Collateral Circulation

by Barbara Ebel

  He took the flexible tube from the scrub tech, but as he carefully secured it in place to drain excess fluid, she said, “Dr. Tilson, your news about this energy drink in the paper yesterday is all over the OR.”

  Danny paused. “I didn’t have anything to do with that advertisement and only found out about it when everyone else did. Please spread that around if you can.”

  “If you’d like,” she said although it wouldn’t deter her from drinking the cans that she had already ordered.

  When he finished morning’s surgeries and before seeing patients, Danny intended to call Varg; however, the way he had planned his afternoon in the office was usurped by his colleagues.

  “What the heck are you doing here?” Danny asked Bruce when he saw him in the hallway. At the same time, Matthew Jacob came around the corner followed by Cheryl and Jeffrey Foord.

  “I called to see when you’d be in,” Bruce said. “What in damnation is going on? My foot is still in this practice and I figured if you could use some rumor control, I may be able to help.”

  With a quizzical look on everyone’s face, Danny steered them into his office. “Cheryl, you may as well stay, too, because I suspect a lot of patients are going to be asking you about this drink issue so I’ll arm you with what you should say. Bruce, thanks for coming.”

  “Danny,” Matthew said, “Jeffrey and I also have something to show you. Three more cases bearing striking resemblances to what you’ve been dealing with. And their angiograms look like intracranial blood flow seen in science fiction.”

  Danny slowly sank into a chair, leaned his chin on his hands, and then covered his face. Despite the presence of five people, the quiet was like that of an empty room.

  “Okay,” Danny said, popping out of his emotional stupor. “What all of us have to do is focus on patient care. We owe it to these new cases to follow their unusual course and to monitor for any adverse effects. And I must persist with the FDA to get an opinion from them about this drink. It may require me getting pushy to triage the file to the top.” He paused a moment as the phone rang but he ignored it.

  “You must all be wondering about Blue Bridge. It’s possible it’s playing a role with these odd cases but I didn’t have a role in this advertising.”

  Matthew shifted his eyes and Jeffrey stared at his sneakers.

  “If any of you must respond to questioning about it, say that Dr. Tilson had not been formally interviewed for any part of that ad; that he feels uncomfortable if people believe that it is some kind of miracle drink as there is no scientific proof that it is beneficial.”

  Danny looked at Bruce and asked, “Anything to add?”

  “I agree with you. You’re caught in the middle but your job is to your patients. And people will always believe what they want to believe with this kind of sensational advertising. They want products that give them hope in their lives. You are not responsible for that.”

  Danny nodded. “Okay, let’s talk about the additional patients and take a look at their films.”

  They all rose to go to the small x-ray area.

  “Danny,” Matthew stopped him, then said, “When we heard about this yesterday afternoon, Jeffrey and I asked these three patients if they drink Blue Bridge … and they do.”

  -----

  After viewing the new patient’s angiograms and dismissing the group, Matthew and Jeffrey went back to work, Bruce caught up with paperwork, and Danny returned to his office.

  “Cheryl,” he said, waving her off as she pointed to the first examining room, “I’m making one call before I start seeing my waiting patients.”

  Picking up the phone, he dialed Max-Point Realtors and got a repeated busy signal; he finally got through and asked for Varg Dagmar.

  “Dr. Tilson, is that you? This is Mary Ann Benson. We met at the hospital while you were taking care of Varg.”

  “Hello, Mary Ann. Yes, I remember. Is your brother there?”

  “Sure. I’ll peel him away from the huge mailing project we’ve got going on. Partly because of you, we have so much business, we have to hire more people.”

  Danny rolled his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself. It wouldn’t do any good to give her a piece of his mind but the words were ready to explode from his mouth as he stood at the window peering out at the blue sky.

  “Dr. Danny,” Varg said. “I’m glad you called. Perhaps you saw the U.S. Nation advertisement. I hope you didn’t mind us quoting you in our ad. Blue Bridge is selling like Kanelgifler pastry!”

  Danny shook his head, having no idea about Norwegian pastries.

  “Rachel, Mary Ann and I can’t keep up with the orders,” Varg continued.

  “Rachel?”

  “Yes. Part of this was her brilliant idea, especially the ad.”

  As if a puppeteer hovered above him, Danny plopped into his chair like a marionette. He should have figured Rachel played a part; how stupid of him to have speculated out loud when she’d been loitering outside Varg’s office like a fly on the wall. Now he needed to pray to a saint - whoever that might be - to empower him with composure.

  “Look, Varg,” Danny said as Rachel silently picked up an extension line, “this is totally irresponsible of both of you. Taking what I said and manipulating it into your propaganda is immoral and deceptive. I wouldn’t have voiced that medical information in front of you had I known it was going to be used like that. I’m requesting that you not do it again. In the coming months, I’m trying to get the FDA to investigate this drink and see if there are true benefits. Maybe you’ll have your big promotional material in the future if you can just wait.”

  There was a pause as he heard Varg talking to someone.

  “Danny, future ads are reserved. For instance, there is one placed for Monday and we’d never be able to cancel now.”

  “Then,” Danny said, his voice rising, “please cancel the rest of them from U.S. Nation as soon as you can!”

  Rachel had jotted down notes while listening. When Varg hung up, she said, “Okay, we’ll be very nice to Doctor Danny. We’ll pull out the ads for next month. But he only mentioned U.S. Nation. There are other national news outlets where we can advertise.” She grinned at her partner. “I’ll get on that first thing tomorrow.”

  While the two other realtors in the office poked their heads in to see the production line, Rachel, Varg and Mary Ann continued boxing thirteen cans to a carton, putting on mailing labels, and answering the phone with incoming orders.

  -----

  Danny wearily got up from his desk.

  “Dr. Tilson, you’ll get through this just like all the other disasters that land in your lap,” Cheryl said. “Come on, you have a lovely patient ready to see you and she hasn’t minded the wait at all … as long as she can see you.”

  “Cheryl, I should call the FDA right now.”

  “Patients first, remember?”

  Danny nodded. “Okay, I’ll get to it before they close at 5:00.”

  “Good. I’ll make sure of it.”

  -----

  At 3:30, Cheryl sidetracked Danny into his office. Carrying a fresh cup of coffee and a homemade granola bar which she put down on his desk, she said “I’ve pulled up the FDA’s number on your Rolodex.”

  “I hope they remember who I am,” Danny said.

  Cheryl pulled her long hair out of her ponytail, something she did every day as the schedule wound down. Danny nodded at her, showing his appreciation for her help, and she turned and left to get the last patients from the reception area.

  Danny took a sip of coffee, then placed the call. A receptionist answered.

  “This is Dr. Danny Tilson. May I speak to Grant Edwards, please?”

  While waiting, Danny took another drink and looked down at the new patient names that he would have liked to have on his FDA report. He wondered about going straight to the bigwig of the organization.

  “Dr. Danny Tilson!” came a heavy voice.

  “Mr. Edwards, I wasn’t sure if you’d re
member me.”

  “Are you kidding? It’s not every day an antibiotic is named after a doctor and his dog. I have you to thank for DakTilmycin. Now, what can I do for you?”

  “I filed a food and drug report a week or two ago with the FDA. It involves a drink called Blue Bridge and what I believe to be its association with a bountiful blood supply to the brain due to using it. Right now, it seems like the drink does wonderful things but we can’t have a product running wild out there without knowing its link and repercussions. I’d appreciate it if my report could be weeded out of the bottom of the organization’s pile and be given priority. Since I sent it to you, the cases around here have doubled or tripled and it’s only going to get worse because Blue Bridge is now being nationally advertised.”

  “Dr. Tilson, I learned to trust your judgment before. We’re dealing with human brains here. I’ll make sure this receives quick attention, even if I have to dig the paperwork up myself. I’ll get people on it right away.”

  “Thanks,” Danny said. “Appreciate it.”

  He hung up and spied the bakery bar Cheryl had left him. Taking a bite, he felt relieved about Grant’s response … and the treat was delicious.

  -----

  Rachel ran across the street to a deli-bakery and purchased four take-out orders. With Mary Ann and her friend who they’d hired, at least three of them were working on Blue Bridge orders at any one time.

  As she hurried back, Mary Ann was just pulling into the parking lot. “It’s the soonest I could leave my day care today,” she said. “How are you all doing?”

  “I don’t know what Varg would do without you,” Rachel said, knowing the woman was extremely loyal to her brother and almost protective of him.

  “Family sticks together,” Mary Ann said smiling. “I heard you two are going on another date tonight.”

  Rachel gave a quick nod as Mary Ann held open the door for her. “If we ever get out of here,” Rachel said.

  She looked at the decent progress they had made that morning with stacked cartons aligned for shipment. Plus, Varg had hired a new bookkeeper and she hoped he would give them news next week about the kind of money they were pulling in.

  “My brother is picky about who he dates,” Mary Ann said, interrupting her thoughts.

  “Probably not as picky as I am.” She passed out the cheese and avocado sandwiches and ate between answering the phone.

  -----

  Rachel sorted the mail on her kitchen counter when she got home and again her mouth turned down at the presence of another legal envelope. But she couldn’t get rid of this one easily by writing a letter like last time. Sent by the prosecuting attorney, Kirk Thompson, it was a subpoena to testify at Leo Ramsey’s trial for manslaughter of the Knoxville Mayor’s daughter.

  She stared at the document. What a pain, she thought; now she couldn’t help Varg on Monday and she had to work at her new tech job Tuesday through Thursday. But it would be nice to see Leo cringe and fight for his future as a defendant, especially since those charges were as serious as they get.

  Glancing at her watch, Rachel realized she only had an hour before Varg arrived. She stripped down in the bathroom, took a shower, and slipped on a royal alpaca dress, light leggings and heels. With little camouflage make-up on her fading facial insults, well-outlined light lipstick, and some silk therapy rubbed into her hair, looking in the mirror uplifted her spirits.

  When the bell rang and Varg took her hand, they walked to his car. With a beautiful sunset view above the surrounding hills, a cool breeze swept their way and Rachel took a deep breath. The Nashville air wasn’t so bad after all.

  “Since we’re not going to a trendy burger place and I promised you something more, why not a topnotch restaurant and jazz bar?”

  “I believe you have good taste.”

  “That I do,” he winked and opened the BMW door for her.

  The restaurant wasn’t much to look at from the outside; a drab black sign, dark clapboard, and windows which revealed nothing. However, she immediately liked the pulse of the soft jazz on the low stage and the fine yet understated décor when they walked inside.

  At their table, Varg ordered a roasted cauliflower appetizer and asked for the beverage director. “Please pair our food with superb choices from your fabulous wine,” he said.

  The man tipped his head and said, “I’ll be back with an accompaniment to your appetizer, sir.”

  As Rachel began to relax, she wondered how well-to-do Varg was. The more she got to know him, the more he seemed to part with funds easily when he wanted to. However, she had known for a long time that even the most frugal men would turn their pockets inside out to spend money on her.

  “So, where are you from in Norway?” Rachel asked. “Did you grow up in some reindeer wilderness?”

  “Oh, no.” His eyes sparkled as well as the fine lines next to them. “As a child, I lived in the capital, Oslo. The most populous city in Norway, it’s tucked at the head of the Oslo Fjord with stunning views everywhere you look.

  “Neither is it the wilderness like you may think. Do you know we are so ahead of other European countries that we didn’t need to join them in using the euro? We still have the krone and our economy thrives like no other in the world due to our oil rigs in the Norwegian and North Sea. All our jobs - including advanced tech jobs - require sophisticated, highly-educated people, often from foreign nations. The downside is that the cost of living is high.”

  “But not for the typical Norwegian in these high tech jobs?”

  “Correct. And, as you can imagine, we have an influx of young people.”

  The two waiters returned to their table. One put down the savory appetizer dish and the wine specialist let Varg sample his choice. After a nod of approval, the men stepped away.

  “So, other than the economy which must cause jealousy from the European mainland, what would be the first thing I would want to see as a tourist?”

  “Ahhh, I am a wonderful tour guide. I’d start you off first at the city hall which is unlike any other; its main conference room walls are several stories high and are adorned with humongous murals the likes of which you’ll not see anywhere else. And the rest of the rooms are decorated by great Norwegian art displaying the country’s history, culture and working life.” He swept his hand in the air and looked upwards. Raising his glass for a toast, he added, “And in the heart of the city, as you know, is the building and balcony where each year the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to its recipient.”

  “I guess you’ll just have to take me there so I can concur or disagree with your appraisal. After all, you may be biased.”

  “Splendid answer,” he said, tapping her glass lightly. “Here’s to that possibility.”

  -----

  Rachel hadn’t given enough thought to what would happen when they got back to her place but, in any case, the constant change and light sipping of wine in the restaurant had made her slightly fuzzy in the head; not typical for her. And, over dinner, she had failed to mention to him that she couldn’t come in on Monday because she’d be in Knoxville and she wanted to keep the reason why to herself.

  She unlocked her apartment door, aware that Varg was breathing closely down her neck. “Would you like to visit for awhile?”

  He nodded, stepped inside behind her, and Rachel knew that sex between them was inevitable. She brushed up against the counter and tugged at the neckline of her dress which was a bit too warm. Usually, she was more likely to make a move on a man, and she contemplated this as he drew closer. “Would you like coffee?” she asked.

  Varg watched her hand, still tugging at the scooped neckline of her dress. “It doesn’t have buttons and it’s all one piece,” he said, placing his thick fingers on the back of her neck and massaging up into her hair. He held her head with two hands like fine art, admiring and venerating her, like the way he adored the art in his hometown.

  She dropped her head back, inviting him to share a passionate kiss. After getting hotte
r from his passion, Rachel grabbed his shirt and skillfully pulled it loose. Her fingers raked his back and then her hands straightened to go further down the back of his pants. As she yanked him in closer, he reciprocated and rubbed into her with a hardness she’d never felt.

  With two hands and one swift movement, Varg lifted Rachel’s dress over her head. They both unbuttoned his shirt, she peeled it away from him, then her bra next hit the floor.

  Stepping back, he studied her; her entire body a perfect hologram which could never be duplicated.

  “If you dare … come a little closer,” she purred as she slid down in front of his trousers, opening them as she went. But he grabbed her hands, pulled her up, and carried her to the bedroom. He knew where it was.

  Chapter 27

  Although Danny slept a little later than usual on Saturday morning, he wearily made his way downstairs. Rubbing his eyes as he encountered Dakota; the sorrel Chesapeake begged him for attention. “I wish I had your perpetual energy,” he said acknowledging the dog.

  “Morning, sis. Morning, Casey.” His sister had a few premade wood sides for mounting canvases and was inserting them together with a staple gun while Casey was making a smoothie in the blender.

  “I’m off for rounds,” Danny said, “and I really appreciate you both taking Julia with you today.” He glanced down. “And Dakota, too.”

  “We’re excited to be the first ones to use the cabin,” Mary said. “We’ve even decided to stay the night so we’re packing for all of us.”

  “Be sure to check if we got what we paid for.”

  Casey tasted his concoction and then grabbed a milk container, juice and water from the refrigerator and put them into a large cooler. “I’ll give the place a good looking over. Is Sara still sleeping?”

  “She’s showering. She’s looking forward to a quiet day and catching up from work. Nancy is staying, too.”

  Danny put dog food into Dakota’s bowl, set it down and waited a bit, then gave the dog the go ahead to eat; the kibble began disappearing as he stepped behind his sister and poured a to-go cup of her flavored coffee. Placing it on the counter, he picked up Julia and said, “You be a good girl for Aunt Mary and Uncle Casey. You are going to have so much fun today.”