Once Found: The Pocket Watch Chronicles by Ceci Giltenan Page B

for when my memory comes back. If this is the way a father treats a daughter…” Her voice caught. She swallowed hard. She would not cry. “If this is the way a father treats a daughter, I don’t need a father in my life.”
    “Elizabeth!” exclaimed her mother.
    Her father turned his glare on Dr. Rose. “Do you still think my daughter is competent to make decisions for herself?”
    “Absolutely. I’m inclined to agree with her. Ye’ve not shown Elizabeth a modicum of affection in my presence. When we spoke on the phone last night, ‘twas clear ye were concerned about her, but the disruption to your schedule was as much a concern.” He gave Elsie a warm smile. “Ye needn’t worry about having nothing, lass. I’ll help ye sort out things with yer employer. I’m absolutely certain ye have disability insurance that should provide a little income for ye until things resolve.”
    “Thank you, Dr. Rose.”
    “I’ve had enough of this foolishness,” declared Dr. Quinn.
    Elizabeth’s mother put a hand on his shoulder. “James, you’re not helping things. Elizabeth, there is no need to take such drastic measures. I need to rearrange a few things, but within a week, I could be set up to work for a limited time from the Manhattan office. I’ll appoint someone to help you with your affairs. You don’t need to rely on strangers.”
    “I know you mean well, but anyone you appoint will be a stranger to me. You both are strangers to me. And for some reason, I have the distinct impression it’s been this way for a while. It seems you’ve raised me to be independent.”
    Charlotte Quinn inclined her head. “We have, but that is an admirable quality.”
    “I’m glad you think so, and I’m sorry you’re both so upset with me. With that said, I’m not going to Baltimore. Since independence is such an admirable quality, I intend to remain independent. If you wish to stay here, I’d like that, but it’s up to you. Please don’t feel as if you must rearrange anything on my behalf. I’ll be fine.”
    Her father stormed out of the room without a word.
    Her mother sighed. “I’ll return in a few days, and we’ll sort things out.” She kissed Elsie’s cheek and left the room.
    Dr. Rose released a frustrated sigh. “They are a disappointment.” His face brightened. “But ye seem to have two very good friends, and, of course, me.”
    “Thank you, all of you.”
    “Now, I’m going to contact yer neurologist. He wants ye to have another scan of yer head called magnetic resonance imaging. Gabe will explain it to ye. I think that’s a very good idea, just to make sure ye don’t have a brain injury from the accident that was missed. I also understand an orthopedic doctor will put a cast on that arm today. When they ask ye what color ye want, be adventurous. After that’s all done, I see no reason to keep ye here in the hospital. As we discussed, I’ll see ye once a week. I generally take Wednesday afternoons off, but I am going to make an exception. I’ll meet with ye at two each week. Call my office with yer schedule, young man,” he said to Gabe. “If ye’re working, we’ll make other arrangements or I’ll come to her.”
    Elsie smiled at him, tears welling in her eyes.
    “Don’t worry about a thing, lass, ye’ll be grand.”

Chapter 9
    Gabe smiled when Elizabeth picked bright blue as her cast color. He wasn’t surprised that she didn’t like the MRI. The technicians let him talk to her through the intercom during the scan.
    When all of this was completed and they were back in her hospital room, Martin Levi came to see her.
    “Well, Elizabeth, your MRI is perfectly normal, so in the absence of a brain injury, I think the diagnosis of fugue is accurate. I have spoken to Dr. Rose and understand you’ll be seeing him every Wednesday as long as you are in the city, so I am going to discharge you to his care.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “It means you can leave the hospital. Do you have a