A Family Affair - Next of Kin (3 page)

He checked in with the receptionist, “Hello. Tom Bradley for an eleven-thirty appointment.”

She looked up as if she was about to speak, but nothing came out of her mouth, and it hung open in a strange manner.

“Is everything okay?” he asked.

The receptionist found her voice. “When I saw your name, I thought... I thought it must be a different Tom Bradley, but it is you. You’re so handsome in real life.” She was gushing.

“Dr Walsh has been our family’s physician for many years,” Tom replied, looking away out of embarrassment.

“Oh,” she said, suddenly uncomfortable. She regretted reacting the way she had. “I’m sorry. Please don’t say anything to Dr Walsh about our conversation.”

“I won’t.”

The receptionist regained her composure and resumed speaking in her normal professional manner. “Thank you. Please take a seat, Tom... I mean Mr Bradley.” Her eyes appraised his every move, and seemed to like what they saw. She gave him an awkward, but bubbly smile, and touched the ends of her hair. “Dr Walsh is on time today, and he won’t be too much longer.”

“Thank you, Simone,” he said, reading her nametag.

She beamed at him in response.

Women sometimes reacted that way to him, although such occurrences were decreasing as he approached forty. Of course, their reactions meant nothing to him besides mild amusement. Even before he met Ellen, he would never have taken advantage of a young woman who was impressed by his reputation or wealth. In fact, he had always preferred to date women who were unaware of these things. In any case, no woman had ever affected him the way that Ellen still did. It didn’t matter that she’d had his child, or that they’d been married for over eight months now. Every time he saw her it felt like that first time when he’d discovered her modelling at Satinol. That moment would always be memorable. His heart had stopped for a split second, struck equally by her beauty and his own sense of longing. She was the only woman in the entire world for him.

Tom took a seat in the corner and waited to be called.

It only took a few minutes before the man came into sight. Dr Walsh walked a patient to the reception desk, shook the man’s hand and returned to his office.

It wouldn’t be long now. Tom might well know the truth before the hour was out. Why had Dr Walsh produced a fake paternity test result for Ellen?  Perhaps knowing the answer to this question would help to unravel the other questions which haunted Tom. Why had Kane been told he was infertile? Why had Colleen been mysteriously killed in a bank robbery that had demanded no money? Why hadn’t the police caught Ted Blake? Who was manipulating his life and concealing every action so well?

Dr Walsh returned after a moment, and looked around the waiting room. Their eyes met. “Tom,” he said. By the look on Dr Walsh’s face, this was not a happy surprise. The doctor tried to conceal his earlier reaction with a smile, but it was too late. His true feelings had already been exposed.

All doubt was removed from Tom’s mind. Dr Walsh was involved. He knew exactly what was going on. He knew the name of the person Tom wanted to identify. Perhaps he had been paid off, or maybe not. Dr Walsh’s motive was still unclear. But by his expression, he knew that Tom was here to ask the questions he didn’t want to answer. It was show time.

Tom moved quickly, his determined strides putting him face-to-face with Dr Walsh within a few seconds. In a gesture designed to relax the doctor, he put out his hand. After all, Tom was not here to cause any trouble. He was only here for the truth. “Good to see you again, Douglas,” Tom said warmly, putting his second hand on top of Dr Walsh’s right hand.

“You too, Tom. Come in, come in. It’s been a while, yes?”

“It has.”

“Come this way.” Dr Walsh led Tom into his office and directed him towards a seat. He nervously resumed his own seat behind the desk. He looked curious and tense, but he smiled broadly at Tom. He was a terrible actor, and Tom could tell how uneasy he was. “So, how is everything, Tom? I trust the family is well.”

“The family is very well. Thank you.”

“So, what can I do for you today?”

Tom leaned forward and looked Dr Walsh directly in the eye. He paused for a few moments to ensure he had the full attention of the doctor. “I’ve come here for the truth, Douglas. I know that Kane Jarrad is the biological father of my son Angus. I know that Kane Jarrad is certainly not sterile, as you told him. I know you fabricated a false test result when my wife sought confirmation of my son’s paternity.” His voice got louder with every new accusation. “There are certain facts I know, Douglas. You certainly lied - there is no doubt of that. What I don’t know is why. You wouldn’t have done so without a very good reason. I know there must be someone else involved! I need to know who it is. Tell me the truth, damn it!”

Dr Walsh froze with the accusation hanging in the air between them.

Tom could see the guilt written on Dr Walsh’s face. He was involved. He was guilty of the allegations. In only a few seconds, Dr Walsh’s lips would confirm his suspicions, and Tom would know why he had been manipulated in such a way. More importantly, he would learn who was behind the lies. The truth was going to come out and set his family free.

Dr Walsh looked away, shaking his head so that Tom would think he was denying the accusation. On the inside however, he was panicking, trying desperately not to reveal his alarm. Of course it was all true. Of course he had lied about the paternity test, and about Kane Jarrad’s fertility. He hadn’t wanted to. Lying went against every principle a doctor held dear. But he had been forced to do so at gunpoint. Hayden Joseph had threatened him, and Dr Walsh had lied to save his own life.

How had the truth come out so quickly? There should have been more time before the lie was detected. Dr Walsh desired to live, but Hayden would be back for a visit if the truth came out, and he would not be pleased. He would bring the gun back, and this time he might use it.

But then Dr Walsh saw another way out of the situation. Perhaps it wasn’t as dire as he first suspected. Tom was here based on his suspicions only, and had no real proof that Dr Walsh had deliberately misled Ellen and Kane. He didn’t seem to know anything about Hayden, and had more questions than answers.

Dr Walsh poured himself a glass of water, and tried to steady his nerves. “Can I offer you a drink, Tom?”

“You can answer my questions, Douglas.”

Dr Walsh reminded himself that he was the doctor - the person with authority and knowledge in this situation. He needed to remain true to the story, and deny all foul play to the end. “You say you know these things, Tom, but I don’t see how that could be true.”

“Don’t play coy with me, Douglas.”

“It’s true that your wife came to see me, but you know I can’t discuss anything from that meeting with you here today. There is a code of patient confidentiality that I must respect. Now if you would like to bring your wife in...”

“All of a sudden you have developed some sort of ethical standard,” Tom roared, cutting him off. “Ellen gave me a copy of your test result which showed that Kane was not Angus’ father. She believed it was true because she trusted you. You’re a doctor - and one of the best. My family has seen you for many years. Your profession is trusted by people all around the world. But you fabricated a test result, Douglas. You told Kane he was infertile, but you made that up too. Do you know he fathered another child since being lied to? Who knows how many other women have been impregnated? Isn’t lying to your patients against some code of ethics you doctors are supposed to hold dear?” Tom’s face was turning red from this angry tirade.

Dr Walsh understood why Tom was feeling the way he was, and wanted to sympathise, but his life was on the line. He needed to stay true to the lie that Hayden had created. Tom could learn nothing from him. Dr Walsh steadied himself. “Tom, you need to understand that doctors aren’t infallible. I’m not perfect. Laboratories aren’t flawless.
If
a mistake has been made, then we should address it, rather than throwing accusations around. I will do everything in my power to understand if a mistake has been made.” It sounded convincing, and Dr Walsh was pleased with himself.

“If...?” Tom yelled. “Let me tell you - I have already had a second paternity test performed by a reputable physician who is not under the influence of whoever is controlling you. I know that Angus is Kane’s child. To see my baby, it is clear as day who the father is, but I want you to know that I still love him. His unfortunate paternity won’t change anything to me. Elle thinks he is ours...”

“You haven’t told your own wife what you believe?” Dr Walsh was surprised by that fact. It was a hopeful sign though. If Tom was the only person who knew the truth, then perhaps this development would not find its way back to Hayden after all.

“No, I don’t want to hurt her. It’s just you and I who know the truth. And whoever else is involved in this, of course.”

“You keep saying that, Tom. Who do you think could possibly be involved? I’m beginning to think you might be showing signs of paranoia. I can recommend someone for you to see if you like; someone who is better equipped to deal with these matters.”

“I don’t need to see a shrink. I can see the truth written all over your face, Douglas. You’re a terrible liar. You can deny it until you turn blue for all I care. It won’t change the facts. Do you have any idea of the chain of events started by this lie? Who made you do it? You might as well tell me.”

Dr Walsh shook his head. Tom could continue asking for as long as he liked, but Dr Walsh would not reveal his secret. “I really don’t know what you mean, Tom. I think I’m going to have to ask you to leave, and I’m sorry to do that... but this behaviour is quite unacceptable.”

“Tell me the truth, damn it!” Tom insisted. “I’m not leaving until I know. Was it my mother?”

“I would appreciate it if you could lower your voice, Tom. There are other patients in the waiting room. Now, really... you think Margaret is blackmailing me? That’s absurd. It’s crazy, Tom. Listen to yourself.”

“Someone else in my life then? I know it wasn’t Elle. She can’t be involved in any of this.”

“Mrs Tom Bradley appears to be a sweet and wonderful young woman, if you don’t mind my saying.”

“Is Ted Blake blackmailing you?”

“Who’s Ted Blake?”

“If it’s him, tell me. I can arrange protection for you. You shouldn’t be afraid of him. The police can help us. I promise you that.”

“Really, Tom, I don’t think I can help you with this line of questioning. I really think you might need to talk to someone about your thoughts.”

“Whatever they are paying you, I’ll double it. You know I have the resources to do that. I will give you anything in exchange for the truth.”

Douglas laughed uneasily, but looked away to think. Perhaps if he took enough money from Tom, he could escape the country and make a home somewhere a long way away - in Mexico or Thailand. He shook his head. It was hopeless - Hayden would find him if he ran. Nothing could be admitted. “I’m sorry, Tom. I don’t know what you’re searching for, but I can’t help you. Now, if you would like to bring your wife and child in, I’d be more than happy to run the test again. If a mistake has been made I will need to complete some paperwork and notify the laboratory. But first we will need to confirm a different result.”

“You won’t come near my family again - do you hear me?”

“Tom.... I...”

“I asked you if you heard me!” Tom was angry and frustrated, but starting to show signs of defeat. He seemed to accept that Dr Walsh wasn’t going to admit anything.

“I understand, Tom,” Dr Walsh said. He watched as Tom stormed out of his office, leaving him with mixed feelings and an overwhelming sense of looming trouble.

As the months passed, Ellen realised that this period of her life was the happiest she could remember. Angus was healthy, and she and Tom loved being parents, although having Irene certainly lessened the burden of responsibility during the day. The first three months of Angus’ life had been a challenge, as he hadn’t slept more than four hours at night, but he was regularly sleeping for seven hours every night now. It was a more than welcome change.

Tom was a doting father who lavished affection on both her and Angus, as well as giving expensive gifts. He loved to have fun with his son, and the two of them could really make each other laugh.

When Angus was five months old Tom surprised her with plane tickets to Malaysia to celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary. They spent a week staying at a five-star island resort. Irene came too, which meant that Ellen and Tom were able to leave the hotel for expeditions snorkelling on the coral reef. That was one of their favourite things to do, and it reminded Ellen of the happy times they spent together on their honeymoon. He held her hand in the water while they swam together, exploring the schools of coloured fish and coral together.

It had been Angus’ first time travelling and he had cried a little on the flight there, but Irene and she had taken turns walking him up and down the aisle until he settled. Luckily, he had slept most of the flight home, much to the relief of the other first-class passengers.