The three men shook hands and sat down. Dr. Anderson spoke first. "Mr. McGarry, I assume you have that release?"
"Right here." Leo slid the signed paper across the desk.
"Thank you. Now, where do we start?"
Stanley spoke up. "I would like to start at the beginning. Did you do the assessment in the ER?"
"No."
"Then I would to see the notes."
Dr. Anderson slid the chart across the desk and Stanley opened it to the handwritten physician notes made the previous night. He quickly read the page and a half, nodding several times. Looking across the desk, he asked Dr. Anderson, "Did Mrs. Bartlet say anything else once she was admitted to the floor?"
"Once she was settled in the room, she slept until about 3 am when she woke and got very restless. She started saying again that her husband's condition was her responsibility, her fault. Apparently, the same thing she was saying to Mr. McGarry before she was brought to the ER. Attempts were made to calm her down by administering standard medications, but not until we doubled the third medication's dose was the staff successful in calming her down enough to stop her talking. She then quickly dropped off to sleep. She has only recently awakened and has not yet spoken. She responds to commands and seems aware of her surroundings, but doesn't speak. I checked on her a little while ago and there has been no change. Her behavior is baffling and not something I've seen. So, I really don't know what's going on. I know the doctor in the ER gave a differentiating diagnosis of possible suicide but I doubt that. I really think extreme stress is the main diagnosis and I'm going with that at the present time. Her behavior may be consistent with someone who is withdrawing from reality in trying to cope with this extreme stress. Sometimes, as you well know Dr. Keyworth, in order to cope with extreme stress, patients will just withdraw and decide not to interact with the world at all. From what I understand, Mrs. Bartlet has been under extreme stress for at least the past two months and last night the negative change in her husband's condition was the triggering factor for this episode. But you are the expert here and I would welcome your assessment of the patient."
Stanley nodded and stood. "I am anxious to assess Mrs. Bartlet. What room is she in?"
"657. Through those doors and half way down the hall on your left."
"Thank you, Dr. Anderson. Leo, we'll talk later."
"Okay. I'll be on three."
Leo stood as well. "Thank you, Dr. Anderson. We'll talk later I'm sure."
"Yes, Mr. McGarry. I'm sure we will. Goodbye."
Leo left and returned to the third floor waiting room. Zoey and Ellie were not there so he checked his phone for messages. There was a message from CJ asking him to call her so he pressed her number. "Hi CJ, what's up?"
"Hi, Leo. I just wanted to let you know that someone from the hospital apparently leaked the news about Mrs. Bartlet and the press is stationed out front. They think they have a juicy story about Abbey having an emotional breakdown. You know. A tabloid type story. I'm sorry, Leo. I feel so sorry for the Bartlet girls. There's nothing I can do."
"Don't worry, CJ. There's nothing anyone can do about it. When the sharks smell blood, they will circle. I will alert them so they can hopefully find another entrance and exit. Thanks for the warning."
"You're welcome, Leo. Let us know if we can do anything. All of us care about the Bartlets. All of them."
"I know, CJ. And they know it too. Thanks."
After waiting over an hour for Zoey and Ellie to return, Leo gave up and decided to go see if there had been any changes in Jed's condition. Leo walked over to the cubicle and was shocked to see him sitting up and talking with his two daughters. He walked into the area, trying to maintain a sense of calm that he did not feel. He was so ecstatic but given all of the recent setbacks, he wanted to be cautious.
"Jed, how are you feeling?"
His friend turned toward the voice and gave a weak smile. "Very tired, but so glad to be awake. Zoey here tells me I've been asleep for the last 24 hours. Last thing I remember was Abbey telling me a few things and the nurse giving me a shot. And then I woke up back here. In a different room. Zoey and Ellie were calling my name and when I opened my eyes, there they were."
"Well, you are indeed a sight for sore eyes. I'm so glad you're awake. Let's stay that way for a while."
Jed nodded his head. "I agree. Where's Abbey? I expected to see her in here."
Leo exchanged glances with the girls. Jed caught the exchange of glances and instantly knew they were withholding information. "Okay, what's up? Leo, tell me what's going on."
Leo looked at the two girls and then back at his best friend. "All right. Now don't get upset. You don't need any more…"
"Leo, tell me now! Is she all right?"
"Yes Jed, I'll be fine, after a few days' rest."
All heads turned to the sound of that voice. Stanley was pushing Abbey's wheelchair into the cubicle and up to Jed's bedside. Of course, he instantly noted the hospital robe tied over the hospital gown, the IV port taped to her hand and hospital slippers on her feet. She looked extremely tired without any makeup, but was smiling. A change in attitude that Leo was very grateful to see.
"Mom!"
"Mother!"
"Abbey! Stanley! What the hell is going on?" The last statement obviously coming from Jed himself.
Jed leaned back in the bed. "Okay. Would somebody please tell me what the hell is going on?"
Abbey and Leo laughed which was quickly copied by Zoey and Ellie.
"Jed, it's quite a story. But I tell you what, why don't I take the girls to get some lunch and I'll leave you and Abbey and Stanley alone and they can give you the short version? And then I believe two of the people in this trio should get some rest. Am I right, Drs. Bartlet?"
"Yes" Repeated times three.
As Leo left with Zoey and Ellie, he mouthed to Stanley, 'later' and Stanley nodded. Leo needed to hear this one.