Chapter 13 - THE CHILD THEY USED AS A SYMBOL
Judith was waiting outside the cardiac ICU with a private ambulance team and a hospital administrator.
“We are transferring Maisie to Mercer Children’s Center,” she announced.
Brooke moved in front of the doors.
“No.”
Judith barely acknowledged her.
“Grant has signed the authorization.”
“I’m her mother.”
“And you are exhausted.”
“I said no.”
The administrator explained that Maisie could not be transferred without the consent of a legal parent and approval from the treating physicians.
Grant arrived moments later.
“Brooke, Mercer has the best electrophysiology program in the region.”
Dr. Shah stepped out of the unit.
“No, it doesn’t. The center has no pediatric electrophysiologist on-site tonight.”
Judith’s expression tightened.
“A specialist will meet her there.”
“Maisie is unstable. Moving her is medically unnecessary.”
I understood then that the transfer was not about care.
Mercer Children’s Center had been funded by Judith’s family foundation. She controlled its board, its public relations office, and many of its senior administrators.
She wanted Maisie moved somewhere the records could be managed.
Just as Liam’s had been.
Brooke held up Grant’s old emails.
“Did you delay Liam’s treatment because of a campaign shoot?”
Judith looked at Grant.
“You gave her access to those?”
“He didn’t,” Brooke said. “You all just assumed I was too stupid to look.”
The phrase campaign shoot brought back a memory.
Liam in a blue hockey jersey beneath bright photography lights.
Judith adjusting his collar.
A banner behind him reading STRONG HEARTS, STRONG FAMILIES.
The Mercer Foundation had been launching a youth wellness campaign. Liam was the face of it.
A genetic heart diagnosis would have ruined the message Judith was selling to donors.
“You used him,” I said.
Judith’s eyes hardened.
“I gave him opportunities.”
“You kept him in hockey after a cardiologist warned you.”
“Children deserve normal lives.”
“He deserved the truth.”
Grant moved toward his mother.
“Did you know the full result?”
Judith did not answer.
Brooke laughed bitterly.
“That means yes.”
The ambulance crew began packing their equipment.
Judith turned to the administrator.
“You will regret allowing this spectacle.”
Brooke stepped closer to her.
“My daughter is not one of your public-relations problems.”
For the first time since she entered my life, Brooke did not look like Grant’s younger replacement.
She looked like a mother standing in front of a locked door.
“You are not moving Maisie,” she said. “And you are never making medical decisions for her again.”
May you like
Judith’s face became cold.
“Then I will prove you are not competent to make them.”
