Page 101 of A Me and Him Thing
Mr. Langston is quiet as he listens to everything Ren has to say. Then he says, “First of all, we take all concerns seriously here at Tranquility House. I can certainly understand why you’re worried about your wife. Her safety and comfort are of the utmost importance. If any part of what you just told me istrue, I consider it a hospital emergency. I’d like to take action immediately.”
“I agree. I’m ready to do whatever it is we need to do.” Ren is serious in a way I’ve never seen him up until now.
“Let me check the visitor list, if you’ll just give me a moment.” Mr. Langston turns to his computer, types quickly, and studies his screen. “It would appear that Mr. Curtis Rothman comes to visit Allison about three times a week. And he always comes on Friday nights.”
“That means tonight.” Ren takes a deep breath.
“Yes. First of all, I will have a drug screen done ASAP. The results of that test are vital. However, for now we will proceed as though it’s positive. We will not allow your wife to be drugged this evening, if that’s what is happening. I will also have a camera installed in the foyer of Allison’s room since that appears to be the place where a visitor can get away with altering Allison’s food. I assure you that hospital policy will change after this occurrence. I will see to it that this doesn’t happen again. Would you be able to join me this evening in our video monitoring room? We’ll watch everything that happens in Allison’s room.”
“Yes. Absolutely.” Ren nods, seemingly pleased with how things are being handled.
“I’m also going to call the police and ask for an officer to be present in the room with us. If your allegations prove to be true, the perpetrator will be arrested immediately. Do you approve of these actions, Mr. Chambers?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Are you pleased with the manner in which we are handling this situation?” Mr. Langston maintains direct eye contact with Ren.
“Yes, I am. Thank you very much.”
“Is there anything else you would like me to do?”
“I think you’ve covered it.”
NOW WE’RE SITTINGin a small airless room watching the live video stream from Allison’s room and foyer. Ren and I just watched Jack feed Allison her “sweetened” dinner.
“I don’t know how he does it, knowing what he knows.” Ren shakes his head.
“He’s a good man fighting his hatred. I’m impressed.” I think for a moment. “You didn’t suspect anything wrong between you and Allison? No red flags?”
“I actually thought we were fine. But she was right. I was obsessed with making Exodus a success at the time. I was so blind.”
“Don’t say that. You were doing the best you could. If she was upset, she should’ve said something to you. I would’ve said something. But then, I’m me. I’m not known for holding back.”
“I like that. I’ll always know where I stand. Turns out, your blunt nature is a good thing.”
I shrug. “Maybe sometimes.”
Jack joins us in the room, and not long thereafter the police officer assigned to the case arrives, as well as Mr. Langston. Drugging a helpless patient is a serious accusation. They’re not taking this lightly.
Ren explains again exactly what we’re looking for. The police officer nods but doesn’t say much. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
Mr. Langston is wearing a pinched expression, unhappy with the entire situation. “I have news. Allison’s drug screen came back positive for methamphetamines. She’s definitely being drugged. Given her behavior, I would say it’s more than likely exactly as you suspected. An Adderall overdose.”
“What?” Ren breathes. “I wanted to be sure, but I don’t think I actually believed it until now.”
“Wow. I wasn’t completely convinced either. I’m going to let Susan know.” Jack shoots Susan a text.
When I think of how calm Allison was in the evenings when I visited her in comparison to her behavior on the days when she was agitated, I don’t feel surprised. But I wasn’t positive either. I don’t know how a patient with brain damage behaves.
“We will find out who is drugging Allison. I promise you that, Mr. Chambers. And they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I’ve already sent the report to the district attorney’s office. They’re ready and waiting for more information.”
This just became very real. It’s no longer crazy suspicions being tossed about at the kitchen table.
Curtis finally shows up to visit Allison as usual. But we didn’t expect him to be accompanied by his mother.
“Curtis probably can’t drive. Of course his mother brings him. He’s constantly nursing a beer. At least every time I see him outside. He’s probably permanently drunk.” Jack pounds his fist on the table, frustrated. “Rhoda’s gonna go all Mama Bear on us, raise a huge fuss if we so much as go near her son.”
Jack does get angry sometimes, but I now understand his anger. He’s defending his son. He’s the Papa Bear.
