P is for Psychiatry part 7
The mediator looked at the lawyers in turn, and said, "If you have any other evidence or materials that you would like to submit, now is the time."
John's lawyer raised his hand, and the mediator acknowledged him. "I would like to ask if it would be acceptable to the committee to have additional witnesses present."
The mediator closed the file in front of him and said, "I believe that would be more appropriate if this complaint is deemed sufficient to go to trial, but not at the present time."
John, Roy and the lawyer tried to mask their disappointment, but the mediator then added, "However, if you have affidavits from persons who have been implicated by these proceedings, you have a limit of 48 hours to deposit them before this committee. We are adjourned until 9 am tomorrow, and will continue at this location. Good evening, gentlemen and Miss Douglas."
When they got out of the hearing, they were surprised to see that a group of people had gathered downstairs in the foyer of the building where the investigation was taking place. One of John's former girlfriends rushed up to him and grabbed his hands. He said, "Kimberly! What's up? Why are you here?"
"Oh, Johnny, word got round the hospital that today was the day, and I just knew…I am so sorry, Johnny! She took my words and twisted them around! This Christine person! I was on the ward the night she stayed over and I saw that she was interested in you from the way she was going on about the cute paramedic. You have to believe me - I was kidding when I said to her that she had to be careful if she went out with you! I may have even been a bit jealous that she was so into you…I just said that a girl had to watch herself with you because things could move fast…I just meant…I meant no harm…I can't believe they're saying these things about you…oh, Johnny! When that investigator came around asking questions I didn't know what to do! Can you ever forgive me?"
As she explained herself, John's face fell. He sighed deeply. "Yeah, Kim, don't worry 'bout it. I know you didn't mean anything." At least that was one mystery solved. How they had found out about Valerie was another one, but it didn't really matter, he supposed.
Dixie was there too, and she announced to John in a voice that brooked no argument, "You're coming home with me. I'm going to make you a nice home cooked meal, and you are going to forget all about this ridiculous woman and her accusations for the evening. And that's an order, John Gage, so don't even think about trying to weasel out of it."
He gave a shadow of his crooked smile to his favourite nurse. "I wouldn't dream of it, Dix. Thanks, it sounds just great. Just what I need."
Another one of the nurses who was a former girlfriend came up to him and kissed his cheek. "You could be a jerk sometimes, Gage, but you were always a sweet jerk. I don't believe you're going to be found guilty of assaulting this woman."
He looked around at the group, and said with some trepidation, "Does everyone know? I mean about the accusation?"
Kimberly looked at him pityingly. "Johnny. Seriously? At the hospital? You know how things get around. Yes, everyone knows."
He closed his eyes and groaned, but Roy grinned at him, "You're taking this all wrong, junior. Look at all these people who know and who have come here to support you and tell you that they believe in you. "
Johnny opened his eyes and saw the smiles and friendly faces of his colleagues from the hospital, most of them female. Roy was right. It wasn't as bad as he had been thinking. He took Dixie's arm through his and walked with his friends out of the building.