My My Little Prince Page 8

  Campbell stopped and backed up without turning around. He reached her desk in the same position as when he first passed by and he stared into her eyes. In a very low tone while leaning toward her he said to her “perhaps we might have dinner sometime since I am so new in town. I would love to speak to someone that knows the area.”

  His remarks took Mary totally by surprise. She tried to speak and swallow at the same time and nearly choked. She barely got out, “yes, yes sir – er, Dr. Campbell that might be nice.”

  Campbell smiled and thought, “h-m-m, that choking sound is so pleasantly familiar.” He shook his head. “Life is good,” he thought as he smiled and walked around the front desk again toward Nurse Nadia’s office.

  As he turned the corner he saw who he assumed was Nurse Nadia. “Nurse Nadia I presume?”

  “Yes, and you are Dr. Campbell? What a pleasure it is to meet you.”

  Campbell offered his hand, “Well, thank you for your kind words, but, I have to tell you that it's my pleasure, I have been so looking forward to meeting you.”

  She led the way inside her office. “Please have a seat Dr. Campbell.” He gestured for her to sit too. If you remember, we talked a few times in the past couple weeks and I called yesterday about me helping out here for a while doing research for the “PRU ... you remember, Psychology Research United.”

  “Oh yes, of course I remember. Can you please explain a little what the research would be about?”

  “Of course. Generally, we want to study PTSD, and more specifically, the use of cranial inject-able adrenalin immediately following the injury. This seems to be helping by reducing the acute cranial swelling and therefore helps the patient with long-term impairments. And of course, as the patient stabilizes we would follow with mood related drugs; specifically prescribed depending on their mental profile following the injury. We also hope to study patients that have social issues that torment them daily; or even hourly, that as you know will destroy their lives. The head trauma is interesting research, as is the social issue challenge.

  Back to the head trauma, we are trying to determine just exactly when vasoconstriction of the capillary bed is of most benefit to the area of trauma. Is it most beneficial for those patients that have suffered compromised head trauma in non-surgical, pre-surgical, or a post-surgical situation? Or, is it only during surgery?

  “It appears that with constriction of the vesicles the risk of increased pressure is reduced and therefore allows a reduction of the internal pressure, thus reducing the symptomatic complaints of headache, dizziness and most of all seizures.

  “And the big question is; can it be injected directly into the compromised region as a less-invasive procedure or is the reduction of pressure necessary via surgery; you know, by drilling bore holes as the first defence to reduce the intracranial pressure?

  “We both know that even the smallest bore hole affects the grey-matter is such a terrible way. These are fascinating questions to which I can hardly wait to explore. And, if my hypothesis is correct and this procedure can be beneficial to the compromised patient with internal pressure it may prove that the need for surgery is less than we now think. Therefore, this may reduce the need for most seizure medications, allowing the patient to return to a more normal life faster, and without many of the post-surgical complications that we both know complicate the recovery process … not to mention cost the tax paying society millions of dollars.” He grinned, “ -- or in your case, pesos.” Nurse Nadia smiled appreciatively.

  “It is exciting work and we at the ‘PRU’ are so grateful that you would allow us to conduct our study here. If my findings are positive, and I suspect they will be or I would not be here, the results will be published world-wide, ... increasing the exposure to your excellent clinic here I might add.

  In reality, it may change the recommended medical approach to patients that suffer with traumatic subdural as well as epidural hematomas ranging from the very severe cases to the very minor compromises, or as we call them, concussions. I can assure you that this is very exciting to all neurological medical personal. Do you agree?”

  Nurse Nadia looked at him in awe while thinking, “Wow, a world renown research study here in this Hospital, what an opportunity!” She came back to the present and said, “I sure do Dr. Campbell. I have talked to our board members and they are all happy to have you here and have instructed me to help you in any way we can.

  “It´s exciting to have a person, such as you working here, a man, I mean a doctor with your credentials and experience. We are all in shock that you want to volunteer your time here; after all, you must have a million clinics or hospitals that would die to have you on their roster doing such important research.”

  “Thanks Ms. Nadia, you are too kind, it is Ms., right?”

  “Yes it is.”

  Campbell smiled and held her gaze a moment. He tilted his head a little and slowly said, “I apologize, but I took the liberty of looking at your left ring finger and I did not see a ring.”

  She really couldn’t help thinking, “Wow he is amazing, look at that chest, look at those blue eyes, look at … ” She bit her cheek and gently chided herself, “if I am not careful I will look like a fool, come on Nadia, hello ...wake up ... get with the program.”

  She regained her composure and smiled as she thought, “I am going to love working with him. His smile almost makes me want to grab him now and get it over with at this moment. Easy there Naddy.” She had to take a deep breath. She picked up a pen, and grabbed a sheet of paper. She could actually feel her heart rate increase and her hands felt weak as they began to sweat. It was all she could do to stay somewhat alert. She told herself, “You need to relax totally before you make a fool of yourself; ... one, two, three …” she repeated in her mind; “okay, back in focus. Christ, I think I actually swooned!”

  She cleared her throat and smiled self-consciously, “So Dr. Campbell, what do you think of my country so far?”

  Dr. Campbell looked at her. He noted her fiddling with pen and paper even though she had nothing to write. He thought to himself. “Damn, that fucker Sanchez did a great job. I thought I was hot before but now there will be no stopping me!”

  He looked at her, and tilted his head a little, smiling a bit lewdly. He began to talk, then paused and smiled. He answered her question that was obviously asked to allow her time to get her thoughts straight. “Well, Ms. Nadia. To tell you the truth I am intrigued by the beauty of your country and I am so tired of working in the cold. I owe it to myself to live in paradise and call it a job.”

  “That is our good fortune Dr. Campbell,” she said with a smile. “I am so glad to hear that ... and I know our staff, and even some of our patients will be thrilled when they hear that you are actually here. We are all so excited and hope to learn so much from you.”

  He looked at her and said, “perhaps we could have dinner some night. You know that I’m new in the city and perhaps you could give me some tips as to where the action is. I do need a social life too, you know. All work and no play makes Dr. Campbell a dull boy.” He showed his pearly whites and reached over and tapped her ring finger lightly.

  She felt her heart start to pound again and barely get the words out, “yes … of course, uh, that would be nice. Uh, ok, when?” He smiled as she interrupted herself quickly and said “I mean, when, when would you, like to, uh, see the clinic?”

  Campbell thought, “man; this is so easy; a photo copy of a degree, a few BS letters of recommendation and the art of BS itself and I´m in. What a bunch of freak'n idiots! I´m in! It’s show time once again.” As he was thinking of how easy it was to get on staff at the clinic he asked himself how long it would take to learn to be a good enough doctor to fool them in the United States. “Not long,” he said to himself.

  Nurse Nadia had gained her composure again. She spoke and asked Campbell if he would like a glass of water.

  He had a little stunned look on his face for a second as he came back from what he
was thinking. “Uh, yes it will be great to be here.”

  “No, Dr. Campbell, I asked if you would like a glass of water.”

  “Oh, yes, yes please; that would be great too. But first I must thank you for your hospitality."

  “You know, I´ve worked many years doing research and many times in areas that I did not really like or was not overly interested in. And at times, I felt like I was waiting for a time when I could do my research and give something back to mankind that I felt was worthwhile and fun to do.

  “Thanks to you, I now can do that and do it in an environment that has palm trees and beautiful weather and lovely ladies like you. Thank you for that. Imagine, right here with you, in paradise. I’m certainly a lucky man. God has graced me with you, this clinic and the opportunity to serve mankind. It is a great to be alive isn’t it Ms. Nadia?”

  “Yes it is,” she blushed at his directness and enthusiasm.

  “Nurse Nadia, one last thing,; may I say one last thing?”

  “Of course!”

  “We, at ‘PRU’ really want to understand the ways of the post traumatic mentally ill. And I hope to learn so much. You have no idea how much this means to me and I truly feel that I will learn so much here.

  “I feel as if I will be starting from the beginning and learning how to become a doctor all over again. I know that I have an incredible amount to learn from the doctors here; and you nurses too of course. It will be a great adventure and experience for me to be here and I have to thank you so much for the opportunity you have afforded me. From the bottom of my heart I thank you.”

  “Dr. Campbell you embarrass me. You are the internationally renowned intellectual here! Please, don’t embarrass yourself. I am so proud to have you here. And as the lead nurse here I will be working with you directly. Would you like me to show you around as we talk?”

  “Please do,” he replied.

  “We try very hard to provide the best care here, but as you know we are a poor country and our resources are very limited.”

  “Yes I know. It’s a shame, but I understand. Regardless of the resources you have, it will be great to work with such a great staff and especially you. Please give me the tour.”

  “Let´s have you meet Dr. Pierre first. He is the Psychiatric Department Head for Research and Therapy. He is a very nice man, about your height and size. You almost have the same smile.” She gave a little embarrassed smile. “You know, when I first saw you outside my office door I thought it was him ... uncanny actually.” She shrugged her pretty shoulders and laughed again. “I’m sure that you will like each other. He will be the one you contact if you need anything in that department, which I am sure you will.”

  “Oh there he is now. Dr. Pierre, can I have a moment”?

  “Of course Nurse Nadia.”

  “Doctor, this is Doctor Campbell, you remember the doctor that we spoke of from the ‘PRU’? He will be here doing research on the post traumatic hematoma patients. He is so gracious to be volunteering here.”

  “Oh yes, of course I remember. It is a pleasure to meet you doctor. Please excuse the faults we have here. You know we are a poor country, but we try. Perhaps we can go to dinner soon and discuss your research.” Both men were a little dumbstruck at the resemblance.

  “I´d love that,” Campbell replied.

  “Ok, great, we will do that very soon then,” Pierre said.

  “Yes, that would be great. One question Doctor Pierre; where did you learn your English? I was told you were from Haiti.”

  “Yes, but my parents were missionaries from New York and we moved there when I was very young.”

  “Ah, that explains the slight New York accent.”

  “Yes, a Haitian with a NY accent here is not normal. Please do not hold that against me,” he said with a smile and a slight laugh. “What do you say, dinner at my house soon Doctor Campbell?”

  “I’m at your service sir,” Campbell replied.

  “OK then, we’ll set a date very soon.” Pierre said as he began walking down the hallway.

  Campbell looked at Nadia, “Let´s continue the tour now Nurse Nadia.”

  “Perfect.” She opened a door and held it back for him. They entered a long hall with heavy oak doors flanking both sides. “Down this hall is where most of your patients stay. They are heavily medicated as they generally try to hurt themselves if not. Of course the majority have all had traumatic subdural hematomas and as you know are suffering from the effects of the internal pressure or the effects of brain damage. Many of whom have had surgery and the results are not as we would like.

  “Most will not make much sense when they speak although they might be intelligent in other areas.” She stopped and bumped her forehead with the ball of her fist. “Jeesh, why am I telling you this?” she laughed, “you are the expert. So, as you know then, the result of brain trauma combined with years of mental confusion is not a good combination. It is a shame that we have to, in essence, lock them up and keep them heavily sedated.”

  “Yes, Nurse Nadia, if my research proves correct, maybe we can avoid these conditions in many patients in the future.”

  “Now that would truly be great.” She said with a smile, “and then we have some patients here that have other problems. Their problems are not related to physical trauma, but to years of child abuse or other occurrences. Many of these remain hidden within their minds. They generally come out as fits of rage, resulting in damage of property or physical harm. All are bipolar; you know, picking flowers one moment and holding a knife the other.”

  He looked at Nurse Nadia and said, “It’s all such a shame. Would I be able to visit some of those patients? I know it is not within the primary focus of my research, but as I explained before, we are also very curious about patients with chronic abuse issues. You know; the bipolar patient that might be dangerous to themselves and mankind.” He gave her a small wink and a smile as if it might be a little amusing to her.

  “Doctor, I’m not sure what you are hinting at, but I’m sure you mean the best for our patients.”

  “oh no ... of course, I was just ... oh I apologize. I meant nothing. Personally I have a great interest in the bipolar patients and I would like to learn more. About the records, will I be able to have access to the records as I need them?”

  “Why of course doctor. You can have access to whatever you want here; to all records and all of the facility ... and all the faculty” She looked down at the floor. “Please feel at home.”

  “You are so kind Ms. Nadia. Thanks so much for the tour. And again, I apologize for my inappropriateness a moment ago” he smiled.

  “Oh, think nothing of that, understand. They are all crazy.” She lowered her head again, this time with a slight smile. “Yes they are!

  “Of course Doctor, it’s my pleasure for sure. Please let me know if you need anything at all while you are here.”

  Dr. Campbell looked at Nurse Nadia and without any concern of his being, he blurted, “OK then, I will. To start with I will need a list of all the patients; what meds they are taking, and why they are here. I’ll need their basic history and if they did anything criminal. And I especially want the list of their meds and why they are taking them.”

  “Yes sir,” she responded, “right away.” She was slightly confused by his quick demand for the records. “I will have the records department get that information ready for you ASAP, hopefully within the week. You can start immediately if you do not mind going to the records department and asking for any specific file you might need. When would you like to start?”

  “I´ll be here bright and early tomorrow morning, I’m a bit tired today. I am going to go back to my hotel and get some rest and maybe make a phone call or two.”

  9

  “Hello?” Michelle said as she answered the phone. A second later she turned and looked at her mother with a look of horror. She put her hand over the mouth piece and said in a shaky voice, “it’s him; I know it is, what should I do?”

 
“Hang up,” her mom screamed.

  Michelle screamed into the phone, “Oh my god ... who are you? Why are you calling?”

  “loose ends, don’t you just hate loose ends?” And then the phone went dead.

  Tears welled in her eyes. Michelle looked at her mother and said, “It´s Smitty again Mom. He said he is coming to get us. I know it was him! He´s watching us. He found us again and he´s going to kill us. I hate you for bringing him into our life, our home. You knew all along that he was dangerous and has killed and you ignored it and tried to pretend what you had heard was not true. Well it was true and you have ruined our lives”.

  “Shut up Michelle … just shut up. We´ll be ok! He’s not going to do anything. It’s been too long and he was just saying that shit to scare us. He gets off on scaring us!” She tried to calm her by changing the subject. “Come on, take it easy … it's your birthday, let's have some fun! Come on, they are waiting for us.”

  Evon took a deep breath. She reached out and tucked a stray tress of hair behind her daughter’s ear and attempted to lean toward her to hug her. “Please don’t tell Sherine that he called, OK? You know she’ll just get upset and it will take weeks for her to calm down. It’s just better left unsaid!”

  Michelle pushed her mother back and said, “It is always the same, isn’t it Mom? Just pretend it doesn’t exist. When are you going to wake up and face it? He will kill us and we all know it.”