Once Found: The Pocket Watch Chronicles (8 page)

“And did ye know ye’d be coming forward so far?”

“I didn’t know anything. I didn’t accept the watch. Elizabeth did.”

“And ye’re alive? I’ve never heard of that happening.”

“Gertrude said several things happened differently. I don’t understand it all, but the watch stayed here instead of going with Elizabeth. And our souls changed places before I…well, before I…”

“Ah, ye hadn’t done the thing that would have ended in yer death. Now that’s very interesting. So, what’s going to happen now?”

“In my time, Lady MacKenzie desperately needs Elizabeth’s help. I want her to have it, and Elizabeth is willing. Gertrude says we can change back when the problem is resolved.”

“And have ye a mission here?”

“I think I might. This feeling I have for Gabe—well, it’s hard to describe. But I think Elizabeth cares very deeply for him. I reckon I can maybe help bring them together.”

“Gertrude always has been a great one for making sure souls find each other if they’re intended to be together.”

“So, what now?”

“Well, Dr. Levi believes ye’re in a fugue state and that is an excellent explanation for what everyone thinks has happened. So I will concur and suggest that ye meet with me once a week.”

“But I’m not ill.”

“I know ye’re not ill, lass. I’m a Scot myself, and I want to find out more about where ye’re from and what it was like then. And ye might have questions that ye’d rather ask someone who knows yer situation. Besides, we need to be seen to do something. It will smooth things nicely when Elizabeth returns.”

“What about Elizabeth’s parents? They want me declared incompetent.”

“Those two are a puzzle. I do believe they care for their daughter, but she doesn’t seem to be their priority, does she?”

“No.” Elsie looked away for a moment.

“What is it, lass?”

“It’s silly I guess. My parents died when I was very young. My aunt cared for me, but…”

“It wasn’t like a parent.”

“No, it wasn’t. When I learned Elizabeth’s parents were rushing to her side, I had rather hoped to feel a part of a family.”

“And ye may still. Don’t give up hope. Ye just never know.”

Elsie smiled and nodded, unable to completely shake the sadness left by disappointment.

“Well, ye’re perfectly competent, and ye need to stay here in New York. I suspect that isn’t what yer da wants to hear, but so be it. We must make way for the course of true love.” He winked and chuckled.

When Elsie and Dr. Rose had finished chatting, he went to fetch Gabe and David from a nearby lounge.

David called her parents. When they arrived, Elizabeth’s father was as impatient as ever. “Now with the formalities done, can we take our daughter home?”

“Dr. Quinn, let’s not be so hasty. Ye asked me to determine yer daughter’s competence to make her own decisions.”

“She has no memories. It seems open and shut to me.”

“Well, it isn’t quite as simple as ye think.
Open and shut
may be consistent with a surgeon’s practice, but it is rarely the case in psychiatry. As ye’re aware, the law requires us to respect a patient’s wishes unless they are unable to adequately make choices for themselves. The evaluation of competence is intertwined with the decision the patient is being asked to make. The more serious the decision, the more carefully we have to make the assessment. Elizabeth has profound retrograde amnesia related to a fugue state, but that alone doesn’t mean she isn’t competent. She demonstrates the ability to reason, she holds appropriate values, and she understands her condition as well as the choices available to her. Furthermore, in this case, she is not refusing treatment. She is simply refusing to change hospitals. I find her perfectly competent to make that decision.”

“She has no one to care for her here.”

“She has agreed to meet with me regularly so I can monitor her condition as long as she is in New York. If she returns to her home in Cincinnati, I will ensure that she is under the care of a trusted colleague there. It seems she has friends she trusts in both cities who are willing to help as needed.”

“Who will manage her finances? She can’t read. She has a massive trust-fund that could be wiped out in the blink of an eye.”

“I can understand why that might concern ye. Elizabeth, would you be willing to have an attorney and an accountant act on your behalf regarding your financial matters? Someone both you and your parents would be comfortable with?”

Elsie frowned. “I’m not sure how to find people like that or know if they were skilled.”

Before her father could jump in, David said, “Perhaps you would allow me to suggest some candidates. I’ll take you to meet them. Then your parents can review and approve your selections.”

Elsie looked to Gabe. “What do you think?”

“I think it is an excellent idea. David has the skills it takes to help guide you, and both you and your parents seem to trust him.”

She looked back at her parents. “Does that make you more comfortable?”

Elizabeth’s father glowered at her. “Your mother and grandfather own one of the largest legal firms in the country and you think it’s a good idea to seek an attorney elsewhere?”

Elsie was stunned by his derision. “Why are you so angry with me?”

“Because you are being obstinate and unreasonable.”

Elsie wasn’t going to give in to tears again. In that instant, she steeled herself. She didn’t want a single thing from this man. She turned to Gabe. “I hate to ask this, but would you help me for a little while, even if I have nothing? Just until I get my memory back?”

“Of course I will.”

“Thank you.” Turning her attention back to Elizabeth’s father, she said, “There. You can appoint whomever you choose to manage my affairs. I want nothing to do with any of it. Keep it for when my memory comes back. If this is the way a father treats a daughter…” Her voice caught. She swallowed hard. She would not cry. “If this is the way a father treats a daughter, I don’t need a father in my life.”

“Elizabeth!” exclaimed her mother.

Her father turned his glare on Dr. Rose. “Do you still think my daughter is competent to make decisions for herself?”

“Absolutely. I’m inclined to agree with her. Ye’ve not shown Elizabeth a modicum of affection in my presence. When we spoke on the phone last night, ‘twas clear ye were concerned about her, but the disruption to your schedule was as much a concern.” He gave Elsie a warm smile. “Ye needn’t worry about having nothing, lass. I’ll help ye sort out things with yer employer. I’m absolutely certain ye have disability insurance that should provide a little income for ye until things resolve.”

“Thank you, Dr. Rose.”

“I’ve had enough of this foolishness,” declared Dr. Quinn.

Elizabeth’s mother put a hand on his shoulder. “James, you’re not helping things. Elizabeth, there is no need to take such drastic measures. I need to rearrange a few things, but within a week, I could be set up to work for a limited time from the Manhattan office. I’ll appoint someone to help you with your affairs. You don’t need to rely on strangers.”

“I know you mean well, but anyone you appoint will be a stranger to me. You both are strangers to me. And for some reason, I have the distinct impression it’s been this way for a while. It seems you’ve raised me to be independent.”

Charlotte Quinn inclined her head. “We have, but that is an admirable quality.”

“I’m glad you think so, and I’m sorry you’re both so upset with me. With that said, I’m not going to Baltimore. Since independence is such an admirable quality, I intend to remain independent. If you wish to stay here, I’d like that, but it’s up to you. Please don’t feel as if you must rearrange anything on my behalf. I’ll be fine.”

Her father stormed out of the room without a word.

Her mother sighed. “I’ll return in a few days, and we’ll sort things out.” She kissed Elsie’s cheek and left the room.

Dr. Rose released a frustrated sigh. “They are a disappointment.” His face brightened. “But ye seem to have two very good friends, and, of course, me.”

“Thank you, all of you.”

“Now, I’m going to contact yer neurologist. He wants ye to have another scan of yer head called magnetic resonance imaging. Gabe will explain it to ye. I think that’s a very good idea, just to make sure ye don’t have a brain injury from the accident that was missed. I also understand an orthopedic doctor will put a cast on that arm today. When they ask ye what color ye want, be adventurous. After that’s all done, I see no reason to keep ye here in the hospital. As we discussed, I’ll see ye once a week. I generally take Wednesday afternoons off, but I am going to make an exception. I’ll meet with ye at two each week. Call my office with yer schedule, young man,” he said to Gabe. “If ye’re working, we’ll make other arrangements or I’ll come to her.”

Elsie smiled at him, tears welling in her eyes.

“Don’t worry about a thing, lass, ye’ll be grand.”

Gabe smiled when Elizabeth picked bright blue as her cast color. He wasn’t surprised that she didn’t like the MRI. The technicians let him talk to her through the intercom during the scan.

When all of this was completed and they were back in her hospital room, Martin Levi came to see her.

“Well, Elizabeth, your MRI is perfectly normal, so in the absence of a brain injury, I think the diagnosis of fugue is accurate. I have spoken to Dr. Rose and understand you’ll be seeing him every Wednesday as long as you are in the city, so I am going to discharge you to his care.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means you can leave the hospital. Do you have a place to stay?”

“She’ll be staying with me,” Gabe answered.

A happy smile spread across Elizabeth’s face.

Martin nodded. “Then everything is set. I’ll go write discharge orders, and you can get ready to go.”

He left the room, and Elizabeth frowned. “What do I need to do to get ready?”

“You need to get dressed.”

“But I am dressed, and these are the only clothes I have.”

“The clothes you are wearing are pajamas and not normally worn outside, but I suppose they’ll be good enough to get you home. You can wear my coat. I’ll check the bags that were brought down from the ICU. There might be something usable from the clothes you were wearing when you were brought in. At least your shoes should be okay.”

He found her purse, computer bag, and two white patient belonging bags containing the remnants of her clothing. The only usable items were socks and ankle boots. “Yup, socks and shoes are about all that’s salvageable. The rest of it can be thrown away.”

“Actually, that is what I’ve been taking care of this afternoon,” said David as he walked into the room with a shopping bag in one hand and a woman’s coat in the other. “I assumed you had a suitcase in the cab, so I tracked that down. It was found when the cab was towed, and it was turned in to the lost and found at the 115
th
precinct in Queens. I have sent someone to get it and will see that it gets delivered to Gabe’s apartment tomorrow. I also stopped in to see my father. He sent his executive assistant to Sak’s to get you a few things to wear until you have your own things back.” David put the bag on her bed.

“Sak’s?” asked Gabe, incredulous.

“Should I have sent her to Barney’s?” David sounded concerned.

Barney’s?
Was he out of his mind? “No. I would have thought something a little more affordable.”

“Money isn’t really an issue with me.”

“Come on, money is an issue with everyone.”

David gave him a puzzled smile. “Gabe, do you know who I am?”

“All I know is that your dad is acquainted with Elizabeth’s mother. I figured he was a lawyer.”

“Well, he isn’t. My dad is Aldous Sinclair, owner and chief executive officer of Sinclair Amalgamated, and he’s Matheson & Matheson’s biggest client.”

“Excuse me? Huge-multinational-conglomerate-with-ties-to everything Sinclair Amalgamated?”

“That would be the one.

“What does all of that mean?” asked Elizabeth.

It means you and your friends are way out of my league
.

David waved a hand. “It’s not important, Elizabeth. I’ll step out of the room so you can get changed.”

Elizabeth had begun pulling items from the bag.

Gabe nodded. “I can leave too, unless you need some help.”

She held up a very pretty pink bra and panty set. “I think I do. I don’t know what these are.”

“Those are, um, undergarments. I can ask a nursing assistant in to help you if you prefer.”

Elizabeth blushed. “Didn’t you say we have…um…made love?”

“Yes, we have.”

“Then I don’t guess there is any reason to be shy.”

He chuckled. “No, I don’t guess there is.”

Aldous Sinclair’s assistant had excellent taste. In addition to the undergarments, there was a pair of dark wash jeans, a loose-fitting, feminine blouse, and a slightly oversized, peach, cashmere cardigan that fit easily over the cast.

“What is it with you people and cashmere?” he teased.

“I have no idea unless it has something to do with how incredibly soft it is.” she teased back, her eyes twinkling.

Helping her dress had been a bad idea. The attraction he felt was so strong that putting clothes
on
her was the absolute last thing he wanted to do. Through sheer force of will, he did.

Once she was dressed, David returned followed by a nurse with a wheelchair.

“I can walk,” said Elizabeth, frowning at the chair.

“I know you can, Dr. Quinn, but even though you’re going home, you are recovering from a serious accident and have broken ribs. You must take things easy, including allowing me to push you to the front door.”

Elizabeth sighed, but sat in the chair with her purse, laptop bag, and the new coat David had brought her on her lap. They made one stop by the doctors’ lounge so Gabe could get his coat. As they neared the front of the hospital, the nurse asked, “Dr. Soldani, do you have a car?”

“No. We’ll need a cab.”

“Actually, my driver should be waiting for us.”

“Driver?”

“Sinclair Amalgamated, remember?”

This all made Gabe a little uncomfortable, but he wouldn’t refuse David’s assistance today. With her broken ribs, a drive in a high-end luxury car would be much more comfortable for Elizabeth than a cab.

However, when they rolled Elizabeth outside, her eyes went wide. “I—I don’t think…Gabe, I can’t…I don’t want to get in that.”

“Elizabeth, we talked about this. You saw the cars and buses from your window. It will be okay.”

“But you said you usually walk to work. Can’t we just walk?”

“No, sweetheart, we can’t. It wouldn’t be good for you.”

David nodded. “Elizabeth, there is nothing to be afraid of. This is a very safe car with a skilled, professional driver. And Gabe is right: you cannot walk to his apartment.”

The nurse narrowed her eyes. “Honestly, girl, you were brave enough to have that MRI today—I couldn’t have done that, but I’d have no trouble at all riding in that fine vehicle.”

Elizabeth still looked wary, but she nodded.

“That’s my girl,” said Gabe as he helped her into the back seat.

David climbed into the front seat as Gabe went around to get in from the other side.

“This is Jake,” said David, motioning to the driver.

“Good afternoon, Dr. Quinn, Dr. Soldani. I’ll have you home in just a few minutes.”

Gabe glanced out the window. “The roads are remarkably clear considering how much snow we got.”

“Crews worked all night, sir. They didn’t even have to close schools today.”

They reached Gabe’s building in a few minutes. He hopped out and ran around to help Elizabeth from the car.

David gathered her few belongings. “I’ll help you get inside.”

Gabe’s building was one of the few in the area that had an elevator, for which he was very thankful today. When they reached his apartment, he invited David in.

“Thank you, I won’t stay. I am flying back to Cincinnati tonight.”

Gabe shook his hand. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve done. Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome.” He turned to Elizabeth and took her hands in his. “It is hard to believe that just two days ago you were mine.”

She smiled sadly.

“But I suppose you never really were mine, and now I know why. I wanted joy to enter your life, and I think you have every chance of that happening now.” He kissed her cheek. “Nevertheless, I will miss you.”

“Thank you for coming to help me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without both of you. We will see you again, won’t we?”

“I expect so. I know you told your father you wanted nothing from him, and that’s fine in the short-term. I’m sure you’ll get your memory back soon, so it isn’t likely to ever be an issue, but if it becomes one, I can help you. Also, depending on what happens, you may want help with your things in Cincinnati. You simply need to ask. Gabe has my card.”

~ * ~

Elsie tried to be brave and take everything in stride, but this twenty-first century world just seemed to get bigger and louder and faster. Buildings grew too tall. She’d been aware of that based on what she could see from the hospital windows, but being on the ground and looking up was an entirely different perspective. And although the sun had set, there were so many lights that everything was visible—except the stars.

When the sleek, black, car pulled up to the doors, a memory flashed through her mind of a terrible screeching sound and instantaneous pain. She knew instinctively it was Elizabeth’s memory of the accident. Elsie really wasn’t ready to ride in a car yet, but both David and Gabe insisted, so she complied.

There were so many vehicles on the street that it was no wonder they crashed into each other sometimes. Apparently, they weren’t going terribly fast, but she had never traveled at such a pace. In fact, she was accustomed to walking nearly everywhere she went.

Once they reached Gabe’s building, she had to ride in another elevator. She didn’t like elevators because they made her stomach feel odd, but she guessed she would have to get used to it. Climbing stairs to the heights of these buildings would take forever and be exhausting.

She stood just inside Gabe’s apartment and for the first time since waking yesterday, she felt comfortable. They came in through a small entryway with a closet to one side, in which Gabe hung both their coats. The entryway opened into the main room, and there was a window in the opposite wall. A table and chairs were arranged just to the right of the entry and other furniture, the likes of which she had never seen, stood just beyond, closer to the window.

“It’s very small—just one bedroom—but the location is ideal and it’s all I can afford in this area.”

The room was somewhat bigger than the main room of Aunt Dolina’s cottage, and she nearly said so. Thankfully, she stopped herself in time. “It’s lovely.”

“Follow me. I’ll show you the rest and help you put your things away.”

“I thought you said it just had one room?”

“I said one bedroom, and it’s this way.” Carrying her bags, he stepped into a small corridor and motioned to an opening on the left. “The kitchen is in there.” He indicated another door on his left and said, “I have a washer and dryer in there. I was crazy lucky to get an apartment with those.”

She wondered what a
washer and dryer
, washed and dried. She reckoned she’d find out soon enough.

He motioned to a door at the end of the passage. “The bathroom is in there.” Then he opened a door to the right. “And this is the bedroom. I’ll make some room for your things in the closet before your bag is delivered tomorrow. You can have the bed in here. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“The couch?”

“Yeah, the couch…uh…the long piece of furniture for sitting on in the living room.”

Ah, she had assumed that was his bed when she thought there was only one room. “Gabe, I know you didn’t plan on any of this. And I probably caught you off guard when I asked if you would help me. I don’t want to take your bed.”

“Stop it, Elizabeth. I love you, and I want to help you. I want you in my life. You will not sleep on the couch. You have a broken arm and broken ribs.”

Elsie frowned. She really didn’t like the idea of being alone, even if he was just in the next room, but she wouldn’t argue now.

Gabe put the bag containing the
pajamas
on the bed. “You should probably change back into these. I’ll heat us up something for dinner while you do. Do you need any help?”

“I think I can manage.”

He opened two drawers in a chest and combined the contents into one. “You can put the clothes you’re wearing in here. Then, come out to the kitchen.”

She nodded, and he left the room, closing the door behind him. She didn’t like being alone. She tried to undress. The sweater was simple; it was loose-fitting. The blouse came off easily enough as well. But the thing Gabe had called a bra closed in the back. Between her broken arm and the pain in her ribs, she couldn’t maneuver out of it. She managed to unfasten the
jeans,
but she couldn’t get them off over the boots she was wearing. She tried to take the boots off, but unlacing them and working her feet out of them with one hand proved to be difficult. During the process, she lost her balance and fell. She found herself sitting on the floor in a bra and panties, jeans around her ankles, boots stubbornly tied, and ribs throbbing. She couldn’t suppress her tears.

Gabe was through the door within moments. “Oh, God, Elizabeth, what happened? Are you all right?” He knelt beside her, putting an arm around her shoulder.

“I just…I just lost my balance.” She swiped at her tears. “And I can’t get the boots off. Or this bra thing.”

He kissed her temple. “Please don’t cry. Let me help you.” He undid the bootlaces and pulled off her shoes before removing the jeans from her ankles.