THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS

"I read about it but then I didn’t know you physically. I even thought Dr Janice was a middle aged woman. I had no idea someone this young would be so outstanding"

Dr Sullivan’s eyes twinkled with excitement as he said,

"It’s going to be legendary working side by side with you, Goddess. Just the thought of it gives me sleepless nights."

Kathleen couldn’t help but burst out in laughter, seeing the older man who was currently more excited than a five year old when told that they were going to visit her favorite grandma during the holidays.

"You had better not miss your sleep as you need to be in the best state of mind to undertake such a laborious assignment in two days’ time." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"I know, Goddess. I am very much prepared both mentally and physically."

"That’s good to know," Kathleen said.

Referring back to their previous topic, "I’ve meticulously planned each step of the OP. We will handle it with precision and care."

As she spoke, she exuded confidence, her voice unwavering, as if reassuring not only Dr. Sullivan but herself as well.

"And as for whatever risks involved. We will minimize them, Doctor. I wouldn’t undertake this if I didn’t believe in its success."

"Besides, the Mayor’s mother deserves a chance based on her kind nature and the charitable work she has been involved with all across Baltimore."

"You know I wouldn’t take the case if it were not for her benevolent character, even if she had a relationship with the mayor."

Dr. Sullivan brooded over Kathleen’s words for a moment then and nodded in agreement.

It is common knowledge in the medical circle of her unbiased disposition towards patients. No matter their background or position in society, if she is not busy, she would always give her best without discriminating against anyone.

Spider was also another example that happened right under his nose. She didn’t relate with him like a criminal but like someone who needed help, not just because of the testimony in court but like someone who deserved a second chance.

"And as for the success of the OP, I know I can always count on you, Goddess. Look at the miracle you have wrought in Old Mrs Hudson case." His eyes were full of admiration, bothering on adoration as he nodded repeatedly.

Thanks so much, Goddess for taking up this case. The Mayor would be the happiest if the operation is successful.

"There is no question of "if," Kathleen calmly corrected. "It is already a success. All we have to wait for is the day after and she would be up chatting with her son."

"I will leave you to prepare everything in advance and I trust you to keep to your words."

"Of course, Doc." Only the relevant people have been chosen as part of the team and they have sworn to secrecy."

"That means you’ve finalized the list. Can I see it?"

Doctor Sullivan stood up to get the list. From his second drawer, he brought out a folder containing some documents, and handed one to Kathleen who quickly scanned to list.

When she sighted a particular name, her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Is there a problem Goddess?" He had just seen the brief change in her countenance.

"Nothing, Doc. I just needed to confirm a particular name on the list," her voice had no suspicious tone to it.

What name is that?" Dr Sullivan had carefully selected the doctors that will be participating himself and could attest to their professionalism and character.

"Dr Rosse,"

"Oh, Steffan is one of the best hands we have in this hospital and Baltimore for that matter. I can attest to his character. As a matter of fact he is looking forward to this operation and keeps coming over to discuss it with me everyday. He would have been here today but had to leave for something urgent."

Kathleen could roughly guess what that urgent matter was, but she only mumbled two words.

"I see," she bobbed her head a few more times, her expression, giving nothing away.

"l have to go meet up with something now. If there’s anything that needs my attention, don’t hesitate to call."

"Alright, Goddess."

As she rose from her seat, she remembered something. "Have you heard from Spider recently?"

"Not yet, the last I heard was that he’s been keeping to himself and refused to have anything to do with anybody. But apart from that his report is generally good."

"Alright. Maybe one of these days, I will drop by the prison to see how he is doing."

Dr Sullivan couldn’t help but feel helpless. How could she be still concerned about someone who nearly took her life?

As if she read what was going on in the older doctor’s mind, Kathleen casually said, "Everyone deserves a second chance," then sauntered out of the office.

But unfortunately, she didn’t think that philosophy is applicable in Shawn’s case.

Dr Sullivan stared at her with a stupendous expression and only realized she had left when he heard the sound of the door closing softly behind her.

********

After Shawn dragged himself from Demon Skull, he went straight to Hudson Manor. As he highlighted from his car, the person who received him at the entrance was Mr Wallace, the butler.

Prior to the commencement of old Mrs Hudson’s treatment they were all asked to leave under the pretext that the special doctor coming didn’t want to reveal her identity.

Unknown to them, Shawn had done that to convince his mother to leave town so that Kathleen could easily have access to the house to treat Old Mrs Hudson without any interference from Joanne.

So as soon as Joanne returned unexpectedly, they have all been called back to resume work.

"Master Shawn! What happened to you? Where have you been?" Mr Wallace was appalled at the bruises all over Shawn’s face.

He remembered that his master left this morning impeccably dressed and also in good spirits, which he had hardly seen for the past six years.