“Sure. He’s a reporter for the Bronx Times.”

  “Well he wanted to know what was going on with the foundation since he’d seen Rory and Elle at the Bronx Children’s Clinic a little while back.”

  “So?”

  “So this was the first time I heard of it. Elle never told me.”

  “Did you ask her about it?”

  “Yes, but she got mad.”

  “I bet she did, and for good reason.”

  Doug was taken aback. “Dad?”

  “Elle arranged for Rory and a few other plastic surgeons to do some pro bono work for cleft palate patients at the clinic. That’s why she and Rory were there.”

  “What? I can’t believe she didn’t say anything. We’ve never kept secrets from each other.”

  “I don’t think this really qualifies as a secret, Doug. Elle was trying to do something to help a community center in need without involving you.”

  “Why wouldn’t she want to involve me? I am the mayor.”

  “That’s the reason why she wouldn’t involve you. Listen, I don’t have to tell you about the city’s finances. She figured if she could do this on her own, it wouldn’t be stamped as money diverted to a special interest project while you’re handing out severance packages.”

  “Why didn’t she just tell me that?”

  “I imagine that after twenty years of marriage, she thought she rated more than a little trust.”

  Doug buried his face in his hands. “Oh. I’m an idiot and a liar.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “For all my pontificating about her not revealing the clinic project, I didn’t tell her I’d called Seth McNeal.”

  “You called Seth?” His father was genuinely surprised.

  “I’m surprised Uncle Rob didn’t tell you. He’s the one who gave me his number.”

  “Well I’m not surprised that he didn’t tell me. I would have talked him out of it.”

  “You would have?”

  “Yes. Seth’s a great guy, but calling him in sends the wrong message about the strength of your relationship with Elle. Don’t forget Rory’s divorce is at the center of this whole storm. You don’t want to send a message that your marriage is becoming a victim of collateral damage.”

  “I never thought of it that way. I just saw my poll numbers dropping and I wanted to fix it.” He rubbed his forehead again. “I’m not just an idiot. I’m a colossal idiot. I let my ambition get the best of me.”

  “It happens to the best of us, son.”

  “I bet it never happened to you.”

  “Doug, did you ever wonder why I didn’t run for a third term in Congress?”

  “Your approval numbers were low and you didn’t think you’d have the support of the party.”

  “That’s not the real reason. Approval numbers are like the tides. They go up and down. I could have easily mounted a campaign to court voters.”

  “Then why didn’t you run?”

  “At the time your mother and I were getting into a lot of arguments about how much time I spent away from the family. She felt that politics had taken over my life and that I couldn’t attend a birthday party without checking to see how I’d fare in the polls first. Naturally I thought she was overreacting. To me she had campaign fatigue.”

  “What changed your mind?”

  “One night I had everyone from my campaign over for a strategy session. We worked into the wee hours of the morning. Once everyone had gone I was in the study when your brother came in and asked me if I was coming to his soccer game. But before I could answer he said he’d wait until I checked with Mr. Max.”

  “Mr. Max the pollster?”

  “Yes. When I asked him why, he said because you always check with Mr. Max for everything and that he’d wait for his answer. That’s when it hit me. Your mother was right. I did put my political ambitions ahead of family. I decided then that I was done with politics.”

  “I thought you wanted me to be senator.”

  “It would be nice to have another senator in the family, but I can live with just one. I really just want you to be happy. The bottom line is your family is more important, you can’t let the media, polls or anything else get in the way.”

  “Are you saying that’s what I’m doing?”

  “I’m saying that if someone accused my wife of having an affair and I knew she wasn’t, I wouldn’t wait for some spin doctor to hand me a statement. Political correctness be damned, I’d be in someone’s face.”

  Doug hung his head. “You think I’ve really made a mess of things.”

  “Well, you can still do something about it.”

  “I just hope it doesn’t become a matter of too little, too late.”

  “When it comes to apologizing it’s better late than never, son. Make like Nike and just do it.”

  “I hope it’s that easy, Dad. I think I really stepped in it this time.”

  * * *

  Still in a huff, Elle rang the doorbell of Rory and Angela’s townhouse. Their houseman, Ken, opened the door.

  “Hello, Peter. Is Angela in?”

  “Mrs. Brennan?” He was surprised to see her.

  “Who is it, Peter?” Angela asked.

  “It’s me, Angela.” Elle pushed past Ken.

  Angela went white as a sheet. “I’m not supposed to talk to you.”

  “Well then you’re going to listen.”

  “I’m going to call my lawyer!”

  “Go ahead and call him! I have something to say to you, and I’m going to say it!”

  Angela made a move to get the phone when Elle grabbed it out of her hand.

  “Give me the phone!” Angela was stunned.

  “Not until I’m done!” Elle practically roared. “You’re the one who started this.” She took a deep breath to try to calm down a little. “When this whole thing started I knew it was your way of trying to keep all the extras that came with the Brennan name. You couldn’t just get divorced and risk being ostracized by those cows at the country club, you needed to be the wronged woman so people would feel sorry for you.”

  “I am the wronged one. My husband is in love with you!”

  “What!”

  “That’s right. Not only have I been the second string daughter-in-law, I was second in my husband’s affections. In case you didn’t notice his little girlfriend looks like you!” She seethed.

  “Wait a minute. You knew that wasn’t me in that picture. You lied! ”

  “You don’t know what you’re…” She tried to recover.

  “Shut up! I have the floor.”

  Angela was stunned into submission.

  “God knows I should have done this the minute the first story broke, but I took the high road while you crawled with the slugs. That ends today,” she huffed. “You were so consumed with your own agenda that you didn’t bother to think what would happen to my children with all of this. That’s where I draw the line! You call your lawyer and tell him to get ready for the mother of all slander suits. Do you hear me?” A sharp pain hit Elle. “Oh!” she yelled.

  “Elle? Are you all right?” Angela started to come near her.

  “Stay over there. Don’t you help me.” Another stabbing pain came on stronger than the first. “Oh, my God!” Elle dropped the phone and grabbed her stomach.

  Just then Rory walked in and saw the scene. “Elle? What’s wrong?” When she didn’t answer he looked at Angela. “What did you do?”

  “I didn’t do anything. She just doubled over.”

  “Call 911!”

  Angela picked the phone up off the floor and dialed.

  “Oh!” Elle’s legs buckled.

  “Ken, help me get her to the sofa.”

  The two men helped her onto the sofa.

  Elle began to perspire.

  “Ken, get a cold compress.”

  “Yes, sir.” He rushed out.

  “The ambulance is on its way.” Angela looked nervous.

  “Good.”

  “Is there anything I can do?” she added.

  “No.” He looked at Elle. “The ambulance is coming.” He took her pulse. It was racing.

  Elle was breathing heavily. “Call Dr. Aranow,” she said weakly.

  “Dr. Aranow? Elle, are you pregnant?”

  A tear rolled down her face. “Yes.”

  “Oh, my God.” Angela covered her mouth.

  Ken returned with several cold compresses. “Here you go, sir.”

  “Thanks.” He patted her forehead. “You just hold on. They’ll be here any minute.”

  The ambulance arrived and Rory stepped out of the way as the EMTs rushed to get Elle’s vitals. They put an oxygen mask over her face.

  “I’m a doctor. I need to tell you that her pulse seems to be way too fast.”

  “Okay, we’re getting her vitals. What’s her name?”

  “Elle Brennan.”

  “The mayor’s wife?”

  “Yes.”

  The EMTs looked at each other as the first one took her blood pressure. “It’s 145/75. That’s high. Does she have high blood pressure? Or any other pre-existing conditions?”

  “No, she doesn’t have hypertension, but she is pregnant.”

  “How far along?” the second one asked.

  “I’m not sure.”

  Elle lifted the mask. “I’m eight weeks.” She continued to writhe in pain.

  “Oh, my God.” Angela sunk to the floor.

  “Okay. Who’s her obstetrician?”

  “Dr. Aranow. I’ll call him to meet you at the ER.”

  “Good.” The EMT turned to Elle. “Now we’re going to lift you onto the gurney.”

  She nodded. They lifted her up. The first EMT went ahead to get the door where a crowd of reporters had gathered.

  “I don’t believe these people. How did they get here so quickly?” Rory shook his head.

  “They listen in on the radio, or sometimes they have friends in the call centers that will give them a heads-up,” the second EMT answered. “Are you following us?” he asked Rory.

  “Yes,” Rory said.

  They rushed Elle out past all the flashing lights into the ambulance and sped. The reporters hurled questions at Rory as he tried to get in his car.

  “Back off! It’s an emergency. Don’t you people have any sense of decency?” He climbed into his car and peeled off. He quickly called Dr. Aranow and then dialed Doug.

  * * *

  Doug was still smarting from his father’s words when Ki tapped on the door and walked in. “They’re waiting for you.”

  “What?”

  “The press conference to announce Henrietta Johnson-Briggs as the new commissioner of aging. Did you forget?”

  “Of course not.” He got up. “Let’s go.” He buttoned his suit and walked out and down the hall. Henrietta and Lillian Edwards, the deputy mayor were waiting for him there. “Hi, Henrietta. Are you ready?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Lillian?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Okay. Here we go.” He walked into the conference room and up to the podium. “Good afternoon everyone. New Yorkers are some of the most dynamic people in the world, so it should be no surprise that the 1.3 million seniors who call New York City home would be just as vital. We are committed to making sure that our senior citizens continue to lead independent lives for all that they’ve done to support their families and communities.”

  Ki was off on the side listening to the conference when his phone vibrated. He checked it and saw it was Rory. He stepped outside in the hall. “Hello?”

  “Ki? Do you know where Doug is? It’s an emergency and he didn’t answer his phone.”

  “He’s in the middle of a press conference.”

  “I really need to speak to him, it’s an emergency.”

  “I just can’t stop him in the middle…”

  “Elle’s just been rushed to Columbia Presbyterian by ambulance.”

  “Oh, my God,” he gasped. “I’ll get him. Just hold on.”

  “I’m almost at the hospital. Please hurry.”

  “I will.” Ki stepped back into the room and walked over to Doug, who was still speaking.

  “As someone with a great deal of experience in the private and nonprofit sector, Henrietta Johnson-Briggs is a wonderful addition to our team…”

  Doug was taken off balance when Ki tapped him on the shoulder. “Ki?” He turned to the audience. “You all know my chief of staff, Ki.”

  Ki waved and put his hand over the mike. “I need to speak to you. It’s an emergency.”

  “What?”

  “I’m not kidding. Lillian will have to make the announcement.”

  Doug paused for a moment. “Umm, it seems something has come up. Lillian, if you would please continue.”

  Lillian was discombobulated, but she took the mike. “Certainly.”

  “I’m sorry, Henrietta.”

  Ki quickly escorted him out into the hall.

  “What’s the emergency?”

  “Elle’s been rushed to the hospital. I have Rory on the phone.” He handed it to him.

  “Rory? What hospital?”

  “I followed the ambulance to the ER at Columbia Presbyterian.”

  Doug’s face drained. “She was rushed by ambulance? Oh, my God. I’ll be right there.”

  “Doug!”

  He’d already hung up and made another call to his driver. “William?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Start the car. I need to get to Columbia Presbyterian right away.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I need to get my coat.”

  “Forget about it. I’ll run and get it.” Ki took off down the hall.

  Oh, my God. What’s happened to my girl? Dear God, don’t let anything happen to her before I get the chance to apologize for being such an ass.

  Doug quickly went down the stairs, through the security area and to the car. Just as he got in, Ki was on his heels.

  “Here.” Ki handed him his coat. “Give Elle our love.” He shut the door.

  Chapter 16

  Rory paced in the waiting area. They’d taken Elle in right away and he hadn’t heard a word. Some reporters were positioned outside, but they were kept at bay by security.

  Rory jumped to his feet when Dr. Aranow finally walked out. “Is she okay?”

  “She’s fine.”

  “What about the baby?”

  “Rory, you’re a doctor. You know I can’t tell you.”

  “I know.” Rory’s heart sank. “Can I see her?”

  “Sure. She’s resting.”

  “Okay.” Rory walked down to the room. He stopped to get composed before he entered. “Elle?”

  She was curled up in the fetal position staring at the wall.

  “I’m so sorry.” He rubbed her shoulder.

  “Thanks,” she said weakly.

  Things were silent for a moment. “I bet you’re wondering why I went to your house.”

  “It has crossed my mind.”

  “Kyle got into a fight with Morgan Whitmore’s son because he was giving him a hard time about all the crap that’s been in the papers this week.”

  “Oh, no,” Rory said.

  “It was the straw that broke this camel’s back. It was time to give the root cause of all this nonsense a piece of my mind.”

  “Oh, Elle,” he groaned.

  “I had to do it, Rory. It’s one thing to go after me. I won’t allow anyone to get away with hurting my children…” Her voice caught.

  “I’m so sorry, Elle. I really wish there was something I could say or do.”

  Elle took a deep breath. “You can do something for me.”

  “Anything..”

  “Help me get out of here and back to my sons.”

  Rory was hesitant. “I don’t think Dr. Aranow wants you to leave just yet. You should get some rest.” She turned to face him, eyes bleary from crying. “I want to get home so I can take care of my children. I’ll sign whatever.”

  “Doug’s on his way. Don’t you want to wait for him?”

  “What for?”

  “To tell him what happened and the two of you can work through it together.”

  “I don’t want to see Doug right now.”

  “What?” Before he could say another word Dr. Aranow walked in. “How are you feeling, Elle?”

  “I’m fine. I just really want to get out of here. Just give me the release papers. I’ll sign them and be on my way.”

  “Elle, I really don’t think you should go home just yet.”

  “Why? I want to go home. You can’t do anything for me. Just have someone take this IV out and I’ll be on my way…”

  It was obvious she wasn’t going to budge.

  “Fine.” He looked over her chart. “I want it to be noted that you’re doing this against medical advice.”

  “Duly noted,” Elle answered quickly.

  “Then I’ll get your release papers.”

  “Thank you.”

  Dr. Aranow walked out.

  She looked at Rory. “You’re a doctor, take this out.” She pointed to the IV.

  “I really shouldn’t.”

  “If you don’t, I’ll rip it out.”

  Rory had never seen Elle like this. It looked like the light she had in her eyes had gone dark. “Fine.” He went over to the cabinet and got some alcohol swabs, gauze, tape and gloves. “I’m not supposed to do this,” he said as he put the gloves on.

  “You have medical privileges here.”

  He gently took the IV out and bandaged her arm.

  “Thank you.” She grabbed clothes from the bag underneath the bed and closed the curtain to get dressed.

  “I’m here if you want to talk.” He stepped away.

  “Thanks, but I’m done talking for now.” She pulled the curtains closed, tossed the hospital gown on the bed and quickly got dressed.

  She just pulled the curtains back when Dr. Aranow came back with her papers. “I see you already have the IV out.”

  “I didn’t want to waste any time. Where do I sign?”

  He handed her the clipboard. “Right here,” he pointed.

  Elle stopped as she was about to sign. “Rory, would you excuse us for a minute? I need to speak to Dr. Aranow.”

  “Sure.” He stepped into the hallway.

  Just then Melissa ran up to him. “Rory, what’s going on?” she asked breathlessly. “A nurse called and told me Elle wanted me to meet her here.”

 

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