Diagnosis Death: A Prescription for Murder

By Gracie Fawlings

In Diagnosis Death: A Prescription for Murder, as an economic downturn causes a city to have paralyzing financial hardships, you learn even good people can be forced to do the unthinkable. Consequently, darkness and evil are found to be alive and well at University Hospital, a facility initially started as a safety net for the uninsured. With deception and blackmail having become routine, the truth is waiting to be discovered, however will it be, and if so, who will discover it? And will those responsible face justice? These are just a few of the questions waiting to be answered in this saga of love, hate, life, death, murder, and intrigue told against the backdrop of the world's noblest profession. In learning the answers, you may forever question health care after discovering that at University Hospital, what you don't know might kill you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781646287611

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Stella Wadsworth Lyons

From one of Alder City’s most prominent families, many envied Stella. Always having been provided the best toys, clothes, shoes, and cars, her life appeared charmed. However, all that changed one sultry night in July 1941.

At the height of debutante season, Alder City provided Stella and other privileged seventeen-year-old girls the chance to meet eligible bachelors their parents considered worthy of marriage. She pleasantly nodded each time her parents reminded her she was of age and expected to marry appropriately, but in her heart, she had different plans, of which they remained unaware.

Stella was smitten with schoolmate Gerard Lyons, a strapping young man and the first child of Irish immigrants living on the wrong side of the tracks. Despite knowing her parents wouldn’t approve, she was too overcome by young love to see past the present. Secretly meeting for months before the debutante season began, holding hands, kissing passionately, and Gerard occasionally feeling Stella’s breasts were all they’d dared thus far.

Continuing to meet during debutante season was difficult as Stella attended obligatory teas, brunches, and dances. Despite being separated, their love remained steadfast. During a rare opportunity together, they made two promises to each other; Gerard would escort Stella to the final debutante ball, and it was then they’d tell her parents they planned to officially court and marry. Determined to keep their promises, they never discussed them again for fear of jinxing them.

Throughout the debutante season, Stella’s parents pressured her to find an appropriate husband, preferably one with money and prestige. Every night, anxiously waiting to hear if that evening’s escort was the one, she’d continually dash their hopes, shaking her head upon closing the front door. Of course, she knew none of the escorts they’d chosen would ever be the one for the one was Gerard.

As difficult as Stella’s situation was, it was far more so for Gerard. Never doubting Stella’s love and devotion, he feared she’d succumb to her parents’ pressures and marry one of her escorts. Unbeknownst to him, future events would prove no need for such concern.

One fateful night in July 1941, during stolen moments together on a night absent of debutante commitments, Stella and Gerard made love for the first time. Despite past heavy petting, they’d thus far remained celibate. That night things started as usual with the two walking through the woods, holding hands, and Gerard putting one arm around Stella, fumbling to caress her breast. Lifting her face to his, what began as a tender, chaste kiss became more passionate and desirous than either had ever experienced. Exploring the recesses of each other’s mouths with their tongues, Gerard clumsily unloosed one of Stella’s breasts from her blouse. In addition to fondling it, he nervously kissed her, starting at her mouth, continuing down her neck and chest until reaching a pink, erect nipple, anxious for his lips. Even with their inexperience, Stella was an eager and willing participant. Gerard sucking her nipple, she struggled to release the other breast, making it easier for him to caress until it was as ready for him as the other, which didn’t take long.

Concerned Stella would regret their actions, Gerard refrained from going further. Breathlessly he asked, Is this really what you want? You know it’s not necessary for us to continue. I love you no matter what and don’t want you feelin’ guilty.

Don’t worry about me, Stella responded. I want this as much as you. I only regret we’ve waited this long.

With that, Gerard continued. Their passion growing, Stella felt a forbidden warmth grow between her legs. Eager for Gerard, she wasn’t disappointed. Never having gone beyond Gerard’s caressing her breasts, tonight Stella was inconsolable, hot, writhing, and begging for his touch.

Raising her skirt, Gerard marveled at how wet and ready she was. Sensing his manhood through his jeans, Stella was amazed at how large and hard he was, shuddering when she thought of how uncomfortable he must have been all these months. As she unzipped his pants, he pulled her face to his, kissing her deeply, then tracing a path with his tongue down her neck, between her breasts, to her stomach, to that previously unknown treasure between her legs. Timid at first, her passion and desire encouraged him to slowly move his tongue to her swollen, hot spot, his fingers entering her area of virtue, exploring further.

Ouch! she exclaimed as he touched an unfamiliar area.

Sorry, he responded breathlessly. Should I stop?

No, I’m okay. It’s just that this is all, uh, new to me.

I promise I’ll be gentler. I don’t be wantin’ to hurt you! he responded.

Allowing his fingers to linger a little longer, he became harder as she started moaning. Writhing with pleasure, he took her response as permission to venture further, using his tongue to enter and taste the sweet, salty wetness he’d felt with his fingers. As her moaning and breathing quickened, he felt her arch. With his tongue inside her, he felt her rhythmic contractions as she climaxed. Immediately pulling his face to hers, she kissed him, clumsily guiding him inside her.

Despite being slightly painful when he entered her, she accepted him with a hunger she’d never known. For him, being inside the woman he loved was far better than he’d ever imagined. Savoring the experience, it wasn’t long before he climaxed. Unexpectedly, she climaxed a second time with him, something they took as a sign they were meant to make love that night and be together forever.

Lying in each other’s arms, basking in the afterglow, Stella leaned on her left elbow, chin in hand, her long strawberry-blond hair covering her right breast. Gerard, she started, broaching a subject neither had considered, In our rush do you realize we didn’t use protection against, uh, getting pregnant? I mean, you know I want your baby, but this probably isn’t the best time considering the way my parents would feel about us, especially since we’re not married.

Stella, m’love, Gerard began in his calmest, most reassuring Irish brogue, isn’t this the first time you’ve been with a man? To this she nodded, eyes lowered demurely. Well, he continued, I hear tell a lady can’t get with child the first time she makes love. But in truth, if you were with child, would that really be so bad? Then we’d have to get married, regardless of what your ma and da thought, and isn’t that what we eventually want to happen anyway?

Considering what Gerard had just said, she realized he was right. Regardless of what they did or didn’t do, her mother and father weren’t going to be happy about her and Gerard, so if she were pregnant, perhaps they’d support a marriage for appearance’s sake. Gerard, you’re right, she responded. Whatever happens, there’s no point worrying about it, Stella cooed, laying her head back on his chest. Most importantly we need to remember how much we love each other and one day, no matter what anyone wants, we’ll marry!

Wanting to spend the night together, they knew it was impossible; Stella’s parents would wonder where she was. Quietly dressing, Gerard broke the silence. Stella, he said, before leaving I’ve something to say. I know you want me to be your date at the last debutante ball, but after tonight, it really doesn’t matter ’cause I know you belong to me. I want you to go to the last ball with who’ere your ma and da think is best. It won’t change us or our feelings for each other, but it’ll prob’ly keep your parents happier and easier to live with.

Despite having made that promise to Gerard, she still been unable to figure out a way to keep it, so she responded, Gerard, you’re right, you know. No matter who escorts me to the ball, you’ll always have my heart. I am, and always will be, yours—tonight, tomorrow, and forever. Stopping long enough to kiss him, she continued. Unfortunately, the hour’s late and I need to get going. Would you walk me home most of the way? I don’t feel comfortable walking the streets alone and would feel much safer with you—as long as no one sees us, she finished.

Incredulously Gerard replied, You actu’ly think I would let m’lady walk alone at night? Rogues lurk these streets at dusk who’d love to have their way with a lass as beautiful as you, so of course, I’ll walk with you, as far as you want.

Walking hand in hand through the woods, Stella and Gerard kissed passionately at the beginning of the path to her house, Stella’s eyes glistening from the tears she wouldn’t let fall. Both aware they’d reached a major milestone in their relationship, they held each other as long as they dared. Eventually Stella broke away and walked down the path to her house. Gerard, still standing there, watched her a while before walking home himself. This time, however, his heart was lighter than usual; he knew what’d happened tonight could never be taken away from the two of them.

Without the enthusiasm of a typical socialite, Stella completed her debutante obligations. Perplexed as to why their daughter, typically lively and happy, was so glum attending debutante functions yet so relaxed and content on nights without parties, her parents actually looked forward to the end of debutante season.

On the day of the grand ball, Stella went through the motions of an excited debutante, albeit with a heavy heart. Stopping by the florist to purchase a boutonniere for her escort, she realized she had just enough time to meet Gerard. Careful not to ruin her hair and nails, she and Gerard risked having unprotected sex before the ball. The contortions needed to preserve her day’s grooming and primping were comical; thus, they spent more time laughing than making love. When time came for her to leave, however, even knowing she wouldn’t see Gerard again that night, Stella was able to portray a happy debutante at the last ball of the season due to his love.

As one of only three girls not receiving an engagement ring at the ball, Stella’s parents feared she’d never marry. Nonetheless, they were pleased to see her happy again. Believing the stress of the debutante season had caused her unhappiness, with it now behind her, they witnessed their daughter return, filled with life and humor. Unbeknownst to them, spending time with Gerard was responsible for her change in attitude.

Meeting almost daily, sometimes to make love and others just to talk, they soon began to worry about their marriage plans. Despite their deep love and commitment to each other, they’d yet to tell their families or friends of them. After all, Stella was still a socialite, and Gerard was still from the wrong side of the tracks. Their marriage seemed impossible; little did they know fate was on their side…sort of.

December 7, 1941, life as Stella, Gerard, and the rest of the country knew it, changed forever as the Japanese mercilessly attacked Pearl Harbor. The next day, President Roosevelt announced the US would enter World War II; three days later, Germany declared war on the US. Despite the horror of it all, Gerard thought this could be the answer to their prayers.

Stella, Gerard began, maybe the war will give us a way to tell our folks of our plans to marry. Confused, Stella asked him why he thought that to be the case.

Well, Gerard started, they’s gonna need a lotta soldiers to fight this war. And from what I’ve seen, everyone who’s signed up’s been treated like a hero. Maybe your parents would let you marry a hero, even one like me, ya think?

A while after Gerard spoke, Stella answered thoughtfully, Gerard, you must realize there’s no guarantee my parents will approve of us marrying just because you’re a soldier. Also, I’m not even sure I want you to be one. What if you’re sent overseas and die? Then I’d be left without the only man I’ll ever love, Stella responded.

Stella, Gerard chuckled. You know I’m fast and sure with a gun and bayonet. Look how many rabbits, deer, and hogs I’ve brought home to Ma for dinner. It would take a lot of those German or Japanese soldiers to bring the likes of me down. Anyway, we don’t even know if I’d be sent out of the country.

Realizing the futility of trying to talk Gerard out of his plans, Stella changed tactics. Okay, Gerard, if you’re sure that’s what you want, I’ll support you under one condition—you wait until we graduate from high school to enlist. When you return from war, you’ll need a job to support us and you can’t do that without a degree. So if you’re set on joining the Army, I’ll not argue as long as you graduate from high school.

Okay, Stella, you win, Gerard conceded, knowing he was beat, but afta’ graduation, I’m off to the recruiting office. Thus, they agreed that after graduating Gerard would enlist in the Army, and Stella would enroll in the Randelsburg County University Hospital’s School of Nursing. Planning for their future gave them hope that their plans would actually work out.

On May 8, 1942, Gerard graduated, enlisted, and discovered he was going to be a father, all in one day. Returning from the recruitment office, he found Stella weeping. It’s okay, m’lady, Gerard said, trying to console her. I’ve already told ya there’s nothing to worry about. I’ll be a good, careful soldier. Nothin’ll happen to me.

Oh, Gerard, you don’t understand, Stella explained in between sobs. Of course I’m worried about you being a soldier, but something has happened, something that changes everything.

Come here, darlin’. Tell me w’ats upset you so, Gerard asked softly, pulling Stella closer to him.

Once her sobbing slowed enough for her to speak, Stella told Gerard she was pregnant. Gerard was ecstatic at the possibility of a baby; Stella was fearful of her parents’ reaction. Additionally, no matter how hard she tried, she was scared of Gerard leaving her and the baby alone for months at a time while he fought overseas, though she never mentioned that to him.

Holding her close, Gerard whispered reassuringly that everything would be fine. Though unsure it would be, he didn’t want her hearing doubt in his voice, so he kept repeating himself until he almost believed his own words.

During his first six weeks of enlistment, Gerard attended boot camp. Fortunately, Fort Knoxton, the camp to which he was assigned, was about sixty miles from Alder City, just over an hour by train. As luck would have it, there was a wedding chapel there, so one spring morning, six weeks after graduating from high school, Stella met and married Gerard there. While not the social event of the season, it didn’t matter to the newlyweds, nor did they care about not having a honeymoon. Delaying the inevitable as long as possible, with their parents unaware of the wedding and Stella’s pregnancy, they decided Stella, and he would continue to live at their respective homes until just before Gerard went overseas; then they would tell everyone.

Over the next several weeks, Stella experienced morning sickness and extreme fatigue, fainting the day she enrolled in nursing school. Upon regaining consciousness, she was in the University Hospital’s emergency room, Gerard and her parents at her side. When the doctor asked to speak with her next of kin, her parents were shocked as Gerard spoke up. There, in the emergency department (ED), Stella’s parents simultaneously discovered they had a new son-in-law and were going to be grandparents. Overwhelmed and shocked, due to their preoccupation with social decorum, they quietly left Gerard and Stella to speak with the doctor. Unfortunately, the doctor gave them just about the worst news he could—not only had they lost their baby but, most likely, Stella would never get pregnant again. With Stella crying, Gerard’s arms provided a strong yet tender and gentle place for her to retreat, and retreat she did.

After what felt like hours, her parents returned, Gerard having given the doctor permission to tell them what happened. Within a brief time, the Wadsworths went from being new in-laws and expectant grandparents to just new in-laws. Surprisingly, they were smiling on entering Stella’s room. When Stella asked them why, their reply shocked and angered her. Now we can put this nightmare behind us. With no baby, you can annul your marriage with this—uh—man and properly live your life. No one outside this room need ever know of your indiscretions, this marriage, or the baby. Your position in society will remain untarnished.

Stella’s eyes said it all. She was angry, sad, and tired all at once. Dismayed at her parents’ heartless assessment of the situation, Gerard didn’t give Stella a chance to respond. More firmly than Stella had ever witnessed before, he addressed his in-laws. With all due respect, Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth, Stella and I are married, and like it or not, we took our vows in front of a priest and God and are gonna stay married, with or without your blessing. There will be no annulment, and unless you want to be losin’ your daughter forever, you better be startin’ to accept it!

Proud her husband had stood up to her parents, Stella couldn’t imagine they’d risk losing her, so as sad as the day had been, perhaps it would end positively; unfortunately, she couldn’t have been more wrong. Immediately following Gerard’s words, Stella’s parents disowned her, telling her never to return to the family home again and reminding her she now had a husband with whom to go home. They allowed her to keep whatever clothes she had on when she went to the hospital, but nothing else; she was now her husband’s responsibility, not theirs. As far as they were concerned, they no longer had a daughter; she’d died that night along with her baby.

Once her parents left the hospital, Gerard assured Stella his parents would support them even though they didn’t yet know about the marriage. Certain they’d want her to live with them while he attended boot camp and was away at war, he promised he’d send his paychecks home to help with any expenses and nursing school. Further, he refused to accept the doctor’s opinion they’d never have children. In his refusal to give up hope of other children, he told her he’d continually pray for another child till he took his last breath. Looking at him, doubt in her eyes, Gerard reminded her God was capable of great miracles; after all, they’d married against all odds, and he fully expected they’d have a future miracle child.

Exhausted from the day’s events, halfway believing Gerard’s predictions, Stella finally went to sleep, giving Gerard a chance to contact his parents and tell them what happened. As he’d expected, they were excited to have a daughter-in-law and shocked at how Stella’s parents had reacted. Telling Gerard they were happy to have him and his bride live with them, they quickly prepared for the newlyweds’ arrival. The next day, upon being released from the hospital, Gerard and Stella began their lives as a married couple at the Lyonses’ home.

Compared to Stella’s, the Lyonses’ home was modest, with no servants and with bedrooms the size of her former walk-in closets. Since her parents hadn’t allowed her to gather any belongings, her new in-laws left a couple of new dresses and other necessities for Stella in the room she’d share with Gerard. As upset as her parents had been with their marriage, Gerard’s parents were excited, openly welcoming Stella into their home. While not having a lot of money, their love more than made up for their lack of material wealth.

The newlyweds’ first weekend together was bittersweet. No longer having to hide, they knew their time together was precious. With Gerard leaving for war within three weeks, they tried making each moment memorable, taking long walks, having picnics, sleeping in on Saturdays, and attending mass on Sundays. Just as Gerard’s family was respectful of Stella’s and Gerard’s time together, so, too, was Stella aware they’d soon see their son and brother go to war, possibly without returning, so she made sure they spent quality time together, too.

When Gerard’s day to leave finally arrived, Stella and his family fought back the tears. No one wanted Gerard’s last memory for a long time to be that of a tearful wife and a fearful family. Once his train was out of sight, however, Stella’s tears flowed freely. In less than a month, she’d married, lost a baby, been disowned, thus losing all her worldly possessions, gained in-laws, and lost, at least temporarily, her husband. It was almost too much for her to handle, so when the tears came, they came with a vengeance.

Several weeks later Stella entered nursing school. Despite Gerard’s family taking money out of savings for her to attend the University Hospital’s School of Nursing, they only had enough for her to train as a nurse’s aide, but Stella didn’t care. Grateful for their assistance, she hoped once Gerard’s paychecks arrived, she could save enough for a nursing degree.

Before starting school, Stella took time to get to know Gerard’s family. The oldest of six children, four boys and two girls, for him and Stella to have their own room, his three brothers had moved in together. Having always shared a room, his sisters didn’t have to make as many adjustments. Nevertheless, Gerard’s siblings treated Stella as their sister. Surrounded by such love, she felt more at home at the Lyons than she’d ever felt at her parents.

Just as she began to think everything would work out, Stella and Gerard’s family received the news dreaded by all soldiers’ families—Gerard had been killed in action. Stella was still in shock as the Army chaplain left the house. Gerard’s death shattered all her hopes and dreams. A couple of weeks later, Gerard’s body was returned home, and the family held his funeral mass, to which most of the town came. The number of attendees was comforting to Stella, but she couldn’t help but notice two people conspicuously missing—her parents.

Once the funeral guests left, the Lyonses’ house and the food and drink had been cleared, Gerard’s parents asked Stella to meet them in the family room. Apprehensive, she had faith she could handle anything after the past year. Once settled, each with a cup of tea, Gerard’s father started. Stella, Mrs. Lyons and I consider you an important member of this family. Since we’ve gotten to know you, we understand why our son married you. To honor his memory, our late grandchild, and you, we’d like you to remain here with us…in our, uh, your home.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Stella hardly believed she’d heard them right. With a meek yet confident voice, she replied, Mr. and Mrs. Lyons, I loved your son very much, and I’m heartbroken he’s gone, but I’m proud knowing he died fighting for our country. As grateful as I am for our time together, I’m also grateful for your acceptance and generosity, taking us in when we’d no place to go. Though high societal etiquette dictates I decline your offer, I’m no longer a member of that group but of something far greater, the Lyons family. This family’s love is unconditional and not something I want to lose. Therefore, I humbly accept your offer.

I promise to pull my weight around here just like everyone else does, Stella continued. Unless you object, I’d like to continue school, even though without Gerard’s paychecks I’ll never get a nursing degree. His life insurance, however, should enable me to continue nurse’s aide studies so I can financially contribute to the family.

From then on, Stella was a loyal member of the Lyons household. Upon completing her nurse’s aide studies, she worked at University Hospital, fulfilling her promise to the Lyons by contributing most of her salary to the family. Eventually she quit her job to stay home and care for Mr. and Mrs. Lyons as they aged since Gerard’s brothers and sisters had all married, moving away from Alder City. Consequently, upon their deaths, the Lyons left the family home to Stella. No longer having to worry about a place to live, she still had to support herself.

Having previously worked at University Hospital, that’s where she began her job search. Since leaving, however, University Hospital’s hiring policies only allowed persons with full nursing degrees to have direct patient contact. Disheartened, Stella knew she didn’t have the money to return to school for a nursing degree, so her best option was seeking private duty work. Daily searching the classifieds, she interviewed for every private duty position she saw, including one at a very familiar address—that of her parents.

Unsure of the reaction she’d receive applying for the job, she was ready to reconnect with her parents, especially with Gerard’s parents gone. As leery as Gerard’s siblings were about her plan, Stella was determined. To her it was the right thing to do and the right time to do it. Thus, a day after reading the ad, Stella went to her former home for an interview.

Stella had a younger sister she’d never met, Francine, who’d been the center of her parents’ lives since birth. All the privileges previously afforded Stella had been given to Francine several times over after their self-imposed loss of their first daughter. Stella suspected her parents were hiring a nurse’s aide to care for them because Francine, a known socialite, couldn’t be bothered.

Not having seen Stella for over thirty years, her parents were visibly shocked when she walked in the house. Gathering her composure, Stella spoke first. Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth, she started formally. I’m here about the nurse’s aide position. Stella was amazed at how her parents had aged, her father in a wheelchair and her mother walking with a cane. Despite their privileged station, money hadn’t spared them from becoming old, tired, and frail.

Speaking next, her mother asked, Stella, why are you applying for a job here after we turned our backs on you so long ago? Are you serious or just mocking our age and frailty? Also, please stop using our surnames as if we’ve never met. It’s insulting to us all.

Unfazed by her mother’s attitude, Stella responded, Mother, I’m not here to gloat. I need a job. I have a nurse’s aide degree and many references. Despite disowning me in my hospital room over thirty years ago, I’ve never forgotten you’re my parents, so seeing you needed help, it seemed right to offer my services.

Impressing her mother with her calm response, Stella saw respect in her father’s eyes even though he didn’t say it. After a few seconds, Mrs. Wadsworth spoke again. Saying those things to you the night you lost your child was painful for us, but we had to consider what others would say or think about what you’d done. I wish I could say I was sorry, but I’m not. We did what we thought was best at the time. Regarding the nurse’s aide position, she continued, I’m concerned it’ll be awkward for everyone, especially when your sister makes one of her rare appearances, but if you’re willing, we certainly won’t turn you away. After all, at least one of our daughters will be with us in our time of need, Mrs. Wadsworth said, typically melodramatic.

What does Father think about this? Stella asked inquisitively, looking at her father as if waiting for an answer.

Paralyzed on the right side since his stroke about two years ago, he’s unable to speak and requires total care. It’s become too difficult for me to feed and change him, but he won’t allow the servants to do it. That’s why we need help. From the look in his eyes, I see he approves of you being here. He was devastated the last time we saw you, never having gotten over either loss, Stella’s mother explained.

To that unexpected revelation, Stella replied, I was devastated, too. I lost my parents when you made me choose between you and my husband, but I also lost my only child and any hopes of having another one. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, they did. Several months later Gerard, the only man I ever loved, died defending his country. But rather than travel down memory lane, Stella continued, let me get reacquainted with this house so I can better care for you both.

That night, returning home, Stella was exhausted, but she knew she’d done the right thing. Over the following years, she tenderly cared for her parents. Had she not experienced the Lyonses’ family’s love and acceptance, she knew she’d never have been able to return home and show compassion to the parents who’d abandoned her so many years earlier. After ten years, her father died; two years later, never recovering from the loss of her husband, her mother followed.

Stella only saw her sister a few times while caring for her parents. Francine’s schedule was always too busy to permit many visits, much less allow her to care for her parents.