Erica stepped out of the television studio to find Malcolm her new PA waiting for her with her jacket.
"Did it go well?" he asked a professional smile on his lips.
"It went excellently." said Erica as they headed off to the waiting limousine. She had just recorded a spot for the local Philadelphia news channel for the launch of her new cosmetic range. "What's next on the schedule?"
Malcolm effortlessly referred to his iPhone.
"You have a meeting with the graphic designers at one and Chris and Helena want to go through the advertising options for the magazine spreads at three. And of course I have left a window open for you to have lunch with Mr Montgomery."
"Wonderful." said Erica, Malcolm held the car door for her.
"But I have cleared your meetings for the rest of the morning so you can visit Bianca in hospital." he said taking a seat beside her in the back of the limo.
"Good, then I shall have a few hours to visit my daughter before she is undergoes this new medical procedure today." said Erica as the driver pulled away.
"About that..." said Malcolm. For the first time Erica detected a hint of concern in her usually unruffled assistant.
"Is there a problem."
Malcolm gave an uncomfortable cough.
"You daughter Kendal has called for you a few times this morning. I informed her that you were otherwise engaged…"
Erica narrowed her eyes at her PA.
"Go on."
"A Dr Castle also called in regards to you daughters treatment."
"Castle?" questioned Erica. "You mean Castillio? Not Dr Hayward? What did he have to say about Bianca?"
"Simply that you should come directly to hospital. Bianca's procedure was brought forward and there are concerns."
Erica sat up sharply.
"When did he call?"
"No more than an hour ago." said Malcolm. "But as I knew this television interview was important and as you are already scheduled to visit the hospital…" He slowly clamed up when Erica narrowed her eyes at him.
"Young man, let me get one thing clear. NOTHING is more important than my family! NOTHING! If I was in the middle of a Letterman interview and my granddaughter skins her knee you get me and you tell me! Do I make myself clear!"
"Yes ma'am." stammered Malcolm.
"Give me your phone." said Erica, grasping his cell from his hand. She knocked on the dividing glass and ordered the chauffeur to get her to Pine Valley Hospital as soon as possible, at the same time dialling Kendal's number.
The phone rang a few times before Kendal answered.
"Kendal I'm on my way. What's happened to Bianca?"
"You took your time." Her eldest daughters tone was harsh but her voice was quiet.
Erica glared at Malcolm once more.
"I only just heard."
"How convenient." said Kendal sourly. "Well just to get you up to speed. David Hayward, without approval, performed a very dangerous medical procedure on Bianca. She woke up about twenty minutes ago in so much pain that Griffin was forced to sedate her. She may have to be sedated indefinitely. And I am currently sitting in a hospital room with Marissa who was so traumatised by Bianca's screams of agony; she is in shock. How has your morning been mom?"
"Kendal…" gasped Erica, an unexpected sob causing her voice to catch. "My baby… I didn't know."
"Yeah, well." said Kendal, her own sorrow showing. "They are doing tests now. Griffin… He's a good doctor."
"He is. I'm sure he is. And we will get him anything he needs. Expense is not object." insisted Erica. "Look, I'll be there as soon as I can!"
Kendal's grief took on a nastier edge.
"Oh why bother mom. Clearly you have more important things to do with your day. And of course money will fix this. Why bother turning up at all."
"Kendal!" retorted Erica, hurt by her daughter's indifference, but Kendal had already hung up.
"Kendal." Erica gasped again, how had this rift between them grown so fast and what about Bianca? If anything more had happened to her baby girl she didn't think she could bear it.
Erica banged on the glass divider again to get the chauffeur's attention.
"I don't care how many laws you break, driver! You get me to that hospital right now!"
…