~ Chapter 42 ~
"I understand, Dr. Sadick. I'll be on the next flight out."
As Alex hung up the phone, his mouth tightened into a thin line. Moving instantly to his side, Marlena peppered him with questions.
"What is it? Where are you going? Who's Dr. Sadick?"
He took her hand and led her across the room to the chair. Easing himself down, he settled her on his lap before offering the answers she sought.
"It would appear that we were spotted out in public behaving far too intimately for two people who are supposedly doctor and patient," he began. "Dr. Sadick is with the APA's Ethics Office."
"Oh, no," she gasped. "Someone filed a complaint against you?"
"Not just a someone. Apparently, there are two complaints."
"Two? Hmm… I can't imagine that Roman's daughter or her boyfriend would do something like this. From what little I remember of them, it doesn't strike me as being their style. I wonder who else was at the fair that we know."
"Probably all kinds of people," he admitted ruefully. "Not that I noticed any of them. I was pretty caught up in you."
Her eyes sparkled as she wrapped her arms around him.
"As I was in you," she freely confessed, before leaning in to kiss him softly.
"I dare say it's that kind of behaviour that got us into trouble in the first place," he remarked, although he made no move to disentangle himself from her embrace.
"So, if it wasn't Austin and… uh… Carrie, do you have any ideas as to who might have done this?"
"I'd be willing to bet money that John filed one of them. If he saw us, he would've had one of two reactions – either a strong urge to deck me, or a desire for revenge. Looks like he opted for the latter."
"Now that you mention it, I'm surprised that he didn't confront us. It's not like John to just walk away."
"Maybe someone held him in check," Alex mused aloud.
"Kate!" they exclaimed in unison.
"I suppose I should be grateful to her. She no doubt kept me from getting a black eye, or a split lip."
"Then I'm grateful as well. I like your face just the way it is," she murmured, as she tenderly stroked his cheek.
His hand reached up to clasp hers and they sat in silence for a moment. Reluctantly, Alex pushed Marlena to her feet, then rose from the chair.
"I told Dr. Sadick that I'd be on the first plane out, so I'd better get ready."
"Can I help you in any way? Pack something?"
"Just my laptop and my phone. I shouldn't need anything else."
"What about your flight?"
"Right. Could you book that for me?"
"Sure. So, you want the first available flight to Washington and… what about the return? Do you have any idea how long your meeting will be?"
"I'm guessing a couple of hours. Just book the last flight out tonight. I don't want to be away from you any longer than I have to."
He directed a wan smile her way as he headed for the shower. Even though he was doing his level best to hide it, she knew that he was worried about the possible outcome of the hearing. If the circumstances were different, she'd go with him to provide moral support, but that was clearly inappropriate. Nothing like the therapist and the patient who've been accused of misconduct showing up together, she chuckled drily to herself.
She'd just finished making Alex's travel arrangements when the water stopped running. A few seconds later, he poked his head out of the bathroom.
"How much time do I have?"
"An hour."
"Thanks. By the way, you should call Frank and let him know what's going on."
"Good idea. Do you want to talk to him as well?"
"Yeah. Maybe he'll have some tips for me."
As Alex got dressed, Marlena dialled the Salem Inn's number, and asked to be connected to Frank's room. The priest picked up on the first ring.
"Good morning, Marlena," he greeted her after she'd identified herself. "I've been waiting to hear from you. Are you ready for our next session?"
"Actually, Frank, there's been a change of plans. Alex has to leave town rather suddenly, and there's something I need to take care of, so could we wait until this afternoon to get together?"
"Certainly." He detected a note of anxiety in her voice. "Is everything all right?"
"No, not really, but I'm going to let Alex explain it to you. See you around 1:30?"
"That sounds fine."
Alex took the phone that Marlena proffered in his direction.
"Good morning, Frank… Yes, well, I had an unexpected call earlier…"
As Alex brought Frank up to speed, Marlena considered the scheme she'd decided to implement. It was risky, and she'd have to approach it rather delicately. If it worked, though, she'd be one step closer to being a free woman. The corners of her mouth quirked into a sly smile.
"What's that about?"
Startled, she whirled around to see Alex staring at her.
"You're plotting something. I can tell by the look on your face. Spill it."
"It's probably best if you can truthfully plead ignorance. If things work out, I'll tell you all about it when you get home."
"With that kind of enticement, I may just have to try to get an earlier flight back."
"I wouldn't complain if you did."
Grudgingly, he shrugged into his sports jacket and picked up his briefcase.
"I don't want to leave."
"I don't want you to, either, but the sooner you deal with this, the sooner we can put it behind us."
"Spoken like the wise woman you are. Walk me out?"
"Try to stop me."
Hand in hand, they descended the stairs. Once he'd pulled his coat from the front closet, he opened his arms. Wordlessly, she moved into his embrace.
"I'll miss you," he whispered into her hair.
"I'll miss you," she murmured in return.
Their lips met and clung, in an unspoken gesture of mutual reassurance.
"It's only a few hours. You won't even notice I'm gone."
They both knew it was a lie, but she played along, in the hopes it would ease his stress.
"You're right. It won't be long. I'll be waiting up for you."
"I'm counting on that."
Winking at Marlena to bolster her spirits, Alex then headed for the elevator. After waving him goodbye, she closed the door behind her, strode to the desk, and picked up her phone. It was time to set the first ball in motion.
Kate sat curled up on the sofa, staring absently into space. Once John had finished his call to the APA, they'd shared a bountiful breakfast. He'd been right when he'd suggested that filing his complaint against Alex would serve to improve his appetite. He'd eaten heartily, then had headed for the shower, whistling all the way. Not a word had passed between them about the kiss, but it was still very much on her mind.
She was somewhat shocked that he'd responded as he had. Even though she'd manoeuvred herself to take advantage of the situation, she'd expected him to pull back immediately, maybe even admonish her. Instead, she'd been the one to break away – not because she wanted to, but because she was under no illusions. In spite of everything, he loved Marlena, and if they'd let nature take its course, he would've regretted it instantly. Oh, he would have been chivalrous, and tried to hide his guilt from her, but it would actually have set her plan back significantly. The next time she and John made love, she wanted it to be for the right reasons – not because he was lonely, and she was an available substitute for his wife. Nevertheless, it would seem that the future held some promise. Clearly, he still harboured feelings for her. If only Jeff would hurry and get those divorce papers drawn up.
Thinking it wouldn't hurt to light a fire under the wily attorney, Kate reached for the phone. She was startled when, just as she had it in her grasp, it rang.
"Hello."
"Hello, Kate. It's Marlena."
Why is she calling?
Kate was stunned into silence.
"Kate? Are you still there?"
"Of course. I'm sorry. If you're wanting to talk to John, he's in the shower."
"No, actually, I was calling to speak to you."
"You were?" Kate's disbelief was evident.
Marlena smiled. The element of surprise was on her side.
"Yes. Could come over to the penthouse?"
"Why?"
"There's something we need to discuss. It's important."
"When?"
"Now would be good."
"Uh, well, okay."
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"I'd like to keep this between us. Please don't tell John."
