CHAPTER 8

GRACE

When James told me what was going on, I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe he was capable of such a thing. But how well do I know him? Do I know without doubt that he’s innocent?

I hung up the phone and prayed for guidance. I couldn’t be with a man I didn’t trust. But I still felt that something wasn’t right. He didn’t go into detail; he just said that someone was accusing him of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct. It’s the same thing, isn’t it?

Over the last few weeks, I’ve prayed long and hard. I meditated and went deep into my soul searching for answers. If he was capable of that, wouldn’t I have known it from his actions? He was never flirtatious with other women when we were out. He always gave me his undivided attention as if I were the only woman on the planet.

I’ve been indecisive. I don’t know what to believe. Who to believe? I read the newspaper article once before tearing it into tiny little pieces and throwing it away. I couldn’t look at it for another second. I felt that the James I knew could never have been capable of making any woman feel uncomfortable with his words or his actions.

On Saturday I think about the kind of man that James is, and about the kind of man that Parker is. There were no warning signs, no red flags, no alarms or bells alerting me of danger. James and Parker help out and donate money and their time to the children’s home where Parker lived after his mother’s death. It takes someone with a big heart to care for so many children without mothers, fathers, and families. Orphaned kids who have nowhere else to go because of their adolescent ages.

I need to know more about these accusations. I need to know more about the woman who filed the complaint against James.

I’ve tried to call James and he either doesn’t answer my call or we talk briefly before he needs to go. I think it’s his way of breaking up with me without actually saying it. Sarah said they’ve talked but James mostly talks to Parker.

I call Sarah and she tells me Parker’s in Charlotte with his dad.

“Why didn’t you go with him?” I ask.

“James didn’t want anyone there with him.”

“Where? At his house?”

“Yes, he’s embarrassed and doesn’t want me there. He’s innocent, Mom.”

“Can he prove it?” I ask. I need to know. I don’t know why I didn’t believe him sooner.

“I don’t know. James has told me very little and Parker doesn’t talk about it.” Sarah sounds sorrowful over the phone. “I’ve read the article the newspaper posted and I don’t believe any of it.”

It is hard to believe. “Was it just the one article?”

“I know of only the one article. I cancelled the subscription we had for the Charlotte Times. I don’t want to read that garbage.”

“I stopped reading the newspaper as well. Let’s just pray that the truth comes out and soon.”

“Mom, you stopped talking to him. Is it because you think he’s guilty?”

“He called me and broke up with me.” Do I tell her that I’ve called him a few times since then and he hasn’t answered any of my calls? “I haven’t spoken to him since. But to answer your question, no, Sarah. I don’t.” And that’s the honest truth. “I need to go.”

“Where are you going?” she asks.

“To Charlotte. I need to see if there’s anything I can do to prove his innocence.”

“Wait for me. I’m coming with you.”

I hang up and quickly pack an overnight bag with outfits for a few days. I don’t know why I didn’t believe in James sooner. I just hope it’s not too late for us to find something that’ll prove his innocence. If he’s guilty of sexual harassment, then every man who has ever shaken a woman’s hand must also be a harasser. I know deep in my heart that James is innocent.

I put a closed sign in the shop’s window and call Mom to tell her I won’t be in town for a few days. She offered for her and Dad to run the shop but it’s not necessary. This is my business and my obligation, not theirs. They have a spare key and I’m pretty sure they’ll be there in my absence although I did tell them not to.

I pick up Sarah, and we talk the entire way to Charlotte. She tells me about James’ meeting with the medical board on Monday. No matter how this visit goes, I plan on attending the meeting or at least I’ll be there to show my support. I doubt they let just anyone inside. Sarah wanted to call Parker to let him know we are on our way, but I thought it was best to keep it to ourselves. James may not want me there.

“What are we going to do if we can’t prove his innocence?” Sarah asks. “He stands to lose his livelihood but more important, his reputation.”

“We will. We have to. A woman in love will do anything to prove the man she loves is innocent.”

My head spins in confusion at the realization that I just confessed to my daughter that I’m in love with her fiancé’s father. Am I really in love with him? Is it too soon? No, it’s not. I knew I loved Michael right away and James is much like Michael. He’s a good and decent man. I know it in my heart and in my soul.

“Mom? You’re in love with James?”

“Yeah, Sarah. I think I am.” I look over at my daughter again so I can study her reaction. This must be a shocker for her. How will she handle the news? Up until a few months ago, I’d never dated or been with anyone but her father. Now I just confessed something to her that I never even told James.

“I knew it,” she says.

“You did? How? I wasn’t even sure until just a minute ago.”

“Your eyes,” she laughs.

“Are you saying I look love struck?”

“No. Not love struck. But before all of this you definitely looked happy. Like I remember you looking in pictures with Dad.”

“I did love that man. I didn’t think it was possible for me to love again.”

“That’s why he sent you James. Because he knew James was a good fit for you.”

“You think your father sent James to me.”

“Well, him and God.”

***

I get butterflies when we pull up at James’ house. How will he feel about me being here? Will he send me away? I made hotel reservations just in case he did. I don’t expect to stay the night here, but I hope he doesn’t reject me without at least talking to me first. Of course, I wouldn’t blame him if he did. But I would hope I needed time to process everything. Beau and Dad’s sermon last Sunday helped put things in perspective. They preached about having faith and love and if you had that, trust would soon follow.

“Come on. What are you waiting for?” Sarah asks with her car door open.

With the car still running, I ask, “What if I’m not welcome?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Sarah, I had to do a lot of praying and soul searching before I realized James couldn’t possibly have done what they said he did.”

“I know.” She looks from me up to his home. “But you know he’s innocent now.”

“I do, but I also think it may be too late.”

“Come on. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

My heart races as Sarah rings the doorbell. If James turns me away, I deserve it. But I’m still prepared to go to his meeting on Monday with the medical board. I just hope he doesn’t turn me away tonight.

The door opens and there stands James. His eyes land on me first. Sarah walks up and hugs him before walking into the house searching for Parker. I stand there waiting for him to ask me in or ask to leave.

“Grace,” James says. He has dark circles under his eye and he looks exhausted.

“Hi.” I don’t take a step forward. In fact, I keep my distance. Part of me is too afraid to move or speak.

“What are you doing here?” He closes the door behind him as we both stand on his front porch.

“I’m sorry. I know you didn’t do or say anything inappropriate to that woman.” He stares at me as if trying to read my mind. When he doesn’t say anything, I back away from him. “I just wanted you to know I’m sorry it took me so long to tell you that.” I turn to leave when I realize it’s too late to get back what we had. What we had is now over. The damage is already done.

“Where are you going?” he asks.

I turn around and face him. “I’m going to the hotel so you, Sarah, and Parker can talk.”

He takes a step forward. “You don’t want to come in?” He takes another step forward. “I’ve missed you. I know you deserve better, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting you.”

I close the distance. “I’m sorry it took me so long…” I begin to say.

“You have nothing to be sorry about. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me, too.”

He slowly and cautiously leans down and kisses me as if he’s expecting to be rejected or if he’s waiting for confirmation that this kiss is welcomed. It is. It’s soft and sweet. Nothing like the last time we were together where the kiss was heated and filled with lust and passion, need and want.

He takes my hand and leads me into his bare house. It’s nothing like the last time I was here. There are boxes lined against the wall and nothing is hanging on his walls.

“Are you moving?” I ask. Where would he be moving to? Sarah didn’t mention anything to me.

“My reputation’s ruined here. Even if the medical board doesn’t take my medical license, I’ll never be able to work in this town again. He looks sad and says, “You should sit down. We probably need to talk.”

When Sarah, Parker, James, and I sit, James takes a seat across from us and keeps his distance. He tells us the whole story. Some of this I know and some of it I didn’t. I can tell Sarah is hearing this for the first time. The victim is a former employee of James’. She was a devoted worker: one he could trust. Then something happened. She changed and started calling off work for various reasons. He even went as far as referring her to a specialist for her health problems. Things seemed to have gotten better with her, and she started coming in early and staying after hours helping with the filing, restocking, and even cleaning up. Then she had a relapse. After trying to work with her through her call-offs and irrational behaviors, he finally talked to her and let her go. Shortly after, she filed a complaint with the EEOC — Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — claiming discrimination and harassment.

“Did she ever ask you for money or personal favors?” I ask. There seems like there should be more to the story.

“She did. She started asking me for small amounts of money. Twenty dollars in the beginning while she was still employed. She said she needed it for gas or groceries. I hated seeing her struggle and thought if she was struggling others in the office must also be struggling. Although I knew the wages I was paying were comparable to those in the area, I decided to give everyone a raise. I didn’t like thinking someone didn’t have milk or bread in their home or gas in their car to get to and from work.”

“Then what?” Parker asks. “She started asking for more?”

“She was content with that for a while. Then she started asking for more money claiming it was for prescription medications and medical bills.”

I take it all in and then ask, “Do you know of anyone who has a vengeance against you? Someone she might know? Could this be a conspiracy between two or more co-workers or ex-coworkers or even a former patient?”

“No. I can’t think of anyone specific. I mean during the length of my career I’ve fired people and turned away or denied drug-seeking patients who were addicted to pain medications.” James looks up at me. “You believe me, don’t you?”

“I do.” I only wish I had believed him sooner.

Sarah leans up in her chair. “Mom, you think this could be a conspiracy?”

“I don’t know. I’m just putting this out there as a possibility.”

“Dad, she might be onto something. Have you considered this?”

“I have, but there’s nothing to tie Anna with anyone.”

My mind races with ways I can help James. “Is Anna your office manager?”

“No. Julie’s my office manager and Anna was one of several nurses working for me.”

“How long has Julie been with you?”

“She’s not involved. She’s been with me from the beginning. She’s also supported me in all of this.”

His office manager supported him yet I didn’t. I feel terrible for this. But after he broke up with me, he never answered or returned any of my calls to him. Sarah said he was embarrassed.

If Julie’s been with him from the beginning, then she’s probably like family. Family would do anything for family. Maybe she knows something that James has overlooked. Maybe we all need to talk with Julie.

James runs his hands down the leg of his blue jeans.

I can tell this is making him uncomfortable. But I have one more question I need to ask. “When’s the last time you talked to Anna?”

“On Friday?”

“Dad, when did you see her?” Parker asks. He sounds surprised. “Do you mean from your car as you were driving by?”

“No. She came into the office Friday night while I was clearing my things out and waiting for you.”

“What did she want?” Parker asks.

“Money. She said she could make this all go away if I’d just pay her.”

“What did you do? What did you say?” Parker asks.

“I told her to get out.”

I’m all for standing your ground, but wouldn’t it be easier to just pay her off and make all this disappear? I don’t say that. If he were to pay her and the courts and people in the community got wind of it, he would look guilty in other people’s eyes. Besides, maybe she was wearing a wire or this was a setup of some kind, although I highly doubt it and feel she truly just wants the money. Of course, if he would have paid her off, then she would be back asking for more money and possibly have more false allegations. Or maybe she would target other medical professionals like Parker.

“Did she leave on her own?” Sarah asks.

“She did.” I know he’s tired of talking about this as it’s probably been the only thing he’s been able to think about since all of this started. He stands and says, “I’m sure you ladies are hungry and I’m going stir crazy. How about we head out and get something for dinner?”

I stand and put on a fake smile. “That sounds good to me.” But in my head, I’m making plans to talk to Julie before Monday to see if she can remember anything.

After dinner, Parker and Sarah go to bed in the spare room, leaving James and me up.

“I made hotel reservations at the Hampton Inn. I guess I should be going.” I pick up my purse and start heading toward the door.

“Grace, you don’t have to leave.”

James looks sad and tired. I can see all of this is taking a toll on him.

“I think it’s best.”

“Will you be back in the morning?”

“I will.” He walks me to the door and I place a gentle hand on his chest. “As soon as this is over, maybe we can pick up where we left off.”

He moves his hand slowly to my face and gently and sweetly brushes his fingertip over my bottom lip. “If this is ever over with, I would like that.”

My eyes scan his. “James? Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. You can ask me anything.”

“Where do you plan to go when this is all over?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure.”

JAMES

On Sunday, the day is filled with sadness. Parker spends a lot of time on his phone and computer. He’s still holding out hope that something will happen to clear me. The movers came and moved all of my things into a climate-control storage room. Before heading to a hotel, I walk around my home. I knew I wouldn’t live here forever, but I wasn’t ready to leave it just yet. Not right now. I figured I would sell it when I retired. Well, I guess I am retired but not by choice. If they don’t suspend my medical license, what will I do? Would I go back to work? Not in Charlotte. My reputation is already destroyed here. I’ll be forced to go somewhere else and hope people won’t recognize me.

“Are you okay, James?”

I look at Grace and smile.

“Yeah. I think I am. Just saying goodbye.”

“I’m sorry.” Her eyes reveal a deep, sincere sadness.

“Thank you. Me, too. I guess my time here is done.”

I pick up the fish bowl the houses my fish, Sandy Bottom Pants, and head out the door.

GRACE

On Sunday night Sarah and I decide we would go to the office to get the last of the boxes that James and Parker didn’t have room for. James looks tired and I think maybe he could use some time with his son.

James told us that Julie would be at the office at seven and she’d let us in to get whatever was left. He called to give her a heads up in case she didn’t believe us since she’s never met either of us before.

When we pull up at the office, Julie is already in the parking lot. She’s older than what I thought. She’s closer to my age while I expected her to be Sarah’s age. Not sure why I would have assumed that. She’s dressed in yoga pants and a dark sweatshirt. Her short hair is a beautiful amber color.

“You’re the girl from the video.” Julie greets me with a smile.

“Video?” I look at Sarah to see if Julie’s talking to her.

“Karaoke? Country music songs?” she says, unlocking the closed office door.

I forgot about our special night out and the video someone posted of us singing. “Guilty,” I say. “I’m Grace and this is my daughter, Sarah.”

“It’s nice to meet you both.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too.”

“Are you Parker’s girlfriend?” Julie asks.

“I am.”

“Good, he’s a great guy.”

“Thank you. I think so, too.”

“God, I’m gonna miss this place.” I watch as Julie steps into the office for probably the last time. “How’s James doing?”

Sarah speaks up. “Terrible. It’s like he’s just giving up.”

Julie locks the door after us. “Because he closed the office and sold his condo?”

“Exactly.”

Julie says sadly, “Sadly, he’s expecting to lose his medical license.”

“Do you think it’s a possibility?” I ask.

“I don’t know, but I have heard the medical board is like bulldogs. Vicious and ready to attack.”

Sarah says, “But he doesn’t even know where he’s going after tomorrow.”

“I know.”

I look at the few boxes sitting on the counter before a man in uniform knocks at the door. “We’ll start carrying these out while you take care of that.”

“He’s just here for the surveillance cameras.”

I stop and watch as she lets him in. I quickly look over at Sarah. She’s also looking at me.

“Did you say surveillance cameras?”

“Yes, it was a waste of time and money. They ended up being useless.” The man clears his throat. “Oh, sorry. I mean they worked fine, but I was hoping to catch something that might prove James’ innocence.”

“Does James know about these?”

“Oh, God, no. Because of the HIPPA privacy laws, it’s tricky about where you can have cameras. James would never allow cameras in his medical office. You have to protect patients’ privacy but who protects the doctor and medical staff against malpractice?”

“And against sexual harassment allegations and misconduct,” Sarah adds.

“That’s right. Sadly, there’s nothing recorded that can help him. I didn’t have them installed until after Anna accused him of harassment.”

My heart races with hope. I know it all depends on where the cameras were installed and facing and if they have audio. Maybe, just maybe they caught Anna and James’ conversation from Friday night.

I say, “Did you know that Anna came to visit James Friday night? Here. In his office?”

“No. James never mentioned that to me. Maybe these cameras were worth every dime after all.”

JAMES

Last night I got a call from a private number. Since the app was downloaded to record my phone calls, I went ahead and answered it. This time I’m hoping it’s Anna calling.

“Dr. Taylor. It’s Matt.”

I have no idea how he got my number and frankly, I don’t care. I’m just glad he called. “Matt, I’ve been looking for you.”

“I read the article in the paper and I suspected Anna was behind it.”

Is he calling to reprimand me for bad behavior? Please tell me he doesn’t believe that trash the newspaper posted. “I’m innocent, I swear.”

“I know, I believe you.”

He does? “Thank you.” I wish I had believed him when Anna accused him of the same thing. But I was torn on who and what to believe. “I owe you an apology, Matt. I’m sorry.”

“Nah. You didn’t do anything wrong. I walked out on you, remember?”

That’s true, he did. “I didn’t know who to believe and for that, I’m sorry.”

“Thank you. I’m glad it worked out.” There’s a pause. “You know, Anna did the exact same thing to me.”

I knew Anna said he paid her off to drop the allegations. “She asked you for money?”

“Twenty thousand at first.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I couldn’t pay that if I wanted to. She was desperate and kept lowering the price and finally she asked me for five thousand and I decided it was worth it to end this nightmare. I never told anyone, but we moved shortly after.” I never knew the amount he paid her. The amount didn’t matter. “I didn’t have the fight in me. The Board of Nursing would never have believed me.”

I say the only thing I know to say. “I’m sorry.”

“I sent an email and a photocopy of the check I gave to Anna for payoff to the medical board a couple weeks ago.”

“I had no idea. Thank you.”

“You should also know that they’re requesting me there tomorrow.”

I hope it’s because they believe him and not to question his integrity. “I’m sorry you’re involved in this.”

“It’s okay. I just hope I can help you.”

Me, too. “So do I.”

***

When my attorney and I walk into the building of the Medical Licensing Board, the waiting area is full. It’s full of my friends, colleagues, my staff members, business owners of businesses I frequent, and former patients. People are holding signs protesting my innocence. Some are wearing shirts with my photo and “falsely accused” written across the top. I’ve had people reach out to me through phone calls and e-mails wishing me well and offering support. But I never expected this. I’m overwhelmed, I’m shocked at all of the familiar faces, and I’m filled with gratitude for the show of support and the love in this room.

I’m not sure whether this will or won’t affect the decision the board will make. But it doesn’t matter. They are here to show their support and for that, I’m thankful.

I came early so I could sit in quiet and reflect on my life. The good and the bad. But instead I walk around the room thanking everyone who came.

I asked Parker, Sarah, Grace, and Julie to come just before ten o’clock. I couldn’t look at their sad faces. I also didn’t want them to see me. I’m nearly broken. This has nearly destroyed my soul. I’ve always done what was right. I’ve always been by the book. And yet a lie has the power to ruin me. I’m trying to keep the faith, but it’s hard. I’m losing all hope in mankind and womankind. I’m losing hope in the system and in the laws.

My tie feels like a noose, my jacket feels like a straightjacket, and my mouth feels like the Sahara Desert. As far as I can tell, my breathing is calm and steady. I’m at least thankful for that. Maybe I appear to look normal although I feel anything but. My life is in the hands of a medical board of strangers. How many of them will decide my fate? I don’t know. I never thought I would be facing anyone from a disciplinary committee.

Just then I hear commotion near the front door. I turn slightly as I watch Parker, Sarah, Grace, and Julie storm through the doors. Grace, Sarah, and Julie walk to me while Parker heads over to get my attorney.

“We have proof she’s lying,” Sarah says.

Do I dare hope for good news?

“It’s true. We do,” Julie confirms. She looks at me with a genuine smile.

I ask Grace, “What’s going on?”

“Julie installed cameras in the office after Anna made the complaints on you.”

I look at Julie and my first thought is, she’s crazy. What about HIPPA? What about the patients’ privacy? You can’t record people’s medical problems. You can’t have them on video as you give them a diagnosis. It’s private, and medical professionals can go to prison for doing that. Then my second thought is, hug her for using her brilliant mind and for saving my ass.

“You got her on video from Friday night?” I ask, looking only at Julie.

“I did.”

My attorney asks, “Wait? What? Anna was in your office on Friday? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It would be all hearsay. I didn’t have any witnesses, and it would be my word against hers.”

“What’s on the tape?” the attorney asks.

“Enough to clear James of all allegations,” Julie states candidly.

I look over at Julie. “You’re just finding out about this now?”

“No. We found it last night but it took until this morning for the CCTV guy to get me digital recording from the surveillance camera.”

I want to kiss her but I’m not going there. My face lights up with hope. I look at Parker and then to my attorney. Is it too late to give proof to the board? “Is it too late to show the medical board proof?”

My attorney says, “I hope not.”

“I also have some good news,” I say, looking around the room for Matt. I get worried when I don’t see him.

“You found Matt?” Julie asks.

“Matt called me last night.” I don’t discuss what we talked about.

“Can he help you?”

“Yes, I think so.” I hope so. “He’ll be here today.”

The large double oak doors open and they call my name. “James Parker Taylor. We’re ready.”

My heart beats faster. “Time will tell.” I scan the room looking for Matt when I realize he isn’t here.

“Good luck, Dad.”

“Thank you, Parker and thank you all for being here.” I look around the room before walking through the large oak doors with my attorney by my side. My attorney and I walk into the room, and I see Matt already seated at a mahogany table.