Chapter 24

The next morning, Lucien arrived at the hospital just in time to see Alice getting dropped off by none other than the Chief Superintendent. He was a little confused as Alice usually beat him to the hospital, especially since she was employed by the hospital. Basically, Lucien used the hospital facilities, but he typically didn't work with them unless he had a patient like Phyllis. He made a mental note to ask Alice about it later.

"So, who is our first appointment?" Lucien asked the nurse at the nurses' desk.

"I've got Christopher Wellington in the first curtained spot there," she pointed as she handed him a folder which contained the questionnaire and the doctor to contact for his medical records.

"Thank you," Lucien smiled as he did a quick look at the paperwork but stopped in his tracks. The nurse was confused and quickly asked,

"Is everything ok Doctor?"

"Yes, yes of course. Just surprised is all," he gave her a quick smile and headed over to the curtained spot about ten feet away.

"Mr. Wellington, I'm Doctor Lucien Blake," the older man gave the younger man a smile.

"Nice to meet you sir," Christopher smiled. He sat ramrod straight on the exam table, his hair was cut short.

"When did you get out of the service?" Lucien wanted to know as he listened for any concerning sounds in the younger man's breathing.

"Last year sir. I did my four years and then I decided to try civilian life again," Christopher explained once Lucien was done with that. The young man was only twenty-three, but it put him in the age range they were looking for. He was a young, fit, healthy young man and that would go a long way to help make the transplant work.

"Just so you know, if you are selected, you won't be able to join back up. If you thought that was ever in the cards," Lucien told him as he checked the younger man's pulse. Kidney donation was still quite new and many were not sure of the long-term effects so being physically fit for service wasn't allowable.

"I understand sir. I just felt like I could help and I thought that it might give me some purpose," Christopher admitted.

"Purpose?" The doctor raised an eyebrow.

"I've been searching for a calling since I got out of high school. At first, the Army seemed like a good fit but after a while, I just wasn't sure. I've never been especially good at anything, but it always felt like I could do more," the younger man explained.

"This is a commitment and you have to be sure because it can't be undone," Lucien explained.

"I know. It just feels wrong to not try and help," Christopher acknowledged.

"Did you ever think of a career in medicine?" Lucien wondered.

"My folks couldn't afford to send me to university. That was part of why I went into the Army. They hoped I'd find a trade that I liked," he told him.

"I see. Well, I'd say that your questionnaire looks good. I expect that we'll get your medical records from the Army later today. I have a few more interviews and medical records to look over so I'd ask you'd stay close and make sure the nurses have a phone number to reach you at. We could be doing this quite quickly once we find a good match," Lucien explained.

"Understood, sir. Thank you, sir," Christopher gave him a smile and hopped up off the table. He grabbed his personal items and left the space. Lucien heaved a sigh. He'd known a Wellington while he was in the service. He didn't dare mention it to Christopher as he had no way of knowing if they were related. Deciding that he would call a friend of his, Lucien exited the curtained area only to be met by the next appointment. The call would have to wait.

To Be Continued…