Free Once Found: The Pocket Watch Chronicles by Ceci Giltenan Page A

here?”
    “Manipulating her? Me? Are you serious? I assumed she would want to go with you and was as shocked as you were when she said she wanted to stay here.”
    “Well, you made no attempt to convince her to do what’s best and go to Baltimore with us.”
    “But that would be manipulating her. She’s the one who wants to stay here. I haven’t pushed her one way or the other. It was you who came in last night, threatening to have her declared incompetent if she didn’t do what you wanted her to do. I was the one that comforted the sobbing, shattered girl you left without so much as a ‘sleep well.’”
    “Why don’t you just leave her the hell alone?”
    David stepped in. “Dr. Quinn, this is not necessary. We all want the same thing: what’s best for Elizabeth. Do you agree?”
    “Of course.”
    “Then let’s let this play out. You requested a psych consult, did you not? Didn’t you tell me the chief of the department will be seeing her this morning?”
    The chief of the department? Christ almighty. Her father certainly played to win.
    “Yes,” snapped Dr. Quinn. Turning to Gabe again, he said, “And you can just clear off now, Soldani.”
    David shook his head. “As far as I can tell, Gabe has only been supportive. I know they were friends in the past because she has talked about him before. In fact, I have always been under the impression that they were very good friends. I absolutely believe she remembers him and what’s more, she seems to take comfort from his presence. When she doesn’t recognize anyone else, why would you deny her that?”
    Because he has to be angry at someone, and I am the easiest target.
    “Fine. But I swear to you, Soldani, if I find out you were the one pulling her strings, I will destroy you.”
    Elizabeth’s mother opened the door. “James, you need to keep your voice down. You’re upsetting Elizabeth.”
    Dr. Quinn cast one more quelling stare at Gabe before striding into the room past his wife.
    David and Gabe followed.
    Elizabeth sat in her bed, looking tense but very pretty in spite of her injuries. Pale pink cashmere pajamas might be impractical, but they looked cozy and soft, as did the delicate silk robe. The cream colored, cable-knit slippers by the bed looked suspiciously like cashmere too.
    When her gaze caught his, the fear and vulnerability Gabe saw there caused his heart to ache for her. She reached a hand out to him.
    He took a step toward her, and Dr. Quinn grabbed his shoulder.
    “Elizabeth, Dr. Gerald Rose, the chief of psychiatry will be up to see you shortly. I have some calls to make, and I think it would be a good idea if we all left and allowed you to rest until he arrives.”
    She nodded. “If you have something you need to do, I don’t wish to keep you from it. But I would like Gabe to stay with me.”
    “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
    “You’ve made that clear, but until after I have met with Dr. Rose, it is my understanding that I can make my own choices.”
    “I’m only thinking of what’s best for you.”
    “I’m not certain you know what’s best for me.”
    “This needs to stop,” said Elizabeth’s mother. “James, she’s confused. Antagonizing her won’t help. We both have calls to make. Perhaps by the time we’re done, Dr. Rose will have an answer for us, and we can take Elizabeth home.” She took her husband by the elbow, but before leaving with him, she said, “David, you have our numbers. Call if we’re needed.”
    David nodded. “Certainly.”
    Gabe took the hand Elizabeth held out and then sat beside her.
    She sighed. “It seems my parents already know the outcome.”
    “They’re making an assumption, sweetheart. That’s all.”
    David leaned against the window ledge. “Gabe, is Gerald Rose still the chief of psychiatry here?”
    “Yes.”
    A slow smile spread across his face. “Then I think if Dr. Quinn wants Elizabeth declared incompetent, calling him in was a mistake. I know Dr. Rose.