Bishop was in the living room waiting for the afternoon news and hoping there was something concerning the events of the night when the doorbell rang.
Susan had been in the bathroom, dripping wet from the shower, and wrapped herself in a towel. There was only one person who could be at the door, and in her angst, she’d forgotten to tell Bishop that Paul would be coming for him.
Bishop answered the door. Two police officers accompanied Paul.
“By the look of you, I’d say you’ve been up to no good,” Paul said.
Susan rushed into the living room. “He was mugged,” she said. “What business do you have here?”
“Well, little lady, I have a court order for a baker act, and Bishop will be coming with me to the hospital.”
“You’ve no right to take him. He hasn’t done anything that requires a commitment to the hospital.”
“He’s court ordered to take his medications, Susan.
And he hasn’t been.”
“You’ve no proof of it.”
Paul just about laughed, and Susan hated that little smirk on his lips. “A simple blood test will reveal if he has or hasn’t. For now, he’s coming with me.”
“No way. We’ll come to the clinic tomorrow and take a blood test.”
“Not a chance, Susan. There’s too many ways to finagle a test by tomorrow.”
“You take him away and—”
“It’s okay, Susan. I’ll go with them,” Bishop said, as he turned to face Susan. “If all is true then somehow, someway, this situation will work itself out. If it doesn’t, then we’ll know I’m schizophrenic, and I’ll deal with it.”
“You’re a schizo, Bishop. There’s no doubt about it.
Officers, please handcuff Mr. Connor.”
“Is that necessary?” She wanted to strangle Paul.
“It’s procedure,” an officer remarked. “Please, turn around.”
Bishop did as he was told, his eyes fixed on Susan. And in those eyes, Bishop passed to her the most important lesson. He knew it was Paul at the door. He knew his fate. Behind those eyes was forgiveness for the pain that Paul had caused. Forgiveness and empathy for his pain and anger.
“It’ll be okay,” he said. “This is how it’s supposed to be. It’s like riding a light beam. No fear, only faith.” And he smiled when he said, “Everything is gonna be all right.”
Susan whispered to him, “I love you.”
And he said, “I love you too.”