They played question and answer until Gwen’s eyes grew heavy and she fell into another deep sleep. He wiped a lock of hair off her forehead and went back to the front of the plane, where he sat beside Tim Holland.
The steward approached and handed each man a menu. “What can I get you for dinner, sirs?”
“Chicken breast with cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes and cranberry juice please.” Troy handed back the menu. The restrictive diet was one more reason for the upcoming surgery.
Tim ordered a turkey club. “Are you alright?”
Troy swiveled in his seat and faced the new head of his medical team. “How good is your bullshit meter?”
“Good enough to know you aren’t okay. She’ll be fine.” Tim pressed his lips together. “Now answer the real question.”
He grimaced. “I’m overwhelmed. I got the medical appointment list as well as the list of new providers.”
“Do you trust me?” Tim asked.
“Some, but I haven’t spent enough time with you.” Troy held on to the arm rests.
“Fair enough. The branch medical directors and Beth Bailey picked me. I spoke in depth with each one. To be honest, medical boards are easy compared to them. I have specialty certifications in trauma surgery, orthopedics, family medicine and psychiatry. I also have my MBA. I will make sure my interview tapes will be uploaded for you to watch.”
Troy nodded. “I appreciate it.”
“I figured you would. Mr. Bailey asked if I could work with a detail-oriented patient who sees things most people don’t. I need to ask you a few questions. As of today, no one else will discuss your condition with friends and family except you, if you’re able, and me. Keeping the sources to a minimum will benefit you and your privacy. How much can I tell everyone?”
“All the senior executives can know everything. My family, keep it neutral unless I’m expectant to die.”
“Gwen?” He swiveled his seat and faced Troy.
Troy squirmed and looked toward the back of the plane. “Full disclosure of my current situation. I need to be the one to tell her about the…rape.” Troy exhaled deeply.
Tim gave him a sympathetic smile. “No sugarcoating from me. It sucks you need to get comfortable with the word rape when it refers to yourself. But I sense, with Gwen, it’s different.”
“Score one for you. No BSing allowed.” He pulled on his beard. “I’m afraid it will change how she treats me.”
“I can’t give you much, but I will never lie to you. I will never make a promise and leave you disappointed because I broke it. In this case, I think you can safely tell her. Think about her and Ellie. The therapists, some thrived on malicious gossip. Gwen was the only one she trusted. Her gut told her that. Today, I saw Gwen’s face as she got you to the top of the steps. Nothing was going to stop her from keeping you safe. It’s not just a job to her.”
Troy’s lips curled up. “What’s your plan?”
“Tomorrow is a day with friends. Tuesday, you get to work unencumbered by me. I want to meet with your ancillary team and get the lay of the health center. I also want to create a plan to help you work through your fear of sharing what happened with others. Does your immediate family know?”
“That would be a no,”Troy acknowledged.
Tim nodded. “Tuesday night, 1800 hours, we have a get-acquainted meeting with Russ Sommerfeld, who is supervising all your care providers and me. At 1930 hours, you meet your new chief physical therapist, who will set up a PT schedule. I’ve talked with him at length and think you’ll work well with him. Night one is a complete evaluation, including sphincter strength. It’s really less scary than it sounds. I know Gwen has been your therapy buddy for your workouts, but this exam is intrusive, and I suspect may trigger some anxiety. How do you want to handle her?”
“I’ll tell her to rest her calf. Once it’s regular therapy, she can come to the sessions like she’s been doing since Denver,” Troy said.
“Wednesday, you and I will meet with your new urologist. Thursday, colorectal. There’s a bit of prep for that. We will go from there. Troy, between you and me, it’s okay to be scared. Part of my job is to do my best to make you feel less so. If you’re up to it, I want to explain what the PT evaluation is.”
Just as they completed the medical discussion, the steward brought them their meals. Eating, they engaged in small talk. After their meal, Tim opened his laptop. “Do you mind if I do some work?”
“No issue.” Troy turned his attention to his own laptop. He signed into the San Diego server, his executive username and password already committed to memory. As part of his occupational therapy, he’d spent hours doing the memory exercises he’d learned in the service. Unlike Zach Wentworth, head of their domestic law enforcement division, who had a photographic memory, his memory came through practiced exercises.
First a detailed follow-up about the dog and the phone call.He typed messages to Tate Webster and Julian Dupart. There was nothing more he could do about those issues now.
Okay, let’s see who is where and what. Penthouse.The scan of the floor plan popped up.Jule said it was big.His new office was six hundred square feet.Gwen will be nextdoor.Two secretaries. Security doors. Six other offices for teams.Troy typed a request for administrative assistant resumés.
A fresh email popped up.Hey, handsome,
I am hoping your arrival in San Diego will make Mr. Grumpy Pants less so. He is worried about Miss Holly, but it’s no excuse for his crabbiness. Miss Verna says you are always the cat’s meow.
