Part 3. Appointment to the doctor.
Jim sat next to McLand.
- One of the reasons Missouri remembered you was because of the boys, particularly the eldest son.
- And why is that?
The pastor moved the smoking pot to his place.
- The child seems to have witnessed what happened to his mother, and he is no longer what he was.
- I didn't have much experience with children. - The kids McLand was working with were usually beyond his reach. His interest in psychiatry was more of a continuation of his telepathic abilities. Psychiatry was an excellent platform for his more pressing desire to study paranormal phenomena. - Judging by what you told me, it would have been a miracle if the child hadn't suffered from such a post-traumatic injury.
Jim filled Mac's cup of coffee.
- Dr. Ames, do I hear the word "miracle" from you?
McLand, frowning, took the proposed drink.
- I used it in the broadest sense. There is no room for such terminology in medicine, but apparently this new career that was imposed on me often uses vague concepts such as hope and faith.
- I am impressed with your flexibility. - Jim smirked at me grinning at me, cutting the pie. - The scientist must be well versed in the art of diplomacy. This is your opportunity to expand your skills in working with people and spend some time with Caleb. Your first family trip.
- I don't have any communication skills with people. That's why I became a surgeon instead of doing private practice. - McLand was sure he wouldn't have turned his back on his life if he hadn't run into a drunk driver.
- Things change. People change. - Jim put a piece of pie on the doctor's plate. - You're not the same person you used to be, either. I really believe in your ability to communicate with people. Think of all the lives you've touched since you got your gift.
McLand is still not used to perceiving his unexpected abilities as a gift. He learned to manage them easily, but there were days when he wanted to become normal again. They both turned around when the kitchen door opened and Caleb Reeves and Atticus Finch, who were out of breath, entered the room.
- Not all the changes were for the worse. - Jim patted Mac on the shoulder. - You could have surprised yourself with the depth of connection you were capable of.
- Don't be so sure," McLand said, grabbing a fork. - I haven't earned any praise yet. - Although he was confident before he had an accident, he never claimed to succeed in his relationship with other people. Ames was proud to have kept the elite and a select circle of acquaintances. But they all seemed to have disappeared after his long stay in the hospital and the subsequent battle to restore his position.
- How was your walk, my boy? - Jim Caleb asked.
McLand watched as the teenager slowly approached the table and sat down, his wary glance slid across the adults.
- We saw horses. - He shook his shoulders. - Atticus was chasing a squirrel.
- Oh, yes, Mr. Finch continued his search to catch a gray tail. - Jim took the biggest piece of pie and put it in front of the boy. - I'm not quite sure,
what he's gonna do when he catches one of the furry animals.
- I once ate squirrel brains," Caleb said.
- On purpose? - McLand looked at the teenager in a frightening way. - They're rodents.
Caleb rolled his eyes, looking at Jim.
- And he thinks he's smart.
Jim laughed loudly, filling Caleb's glass with milk.
- As a man of extreme worldliness, I'm sure McLand would occasionally fill his stomach with animal intestines, mushrooms and fish baits.
Caleb took a big sip of milk, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
- I bet Atticus wouldn't eat caviar.
The retriever barked, and Jim shook his head.
- He loves to ride in the giblets, but I've never seen him eat them.
- Beluga has the best fish caviar," said McLand. - And I've never heard of anyone catching a deadly disease from truffles or pates. - He pointed a fork at Caleb. - You will refrain from eating any animal's central nervous system while in my care.
- I guess I'll have to mix something else with the eggs I was going to pack for your trip," said Jim winking at Caleb.
McLand sighed.
- That's enough leftover pie and a big thermos with coffee.
- Are we going on a road trip? - Caleb asked with his mouth full of apple pie. - I thought we were staying here for a while.
I couldn't help but notice the child's frustration, and McLand stared at the plate again.
- Looks like Jim had a mission for us.
- Hunting assignment?