Kidnap, Part 13

Kidnap
slimv2001@yahoo.com
Part 13

His name was Dr. Alan Snider.  He was a pulmonary specialist and Pete's
mother had recommended him.  He had followed Linda's story in the news and
was more than happy to see her on short notice.  He interviewed her about her
habit and listened to her.  He took x-rays and showed them to Pete and Linda.

"The good news," said Dr. Snider, "is that you don't have cancer.  The bad
news is that you will get it or die from a heart attack if you don't quit
smoking.  The really bad news is that you will probably die from shock
immediately if you quit smoking."

"What do you mean?" asked Peter.  "Can't you give her some nicotine gum and a
prescription to help her quit?"

"I don't want to sound too negative," said Dr. Snider.  "But treatment is
suspect at best with regular smokers.  Linda is not a regular smoker.  As a
matter of fact, I've never seen another case like this.  I think she'd have a
hard time quitting if she was smoking filtered cigarettes.  Linda has enough
nicotine in her blood right now to kill both of us, but her body is used to
it.  Not only is her body used to all the nicotine, she needs it to survive.
Its a no win situation.  I'm sorry, but your wife needs to keep smoking.
Nicotine gum is fine as supplement to her regular smoking but it can't be
used as a substitute.  I never thought the day would come when I'd hear my
self say that, but I've never met a patient who is as physically addicted as
Linda."

"What about filters?" asked Peter desperately?

"No filters," said the doctor sternly.  "This woman needs all the nicotine
she can get."

Linda beamed silently.  This doctor was an angel.  She'd heard him say it and
Peter heard it too.  She had to smoke!  Thank God.

"That's it?" asked Peter.  "That's all you're going to do?"

"Mr. Torrance," began Dr. Snider, "I realize you don't like what has happened
to your wife.  I also realize that this is probably very stressful to your
marriage.  But I can't help you at this point.  You and Mrs. Torrance should
really a see a marriage counselor.  I can recommend one if you'd like.  Her
name is Dr. Sally Freeman and she's a good friend of mine.  In fact, I urge
you to make an appointment with her."

Peter opened the door for Linda who lit a cigarette the moment her feet hit
the pavement.  She had chewed nicotine gum during the doctor's visit but it
hadn't helped much.  The Pall Mall smoke felt glorious in her lungs.  She
wasn't saying so, but she was relieved with Dr. Snider's assessment of her
situation.

Dr. Snider closed the door to his office and took a seat behind his desk.  He
dialed the number that he had memorized by heart.  A familiar voice on the
other end answered.

"Ben its Alan," said Dr. Snider.  "You'll never believe who I did a chest
x-ray on.  That's right.  It was Linda Torrance.  She looks great.  Of course
I'll send you the x-rays.  No she doesn't, at least not yet.  You should have
seen her husband's face when I told him that his wife had to keep smoking.
Seriously.  I told him that.  I even told him she couldn't switch to filters.
Get this.  I advised them to set up an appointment with Sally Freeman for
marriage counseling.  I know.  I can't believe it either.  You owe me big for
these x-rays chum.  Just giving you fair warning."

Ben Avery hung up the phone.  He walked to the mirror and smiled at himself.
The reflection of Dr. Blacklung smiled back at him.

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