A
sudden, sharp knock at the door startled both men. Before Elijah could respond, the door swung
open. Geraldine Short stood framed in
the doorway.
“I'd
like a word with you, Dr. Webb,” she announced.
Her eyes, hectic with blue diamond sparkles, cut to Leo. “In private, if you please,” she added.
Both
men rose. Elijah didn’t miss the Native
American’s grimace of a smile. “Hello
Mrs. Short.”
“Mr.
Black Elk.” Her eyes darted away from
him, but a responding smile twitched at her mouth. She peered up at him through the fringe of
her hair and her tongue peeked out to wet her lips.
Elijah’s
eyes widened. Was she flirting with Leo?
Leo
looked at him, his eyes hopeless. He
tried for a casual tone and almost made it.
“Thanks for the diagnosis, Doc.
You've been a big help.”
“Any
time.” Elijah felt Geraldine's strange
eyes boring into him. “Make sure you
stop by again soon. I'll want to keep
informed on, uh, your situation.”
“Sure. Mrs. Short.”
Leo
gave the Rock’s leader a wide berth as he passed by. He closed the door behind himself, and she
stared at the door as his echoing footsteps receded. She turned to Elijah, who sat back down
behind his desk.
“Is he
ill?”
“Not
really.” He leaned back, feigning
ease. “Just a recurring condition.”
“What
would that condition be?”
He kept
his voice light. “Now Mrs. Short, I'm
sure you've heard of doctor-patient confidentiality.”
She
crossed her arms over her chest and frowned.
“If it concerns the well-being of the Rock, then it becomes my
business. The United States of America
and its laws are only a memory.”
Elijah
adopted a professional manner. “I assure
you, Leo is no threat to the health of the people here. He's not contagious.”
Geraldine’s
eyes narrowed. “I wonder, Dr. Webb. You’re close friends, aren’t you? Unless Mr. Black Elk heeds God’s mandate, I
think any association with such a man could be very dangerous to your health.”
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