Kristin Lindquist had had all the frustration she could deal with that day.
“I was told that I’d be seen immediately,” she said, and went on to tell the receptionist that she’d experienced a headache, dizziness, and changes in her vision that morning, so that she really could not wait like she had the day before. “Please tell Ms. Blackman right away that I’m here. She’d phoned me and promised there would be no delay.”
Kristin turned and made her way over to a chair across from Philips. She moved slowly, like a person unsure of her balance.
Ellen Cohen rolled her eyes when she caught Philips’, suggesting that the girl was unreasonably demanding, but she did get up to find the nurse. Martin turned to look at Kristin. His mind was busy making associations between atypical Pap smears and vague neurological symptoms. Kristin had closed her eyes so Philips could look at her without making her feel self-conscious. He guessed she was about twenty. Quickly Philips opened Katherine Collins’ chart and rapidly flipped through the pages until he’d found the initial neurological note. Headache, dizziness, and visual symptoms were described as the presenting complaints.
He looked back at Kristin Lindquist. Could this woman in front of him be another case with the same radiological picture? Philips felt it was possible. With all the difficulties he’d encountered trying to get more X rays on the other patients, the idea of finding a new case was enormously seductive. He could take all the proper X rays right from the beginning.
Needing no more encouragement, he walked over and tapped Kristin on the shoulder. She jumped in surprise and brushed a wisp of blond hair from her face. The fear in her expression gave her a particularly vulnerable appearance and Martin suddenly became aware of the girl’s beauty.
Choosing his words carefully, Martin introduced himself, saying he was from the Department of Radiology, and that he’d overheard her describe her symptoms to the receptionist. He told her that he had seen X rays on four girls with similar problems and felt it might be to her advantage to have an X ray. He was careful to emphasize that it was purely precautionary and that she should not be alarmed.
For Kristin, the hospital was full of surprises. On her first visit the day before she’d been kept waiting for hours. Now she was confronted by a doctor who was apparently soliciting patients.
“I’m not very fond of hospitals,” she said. She wanted to add doctors, but it seemed too disrespectful.
“To tell you the truth, I feel the same way,” said Philips. He smiled. He’d taken an immediate liking to this attractive young woman and he felt protective. “But an X ray wouldn’t take long.”
“I still feel ill and I think it would be best if I get home as quickly as possible.”
“It will be quick,” said Philips. “I can promise you that. One film. I’ll take you over myself.”
Kristin hesitated. On the one hand she detested the hospital. On the other hand she still felt ill and she was susceptible to Philips’ concern.
“How about it?” he said persistently.
“All right,” said Kristin finally.
“Wonderful. How long will you be here at the clinic?”
“I don’t know. They said not long.”
“Good. Don’t leave without me,” said Martin.
Within minutes Kristin was called. Almost simultaneously another door opened and Dr. Harper emerged.
Philips recognized Harper as one of the residents he’d seen on occasion in and around the hospital. He’d never met the man but his polished head was hard to forget. Philips got up and introduced himself. There was an awkward pause. As a resident, Harper did not have an office and since both examining rooms were occupied, there was no place to talk. They ended up in the narrow corridor.
“What can I do for you?” asked Harper, somewhat suspiciously. It was bizarre for the Assistant Director of Neuroradiology to be visiting Gynecology, since their interests and expertise lay at opposite ends of the medical spectrum.
Philips began his questioning in rather vague terms, expressing an interest in the way the clinic was manned, how long Harper had been there, and whether he enjoyed it. Harper’s responses were abrupt and his small eyes darted over Philips’ face as he explained that the university’s clinic was a two-month elective rotation for a senior resident, adding that it had become a symbolic stepping-stone for being asked to join the staff following completion of the residency.