Keeping Score

Arthur’s nostrils flared. His lips thinned. “You think this is funny? Is this a joke to you?”

Marilyn’s eyes stretched wide. “Do you hear me laughing? A photo of my husband and me is plastered in a newspaper that’s circulated to all of our neighbors, friends, and family. To perfect strangers. There’s nothing funny about that.”

Arthur looked down his long, aquiline nose at her. “If you can’t take this incident seriously, perhaps this hospital isn’t the right fit for you.”

Marilyn narrowed her eyes. “What are you saying, Arthur?”

The administrator gave her a flat stare. “I’m revoking your hospital privileges.”

“What?” Marilyn forced the word past her numb lips.

Suddenly, Arthur didn’t seem as angry at the world. “Your lifestyle doesn’t suit the reputation that this hospital wants to present to the community.”

Marilyn blinked. “Are you kidding me? You do realize that Rick and I are married? Married people have sex, Arthur. How do you think you got here?” Much to my regret.

Arthur looked disgusted. “Do not compare yourself and your lifestyle to my parents.”

Perhaps Arthur’s parents only had sex the one time. She probably would have sworn off the act as well, if he was the result.

Marilyn spun her chair to face her nemesis. “On what grounds are you claiming to dismiss me?”

“Moral grounds.” Arthur’s voice was cold enough to give her chills. “The fact that you and Rick are married doesn’t make it any more acceptable for you to flaunt your sexuality in such a public forum. Patients expect a higher degree of morality and professionalism from their caregivers.”

Marilyn’s mind screamed at the injustice of the accusations Arthur threw at her. “Why are you holding me to a higher moral standard than the other doctors in this hospital?”

Arthur had the audacity to look baffled. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, come on, Arthur.” Outrage gave Marilyn the strength to stand. “You know damn well several physicians on staff are having affairs with other doctors—and with their patients. Therefore, how can you claim to dismiss me on a morality issue?”

“Several patients have already left because of you.” Arthur drew himself up even straighter.

Would someone please remove the stick from the administrator’s butt? “One patient, Arthur. And although she left my care, she’s still with the hospital.”

“Hannah DeSuza cancelled her afternoon appointment with you and informed the nurse she was transferring her care to Downstate.” There was satisfaction in Arthur’s tone. It contradicted his supposed concern over keeping patients on the hospital’s record.

Marilyn frowned. “No one informed me of Ms. DeSuza’s cancellation.”

“They informed me.” His meaning was clear. He was the final authority. “My decision isn’t up for debate, Mary. Your access to the hospital has been revoked. If you leave quietly, I’ll be more inclined to give you references.”

Ice spread across Marilyn’s chest, even as her face burned with anger and embarrassment. “I don’t think that will be necessary, Arthur.” She collected her purse and her backpack. “Something tells me a reference from you wouldn’t be the career booster you seem to think.”

She circled the hospital administrator and strode to the elevators. Marilyn could feel the stares of patients and former coworkers following her down the hall. She refused to look back.

Warrick went weak with relief when Marilyn’s number appeared on his cellular screen. He stepped off the running path outside the arena and answered the call. “I’ve been trying to reach you for the past hour. Did you get my messages?”

“I know about the article and the picture. How are you feeling?” Marilyn’s voice was raised over the background traffic noise playing through the connection from her end.

Warrick’s frown was puzzled. Why was she outside? He wiped the sweat from his brow with the palm of his left hand. “I’m fine. It’s you I’m worried about.”

“Are you sure? I know you were upset about the team’s loss last night. Now that photograph turns up in the Horn.”

Why wasn’t she angry with him? Instead she was worried about him.

Warrick turned toward the marina. Watching the water helped to calm him. “I’m all right, Mary. Really. Now tell me how you’re doing.”

“I’ve been better.” Marilyn’s tone was dry. “Arthur revoked my hospital privileges.”

“What?” Warrick turned from the water. “Why?”