Gabe shook his head. “Holy freakin’ cow, the fugue could have been brought on by this.”
“I wondered as much. If that’s the case, the last thing she needs is to be forced into something by her parents. If I need to tell all of this to the psychiatrist, I will.” David turned to Elizabeth. “Now, drink your mocha: it’s one of your favorite things.”
She took a sip and was transported. “Oh my, that really is delicious. But can I tell you both? It’s a little disconcerting that you know what I like better than I do.”
Chapter 8
When Gabe walked into Elizabeth’s room to find the boyfriend with whom she had apparently just broken up, his heart went to his throat. When he heard that her parents had called the man, he wasn’t happy, but perhaps they were doing what they thought was best. After all, if she remembered an old boyfriend, she might remember a new one. The more her memory was jogged, the more likely it was to return.
But when David described Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents, when he said they hadn’t attended her high school or her college graduation, he became angry.
With himself.
Again, he remembered the conversation where he had confronted her about not telling him who she was until after he had learned the truth.
“I never dreamed they’d show up.”
“What the hell, Elizabeth? You were graduating from med school. You were the freaking valedictorian for the love of God.”
“You don’t understand—”
“No, I don’t.”
“Gabe, please listen. My family isn’t like yours.”
He hadn’t listened. He could never have imagined there was any doubt about her parents being there.
When they arrived shortly after David, things got tense quickly.
Her mother carried a bag from the hotel boutique. “David, it’s lovely to see you.”
Dr. Quinn shook his hand. “Yes, it has been a while, but it’s very good of you to come. I’m sure Elizabeth appreciates it.”
“I’m happy to help Elizabeth in any way I can.”
Neither of her parents greeted Gabe.
Her mother sat on the edge of her bed. “Darling, I brought you some lounging pajamas, slippers, and a robe, so you don’t have to wear a hospital gown. Gentlemen, if you’ll give us a moment of privacy, I’ll help her change.”
“I’ll change later, mother,” said Elizabeth.
“Don’t be silly, darling. You’ll be much more comfortable in these. They’re cashmere. And you’ve always called me mom, not mother.”
Gabe had a hard time schooling his expression. Cashmere pajamas? For Pete’s sake, who buys pajamas that need to be dry-cleaned?
Dr. Quinn leveled a glare at him.
Gabe simply motioned to the door. “After you, sir.”
They were barely through the door and had it closed when Dr. Quinn rounded on Gabe. “What in the hell is your end-game, young man? Are you after her money? Are you hoping to convince her to marry you while she’s in a fugue? Perhaps pay off your student loan debt before she remembers anything?”
Gabe became angry instantly. He summoned every ounce of self-control he contained and said, “No, sir. I have no end game. I care about Elizabeth and want what’s best for her.”
“Then why are you manipulating her to stay here?”
“Manipulating her? Me? Are you serious? I assumed she would want to go with you and was as shocked as you were when she said she wanted to stay here.”
“Well, you made no attempt to convince her to do what’s best and go to Baltimore with us.”
“But that would be manipulating her. She’s the one who wants to stay here. I haven’t pushed her one way or the other. It was you who came in last night, threatening to have her declared incompetent if she didn’t do what you wanted her to do. I was the one that comforted the sobbing, shattered girl you left without so much as a ‘sleep well.’”
“Why don’t you just leave her the hell alone?”
David stepped in. “Dr. Quinn, this is not necessary. We all want the same thing: what’s best for Elizabeth. Do you agree?”
“Of course.”
“Then let’s let this play out. You requested a psych consult, did you not? Didn’t you tell me the chief of the department will be seeing her this morning?”
The chief of the department? Christ almighty. Her father certainly played to win.
“Yes,” snapped Dr. Quinn. Turning to Gabe again, he said, “And you can just clear off now, Soldani.”
David shook his head. “As far as I can tell, Gabe has only been supportive. I know they were friends in the past because she has talked about him before. In fact, I have always been under the impression that they were very good friends. I absolutely believe she remembers him and what’s more, she seems to take comfort from his presence. When she doesn’t recognize anyone else, why would you deny her that?”
Because he has to be angry at someone, and I am the easiest target.
“Fine. But I swear to you, Soldani, if I find out you were the one pulling her strings, I will destroy you.”
Elizabeth’s mother opened the door. “James, you need to keep your voice down. You’re upsetting Elizabeth.”
Dr. Quinn cast one more quelling stare at Gabe before striding into the room past his wife.
David and Gabe followed.
Elizabeth sat in her bed, looking tense but very pretty in spite of her injuries. Pale pink cashmere pajamas might be impractical, but they looked cozy and soft, as did the delicate silk robe. The cream colored, cable-knit slippers by the bed looked suspiciously like cashmere too.
When her gaze caught his, the fear and vulnerability Gabe saw there caused his heart to ache for her. She reached a hand out to him.
He took a step toward her, and Dr. Quinn grabbed his shoulder.
“Elizabeth, Dr. Gerald Rose, the chief of psychiatry will be up to see you shortly. I have some calls to make, and I think it would be a good idea if we all left and allowed you to rest until he arrives.”
She nodded. “If you have something you need to do, I don’t wish to keep you from it. But I would like Gabe to stay with me.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“You’ve made that clear, but until after I have met with Dr. Rose, it is my understanding that I can make my own choices.”
“I’m only thinking of what’s best for you.”
“I’m not certain you know what’s best for me.”
“This needs to stop,” said Elizabeth’s mother. “James, she’s confused. Antagonizing her won’t help. We both have calls to make. Perhaps by the time we’re done, Dr. Rose will have an answer for us, and we can take Elizabeth home.” She took her husband by the elbow, but before leaving with him, she said, “David, you have our numbers. Call if we’re needed.”
David nodded. “Certainly.”
Gabe took the hand Elizabeth held out and then sat beside her.
She sighed. “It seems my parents already know the outcome.”
“They’re making an assumption, sweetheart. That’s all.”
David leaned against the window ledge. “Gabe, is Gerald Rose still the chief of psychiatry here?”
“Yes.”
A slow smile spread across his face. “Then I think if Dr. Quinn wants Elizabeth declared incompetent, calling him in was a mistake. I know Dr. Rose. He’s an old friend of my dad’s. A resident might be intimidated, but there is no way Gerald Rose will do anything just because a high-handed surgeon from another hospital wants him to.”
“What do you think, Gabe?” she asked hopefully.
“I’ve never met him, but Dr. Rose has an excellent reputation. I think he will make a fair evaluation.”
“What if he says I’m not competent?”
Gabe leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Let’s not borrow trouble.”
They didn’t have long to wait. The chief of psychiatry arrived not long after Dr. and Mrs. Quinn left.
When Dr. Rose walked in the room, Gabe stifled a smile. If anyone could look more like a stereotypical psychiatrist, he wasn’t sure how. Dr. Rose was a diminutive older man with graying hair, dark-rimmed glasses, and a neatly trimmed goatee that was also liberally sprinkled with gray.
The old doctor smiled broadly. “Good morning. I’m Dr. Rose. David, I certainly didn’t expect to see you here.” He had a rich Scottish burr.
David shook hands with Dr. Rose. “It’s very nice to see you. I’m here because Elizabeth is a friend of mine.”
“Is she? What a small world.” He turned toward the bed. “So if I’m not much mistaken, you are Dr. Elizabeth Quinn.
Dr. Rose seemed to emanate warmth, and Elizabeth visibly relaxed. “Yes, I am.”
“And you are?” he asked Gabe.
“I’m Gabriel Soldani. I’m a pediatric hospitalist here.”
“And since Dr. Quinn isn’t a wee lassie, I presume ye’re a friend as well?”
“Yes. We went to medical school together.”
Dr. Rose shook Gabe’s hand. “It is a pleasure to meet ye, Dr. Soldani.”
“Likewise, sir.”
He turned his attention back to Elizabeth. “Do ye mind if I call ye by yer given name?”
Elizabeth smiled. “That’s fine.”
“Splendid. Now, Elizabeth, I understand ye’re having a wee bit of trouble remembering things. Would ye mind telling me a bit about what happened?”
“I don’t remember what happened. I’ve been told I was in an accident.”
“And ye remember nothing?”
“I remember Gabe. We’re old friends.”
“And David Sinclair, do you remember him?”
She gave David a sad smile. “No. He seems very nice, but I don’t remember him.”
Dr. Rose smiled broadly. “He is a fine young man and the image of his father. David, were you in the city visiting yer dad?”
“No, I came specifically to see Elizabeth, but I intend to see Dad later today.”
“Give him my best regards.”
“Certainly, sir.”
Dr. Rose turned to Elizabeth. “Now, ye said Gabe here is an old friend and based on the grip ye have on his hand, it appears ye’re very confident of that. Can ye tell me why?”
“When I saw him, I had memories.”
“Did ye? And did he look as braw as he does now?”
She chuckled. “Not quite. In my memories, he didn’t have the beard. But I like it.”
Gabe was shocked. She had never mentioned that.
“Ye look surprised, lad. Many a lass finds nicely trimmed facial hair attractive.” He smiled, stroking his goatee.
Gabe laughed. “That’s not what surprised me. This is the first Elizabeth has said that I don’t have a beard in her memories. I’d forgotten it, but I didn’t grow the beard until I came here for my residency.”
“So ye knew each other in medical school. When did ye see her last?”
Guilt swirled in his gut. “Six years ago, on the day we graduated.”
“I see. What else do ye remember about Gabe, lass?”
“The images are so fleeting, it’s hard to focus on them. But the feeling I have is nearly overpowering. I’m certain he means the world to me and that I love him.”
“I see.” He glanced around the room. “I expected to find your parents here. They were so very concerned about ye.”
Elizabeth’s brows drew together for a moment. “They said they had calls to make.”
“If you need them, I have their cell phone numbers,” offered David.
“Nay, it isn’t necessary. I just thought they’d be here. They told me you and Elizabeth are dating.”
“We were, but we aren’t any longer,” David clarified. “Her parents don’t know that yet.”
“But ye came here—this morning, I presume—specifically to see her. Why?”
“Because I care about her. I believe her parents often railroad her, and she tries to make them happy by giving in. When they called me, I feared they were about to do it again, and I wanted to be here to support Elizabeth in any way I could.”
“That’s very thoughtful of ye.” The old doctor canted his head. “And ye, Gabe, ye seem content to have her hand in yers. Why is that?”
Gabe sighed. “I love her. I think I have for years. It was my own stupidity that made me break up with her in the first place.”
“I see.” He surveyed both men for a moment. “Well now, Elizabeth, if it’s okay with ye, I’m going to ask these two rogues to leave us for a bit.”
“That’s fine.” She smiled at Gabe and squeezed his hand before letting go.
~ * ~
Gabe and David left the room, and Elsie smiled hesitantly at Dr. Rose.
He smiled back. “Do ye mind if I take seat?”
“No, not at all.”
He sat in the recliner, making himself comfortable. “Well lass, I suspect this has been a right harrowing few days for ye.”
Elsie frowned. “I…It’s…”
“I understand, lass. I know all about the pocket watch.”
“Did Gertrude send ye?”
“Nay, I haven’t seen her in years. When yer father described yer odd memory loss, I suspected ye were a time traveler. But when ye described the intense feelings ye have for young Dr. Soldani, I was certain. Where are ye from, lass? Or should I ask when?”
“I’m from the Highlands of Scotland. When I left it was the year of our Lord twelve-hundred and seventy-nine.”
“Ye don’t say? Bless yer wee soul, I’ve haven’t encountered many travelers who came to the future. I have more experience with those who returned from the past. How old were ye when ye left?”
“I was twenty-one.”
“And did ye know ye’d be coming forward so far?”
“I didn’t know anything. I didn’t accept the watch. Elizabeth did.”
“And ye’re alive? I’ve never heard of that happening.”
“Gertrude said several things happened differently. I don’t understand it all, but the watch stayed here instead of going with Elizabeth. And our souls changed places before I…well, before I…”
“Ah, ye hadn’t done the thing that would have ended in yer death. Now that’s very interesting. So, what’s going to happen now?”
“In my time, Lady MacKenzie desperately needs Elizabeth’s help. I want her to have it, and Elizabeth is willing. Gertrude says we can change back when the problem is resolved.”
“And have ye a mission here?”
“I think I might. This feeling I have for Gabe—well, it’s hard to describe. But I think Elizabeth cares very deeply for him. I reckon I can maybe help bring them together.”
“Gertrude always has been a great one for making sure souls find each other if they’re intended to be together.”
“So, what now?”
“Well, Dr. Levi believes ye’re in a fugue state and that is an excellent explanation for what everyone thinks has happened. So I will concur and suggest that ye meet with me once a week.”
“But I’m not ill.”
“I know ye’re not ill, lass. I’m a Scot myself, and I want to find out more about where ye’re from and what it was like then. And ye might have questions that ye’d rather ask someone who knows yer situation. Besides, we need to be seen to do something. It will smooth things nicely when Elizabeth returns.”
“What about Elizabeth’s parents? They want me declared incompetent.”
“Those two are a puzzle. I do believe they care for their daughter, but she doesn’t seem to be their priority, does she?”
“No.” Elsie looked away for a moment.
“What is it, lass?”
“It’s silly I guess. My parents died when I was very young. My aunt cared for me, but…”
“It wasn’t like a parent.”
“No, it wasn’t. When I learned Elizabeth’s parents were rushing to her side, I had rather hoped to feel a part of a family.”
&n
bsp; “And ye may still. Don’t give up hope. Ye just never know.”
Elsie smiled and nodded, unable to completely shake the sadness left by disappointment.
“Well, ye’re perfectly competent, and ye need to stay here in New York. I suspect that isn’t what yer da wants to hear, but so be it. We must make way for the course of true love.” He winked and chuckled.
When Elsie and Dr. Rose had finished chatting, he went to fetch Gabe and David from a nearby lounge.
David called her parents. When they arrived, Elizabeth’s father was as impatient as ever. “Now with the formalities done, can we take our daughter home?”
“Dr. Quinn, let’s not be so hasty. Ye asked me to determine yer daughter’s competence to make her own decisions.”
“She has no memories. It seems open and shut to me.”
“Well, it isn’t quite as simple as ye think. Open and shut may be consistent with a surgeon’s practice, but it is rarely the case in psychiatry. As ye’re aware, the law requires us to respect a patient’s wishes unless they are unable to adequately make choices for themselves. The evaluation of competence is intertwined with the decision the patient is being asked to make. The more serious the decision, the more carefully we have to make the assessment. Elizabeth has profound retrograde amnesia related to a fugue state, but that alone doesn’t mean she isn’t competent. She demonstrates the ability to reason, she holds appropriate values, and she understands her condition as well as the choices available to her. Furthermore, in this case, she is not refusing treatment. She is simply refusing to change hospitals. I find her perfectly competent to make that decision.”
“She has no one to care for her here.”
“She has agreed to meet with me regularly so I can monitor her condition as long as she is in New York. If she returns to her home in Cincinnati, I will ensure that she is under the care of a trusted colleague there. It seems she has friends she trusts in both cities who are willing to help as needed.”
“Who will manage her finances? She can’t read. She has a massive trust-fund that could be wiped out in the blink of an eye.”
“I can understand why that might concern ye. Elizabeth, would you be willing to have an attorney and an accountant act on your behalf regarding your financial matters? Someone both you and your parents would be comfortable with?”
Once Found: The Pocket Watch Chronicles Page 7