And the fact that he had resorted to such deception made it clear that his problem was more extensive than Cassi had allowed herself to believe.
His behavior had been so normal this last week she let herself hope that he had already begun to control his abuse. Perhaps they could talk further when they were away.
“I have some bad news,” said Thomas, breaking into her thoughts.
Cassi turned. She saw his eyes flick over at her for the briefest instant as if to make certain he had her attention.
“Before I left the OR today I got a call from a hospital in Rhode Island. They’re bringing in a patient for emergency surgery tonight. I tried to get someone else to take the case because I wanted to be with you, but there was no one available. In fact, after I make sure you’re comfortable, I’ll have to be on my way.”
Cassi didn’t respond. She was almost glad Thomas would stay over at the hospital. It would give her a chance to decide what to do. Maybe she could document the amount of drugs Thomas was taking. There was still the chance he’d stopped.
“You do understand?” asked Thomas. “I didn’t have any choice about it.”
“I understand,” said Cassi.
Thomas drove up to the house, insisting on getting out and opening the car door for Cassi. It was something he hadn’t bothered to do since their first dates.
As soon as they were inside, Thomas insisted that she go directly up to the morning room.
“Where is Harriet?” asked Cassi when Thomas followed her with a pitcher of ice water.
“She took the afternoon off to visit her aunt,” said Thomas. “But don’t worry. I’m sure she made something for you to eat.”
Cassi wasn’t worried. She could certainly make herself dinner, but it seemed odd not to have Mrs. Summer bustling about.
“What about Patricia?” asked Cassi.
“I’ll take care of everything,” said Thomas. “I want you to relax.”
Cassi lay back on the chaise and allowed Thomas to settle a comforter over her lap. With her backlog of psychiatric reading at her fingertips, she had plenty to do.
“Can I get you anything else?” asked Thomas.
Cassi shook her head.
Thomas bent and kissed her forehead. Before he left he dropped a travel folder in her lap.
Cassi opened it and found two American Airlines tickets.
“Something for you to look forward to while I’m gone. Meanwhile, get a good night’s sleep.”
Cassi reached up and put her arms around Thomas’s neck. She hugged him with as much force as she could muster.
Thomas disappeared into the connecting bathroom, being careful to close the door quietly. Cassi heard the toilet flush. When he reappeared, he kissed her again and told her he’d call after surgery if it wasn’t too late.
After a quick stop in the study as well as the living room and kitchen, Thomas was ready to go.
With Cassi back home from her stay in the hospital, Thomas felt better than he had for many days. He even looked forward to surgery, hoping it would be a challenging case. But before he could be on his way, he had one more job: to see his mother.
Thomas rang her bell and waited while Patricia came down the stairs. She was pleased to see him until he told her he was returning directly to the hospital.
“I brought Cassi home today,” he said.
“Well, you know Harriet’s off. I hope you’re not expecting me to look after her.”
“She’s fine, Mother. I just want you to leave her alone. I don’t want you going over there tonight and upsetting her.”
“Don’t worry. I certainly won’t go where I’m not wanted,” said Patricia, contrary to the last.
Thomas walked away without saying anything more. A few minutes later, he climbed into his car and, after wiping his hands on the rag he kept under the front seat, started the engine. He looked forward to the drive back to Boston, knowing there would be very little traffic. Carefully he eased the powerful car out into the crisp afternoon air.
Arriving at the hospital. Thomas was pleased there was a spot next to the attendant’s booth. He called a loud hello as he climbed from the car. He went into the hospital and took the elevator directly up to surgery.