Paradise Lake: A Love Story
Chapter Seven: The Doctor Has His Say
Fred and Shaggy take a walk
It was late afternoon, chilly but clear when Fred and Shaggy stepped out of the restaurant feeling full from the food they had just consumed. Shaggy carried a box containing a little something for Scooby. Shaggy opened the side door of the van; Scooby bounded out, jumping up and down.
"I'll stay with Velma tonight." Shaggy volunteered, it was a statement rather than request.
"Let's walk over to the park." Fred pointed toward their destination. "We can talk there. I need to tell you about the meeting with Dwight Saunders, the man in The Three Bears. Better put the leash on Scooby, we don't want any problems with the police or the local dog catcher."
Scooby didn't like the leash but swallowed his pride and walked sedately beside Shaggy. As Scooby ran around the city park doing the things dogs (don't tell Scooby he's a dog, it would cause a serious identity crisis) do, Fred told Shaggy about the meeting with Ashley's ex-husband ending with the fact that they all were in danger.
"By 'all of us' did he mean you, me and Scooby, or did he include the girls?"
"Good question. I didn't mention the girls when we were at the Sheriff's office for a reason. I'd like to keep them in the background as long as possible. When we get through here, I'll drop you off at the hospital. Tell Daphne to get something to eat then go home and get some sleep; I'll relieve you in a few hours. Tomorrow morning, I want you and Daphne to go to the library. You may need to go to the local paper morgue. Dwight said there had been some jewelry thefts and that Ashley was thought to be involved. Find out anything you can about her disappearance and the thefts."
"Did you have to say 'morgue'? We're looking for a missing person, jewelry thefts and we can't trust the police. Sounds like a normal mystery. What are you going to be doing while I play Mother Hen to Velma the chick?"
"I have a couple of errands and then I need to make the Mystery Machine disappear. Dwight said he and Ashley remained friends after the divorce. That's not unheard of but it is unusual-I think Dwight knows or suspects where Ashley is! Shaggy, also try to find out which Sheriff's deputy was on duty around the Blake Estate area the night Ashley disappeared."
Dwight Saunders
Fred had no way of knowing he was wrong about Dwight Saunders knowing or having any suspicion of where Ashley was. In fact, at the time Fred was making his erroneous comment, Dwight Saunders was having an early supper; or trying to. The divorce had occurred several years ago; when Ash had moved out, his appetite had left with her.
"Irreparable Differences" had been the legal reason written on the divorce papers. The real reason was more simple. Over the years he and Ashley had discovered they were better being friends rather than husband and wife. Dwight pushed the cold uneaten food away. Eating by oneself was the one leftover from the divorce Dwight had yet to master.
The two bedroom, one bath apartment was a lot smaller than the three bedroom, two home he and Ash had shared. Neither of them could afford the house so it had been sold with the proceeds split. The walls seemed to be closing in. He should the congealed mass that once had been appetizing down the garbage disposal, turned on a table light for his return, locked up the apartment and left. He really didn't know where Ashley had gone for the 'rest' she had referred to. She might have left town but Dwight didn't think so. Either way, anything was better than sitting in the box of an empty apartment, slowly going insane.
Daphne and Velma
Several times during Velma's story she had become quiet when a nurse cam in to take vitals, writing the information on a pad for transfer to Velma's records. The last nurse informed Velma that the doctor would be doing rounds later that evening.
"How late, nurse? Is that normal?" Velma wanted to know.
"Oh, yes. Doctor has been known to do rounds as late as eleven O'clock." Velma continued her story when the nurse had left the room.
Finished with her story, Velma leaned back on the pillows, "You must think I'm crazy."
Daphne went to her friend, hugging Velma close, "No, not crazy, Velma. Just a girl experiencing real love for the first time and not knowing how to handle it. No wonder you've been acting so nervous."
"Now, Ms. psychologist, bring me up to speed on what has been going on since I've been held prisoner in this non-padded room."
Daphne reclaimed her seat, telling Velma about the meeting with Dwight. "Velma, Ashley would never have left like this. She would never have left her son!" Daphne finished and slumped down into the chair.
A Cheshire Cat smile formed on Velma's lips as she said, "Don't worry, Daphne. If I'm right, I know where Ashley is!"
Daphne looked at her petite friend, astonished at Velma's proclamation but Shaggy knocked and entered the room. Before Daphne could proceed Shaggy relayed Fred's request for the two of them to visit the local library. Daphne left after giving Velma a hug and whispering, "Velma, you can't put love under a microscope."
Velma
Soon Velma yawned, "I'm sorry, Shaggy. I'm feeling tired." She wiggled down under the covers and was soon asleep. Shaggy made himself as comfortable as possible in what was called an 'easy chair'. With the exception of different nurses coming in for vitals, every thing remained quiet until 10:30.
Shaggy had risen, checked on the sleeping Velma before making a hasty trip to the bathroom. He had just returned when a tap alerted him to a visitor.
A man in casual jeans and shirt came into the room, waking Velma, "Wha...?"
"Good news, Ms. Dinkley, I'm Doctor Richardson. All your tests came back negative."
"I could've told you that," Velma responded sleepily, "so why did I faint?"
"I understand you've been working rather hard," the doctor answered, "even Paradise Lake gets newspapers. It's my professional opinion that you're stressed out. I think a few days rest will do you a world of good."
"I'd like a second opinion," Velma stifled a yawn.
"That's perfectly fine, Ms. Dinkley. I've taken the liberty of contacting your family doctor. He's in agreement with my opinion."
"I hope this 'rest' won't be here in this room!"
"Yes. We, your family doctor and I, recommend a few days rest at the Paradise Lake Care Center. I'll write the orders and after breakfast you'll be free to leave."
Shaggy had been following the conversation but his jaw dropped to the floor when Velma agreed without further comment. The doctor left to be replaced by a nurse who took vitals and handed Velma a little paper cup, "sleep aid, Doctor's orders." The nurse took her leave and Velma turned her attention to Shaggy, "Shaggy, kiss me good night." He leaned down into her outstretched arms, kissing her lips gently.
"I meant a real good night kiss." She pulled him down, pressing her lips solidly against his, holding their kiss for several minutes.
"Now, Shaggy, you must go. You and Daph have a busy day tomorrow and I need my beauty sleep."
"Don't you know. Vel?" He kissed her forehead, "I'll always," a kiss on each eyelid, "be here", the tip of her nose was next, "for you."
"I'm counting on it...darling." The succeeding kisses were long and as passionate as a hospital room and the threat of being 'caught' would allow.
TBC