A Family for the Children's Doctor. Dianne Drake

ones who knew better than everybody else. The ones whose opinions were the only ones that mattered—or so they thought. In the scheme of things it was easier to leave those types alone and let them do their work. Most were here only two weeks, and for what she got out of them in those two weeks, Caprice found it much easier to allow them their attitudes and opinions and bad moods. In the end she was still in charge, and she still made the final decisions regarding each and every patient they took on. She knew that, and normally she took care not to flaunt it. Yet something about Adrian made her want to flaunt it. Or need to.

      She watched him standing by the window, brooding, and desperately hoped that he wasn’t going to present any problem worse than his attitude and mood. Those she could handle, but anything else…

      “So, as some of you know, and others may have already observed, there are ten doctors out on this trip. Four surgeons, four anesthesiologists, and two general practitioners. Also along are a group of ten nurses, surgical techs and general medics. Next week I’ll have three dental surgeons coming in.” This was her largest group ever and, judging from the numbers of people lining up outside, she worried if it would be enough. “So, we all know what to do for starters. Find your exam space, and one of the volunteers will start showing patients in. Do a preliminary physical exam, all the standard things, note any other physical observations you find, and based upon what you see, make a recommendation.” She glanced at Adrian, who’d completely turned his back to her now, and was focused on the line of people waiting outside. “We’ll each do general duty today and tomorrow, and go to a third day if necessary. Children who meet the criteria for surgery will be sent to me and children who need medical care not connected to Operation Smiling Faces will be sent to Dr Makela for further evaluation. Any questions?”

      She looked straight at Adrian, expecting something from him, but his back was still to her. “Well, then. Good luck. If you need anything, or have any questions, I’ll be in the private exam room across the hall.” That was where she made the final determinations, where she accepted children for facial reconstruction or rejected them. Broke the good news, or the bad, to the hopeful parents and eager children. Gave that pat on the back and good wishes, as Adrian had called it. “Dr McCallan, could I see you in my office in five minutes?” she asked, then signaled for Isabella, who was anxious to go off to the play area with Josefina.

      “So, is this where you dole out the punishment for me being out of line?” Adrian asked, strolling into Caprice’s office and shutting the door behind him.

      It was a small office, stark. One desk, two chairs. An exam table. No window. Adrian gave it a quick scan then plunked himself down on the edge of the stainless-steel exam table.

      “No. This is where I give you the opportunity to tell me what the bad attitude is about.” Like he would! But she figured that was as good an opening as any.

      “You consider being inquisitive a bad attitude?”

      She’d hoped he might have mellowed out, but apparently he hadn’t. “I consider the way you challenged me in front of the others a bad attitude. Or bad manners.”