J. Jance - Betrayal of Trust

The plane took off, gaining altitude far faster than a lumbering commercial plane.

“Well,” Mel said when we finally leveled off. “What do you think?”

“It was unbelievable,” I said. “I can’t think of anything that would make my life more complete.”

“I can,” she said.

“What?”

She picked up her purse-her amazing purse-and reached inside it. She fumbled around, found a business card, and handed it to me.

“Dr. Merritt Auld, Orthopedic Surgeon.” Along with those words was a whole series of Seattle-area phone numbers.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“Just what it says. Dr. Bliss tells me that when it comes to knee surgery, this guy is the best in the business. He already sent over your latest X rays. You have an appointment to see Dr. Auld tomorrow morning at ten o’clock for an initial consultation.”

“Come on,” I objected. “My knees aren’t that bad.”

“Yes, they are,” she said.

“I don’t need to have them fixed. I’m fine.”

“Maybe you’re fine, but I’m not. I need to have your knees in working order,” Mel added forcefully. “If you won’t have them fixed for you, then how about having them fixed for me?”

How could I argue with that?

“Right you are,” I said. “Tomorrow morning, ten o’clock.”