Chapter 6: Special Guest

"What do you mean the cardiac surgeon has disappeared?" Victor asked the head nurse, Emma. It was early morning the following day, and they were standing outside the ICU ward of Springfield Public Hospital. Edgar Damone was admitted inside.

"I'm sorry, sir," Emma replied. "We've tried contacting Dr. Trucker, but his phone is switched off. He isn't even responding to emails. Perhaps it is a personal emergency."

"Are there any other doctors who can perform the surgery?" Carol asked her.

The nurse shook her head. "I don't think so, ma'am. A cardiologist is tending to the patient, but he can't perform such complicated surgery."

"Go and get the Hospital Director for me," Victor said.

"Sir, he is occupied at the moment."

"Go and get him, or the consequences will be severe."

Both Carol and Emma stared at Victor in distress. Emma thought he might be going crazy due to his grandfather's impending demise, so she went to do the bidding.

Emma returned with the Hospital Director, Dr. Hodge, a fifty-year-old man with a paunch.

"Ah, the Damone case," he began, shaking his head. "Very regrettable. The procedure to be conducted is thoracic aortic dissection repair. It is difficult and risky because of its delicate nature. Inexperienced surgeons cannot carry it out. Even Dr. Trucker has done it once, which led to the patient's death. The survival chances of this procedure are very low."

Carol covered her face in dismay. "If not Dr. Trucker, can't we invite doctors from other hospitals?" she asked.

Dr. Hodge shrugged. "We can borrow a cardiac surgeon from the city's private hospitals. Let me make some calls. Meanwhile, pay the surgery fees first."

"I've already done that," Victor replied, showing a receipt. He had listened to the Director's explanations calmly, and something seemed off. Why was the Hospital Director taking Dr. Trucker's disappearance so casually?

Dr. Hodge made some calls through the reception phone and returned. "I'm afraid all cardiac surgeons in the city are occupied or inaccessible. I'm really sorry that we can't operate on your grandfather, Mr., and Mrs. Damone."

Victor looked unfazed by the news. Everything started making sense to him now. Springfield Global was a reputed hospital, and doctors never took days off so cavalierly. Dr. Trucker's absence was fishy. Moreover, doctors from other hospitals were inaccessible today, raising many red flags. Someone had gone to great lengths to make things difficult for him.

He turned to the head nurse. "Keep the equipment and technicians ready. The surgery will start in half an hour."

"What do you mean?" Hodge asked in surprise. "Didn't you understand what I said? No cardiac surgeons are available to operate on your grandfather. He won't last till the evening."

Carol put a hand on Victor's shoulder. It was evident to her that he was in a state of denial.

"Dear, let's spend some time with grandpa. He doesn't have much time left."

Victor looked at his wife. His eyes were full of conviction, and this surprised Carol.

"I told you, there's nothing to be alarmed about. I have taken care of everything."

"But-"

Just then, the sound of helicopter rotors echoed through the main window. Dr. Hodge looked in amazement as a chopper approached from the horizon. The logo of Johns Hopkins Hospital was painted across it. The aircraft hovered over the rooftop helipad and landed.

Within minutes, the terrace elevator came down, and a group of medical personnel exited. A tall, elegant woman in a fitting doctor's robe led them. A team of medical specialists and assistants buzzed around her.

The hospital staff froze as the gorgeous woman walked in. They instantly recognized her.

"Isn't she Sophia Blake, the celebrity cardiac surgeon from Johns Hopkins?"

"Johns Hopkins is among the top five hospitals in the world, isn't it?"

"What is she doing here? Do we have a celebrity admitted?"

Dr. Hodge was equally stunned. He rushed to greet her. Wringing his hands, sporting a submissive smile, he said, "We are privileged to have you at Springfield, Dr. Sophia Blake. Please, how can I be of help?"

Sophia had an attitude that made her seem aloof and intimidating. She consulted her chart and cast a critical look at the Director. "Are you in charge of this hospital? There's a patient named Edgar Damone in the ICU. I've been asked to perform surgery on this person."