The King Falls by R.J. Lee

Author:R.J. Lee [Lee, R.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2022-01-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

Ethel Kohl found it most peculiar that her long-time physician, Dr. Robert Pevey, was examining her elbow with such intensity. She was sitting on the edge of the examining table in a cozy room full of fluorescence and smelling strongly of rubbing alcohol and latex gloves, and while all she had been telling him revolved around her inability to remember certain important things in her life, all he wanted to do was examine the crusty patch on her elbow. It was almost comical the way he was squinting at it, as if he had discovered a new form of life or evidence of the existence of aliens.

“I think you have psoriasis, dear,” he finally told her. “It’s a classic case. Now, we can attack it two ways—systemically or topically with a cream. Which do you prefer? I can prescribe either for you.”

Ethel remained thoroughly annoyed. What kind of visit was this? “Wait a minute, I’m not the doctor, you are. You tell me.”

Dr. Pevey thought for a moment, looking ridiculous while he did so. He had the type of old-fashioned bifocals that made his eyes look huge. In fact, they dominated his long, lean face so much that he came off mostly as an enormous pair of eyes, holding up his thin frame within a white lab coat. At times, Ethel thought it made him look downright creepy, even though she had trusted him with her health for years. He had also tended to Jackson as well, with commendable results. They had never gone to anyone else. All the more reason for her surprise at his peculiar behavior.

“I recommend systemic. Several injections throughout the year. I know it’s a little more trouble than you’d want, but I think you’ll get the best results.”

“I don’t like needles.” She practically spat out the sentence. “You should know that by now and how I have to look the other way when they draw my blood, too.”

“No, not a needle, dear. An IV.”

“That amounts to the same thing, with the thumping and searching for a vein and then that awful sticking. The nurse never seems to find the vein fast enough. It all just creeps me out. Could we possibly go topical? I can smear something on my skin with the best of ’em.”

“We could do that, of course,” he told her. “But you asked for my recommendation, and I gave it to you. That’s my job.” Suddenly, he leaned in, getting inappropriately close to her face. So close that she could smell his garlicky breath.

“What did you have for lunch?” she said, drawing back.

“Spaghetti and meatballs. I love Italian food. I mean, real Italian.”

Her face sagged into disgust. “Makes sense.”

“Okay then, let’s forget about the psoriasis for now. You are simply going to have to move away from Rosalie. You cannot stay here. I recommend the Coast. Jackson tells me you love palm trees and the beach. You could see them looking out your window every day.”

Now Ethel was confused. “What window is that?”

“The window of your room, of course.

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