“Then it’s settled,” Cara added. “You’ll have your knee replaced as soon as they can get you in and then come back here to recuperate. With some intense physical therapy, it shouldn’t be long before you can return home with anything we think you might need. Of course, you’ll have to hide such things from anyone but Morgan.”
“Agreed,” Mead stated, lifting his glass. “To a successful operation and a quick recovery, God willing.”
“Yes, God willing,” they both said lifting their glasses.
Three dayslater they were on a private jet to New York. After landing on a small hard surfaced strip of land and rolling to a stop, the door opened and the three of them exited the plane, staff helping to get Mead on the ground. Moving quickly through security, they arrived at a long black conveyance that would transport them to the hospital. Upon arriving they were greeted by a doctor who escorted them into his office and closed the door.
“It’s good to see you Witt,” he said reaching out to shake his hand. “And this, of course, is your lovely wife, Cara. I haven’t seen you since the wedding. I assume this is John Doe, your friend with amnesia?”
“Yes,” Witt replied after shaking the man’s hand.
“Do you remember anything? Any clue how you got these injuries?” he asked curiously.
“I’m afraid not,” Mead answered quietly, glancing at Witt.
“Well, no matter. While we won’t be much help with your mental state, we can surely correct your physical problems, although I must say I don’t believe I’ve ever seen injuries quite like yours, other than in historical journals. It seems your leg has taken quite a beating.”
Mead nodded in agreement. After that the doctor briefly explained the mechanics of a new knee and also suggested that while they were replacing the knee, he would also like to add some small, metal plates to Mead’s femur. “There’s damage there as well and the plates will help prevent further deterioration. It doesn’t have to be done, but I do recommend it. Your leg will be stronger, and I believe you will avoid problems in the future.”
“Whatever you say, doctor,” Mead replied. “You’re the expert.”
“Fine, then let’s get you settled in a room for the night. Your surgery is schedule for first thing tomorrow morning. I understand you want to get him back to your place for rehab?” he asked Witt.
“Yes, and we’ll arrange for a private therapist as well,” Witt replied. “How long do you think it will take for a complete recovery?”
“It depends. Some people have a strong constitution. I’ve seen patients walking within a week, and others still struggling after several months. Your friend here seems like a robust young man and the tests didn’t detect any serious health problems. With no complications and hard work with a skilled therapist, he should do well. Follow me, I’ll have the nurses get him comfortably settled. See you in the morning, John.”
Mead shifted tryingto find a position that did not cause him pain. The bed at Witt and Cara’s was far superior to the one he was in now. Last night both of them had come to the hospital for a visit and wished him luck.
“We’ll be here in the morning,” Witt promised, “and stay until you are out of recovery. Once we’re assured your condition is stable, we’ll probably return to our hotel, but don’t worry. We won’t abandon you.”
“I appreciate that,” Mead replied.
“You’ll probably be heavily medicated for a time,” Cara added, “and you might not know we’re here, but we will be.”
“Thank you, Cara. It means a great deal to me to know I’m not alone.”
“You’re quite welcome.”
“Now the staff has my number, and they can reach me anytime,” Witt informed him. “If you need anything, anything at all, you have them call me. We aren’t staying but a few blocks away.”
“Will do, and thanks again.”
“Try to get some rest now. If you need to, ask the nurse for something to help you sleep tonight. There are plenty of medications designed for just that purpose, so don’t be a hero.”
“I won’t. See you in the morning,” Mead said tiredly. “I doubt I’ll need anything, but in this bed, maybe.”
Witt laughed.
“Hospital beds are notoriously uncomfortable. I’ve always thought they were designed to make the patient want to go home.”
“Could be,” Mead replied with a grimace.
“I’ll stop and ask the nurse if there is anything they can give you. Even a mild pain pill might help. See you tomorrow.”
The evening passed slowly.Nurses were in and out checking on him, taking his temperature and pumping up a machine on his arm to take his blood pressure, and drawing blood. Any rest he got was uneasy and he worried he might have some complications, putting him at risk of not being able to return home. His mind raced with thoughts. What if the surgery did not go well and he was forced to remain in a wheelchair for the remainder of his days. And not the modern chair of course, but the highly uncomfortable and difficult to maneuver wooden one he’d arrived in.
He wondered how his family was fairing and if his mother and Melissa had bought the story Morgan offered as an explanation for his absence. He worried about the girls at The Duchess, knowing instinctively that Lilly would torment them every chance she got while Callie Mae and Morgan were on their honeymoon. Hell, he should be there! He should have waited until they’d returned before doing this, but it was too late now. He’d have to depend on Matthew to watch out for them and trust that Fancy wouldn’t take any guff from Lilly. Fancy seemed to be the one who was most likely to stick up for the others, putting Lilly in her place if need be. It would be appalling to arrive back home only to find the girls had been shamed and forced out of town, possibly scattering in all directions.
