"Christopher Evans - Fidelity" - читать интересную книгу автора (Evans Christopher)

Well, no more. It had to end. He would be considerate to Claire, but firm.
He would tell her that it was all over, really over this time, that the
only way they could ever survive and lead tolerable existences was to
ensure that they never saw one another again. It was the only way. It
would be hard, for a while, but they would both get over it eventually and
begin to flourish in their separate lives. Yes. Yes. Cheered by this
sudden sureness, he slipped a mintranq between his teeth, putting the car
on auto.

Neal reached the hospital just after noon. The young female doctor was
courteous but adamant.
"She refuses to see you, and I think she's quite right. It's better that
she's not exposed to any stressful situations at the present time."
"Can I come back tomorrow?"
"You can, but she'll be even less able to see you then. We're operating on
her in the morning."
"Operating? I thought you pumped her stomach? It was pills, wasn't it?
There are no complications?"
"She's scheduled for psychosurgery. No doubt she'll agree to see you when
she's convalescing after the operation. Give it a few days."
Her tone was matter-of-fact, disinterested. As if it were a routine
pronouncement.
"Psychosurgery? You wouldn't dare."
"It's not a question of daring. The idea was hers. We brought no pressure
to bear whatsoever."
"I don't believe you. She'd never agree to it."
Now he had her full attention. She gave him a "let's-be-reasonable" look.
"You know very well that we are ethically and legally bound against
coercive measures with respect to psychosurgery. Claire asked for the
operation."
"She wouldn't. She's always hated the idea."
"Well, she's finally come to her senses."
His anger didn't intimidate her in the slightest. She was good-looking in
a scrubbed, professional way, not a hair out of place, as crisp and
polished in manner as she was in appearance.
"No," he insisted. "She did it because she was distressed. It's just a
product of her present state of mind. Surely you can see that?"
"Her present state of mind is a product of the fact that in the past she
has refused psychosurgery. Now she's given us the opportunity to break the
vicious circle."
Neal wanted to slap her. "I won't allow it."
"You have no say in the matter. She's already signed the consent form."
"I'll fight it. She was under sedation when she signed, wasn't she? Then
she was acting when the balance of her mind was disturbed by drugs. I'll
sue."
"The balance of her mind was disturbed before she decided to sign. Cases
like this are commonplace; they make up perhaps a third of our patients.
There are innumerable legal precedents. You'd lose."
"I can't believe that's what she really wants."
"She's at the end of her tether. It's what she wants."