Mindbend

“It depends from whose point of view you’re talking about.” He pointed toward the treatment room. “Jennifer might feel differently. To delay at this point would be cruel for her. She’s already been through more than enough.”

Adam realized he was losing the battle. Desperately, he sought some way to get through to the doctor.

“Now,” Vandermer said firmly. “Why don’t you go down to the lounge and wait. I’ll be there shortly.”

“No,” shouted Adam, blocking the way. “You haven’t heard everything.”

“Adam!” shouted Dr. Vandermer. “Move out of my way or I’ll be forced to have you removed.”

“Listen, I think some of the people running the cruise have had psychosurgery. I’m telling you the truth. They had scars on the sides of their heads. Right here.” Adam reached out to touch the spot he meant on Vandermer’s head. When he did, he jumped back in horror. Tiny ridged lines were on either side of the doctor’s skull. Adam could just see the healing incisions. Dr. Vandermer reacted angrily.

“This has gone far enough.” He opened the door and motioned for the two orderlies to take Adam away. “Please show Mr. Schonberg down to the lounge. He can wait there if he behaves himself, but if he gives you any trouble, call Psychiatry.”

Adam put up his hands. “I won’t cause any trouble,” he said softly. The last thing he wanted was to be given some kind of tranquilizer. He realized that if Vandermer had undergone some sort of psychosurgery, there was no way he could be persuaded of Arolen’s treachery.

“May I speak to my wife?” he said.

Dr. Vandermer eyed Adam for a moment and then shook his head. “I don’t think it is in Jennifer’s best interests, but I will let her make the decision.”

He opened the door to the treatment room and stepped inside. Jennifer pushed herself up on her elbow. “What is happening?” she asked anxiously.

Dr. Vandermer briefly described his scene with Adam, ending with Adam’s request to talk with her. “He seems to have been unable to deal with the stress of your pregnancy”

was the only thing Vandermer had to offer by way of an opinion.

“Well, he certainly hasn’t made the situation any easier for me,” said Jennifer. “I’m sorry he’s caused you so much trouble.”

“There’s no need to apologize,” said Dr. Vandermer. “I think we should get on with the procedure. You can deal with Adam when we are done.”

Jennifer nodded. “Why did he have to come back? You’re right. I don’t think I can handle Adam just now. Why don’t you just go ahead while I’m still in control?”

Dr. Vandermer smiled reassuringly and motioned for the nurse to begin setting up again. Then he returned to the anteroom and told Adam that Jennifer would speak to him afterward.

Adam realized there was no use in protesting further.

Numbly, he followed the orderlies down the corridor.

Dr. Vandermer rescrubbed and went back into the treatment room. Picking up the hypodermic, he gave Jennifer the local anesthetic. He was just about to begin the procedure when the door opened again.

“Dr. Vandermer, I’m afraid you’ll have to hold up on this case.”

Jennifer opened her eyes. Standing at the door was a stocky woman dressed in a scrub suit. Jennifer didn’t recognize her, but Dr. Vandermer did. It was Helen Clark, director of the ORs at the Julian Clinic.

“We have just been served with an emergency restraining order. We cannot proceed with Jennifer Schonberg’s abortion.”

“On what grounds?” asked an astonished Dr. Vandermer.

“I don’t know the details,” said Mrs. Clark, “but it is signed by a New York Supreme Court judge.”

Dr. Vandermer shrugged and turned back to Jennifer.

“Don’t do anything foolish,” warned Mrs. Clark. “Defying a court order would get us all in trouble.”

“This is ridiculous,” said Dr. Vandermer. “Litigation in the operating room.” But he took off his mask and gloves.

Seeing that he was about to leave, Jennifer bit down on her lower lip to keep from screaming.

• • •

After Vandermer had thrown him out of the treatment room, Adam had immediately phoned Emmet Redford. The lawyer told him that he’d called in an old favor and had gotten a restraining order. It was on its way to the clinic as they spoke. Adam went back to the lounge, praying that the papers would be served in time. Seeing Mrs. Carson bent over a magazine, he took a chair out of her line of vision.

Less than five minutes later a nurse hurried over to Mrs.

Carson. She bent and whispered something to the older woman who then threw up her hands and cried, “Her abortion has been canceled!”

Adam felt like cheering until he heard Jennifer’s sobs as she was wheeled down the corridor. He and Mrs. Carson both ran over to her and ended up standing on opposite sides of the gurney.

“Jennifer,” said Adam, grasping her hand. “Everything is going to be all right.”

She wrenched her hand away, crying hysterically, “Leave me alone. You’ve gone crazy. Leave me alone.”

Adam stepped away and sadly watched the gurney continue down the corridor.

“Are you responsible for this disaster?” sputtered Mrs.

Carson.