
Healing Heartbreak Series – Book 3
by J.S. Luxor
Copyright © 2013 J.S. Luxor
All rights reserved.
Luxor Press. Kindle Edition.
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MATT’S POV
After Megan’s phone call, I’m deeply disturbed. Michael Kingsfield appears to be out of control. If he indeed caused the driver of the pickup to lose control, there was no guarantee that Abby would be injured. The vehicle could have taken several courses from missing altogether to killing more than one person. From Kingsfield’s point of view, luck was with him. Abby’s coma and serious head injury might have gone too far or perhaps not far enough. He’s a loose cannon.
It also occurs to me that Michael may have created some waves regarding the loan issue I struggled with recently. He’s got enough money and political clout to influence some major players in the loan business. If so, he’s a dangerous and possibly psychotic opponent. I begin to feel the cold terror that haunted my earliest childhood memories. I need to consult with Dr. Stone about the matter.
Stone fits me in on Sunday morning. I’ve already explained my physical interaction with Kingsfield on a previous visit. Now, it’s time to explore the possible repercussions of that humiliating defeat for Michael.
Stone sits across from me in his Eames chair. I’m sitting tensed up on his couch.
“Matt, Michael Kingsfield appears to be dancing on the edge of an antisocial personality disorder. Anyone who endangers other drivers to the point of a serious injury, simply for revenge, seems to lack a conscience. If he also disrupted a multimillion dollar business deal of yours for the same reasons, he’s deranged. You need to tread very carefully here.”
“I guess my attempt to put him in his place with kickboxing and then bragging about having sex with Megan really backfired,” I reflect. “It certainly felt good to set him straight though.”
He nods gravely. “You humiliated him in two domains, Matt. He’s got a big ego and plenty of money and influence. If you continue to play by his rules, there could be very dire consequences. You need to keep the problem from spiraling out of control. I want you to think about other ways of resolving the issue.”
“My first instinct would be to ruin him as a businessman,” I blurt out knowing that I must get beyond my own feelings of revenge.
“And then he’ll try to ruin one of your enterprises. Next, he’ll do something to Megan or someone else you care about.”
“Yeah, I’ve thought about that. I’ve got to protect Megan and my family.”
“Let’s try to think about it from Kingsfield’s point of view. What does he want most just now?” Stone probes.
“Well, since he’s gotten some revenge with the accident and the business loan, he may be gloating. He’s already signaled, with the flowers, that he’s a man to be reckoned with. He expects some sort of response from me.”
Stone nods sagely. “He’s likely preparing for more violence or economic punishment from you, Matt. Then, he’s going to do something outrageous. Maybe he’ll attempt to scar or kidnap Megan. You don’t want that to occur, do you?”
I shake my head. Terror runs through my body and I flash on a childhood torture session. Then inspiration hits me. ”I have an idea about how to defuse the situation and get his basic needs met.” My smile reappears for the first time today.
“Care to share it with me?” Stone asks with relief.
“I think I’ll surprise you and everyone who thinks they know me well,” I beam and then leave the office. I have some fences to mend.
MEGAN’S POV
My mother’s coma and responsiveness have not changed. In fact, Dr. Carl thinks she’s stabilized at the Glasgow Scale number eight level, for a day or so. I’m sick with worry over Michael Kingsfield’s flowers. Could he really be that vengeful? Thank goodness I never considered a serious relationship with the man. When Paul hears my thesis about Michael, he urges caution.
“Do not fight fire with fire, Megan,” Paul advises. Jared Rush concurs.
I moan. “Tell that to my boyfriend, guys. He’s quite the jealous and angry type.”
It’s late when we part. Rush decides to spend the night guarding Paul and me at Abby’s high-security condo. We make our way to the ICU unit after a brief breakfast on Sunday morning. Dr. Carl greets us with a warm smile.
“I have good news for you,” he announces, “Abby opened her eyes for the first time today upon my verbal command. In addition, she began using inappropriate words. That moves her into the moderate disability range. She ought to be coming out of the coma soon.”
I jump with joy and hug Paul. Then I process what he’s just said at a deeper level. “What do you mean by the phrase ‘using inappropriate words’?”
“Well, when I commanded her to open her eyes, she spoke first -- used the word kneecap and swore --and then her eyes popped open.”
I giggle, “What’s her verbal confusion about?”
“The damage to her brain tissue occurred on the right side, which is where her verbal skills are located. As the brain recovers, it’s attempting to reorganize. She’s not able to retrieve the proper terms just now but that can change quickly with rehabilitation.”
“This news sounds wonderful, Dr. Carl,” I hug him in enthusiasm and he recoils a bit. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be so familiar,“ I apologize. Paul shakes his hand and tears up to see me so pleased.
The doctor laughs, “It’s not every day that I get a hug from a lovely young woman like yourself but I appreciate the sentiment.”
I blush and drop my arms. “If Abby wakes from her coma, will she be moved into a private room?”
He nods. “Yes, we’ll need to do that for her rehab and therapy.”
I call Matt to discuss the good news. He sounds quite encouraged by my news.
“Have you thought any more about what we should do about Michael?” I’m shaking as I ask the question.
“Yeah, I have, Megan. I don’t want you to worry about it. Just trust me. I’ve already discussed it with Dr. Stone.”
I sigh with relief just knowing that Stone has had input.
“I know how jealous and possessive you can be, Matt.”
“I want you to promise to keep an open mind, baby,” Matt sounds so calm and confident.
“OK. By the way, if Abby regains consciousness, I’ll remain with her in Miami for a bit. But Paul needs to return to Portland. Is it alright if he flies back with your pilot today?”
“That’s more than alright, Megan. In fact, I’m going to have my co-pilot return to Miami on Sunday evening. I’m coming to spend time with you and your mother,” he tells me without missing a beat.
I’m more than thrilled to hear about Matt’s visit. “Thank you so very much, Matt. I can’t tell you what it means to me.”
He chuckles, “Well you can show me what it means to you, later this evening.”
The thought makes me tingle with excitement. I’m already starting to respond in a way that seems shocking. “That sounds like fun. Bring it on!”
“You’re always so ready, baby. I think you’re in love with me. Tell Paul he should fly home within the hour,” he oozes. I guess Matt’s in a rush to see me.
Paul leaves Jared and me after checking one last time on Abby. Her breathing’s improved so much that she’s off the respirator. I can’t wait to learn about Matt’s plan.
“Call me when she awakens, Megan. I’m so glad we spent time together over this crisis. It’s been too long since we’ve talked about important things. I’m glad you trusted me enough to let me know about Matt and Mr. Kingsfield. Remember those self-defense moves I taught you!” Paul hugs me and gives me a thumbs up.
“I can’t explain how much your support meant to me, dad. You helped me keep it together when I was about to give up hope. You’re always so calm and controlled. Thank you for urging caution with the Kingsfield situation.”
“Matt’s a resourceful young guy. Hopefully, he’ll come up with a creative plan. Good luck with your relationship, Megan.”
“Thanks, Paul. I’ll see you soon in Portland,” I promise. Then, he’s off and I wait with Rush. I spend a few hours working on new columns for my job. Jared’s been checking the area at the hospital carefully and then spending time on his tablet computer – probably researching touring tips for the area. I snicker when I think of the talk we had yesterday about the art deco architecture near Miami Beach.
By early afternoon, Abby’s condition improves to the point that she’s opening her eyes spontaneously. Her body’s responsive to commands but her verbal responses are confused. Dr. Carl thinks she’ll completely awaken from her coma by the evening. I update my supervisor and Kim to let them know that I’ll remain in Miami for a few more days.
I visit with Abby and hold her hand. She squeezes mine and looks me in the eye. There’s confusion in hers. I know her mind is still organizing itself so I give her time. I kiss her cheek and talk to her. I let her know that I’ll be here for a while yet and that Matt’s coming to visit. I tell her that I’ve been staying at her condo and that Paul just left town after spending time on a hospital visit to her. She looks at me with a faraway gaze.
Finally, Abby blinks her eyes and says, “Michael.”
“What about Michael, mother?” I ask, but don’t want to pursue that topic.
She simply repeats the word but her eyes don’t focus. Hopefully, Kingsfield wasn’t trying to cause her car to crash as well. Perhaps he taunted her earlier in the day on the freeway. The scenarios that I conjure up about the accident are truly frightening. It’s time to focus on Abby.
Rush and I leave for dinner once Dr. Carl and the rehab therapist show up to evaluate Abby’s condition and plan for the next phase of her treatment. We take a lot of time discussing possible responses to Michael Kingsfield’s behavior.
“We don’t know for certain that Mr. Kingsfield actually caused the accident, nor that he was responsible for Mr. Frazier’s financial problems,” Rush points out.
“I agree, Jared, but we’ll know more once Matt investigates the loan problems. Further, Abby may have some insights about the accident.” I tell him about the first coherent words out of Abby’s mouth this afternoon.
He seems concerned but says very little. When we return from dinner, Dr. Carl updates me on Abby’s status. She’s sleeping in a more normal manner now and starting to cycle into the REM mode. That’s great news since dreaming gives the brain a chance to make sense of various experiences.
“Will Abby sleep for a while, then?” I am excited to know that she’s moving toward awareness.
“Yes, when patients fully regain their consciousness, they do so after restarting their normal sleep/wake cycles. She needs all of her energy to reach that final hurdle. Abby will easily sleep through the night now,” he assures me.
I’m exhausted myself. “Then, it’s alright if I return to the condo and get some sleep as well?”
“Take your time, Ms. Pine. Call before heading back to the hospital on Monday. We may have moved your mother to a private suite by then,” his encouraging smile sends me home in a great mood.
I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Rush sleeps on the living room couch. I keep my phone plugged in but turned on in case Matt calls.