The Perfect Woman

By Spike Lynch

There is a hermaphrodite born in about one of every 250 thousand births annually! Paula, or shall I say Paul, was one of them.

An overzealous Dr. Meggett would further complicate nature’s cruel error by ordering the wrong surgery. Being raised as a boy with two brothers by just his mother brought confusion and emotional turmoil to th

• Language: English
• Publisher: LitFire Publishing
• Release date: May 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643984629

Spike Lynch

SPIKE LYNCH resides in Southern California and has written more than twenty-three screenplays and/or stories, some of which have been produced or published, such as the films Dead in the Morning, Windshield Wiper, and Tough Competition. Watch for his next thriller, Zeke's Peak.

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The Perfect Woman

Copyright © 2018 by Spike Lynch

ISBN: 978-1-64398-462-9

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher or author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within.

The contents and subject matter herein, is controversial to some political and/or religious beliefs, and some may be offended. This work is inspired by the actual life of a very dynamic woman. The names of the characters, some events, businesses, places and incidents have been changed, altered, or fictitious. Any resemblance to some `actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Printed in the United States of America

LitFire LLC

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Very Special Thanks to:

Lauren Manzano

My beautiful friend and wonderful

Inspiration.

Extra Special Thanks to:

Elizabeth (Liz) Madearis

My dear friend, mentor

and Renown inspirational coach. Without her

patience and brilliant guidance I would never

have gotten this book into the market.

Thanks to:

Kitty Kladstrup for her

Professional editing, coaching, and encouragement.

Thanks to:

Nancy Kimberly Morris

Her amazing talents for design and artwork on

The cover and many other areas.

Many thanks to:

Dean (Deano) Tangeman

My long term writing partner who not only

Got me into writing, but introduced me to the

Love of reading books.

Barbara Vasi

I would be lost without her professional

Knowledge of computer and website formatting.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PROLOGUE

THE INFANT

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

THE CHILD

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

THE EXPOSURE

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

TRANSITION BEGINS

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

THE RUNNER

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

STREET LEARNING

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

THE GIRL

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 53

TEEN ROMANCE

CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 56

CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 58

CHAPTER 59

CHAPTER 60

CHAPTER 61

CHAPTER 62

CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 64

CHAPTER 65

CHAPTER 66

CHAPTER 67

CHAPTER 68

CHAPTER 69

CHAPTER 70

CHAPTER 71

CHAPTER 72

CHAPTER 73

CHAPTER 74

CHAPTER 75

CHAPTER 76

CHAPTER 77

CHAPTER 78

CHAPTER 79

THE TRANSITION

CHAPTER 80

CHAPTER 81

CHAPTER 82

CHAPTER 83

CHAPTER 84

CHAPTER 85

CHAPTER 86

CHAPTER 87

CHAPTER 88

CHAPTER 89

CHAPTER 90

CHAPTER 91

THE DETECTIVE

CHAPTER 92

CHAPTER 93

CHAPTER 94

CHAPTER 95

CHAPTER 96

CHAPTER 97

CHAPTER 98

THE SCANDAL

CHAPTER 99

CHAPTER 100

CHAPTER 101

CHAPTER 102

CHAPTER 103

CHAPTER 104

CHAPTER 105

CHAPTER 106

CHAPTER 107

CHAPTER 108

CHAPTER 109

CHAPTER 110

CHAPTER 111

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH

CHAPTER 112

CHAPTER 113

CHAPTER 114

THE REVENGE

CHAPTER 115

CHAPTER 116

CHAPTER 117

CHAPTER 118

CHAPTER 119

CHAPTER 120

CHAPTER 121

CHAPTER 122

CHAPTER 123

CHAPTER 124

CHAPTER 125

CHAPTER 126

CHAPTER 127

CHAPTER 128

CHAPTER 129

CHAPTER 130

CHAPTER 131

THE PLAN

CHAPTER 132

CHAPTER 133

CHAPTER 134

CHAPTER 135

CHAPTER 136

THE ATTACK

CHAPTER 137

CHAPTER 138

CHAPTER 139

CHAPTER 140

CHAPTER 141

CHAPTER 142

CHAPTER 143

CHAPTER 144

CHAPTER 145

CHAPTER 146

CHAPTER 147

CHAPTER 148

CHAPTER 149

CHAPTER 150

CHAPTER 151

THE COMPLETE WOMAN

CHAPTER 152

CHAPTER 153

PROLOGUE

All night long, Paula tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Oh my God She mutters to herself. "I’m soooo scared. I feel like I’m going to throw up I’m so scared!

In the morning, Paula threw on her clothes. She barely combed her hair and was so upset she didn’t even have her morning coffee. What will mom think? What will the Doctor say?

Her mother was right on time, and waited at the driveway. Paula was so nervous that she dropped her purse getting into the car. She settled into the driver’s seat and looked at her mother. Mom, I’m really worried what you really think about me having a sex change.

Stop your worrying, Monique answered as Paula started up the car. All these years we’ve had so many ups and downs and crazy things to deal with, so we need to relax. I don’t know if I can handle it, but for you, my beautiful girl, I will try.

They arrived at 416 Bedford Drive in Beverly Hills, and found their way to the plastic surgeon’s office. After a silent and very nervous wait, they were ushered into the consultation room. The receptionist told them to be seated across from the doctor who was sitting behind the largest desk they had ever seen.

Doctor John Martin was considered the top go-to specialist for sex-change operations and he had been highly recommended. He was very kind as he patiently explained the steps of the procedures to Paula and her mother. At twenty-three years of age, Paula did not need permission from her mother, or anyone for that matter, but out of love and respect, she would never do anything that would upset her.

 The difficult part was that her mother had deeply religious beliefs, and her complete lack of knowledge about the procedure could stir up fears that the operation could cause irreversible damage. After all, she had already been traumatized many years ago by irreversible damage inflicted on Paula by a so-called, specialist.

 When the doctor quoted the cost: nearly $40,000, they were stunned. They both sat motionless and in disbelief and in total shock. Paula had built up a savings account with close to a four thousand dollar balance. Now, she realized it wasn’t even close. She had expected the operation might cost ten, or maybe twelve thousand dollars. Paula was so hyped-up at the idea of being released from the prison of her body that it was a devastating letdown.

Mother and daughter left the office in silence and sat down in the nearby coffee shop. The only conversation either one could muster was to order grilled cheese sandwiches. Neither one of them had much of an appetite, but they needed a little time to recover. After a few small bites of her sandwich, Monique looked up and in exasperation she exclaimed, Doctors!

PART I

THE INFANT

CHAPTER 1

The beeping of the monitor suddenly became the shrill of the flat-line when Monique’s heart stopped. The assisting physician grabbed the paddles from the wall and waited for the command from Dr. Bowers, the primary OB/GYN.

Dr. Bowers, gloved hands inside the patient yells. Not yet, I’ve got to get this baby out first. In a gentle yet urgent move he lifts the baby up and immediately the experienced nurse severs the umbilical cord.

Now! shouts the doctor. Dr. Weise the young intern, immediately places the paddles on Monique’s chest and her body lifts up in a jerking motion and nothing happens. Dr. Bowers nods again to order another electric jolt.

Another jump off the table and suddenly the monitor begins the beep of life.

Dr. Bowers exhales a sigh of relief, then shouts orders. Dr. Weise, see to the baby and Corinna tie off this umbilical cord and get me some sutures. We have got to shut off the bleeding and get her closed up.

While Dr. Bowers and nurse Corinna working together as a well oiled machine, Dr. Weise yells an interruption, Dr. Bowers, did you notice the baby’s gender?

Irritated, Dr. Bowers nearly yells, "Not now, I’ve got to save her!"

Dr Weise, showing little concern for the mother is frustrated because he has more interest in the baby.

The sound of a slap on the baby’s bottom and the resulting scream allows Dr. Bowers to relax a little and he asks, Dr. Weise, are the baby’s vital signs ok, and does it seem healthy? Yes, it’s healthy but I need for you to look it over."

A few minutes later Dr. Bowers stands up from his patient and puts his head back with relief, Thank God, I think she will make it.

Turning to another assisting physician, Finish closing her up. He then begins removing his surgical gloves and washing up.

Dr. Weise looks up excitedly, While you were busy with the mother, I put in a call to Dr Meggett. He is on his way now.

What? Why would you call him in?

Because this baby is exactly what Dr. Meggett has been waiting for.

Both Dr. Bowers and Nurse Corinne look over with question on their faces.

CHAPTER 2

Dr. Bowers, the attending obstetrician, was not pleased with the elation expressed by the young and inexperienced Dr. Weise, especially just having a life and death situation. He gritted his teeth, and went over to examine the baby.

Smiling, Dr. Weise points, Look, it’s Intersexed! It has both male and female genitals, just like Dr. Meggett has been wanting.

Dr. Weise, this is not a happy event. Scolded Dr. Bowers. "We’ll wait for Dr. Meggett to make any decisions about the baby. In the meantime, we will double check its vitals.

Nurse Corinna interrupted, Doctor, shall we send Mrs. Martinez to ICU?

Not yet, I want to keep an eye on her for a while, at least until we know what Dr. Meggett decides for the baby.

Dr. Bowers looks around, Dr. Weise, do you have any idea where Dr. Meggett is?

They just told me he and Elizabeth are on their way to this ward as we speak.

See if you can go find him and get him here now. Hearing that instruction, the young doctor rushed towards the door and out of the room.

Nurse Corinna continued monitoring to Monique while Dr. Bowers carefully checked over the baby. Frustrated he once again inquired, Where the hell is Meggett?

Unbeknownst to them, rounding the distant corner of that long hallway was Dr. Meggett, led by an overly anxious Dr. Weise. Marching alongside Meggett was his research assistant, Elizabeth, clutching her clipboard with pen in hand.

Nurse Corinne picks up the phone to the nurse station, He’s on his way, Doctor.

At that very moment, Dr. Weise burst through the doors leading the way for Meggett and Elizabeth.

Dr. Meggett looks around and sees Monique on the surgical table being transferred to a gurney and the baby on another table wrapped in a small sheet. What’s going on here? Turning to Dr. Weise, You didn’t say anything about surgery and Cesarean.

Dr. Weise responds, I didn’t think you would be interested in the mother.

Drs. Meggett and Bowers and Nurse Corinne stare at the young intern looking more like a college kid than a doctor.

Dr. Bowers speaks up, "Doctor, she was brought to emergency badly bleeding and in very serious condition. Her husband said she fell down some stairs, but she has some very suspicious bruises. I had to take the baby cesarean quickly. We almost lost her.

He continues, She’s been drifting in and out of conciseness. I couldn’t risk putting her under so I gave her a local. She went into cardiac arrest once but she seems fairly stable now.

Dr. Meggett turns to Dr. Weise and scolds, You are a Doctor, or at least you are supposed to be. He relaxes a bit, Now let’s take a look at the baby.

CHAPTER 3

While the Doctors were examining the baby, Monique drifted back into consciousness and mumbled, What’s happening? Where’s my baby?

Both Drs. Meggett and Browers looked up and then at each other, searching for something to say to the delirious mother. Then Dr. Bowers spoke up, Your baby is doing fine, you just rest now.

Monique dropped her head back onto the small pillow the nurse had placed under her. Then she frowned and raised up again and weakly cried out, I want him here with me. Why isn’t he here with me?

Dr. Meggett looked over disturbed, Were examining your baby and we will speak with you in a little while.

The more upset Monique became the more conscious and alert she became. I don’t care to speak with you, I want my son!

Strange, thought the nurse Corinna. She keeps referring to him or her son. Sonograms to monitor and predict gender were not perfected back then. The question caught the nurse in a dilemma herself. She could only ignore the query and give just as curious an answer, Dr. Bowers will be right over.

Monique was beginning to panic and had to be restrained to the gurney to avoid hurting herself and damaging the surgery that had just been completed. She yelled, I want my baby now. What’s wrong with him?

Dr Meggett was now more interested in the baby and became perturbed. Quiet her down! Sedate her!

Dr. Bowers said, It’s too risky to sedate her yet. She is not stable enough.

Then do something to quiet her!

Nurse Corinna immediately attended to Monique and tried to calm her. Again, she said, Please, Monique, Dr. Bowers will be right over to talk with you.

Hearing that evasive response Monique’s eyes widened fearing the worst had happened. She blurted out, Oh, God help me. It must be another girl. Jose will kill me.

CHAPTER 4

As Monique settled into a calm state of sedated delirium, the room took on an eerie quiet. Dr. Bowers calmly and quickly went down the checklist of his routine examination of the baby. All vital signs were normal, reflexes and responses were good and the overall general health was average, if not above. The only exception was the problem at hand.

As Dr. Meggett studied the chart confirming Dr. Bowers’ oration, Bowers began explaining his observations of the infant’s abnormalities. Indignant, Dr. Meggett immediately halted Dr. Bowers with an arrogant gesture. Thank you for your input on the preliminary examination, Doctor, but I am the expert here and this is my forte. I’ll take it from here forward if you don’t mind.

Dr. Bowers respectfully backed off, Yes, Doctor.

Meggett turned to his young understudies, Both of you pay close attention; this may make the medical history journals. He nodded towards Elizabeth and said with more of a command than a statement, Elizabeth will be taking impeccable notes. She nodded her affirmation. Dr. Weise expressed obvious excitement while Dr. Bowers was apprehensive and chose to reserve his emotions.

The newly established research team spent the next thirty minutes thoroughly examining the baby’s genitals; Dr. Meggett dictating, Elizabeth recording in shorthand, the others observing.

Once again, Monique screamed, Someone talk to me now!

Dr. Meggett became more irritable and yelled at Dr. Bowers, Godammit give that woman a sedative and quiet her down, this minute! The other doctors and even the nurses wondered at his impatience but all respected his knowledge in these matters.

"Dr. Bowers went to Monique to calm her but she was tense and rigid. The nurse was ready but waiting with a mild sedative for the go-ahead. Bowers took Monique’s hand to try to relax her without using drugs but realized it was hopeless. He gave the nurse the nod and in an instant, the injection was complete. She didn’t know what they gave her but it seemed only seconds before things became hazy. Later when awake the only thing she remembered was thinking that Dr. Meggett was somewhat funny looking.

CHAPTER 5

When Jose first brought Monique into the Hospital Emergency Receiving area, he had words with Dr. Bowers but there was not much time to waste. When questioned a second time about the incident he said. I already told you what happened! Just take care of my woman and don’t ask any more questions!

Dr. Bowers was already having Monique wheeled to the delivery room, when the head nurse of the emergency ward stepped in and interrupted Jose’s tirade. It was a good thing she was very attractive and knew how to handle Monique’s angry husband.

Please Mr. Martinez. She calmly said while pointing to the three security guards coming down the hallway. Those guys will send you outside to wait. I’ve got a much better place to wait for your wife.

Jose was still uptight but she managed to get him to follow her down the hall to a special waiting room. Jose stopped outside the room and glared at the white sign with blue and pink letters identifying it as EXPECTANT FATHERS ONLY. He shook his head to resist, but the nurse took his hand and gently pulled him in.

He followed her in and looked around at the three other men occupying the space. The little room was not more than the size of an average master bedroom. He figured the painter of that sign was most likely the artist and interior designer of that remote corner of the hospital maternity wing. He wrinkled up his nose sniffing like an animal in the wild, Hell this shit-hole stinks like baby powder. I’m not staying in here.

As he turned to leave the nurse stepped in to block his way out, Listen, those security jerks want to drag you out in the cold. At least in here you’ll be warm. I’ll have some coffee brought in for you. Jose glared at her for a moment but her soft eyes and alluring smile settled him. He turned and sneered at the others then stomped to a corner chair and flopped down.

In the late sixty’s, the concept of fathers participating in the delivery phase of the Happy Event was fairly new and not very appealing to most dads-to-be, especially for those waiting for their second or third child. They had already heard the gory details and had developed pre-conceived images of the process. Their head contained clear audio-visual full action scenes of a slimy little red-skinned rat-like monkey creature, who, after hours of intense screaming, and huffing and puffing, finally would slide out like a greased, raw oyster being ejected from a bloody orifice under pressure of an extensive gas buildup. The notion was enough to send even the hardiest of beer drinking, bar brawling, ditch digging construction workers away on a camping trip for the entire week of labor pains.

At that time, the La-maze method of delivering newborns, having the expectant fathers present and actually help with the process was pretty much limited to independent birthing clinics. As a matter of fact most mainstream, moderate-to-middle income men, figured the process originated in some remote commune outside the San Francisco Bay area by some pot-smoking flower children, trying to connect their mind and soul to nature’s wonders.

Even most hospitals left the methods and theories, like underwater births in a hot tub, to those independent clinics. The last thing a legitimate hospital needed to deal with was a liability suit brought about by some six-foot-six, ex-All-American offensive left-tackle who turned white, reeled around, stiffened, then lunged over into a back-swan-dive, driving the corner of a gurney into the back of his oversized crew-cut head. Thus, the concept of a little comfortable cubbyhole room not much different than a drunk tank to lock up the excited dads-to-be was well accepted and successful, thank you.

As Jose sat and pouted he looked around in disgust of this holding tank. Being such a macho type, he hardly ever smiled but looking at the ridiculous atmosphere nearly made him laugh. The sign painter/interior designer had really outdone himself. The room had no windows so the decorator installed fake openings with scenes painted where the glass panes would be. He shook his head looking at the façade windows which projected the image of looking outside to an animated barnyard filled with Disney style animals, including all of Donald Duck’s friends and family, Mother Goose, Elsie the cow, and a distorted version of Mickey and Minnie frolicking with goats, pigs, and horses, with all sorts of happy little singing birds circling overhead.

The mock windows were lined with red and white gingham curtains painted on each side. The walls between the windows were marked with colorful, wavy musical notes and stick-figure children dancing, laughing, and playing hopscotch, hide-n-seek, and other brainless children’s games. Below the happy children, the walls were lined with furniture. There were two couches, covered with shiny naugahyde/vinyl; one baby blue and the other, pink, and they sported decals of footballs, baseballs, bats, dolls and trucks. Several plastic end tables and other chairs were gaily perched along the walls in between the happy sofas.

Jose wanted to gag at the childish room. After all, this room was for the male adults, not the baby’s nursery. One of the other expectant fathers tried to befriend him and smiled, Nice room isn’t it? Jose snapped back, This fairy-tale crap is no way to bring up kids into this hard, cold life. The man shut up.

To make things more miserable for Jose, the colorful cell was shared with two more excited fathers-to-be. To him all three of them were goody-goody types awaiting their first thrilling little rug-rat experience. Watching them drove Jose crazy with their silly antics. One constantly paced the room, sitting only for seconds between each lap, patting the beads of sweat from his forehead while nearly breaking out in tears from anxiety. One of the other jerks held a little rubber football in one hand and a Betty Boop doll in the other, and he kept giggling between nervous comments about hoping the wife and baby would come out of the ordeal healthy. The third inmate was a pompous type know-it-all, who wore a suit and tie and acted fatherly to the others, comforting their fears by reassuring them that the doctors were the best and nature had a way with childbirth. How the hell would he know?

Several times these well-intentioned idiots tried to befriend Jose, but a few short words and a threatening glare put them at a distance. They thought of him as a low-life loser who didn’t understand nature’s blessings. Their assessment was not too far off the mark.

Jose was short on patience to begin with and he wasn’t pleased with the prospect of another baby. He already had a couple of bad experiences and the only thing that would pacify him was a strong, healthy male child. This cute little room with its pansy-ass occupants had his nerves standing on edge. Poor Jose had no way of knowing that this day in the hospital when his fourth child was born, would bring all of his insecurities to light. It was to be the last-straw snapping, giving the knockout blow to his already damaged over-inflated male ego.

CHAPTER 6

The waiting room for the expectant fathers was a stark contrast with the maternity room where the doctors were finishing their examination of the baby and completing their extremely detailed notes. After the painstaking process Dr. Meggett instructed the one nurse who had remained to attend to Monique, If you are done cleaning her up have her taken to a private room. Then get some help and prepare this baby for surgery. He turned to Dr, Bowers. Is the father in the waiting room?

Yes, I’ll go ahead and inform him.

No, I’ll do that myself. It’s imperative that I meet him and understand his psyche. You two get cleaned up and meet me in the board room in twenty minutes.

There were serious decisions to be made and Dr. Meggett needed to be certain that this was the ideal case for his research project. Even by today’s standards in this computer-age, advanced medical knowledge still needs much research, but thirty-three years ago far less was known or understood about certain birth defects; especially of this kind.

The two doctors obediently went to clean up for the meeting while Dr. Meggett and Elizabeth headed down the hall to greet Jose.

CHAPTER 7

When Dr. Meggett opened the door to the expectant fathers waiting room, Jose’s three roommates jumped to attention in hopes of good tidings. None of them recognized the doctor who, being flanked by Elizabeth looked each of them over. As soon as he saw Jose, still sitting and brandishing a bored disinterested expression, he knew this had to be father and he liked what he saw. You must be Mr. Martinez. Please come with me, he said.

What’s going on? Jose asked. Is everything okay?

Monique will pull through. No need to worry.

What about my son? He’s okay? Jose pressed as he arose.

Dr. Meggett and Elizabeth exchanged glances, then he responded. The baby’s health is fine. We just need to discuss some—er—procedures with you.

Hey, man. What’s going on here? It is a boy, right?

That’s what we need to discuss with you. Please follow me.

The three other expectant fathers were pale with fear. They stood in astonishment with their bare faces hanging out, eyes wide and mouths at half-mast.

Jose began to protest but before he got to speak, Elizabeth took charge, Mr. Martinez, just do as the Doctor requested. We have some critical issues to discuss.

The word hit Jose by surprise, Critical?

Dr. Meggett interjected, She didn’t mean critical in the literal sense. She meant serious decisions to make.

Jose was disarmed by Elizabeth’s manner and the doctor’s statements. After a few seconds of hesitation, he gave an ever-so-slight nod and moved toward the door. Dr. Meggett held the brightly colored door open and Jose cautiously stepped through to follow them out leaving his three goody-goody cellmates horrified that this may be a precursor to their own situation. For the first time that day, Jose’s hard expression changed from indignant to serious. He was worried or scared but he never gave in to such weak emotions.

He followed the doctor and Elizabeth down two long corridors then into an elevator for a slow ride to the third and top floor. It was on the elevator when he amused himself by sizing up the pair he was accompanying.

CHAPTER 8

Earlier, when Monique was drifting into oblivious sedation she noted Dr. Meggett was kind of funny looking. Even in her state, the observations were not far off the mark. Jose mentally noted that Doctor Meggett was designed to be about five-foot ten, but standing only five-six, he looked a little fat. He was not happy with his shortcomings, so to speak, so he made extreme efforts to offset the deficiency with posture by standing rigidly erect with his head lifted above a level plane, looking out through the bottom of his frog-like poppy eyes. His erect posture was so overly done that it appeared he was receiving some assistance from a well-meaning individual with a strategically placed tent-pole. In more recent years, his squeaky, whiny little voice could match Ross Perot in a political debate. To top off the package, the entire crown of his head was completely bald so he let one side grow long and parted it just above the ear, and then combed it across the top to reach the other side. The hair over the top was not thick so it ran in greasy narrow strips that gave his head the appearance of a dome-shaped barbecue grill.

Younger hospital employees often imitated his stiff carriage by strutting right behind him while he hurried down a hall. If his physical stature wasn’t enough to be the topic of hospital humor, they mocked his name, by referring to him as The Maggott. Nevertheless, Dr. Meggett was very intelligent and held specialist ratings in several medical categories. He was an excellent obstetrician and surgeon as well as a psychiatrist specializing in human behavioral science, and had published many articles and theories in major medical journals. His knowledge was well respected throughout the medical community, and the hospital board of trustees held him in