Chapter 9
In speaking with the relatives of terminally ill patients, Don often heard the expression, “That was the day he took a turn for the worse.” Now, for Don the expression had real meaning. Thursday, March 21st, 1985, was the day his life took “a turn for the worse.”Everything was going great until close to midnight. That evening Don and Carol had attended a magnificent performance given by the celebrated tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. It was his St. Louis debut. The Globe-Democrat had a headline the next morning: Pavarotti Pandemonium Rocks the Arena.As they were driving to Carol’s house, Don was startled to hear Carol say softly, “Don, last night Alan Morrow asked me to marry him.”Don was so stunned that for several seconds he said nothing. Then he said, “Carol, I can’t believe what I’m hearing. I hope you refused him in no uncertain terms.”“I hate to tell you this, Don, but I did give him sort of a tentative Yes.”Don was so shaken by Carol’s reply to Alan Morrow’s proposal that he had to steer the car over to the curb.Don turned and stared at Carol with an expression of utter dismay. “Be serious, Carol. You wouldn’t marry that egomaniac.”“Egomaniac! Don, you’re talking about one of St. Louis’ finest surgeons.”“You’re going to marry Alan Morrow because he’s a fine surgeon!”“Alan is very charming. He’s witty and he’s handsome.”“Carol, the man is also crazy.”“Don, I can’t believe that you, of all people, would be so...”“Candid. Everything you say is true. Alan Morrow is handsome, witty and sometimes charming. But the man has a dark side to him. A very dark side. One night when we were going to a medical convention together, they informed us at Lambert Airport that our flight had been canceled. There was a heavy fog hanging over most of the northeast coast.”“Was that the convention where Alan received the award?”“That’s the one. He was in a foul mood all the way back to his house. When we reached his place, we found an intruder inside. It was Carlos, a cafeteria worker at Mercy. He was going through Alan’s desk. Papers were strewn on the floor. Carlos said he was looking for cash. Alan took out a gun and threatened to kill him. I wanted to call the police, and then Alan pointed the gun at me. I honestly believe that he would have shot Carlos if I hadn’t turned out the lights. That allowed Carlos to escape. Alan fired several shots at Carlos, but fortunately Alan missed.”“I guess Alan was feeling very frustrated by not getting his flight out,” said Carol. “I can understand why someone would over-react to finding a burglar in the house and all one’s possessions being violated.”“Carol, there were two of us both six-footers. Carlos is all of five-feet, seven inches. He was unarmed. I tried to call the police, and Carlos begged Alan to let me call them. If I hadn’t intervened, Alan would have shot and perhaps killed him. If you marry that maniac, Carol, he will come home some day and find his golf clubs misplaced. Be prepared for the fireworks. Every day will be like the 4th of July.”“Don, why are being so, so ………”“Jealous. Of course, I’m jealous. I’ve been in love with you for years. We think the same. We go together like bacon and eggs. I’d be upset even if you were marrying some saint. But believe me, Alan Morrow is no saint. I can’t bear the thought of your marrying that man.”Carol put her hand on Don’s arm. “Don, for years you’ve been my best friend, and you always will be. I’ll give lots of thought to what you’ve just told me.”For nine long days Carol mulled over in her mind the scenario Don had created for hero In the meantime, Alan Morrow grew more charming and attractive. He put more pressure on Carol to become Mrs. Alan Morrow.At the Heart Charity Ball on March 30th at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel, Carol told Don she had decided to marry Alan Morrow.Dismayed, Don stared at Carol for several seconds. Then he said quietly, “I’ll always remember where my heart was broken --- at the Heart Charity Ball.”Chapter 10
Some members of the Mercy Hospital staff met in Forest Park to witness the launching of hot air balloons to commemorate the 1985 Municipal Opera’s summer season. Each colorful balloon was emblazoned with the name of a different show.As one by one, the gorgeous balloons filled the light blue summer sky with bright colors, the gathered crowd would cheer with delight. Among the shows featured on the balloons were Evita, My Fair Lady, Dancin’, 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, and Jesus Christ Superstar. They followed each other in close succession.When the My Fair Lady balloon was launched, Gloria said to Jack, “You did remember to buy tickets for that show, didn’t you? I hope you also got tickets for Alan and Carol.”“The staff should have rented a bright orange balloon with the inscription: Congratulations to Carol and Dr. Alan Morrow,” said Sue Delaney.Don heard Victoria mutter, “I’d like to launch a yellow balloon with the three letters, W H Y, printed on it.”Dr. Underwood a quizzical expression on his face, inquired, “W H Y? What do those letters stand for?”It could be the word ‘Why’. You know as in ‘Why not me?’ or as in ‘Why did he?’” said Victoria solemnly.“What an odd woman!” thought Dr. Underwood, and he moved over to join another group.A few minutes later Victoria announced loudly that she was going to her car to obtain her camcorder.“I wish I had brought my camcorder,” Don told Jason Emerson, who was busily recording the beautiful spectacle of the bright-colored balloons floating along in the summer sky.Recalling that he had a 35-millimeter camera in the trunk of his car, Don decided to get it. On his way to the parking area, Don paused as he reached the top of the hill. Standing by her Lincoln Continental was Victoria, engaged in conversation with a man, about five-foot seven, swarthy complexion.With a start, Don realized the man was Carlos, the intruder at Alan Morrow’s home. Thinking Victoria might need protection, Don hurried forward, then stopped as he saw Victoria handing Carlos a long white envelope. Carlos took the envelope, and then held up his hand in a parting gesture, before moving away toward the park’s entrance.Neither Victoria nor Carlos had seen Don. Intuition told Don it was better that way, and he wended his way by a circuitous path to his car.When Don returned to the group, Victoria was intent on recording the magnificent panorama in the sky. As Don began taking pictures, he continued to wonder what could possibly be the meaning of that scene he had just witnessed near Victoria’s car.Chapter 11
“I’ll check up on Pierre in Room 341,” thought Don.Pierre had come from France for delicate eye surgery. The surgery on his left eye had gone very well, but the little boy’s emotional state was a cause for great concern.Pierre’s mother had been forced to remain in France for emergency surgery. In a strange country with complete strangers, the little boy’s loneliness had evolved into sadness, then depression, and now a frightening apathy.The third floor staff had tried amusing Pierre with all kinds of toys and stuffed animals. They had moved Pierre to the Winnie the Pooh room where the large yellow figure of Winnie smiled at Pierre from the colorful walls along with Eeyore, Kanga, and Roo, all engaging in delightful antics.Colorful orange, yellow, and red helium balloons clung to the ceiling. Their strings could be pulled up and down by Pierre. At first he had been somewhat amused by the balloons, but they no longer held any fascination for him.When Dr. Magill entered Room 341, the nurse’s aide was trying to feed Pierre. His dark curls lay damp against the pillow and his large gray eyes stared into space.“Pierre won’t eat a bite, Doctor,” the aide said sadly. “Carol’s gone to her car to bring up something she made for Pierre. I hope he likes it.” The nurse’s aide looked dubious.A few minutes later Carol appeared in the doorway holding a most unique puppet. Its face bore an amazing resemblance to that of Pierre. Carol had created the puppet’s face out of papier-mache, then sculpted and painted the features so that it bore an almost identical likeness to Pierre’s face.“Wow! That looks exactly like Pierre,” exclaimed Don Magill.“Look, Pierre.” said Carol, as she held up the puppet.Carol then spoke in French, telling the little boy that this was another Pierre. The little patient stared long and hard at the puppet. Into his eyes crept the light of recognition. Carol and Don exchanged glances of elation as they perceived that little Pierre realized that the puppet looked like himself.“L’eau, l’eau,” Carol had the little puppet speak the French word for “water.” As the puppet did so, Carol took the glass of water and held it to the puppet’s lips.Carol had the puppet touch her nose and say, “Le nez.”The puppet then touched Pierre’s nose and said, “Le nez.” However, when Carol had the puppet touch its own nose, she had it say, “L’oreille”, the French word for “ear.”“Le nez,” Pierre excitedly corrected the little puppet.“Le nez,” Carol had the puppet correct itself. “Bon, Pierre, bon.”Carol had the puppet point to a piece of bacon on Pierre’s plate. The puppet inquired, “L’eau?”“Le lard,” corrected Pierre.“Le lard,” the puppet repeated as Carol took a paper napkin and picked up a piece of bacon to feed Pierre. Fierre ate that piece and then three more. With the aid of the puppet, Carol talked Pierre into eating a roll and his dessert. He also drank a glass of milk as Carol had the puppet sing, “Frere Jacques.”Then Carol placed his look-alike puppet in Pierre’s arm, and she told him in French to sing to the little puppet. Carol told Pierre that she would be back to visit him in a little while.Chapter 12
It was October 23, 1985, and John Tudor, the pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, was proving to be too much for the Kansas City Royals in Game 4 of the 1985 World Series. The Cardinal fans were rocking Busch Stadium with their applause and their shouts of “Tu-dor! Tu-dor!”Carol was sitting with Dr. Alan Morrow, her husband of four months, directly in front of Don Magill and his date, Paula Sinclair.The Royals’ great George Brett came to plate with two outs in the eighth inning and a runner on third base. John Tudor delivered three sensational pitches, and the mighty George Brett struck out. In appreciation the Cardinal fans delivered Tudor a tremendous ovation.Carol turned to Alan and smiled, “I’ve always had a thing for George Brett.”“I thought you were going to say for John Tudor.”“John Tudor also,” laughed Carol.Alan Morrow smiled. “You’re just saying these things to make me jealous.”Sitting behind the Morrows, Don overheard this exchange of banter. Don had been enjoying the game immensely, but now he was experiencing some pangs of real jealousy. For years Carol had been his best friend and steady companion. Now Carol was married to another man, someone Don did not like, and they were sitting here laughing and talking. Don realized he had to face reality and cope with his feeling of great loss, but it was very difficult.Don turned to his date, Paula Sinclair. “This must be a baseball manager’s idea of a Dream Team: Tom Herr, Ozzie Smith, Jack Clark, Willie McGee, Terry Pendleton, Danny Cox.”“How about Andy van Slyke and Tito Landrum?” said Paula. “All that and John Tudor too. Whitey Herzog must smile even when he’s asleep.” Paula’s gaze scanned the crowd. “My sister and her husband are here somewhere.”Don glanced at the spectators in the nearby boxes. He saw Victoria Kingston Lacey, who was attending the game with her recently acquired husband. Victoria was staring intently at Carol and Alan Morrow. Noting the unhappy expression on Victoria’s face, Don felt compassion for this stunning, dynamic woman. She had been accustomed to getting what she wanted, and Dr. Alan Morrow had been the prize she coveted most. Two months after Carol Desmond became Mrs. Alan Morrow, Victoria had married a very wealthy widower, Dr. Richard Lacey.At intermission time Mary Emerson asked Carol to go with her to visit some friends in another box. Victoria’s husband, Dr. Lacey, excused himself to obtain some liquid refreshments. When he was out of hearing range, Victoria called out rather sharply, “Alan.”Alan Morrow immediately stood up, and he moved swiftly to the seat Dr. Lacey had been occupying. With heads bent close together, Alan and Victoria engaged in serious, intense conversation. When Alan saw Carol and Mary returning from their brief visit with friends, he returned to his own place, next to Carol. He remained there until the game was completed: Cardinals-3, Royals-0.
Chapter 13
Carol adjusted the three strands of pearls at the neckline of her black velvet evening gown. I must take an Anacin, she thought. I’ve had a nagging headache since noon. Just then the phone rang. It was Alan.“Carol, I’m delayed here at the hospital. You go on ahead. Pick up Jack at his place. There’s a slight chance I might be able to meet you later at the Symphony.”“Why can’t I just call Jack and tell him we can’t make it?”“He’s not answering his phone. Now do as I say. Be sure that you’re at Jack’s house by 7:00.”Rats, thought Carol. Jack won’t enjoy being my only escort. We’ll have to listen to endless quips: “How long has this been going on?” and “The husband is always the last to know,” etc.Carol picked up Jack at 7:00. On the way to Powell Hall Jack told Carol about a fascinating operation he had performed that morning. Jack’s enthusiastic description of the surgery allowed Carol to concentrate on her driving. She was grateful for this because it had begun to sleet, and the streets were getting rather slippery.When they reached Grand Ave., the parking lots were filled. Carol was elated when she saw that she could park on the street. Her joy was short-lived, however. As Carol unlocked the door, a swarthy man suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He pulled the car door open, his mean-looking face just inches from Carol’s face. Carol’s whole being recoiled from the glitter in those evil eyes and the steely glint of the pistol he was pointing at her head.“Move over,” he demanded, his gun pointed directly at Carol.Carol instinctively threw up her left arm, and with, strong sideward thrust, she knocked the pistol out of the gunman’s hand. Without a moment’s hesitation and with the door flying wide open, Carol went winging it down the street. The gunman retrieved his pistol and fired several shots at their car as it sped away. Carol managed to close the door, and she handed the car phone to Jack for him to call the police.They drove north to Cook Ave., just past St. Alphonsus Church. “Let’s circle around,” said Carol.When they returned to the scene minutes later, some Symphony security guards and a police car were already there. Carol and Jack described the gunman to the policemen. The gunman seemed to have “disappeared into thin air.”“I’m amazed at the action you took,” said one policeman. “It was very risky, but it certainly paid off for you.”“Even if he had only ordered us out of the car, I would have been terrified,” said Dr. Kent. “But when I heard him say, ‘Move over’ I thought that we were doomed. Carol probably saved both our lives by her brave action.”Chapter 14
Don entered Room 369 carrying some autobiographical books written by some famous football players. Don knew that the patient, Mr. Cassidy, was a football fan.“I think you’ll enjoy these books, Tom,” said Don. “We’d like to get you home in time for your son’s Super Bowl party. I understand that you are really hopping along in therapy. Your new name is Hopalong Cassidy.”Tom Cassidy chuckled. “Say, that is a good name for me, Dr. Magill. My wife will get a kick out of hearing it.”Fifteen minutes later, Dr. Alan Morrow, making his rounds, entered Mr. Cassidy’s room.“Good morning, Dr. Morrow. How are you today?” called out Mr. Cassidy.
Dr. Morrow ignored the greeting. “Dr. Delaney tells me that you are using a walker now.”“Yeah, I’m doing great. I hope I’ll be able to go home for the Super Bowl on January 26th.”Dr. Morrow placed a stethoscope on Mr. Cassidy’s chest and said, “Breathe deeply.” After several minutes he withdrew the stethoscope, threw the cover back in its original position, and jotted down a notation in a notebook. He turned to leave without saying a word.Doc Morrow is certainly a cold duck, thought Tom Cassidy.
Alan Morrow smiled as he approached Room 320. The patient in Room 320 was Ted Barry, famous talk show host, who had come to St. Louis for a guest appearance at the Fox Theater. After leaving the theater, he had experienced a heart attack and had to be hospitalized. Under Dr. Morrow’s care at Mercy Hospital, Ted Barry experienced a rapid recovery. He had begun to display at the hospital the same affability which had made him so popular with millions of viewers.When the nurse had brought him some medication, Ted Barry asked her to hold a hand mirror while he combed his hair. The pretty Lisa Gregg seemed to be enjoying her unusual task when Alan Morrow entered the flower-filled room.“Hi, Doc. How are things going?” called out Ted Barry.“Great. How are you feeling, Ted?” Alan flashed his patient a radiant smile.“Thanks to you, I’m doing remarkably well.”“Your room looks like Shaw’s Garden, Ted. I guess that’s because we all think you’re the host with the most.”“Doc, I'm going to ask you to be a guest on my show. “I’d like my viewers to know what a wonderful doctor I had.” “Sounds interesting, Ted.”“They should place a sign above the entrance to this hospital. It should read, ‘The most beautiful nurses in the world pass through this portal.’ Or hadn’t you noticed?” smirked Ted Barry, as he nodded in the direction of Lisa, who was returning the grooming articles as slowly as possible to their places on the dresser.“Oh. I’ve noticed,” laughed Dr. Morrow. “As a matter of fact, I married one of Mercy’s most beautiful nurses.”“When you are a guest on my show, maybe you would like to be accompanied by your wife.”“Great! I can hear the announcer: Ted Barry and his guests, the Beauty and the Best,” quipped Alan Morrow.“That’s a good line, Doc. I may use it. I had also thought of inviting Dr. Magill. This is quite a hospital.”Alan made no response to that other than to glance impatiently at the nurse, who then hurriedly left the room.“Do you think I can be home on the 26th?” Ted Barry asked.“Super Bowl Sunday?” smiled Dr. Morrow.“I’m not worried about Super Bowl Sunday. I just have to be in Washington for the President’s party on the 27th.”“Don’t worry, Ted. I’ll get you there,” promised Alan Morrow.After Dr. Morrow left the room, Gloria entered 320 bearing a lovely long-stemmed rose. She flashed the patient her smile, which Jack always said “illuminated the room.”“I brought you two pills and a gorgeous rose,” Gloria said sweetly. “I hope they both make you feel better.”“I thought I was better,” said Ted Barry, “but now that I see an angel, I guess I’ve died and gone to Heaven.”Gloria’s little tinkling laugh filled the room as she plumped the bed pillows. “I may look like one, but believe me, I’m no angel.”“That’s fine with me,” said Ted Barry. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable with an angel.”They continued to exchange "small talk." In the course of the conversation, Ted learned that Gloria’s favorite color was pink, that her birthday was July 7th, that she had a collection of diamond earrings, and that she enjoyed going to dances, concerts, and top-notch restaurants.Ted Barry was impressed. This little doll is my kind of woman. First she gets my attention, and then she makes all her points, casually and with finesse.When Gloria left the room, Ted pulled a notebook out of his pajama pocket and jotted down a notation: Gloria-July 7-diamonds and pink roses-dances-concerts-fine restaurants.When Don Magill entered 320 later that day, Ted Barry told him, “I like your hospital. The halls are quiet, and I think your pain control procedures are fantastic. Dr. Morrow is great, and your nurses are so easy on the eyes.”“Dr. Morrow certainly is a fine doctor.” Don agreed.“I’ve invited him to be on one of my programs,” said Ted Barry. “Would you be willing to appear with him?”“No, thanks,” laughed Don. “It will be more effective if you just have Dr. Morrow.”“Dr. Morrow told me his wife is very beautiful,” Tad commented. “I thought it would be nice if she came on the show too, but Gloria, the nurse who just left, tells me that Mrs. Morrow is quite shy and wouldn’t enjoy making an appearance. Maybe I’ll ask Gloria instead. She isn’t a bit timid.”“Mrs. Morrow is very beautiful, and she’s never impressed me as being shy,” said Don crisply. “If I were you, I’d ask her first.”
