"Good morning, Counselor," Zach commented as he entered Livia Frye's office.
"Good morning, Zach," Livia replied with a smile. "I've been able to schedule an emergency hearing this afternoon to address the running of Slater-Hart Gaming. I'm proposing that the freeze on your assets be removed, and that a blind trust is set up in Kendall's name in which we can deposit her share of the profits. Then you and she can determine the future of the company after she recovers."
Zach nodded his head and accepted the document Livia offered him for review. He read over the language, nodding his head as he went along. After finishing, he reached into the pocket of his suit jacket for a pen and signed his name as indicated. He handed the document back to Livia without a smile.
"Thank you for taking care of this so quickly. I'll be at the casino until the hearing. What time should I meet you?" Zach asked.
"This hearing doesn't require testimony as we are only asking for a modification of the temporary order. What we really need to discuss is the hearing scheduled to determine Kendall's guardianship. I will need a list of her doctors and nurses… people who can attest to your devotion and care while she's been hospitalized. I'm sure that with their testimony we can prevail," Livia replied.
Zach held up his hand to stop the attorney from continuing, "I'm not contesting Erica's petition. I will run the casinos and other businesses… and turn over Kendall's share to the trust. Just do whatever is necessary to keep Slater-Hart Gaming operational."
"I don't understand, Zach. I've rarely seen a more devoted husband than you've been to Kendall since the accident… and your affection was apparent even before the accident as well. Why are you allowing Erica and Jackson to cut you out of Kendall's life when she needs you now more than ever?" Livia asked with a frown.
"I have my reasons, Livia. Kendall's half of Slater-Hart Gaming should ensure her welfare in the future. I won't require your services beyond that," Zach replied without emotion.
"But… have you decided to retain another attorney to fight Erica? I certainly understand why you would prefer that I'm not representing you against Jackson… I'll be more than happy to transfer whatever records are necessary," Livia responded.
"No. I'm not taking any action," Zach said with a shake of his head as he rose from the chair. He tilted his head and asked, "If there's nothing further?"
"No… nothing else. You will be required to testify at the hearing in ten days, though. The court will want to consider the disposition of Slater-Hart Gaming when deciding about guardianship. If you should change your mind…?" Livia said as she rose to walk him to the door.
Zach turned towards her and extended his hand, "I won't."
Zach noticed Livia's expression of consternation as he departed her office, but he didn't completely trust Livia. He couldn't tell her that the reason he was not challenging the restraining order was Kendall herself. He had been unwilling to admit that he was possibly hindering her recovery by spending so much time with her, but after the previous day's actions realized that his love and devotion were not sufficient. Although he still didn't agree with her choices, it was hard to argue that Erica's methods had seen the most cooperation from Kendall. It was obvious to him that he needed to relinquish his control of the situation in order for her to get better… she had been telling him in every way except words that his attentions were unwelcome. It was time to concentrate on their businesses until she was recovered enough to deal with them once again.
Zach, however, was still focused on Kendall's treatment. He had felt so optimistic about engaging Dr. Geoffrey to help Kendall, but could think of no way to get her name and credentials to the right people. If he contacted any of Kendall's family, they would reject the suggestion without consideration just because it came from him. Despite the fact that he had been an obstacle to her recovery, he still felt that the new physician might offer a treatment that could help Kendall. It certainly wouldn't hurt her to have the consultation… and it might be exactly what she needed.
As Zach stood at the elevator, he could not get past his need to have Dr. Geoffrey meet with Kendall and her family untainted by knowledge of his initial contact. Pressing the button impatiently, he finally gave in to his instincts, turned around and re-entered his attorney's offices.
He stopped at the reception desk and inquired, "Is Ms. Frye still free?"
"Yes, Mr. Slater. Would you like me to ask if she can see you again?" the receptionist asked. At his nod, she contacted Livia via the intercom on her telephone and directed him back to her office after receiving Livia's reply.
Zach opened the door and entered with a smile and a shrug, "I did think of something else… but I haven't changed my mind."
"Sit down, Zach," Livia said indicating the chair he had so recently vacated. "Tell me about this something else."
"I was in contact with a specialist… Dr. Marie Geoffrey. She's agreed to come to Pine Valley and meet with Kendall and review her case. Her specialty is traumatic brain injuries and she runs a specialized clinic out of state. I think she could help Kendall," Zach said.
"Only no one is going to even consider what the doctor has to say since you made the initial contact. That is what you're trying to tell me, isn't it, Zach?" Livia answered. At Zach's nod, she continued, "Knowing you… I would guess that she is probably one of the top people in her field, and that you pulled in a lot of favors to get her to come to Pine Valley and see Kendall."
Zach nodded again before standing and walking over to a table where Livia had bottled water and coffee available. He helped himself to a bottle of water and seated himself once again. After taking a long drink he said, "And I'm sure the fact that she would have to be treated out of state will increase their suspicions that I've been brainwashing my wife."
"Oh… I've no doubt that you're right about that. Erica will look for every opportunity to discredit you and anything that you've done for Kendall. I certainly understand why you don't want to endure a battle with her… but I am surprised that you are willing to surrender without a fight… especially when you can't have her seen by Dr. Geoffrey without one," Livia replied with an edge to her voice.
Zach sighed deeply and took another swig from the water bottle before responding, "Kendall has made it very clear that she does not want my help in her recovery. I will not inflict myself on her if it interferes with her progress. My personal feelings are not important… her treatment and recovery are. Is there any way that you can introduce Dr. Geoffrey to them without their knowing it came from me?"
"No… I'm afraid not. I'm your attorney and acting on your behalf with regard to Slater-Hart Gaming. No matter what else I do… even if I claim that it is as Kendall's attorney… they will believe that it came from you. Your only chance is to be honest about your contact with Dr. Geoffrey and hope that they are willing to see reason," Livia answered.
Zach looked at the attorney and shook his head, "Erica? Reasonable?"
"You've got a point, Zach. Look. Why don't I contact Kendall's doctors and nurses as if you're going to contest the guardianship petition? They don't have to know that you're not… and I can mention Dr. Geoffrey to them and hope that one of them will champion the cause. Would you be agreeable to that?" Livia offered.
Zach thought for a moment and then nodded his head in assent, "As long as we are clear as to my true intentions. I can give you the names of Kendall's caregivers and their schedules."
For the next half hour, Zach and Livia discussed Kendall's physicians, nurses and therapists. Despite his repeated insistence that he would not fight to remain a part of Kendall's life, Zach still felt that Livia was formulating a plan to fight Erica's petition for guardianship. He appreciated the fact that she cared enough about him and Kendall that she felt some responsibility for the current situation, but he also knew what he had to do. It would be the hardest thing he had ever done in his life, but he had to walk away for Kendall's sake. As he had told Livia, Kendall's health and happiness were the only things that mattered to him… and he loved her enough to let her go. His last gift to her would be the opportunity to recover in peace and comfort, and he would never bother her again. While she was getting the treatment that she needed, either in Pine Valley or elsewhere, he would be free to reorganize his businesses and leave Pine Valley. It would be easier for her to resume her life without him around as a constant reminder of their marriage – and he could not bear the idea of seeing her everyday without being a part of her life. No… it was better for everyone if he left Pine Valley the way he should have done right after Ethan discovered his true parentage. So much damage could have been avoided… and he would not have realized just how empty his life was and always would be.