14

 

A couple blocks away, Ed pulled into a convenience store parking lot and maneuvered the car close to the public phone. “We’ll look Dr. Morgan up in the directory.” He brought the chained phone book to the car window and thumbed through the well-worn yellow pages.

Cora sat in silence as diesel fumes of a passing Valley Metro Bus permeated the car. The noxious smell and sight of the Phoenix bus was a reminder of yesterday’s harrowing experience. She retrieved a tissue from the outer pocket of her purse and lifted it to cover her nose against the unpleasant odor.

He ran his finger down the list of doctors names and slowly recited, “Ma-jors...Mel-cher...Moore...here it is. Dr. Jefferson Morgan.” He peered at his wife. “He’s a neurologist. What a coincidence, his office is even on this very street.” He pointed north. “Seems it’s only a few blocks that way.”

Her resolve slipped another degree. Cora was about to hyperventilate. She drew a long, deep breath and slowly released it. A mixed bag of emotions, ranging from curiosity to outright alarm swelled within her. She simply couldn’t wrap her mind around the bizarre lunch with all the confusion and onlookers. The waiter and the owner both knew her, but she couldn’t place them. To top it all off was Ed’s firm accusation of her extramarital affair. And now, they were about to come face to face with Dr. Casanova himself.

Cora licked her dry lips, and silently prayed, Heavenly Father, I’ve ignored You and don’t deserve Your protection, but please hold my hand through this.

A comforting voice answered from within, I’ve promised to go before you, Cora. I’ll make the crooked ways straight. Put your hand in Mine.

She’d taken a step closer to God, and closed her eyes in an attempt to embrace His promise.

“It must be up here on the right.” Ed turned his signal on. “Well, there’s the sign.”

When they arrived at the medical building, Ed pulled their car into the parking garage. He immediately grabbed the first available spot, turned off the engine, and bowed his head. “We’re unsure of the outcome, Lord, but we’re placing it in Your hands. Have Your way and use it for the glory of Your kingdom. Amen.”

Ed’s car door closed with a jarring thump, and brought Cora out of her daunting thoughts. He helped her from the car and then held her close. They walked in silence and a lump formed in Cora’s throat as she contemplated what might be in store for them.

 

****

 

They noticed the roster of the medical staff, and looked for Dr. Morgan’s floor. Cora also found the name of Herschel Keith.

“There, Dr. Keith. He’s the one I saw yesterday.”

Ed was perplexed as he pushed the button for the elevator and nodded. “Yeah, I saw it.” Cora hadn’t recognized the very building she was in the previous day and yet, hadn’t forgotten the doctor’s name. Was this inconsistency a part of Alzheimer’s? His stomach knotted. Had the tension and trauma of the last few weeks caused the onset of the disease to accelerate? She seemed to forget actual events, and even people in her life.

Once they reached the right floor, Cora whispered, “I need to stop in the ladies’ room for a minute and gather my thoughts. This is all happening too fast.”

Ed understood since he fought his own battle with Satan’s trap of doubts. However, he did see Cora with Dr. Morgan at the Pegasi. The next few minutes with the doctor would test their marriage. “While you powder your nose, I’ll go on down to Morgan’s office and tell them we’d like to have a word with him. Just don’t take too long? They might fit us in between patients.”

He entered the crowded waiting room. The pleasant receptionist looked up from her computer screen as he confidently walked to the window. “I wonder if it’s possible to speak briefly with Dr. Morgan? I understand he’s a busy man, but it’s imperative that we see him. I promise it won’t take long.”

“It might be a few minutes, sir. Fortunately, we had a cancellation. May I tell him your name and the nature of your visit?”

“The name is Timms, Ed Timms.” He paused. Being a celebrity did have its perks. “We’re here to speak with him on a very personal matter. We’ll wait over here.”

He turned and found two empty seats next to a middle-aged man with curly red hair. The man had a gnome-like appearance and was dressed in bright plaid walking shorts. His pale legs were stretched out and ankles crossed. This drew attention to his over-sized, light blue athletic shoes and black socks. He nodded as Ed sat down.

The eccentric man’s eyes widened as he eagerly sat up straight. He wiped his hand on his rumpled shirt, and then held it out. “Squeak Flannigan, here. I heard you tell Betty your name is Ed Timms. I know who you are.” His Mickey Mouse voice sounded like an adolescent. “I’m a big fan of yours. Folks are always telling me I should be a pro golfer like Steady Eddie. Our styles are so similar.” He poked Ed in the ribs. “Once my carpal tunnel heals, I’ll give you a run for your money.”

Ed stared slack-jawed, and wished he hadn’t been so quick to stress his famous name to the receptionist. “Thank you. Always nice to meet a fan.” With Cora’s problems on his mind, the last thing he wanted to do was to become entangled in a petty conversation. The man had pink shoelaces, for crying out loud. Ed picked up a Golf Digest from the table in front of him, and rolled it into a tight cylinder. The rusty-haired man rambled on about his triumphs on the links.

A few minutes later, Cora walked into the waiting room and searched for him. Ed stood to get her attention as the receptionist peered out the office window and waved at her.

“Hey hon,” she called to Cora, “I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to be out. You sure gave us quite a scare yesterday. Dr. Jeff’s with a patient. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

Ed and Cora exchanged glances. His eyebrows rose as he stared at his wife. Cora had been so adamant about not knowing Dr. Morgan. How could he believe her version of the story now? Pushing his doubts aside and trusting her wasn’t getting any easier now that the receptionist knew her, too.

A glazed look of discouragement spread over Cora’s face as she took a well-worn magazine from the rack. Ed moved over so she could be a buffer between him and his flamboyant fan. She sat between the two, and pulled on Ed’s arm. “That lady knows me, too. I feel like a Ping-Pong ball bouncing around the Twilight Zone.”

Ed took her hand and kissed it reassuringly. The possibility of Alzheimer’s had become a painful reality, and he was determined to be strong and supportive. “Everything will be fine. It’ll be over soon and we can go home.” He wished he had more faith in those words.

Soft giggles came from behind the window at the front desk. Ed noticed Dr. Morgan’s staff witnessed their romantic exchange.

“So, is this the wife?” Squeak nodded to Cora. “She’s quite a looker, Steady.” He grabbed her hand and juicily kissed her palm. “They call me Squeak. I’ve seen you here before. What’s your name, Doll?”

She pulled her hand away. “Hello, Mr. Squeak, I’m Mrs. Steady.”

“Ooh, a sense of humor. I like that in a dame.” The high-pitched voice rang out. “Hey Doll, you got an available sister?”

She turned to Ed’s Technicolor fan and gave an icy reply. “I don’t have any sisters.”

Mercifully, the nurse called, “Mr. Flannigan.”

“Oh no,” he whined. “I’ve gotta go, just when we were getting to know each other.” He licked two fingers and reached into his shirt pocket. “Here’s my card, Steady. Squeak Flannigan, used car salesman. If you ever need new wheels, I’m your man.” Squeak stood and vigorously shook his idol’s hand. “Gimme a call, buddy, and we’ll play a few rounds.” He winked at Cora, and turned to follow the nurse.

Ed shook his head, relieved to see the man leave the waiting room and disappear down the hallway. He leaned over to Cora, and whispered, “We’re broadening our Twilight Zone, Toots. In a single afternoon, we’ve gone from a cheeky Greek to a squeaky geek.”

His lighthearted comment brought unexpected snorts of laughter from Cora. Ed matched her, snort for snort. The onlookers exchanged glances and the waiting room erupted in laughter.

Nearly a half hour had passed as Ed feigned interest in the dog-eared pages of Golf Digest and Cora flipped through a nine-month-old Ladies’ Day. The waiting room had thinned out considerably.

Finally, a nurse called to them. “I’ll take you to Dr. Jeff’s office.”

“Thank you.” Ed helped Cora stand, and hand-in-hand, the two of them followed the petite young lady back to the doctor’s private office.

“He’ll be with you in just a minute.” With a sly grin and a giggle, the nurse quietly closed the door.

Ed glanced around the physician’s highly polished retreat, and tried to envisage the man from the objects displayed in his office. His numerous diplomas and certificates told of his impressive educational background. Together, they studied the neatly framed document from Harvard School of Medicine.

They settled into the wing-backed chairs to await the doctor’s arrival. Tension mounted at every little noise outside the door. Cora gulped. “Think it’s too late to join the Witness Protection Program?”

Ed reached over and softly brushed his fingers against her cheek. “Won’t be long now,” he said. “We’re going to face this thing together, whatever it is.” Once again he wrestled with his anger. Was he prepared to confront the man who wanted his wife? Another thought hit him. Or was the good doctor taking advantage of her illness to get to her wealth? In either case, it would be good to get to the bottom of it.

The dignified-looking Jefferson Morgan, with a neatly trimmed salt and pepper beard, entered the room. A maroon necktie added a splash of color against the stark white of the handsome physician’s shirt and medical coat. “Mr. Timms?” He stretched out his hand in formal greeting. “Wait, aren’t you Steady Eddie, the golf pro?” His eyes reflected the admiration of a true sports fan.

Ed got to his feet and reluctantly stepped closer to his wife’s supposed Lothario. “Yes, I am.” He glanced over at Cora, concealed behind the wing of her chair.

“Well, this is a real pleasure,” the doctor said. “My nurses said there was a big surprise waiting in my office. I never would’ve guessed it was you.” He pumped Ed’s hand. “Dad and I used to watch your tournaments all the time. Please sit down. Now, what can I do for you?”

Ed chose to remain standing. “We hope you can answer some questions.” He nodded in the direction of his wife, who timidly peeked from behind her cushioned refuge.

Morgan’s gaze followed the older man’s stare. The chair’s oxblood leather upholstery creaked as Cora slowly stood and faced him.

As he took a deep breath, Ed waited for his world to crash down around him.

The neurologist stared in shock. “What on earth are you doing here, Mom?” He quickly closed the gap between them.