"Simon Says"

Simon finally stood and walked to the edge of the large window in his office. He gazed out, his right hand cupping his chin. "What are you trying to do, Agnes?"

"Three things," she was quick to reply. "Quality care for Ellis," she said as she held up one finger. "Number two, is her comfort. Number three, her dignity."

Simon turned to face her. He was quiet for a moment, then he spread his arms in the air. "What do those things have to do with me?" he asked.

"The first two, money. You will see that Ellis is admitted into the best facility where she will receive excellent care, with her comfort an important consideration. As for her dignity, you will have to manufacture some integrity."

"Which means?" Simon was growing impatient.

"It's quite simple," Agnes said with a shrug. "You play the part of the loving and committed husband, with frequent visitation, showing the world you'd never think of abandoning your adoring wife at a time like this."

Simon finally laughed. "That's nonsense!"

"A matter of priorities."

"Nicole and my daughter are my priorities. They need me right now."

"Neither of which carry your name. Unlike Ellis."

"Only a matter of time," Simon said with a sneer.

"Oh, of course, you may choose to go that route. The decision is yours." Agnes stared at Simon and waited for a response. "Ellis or Nicole?"

Simon didn't answer right away. He seemed to be pondering what Agnes had said. And Agnes was well aware that Simon was becoming agitated. His arrogance was beginning to dissolve in front of her eyes. He leaned against the window frame as though he needed the extra support in order to remain on his feet.

"I have no desire to desert Ellis," Simon said slowly. "I plan to have her sent somewhere for help. It doesn't have to be the Beverly Hills Hilton. There are many fine facilities in this State that are trained to help people like this."

"Silver Leaf was highly recommended to me," Agnes pointed out.

"There are good doctors everywhere."

"I want Dr. Patrick Dole. He's the best in the business."

"He's also high dollar."

"Ellis is worth every penny of it."

Simon took a deep breath. "Are you trying to break me financially?"

"I'm trying to bring Ellis back."

"Well, there are cheaper, and just as effective, ways to do it," Simon said wearily.

"This is too important to trust to just anyone," Agnes said. "Ellis needs the best in order for her to recover fully. I won't settle for anything less."

"Then you pay for it, Agnes!" Simon bellowed. "I'm willing to help to a point. But I refuse to be bullied into financial disaster. If you want Silver Leaf, then sell your home and your business and put Ellis in Silver Leaf!"

"Is that your final answer?" Agnes asked calmly.

Simon ran a hand down his face. "I told you," he said in a softer tone, "I'll do what I can for Ellis, but I'm getting my divorce. It wouldn't be fair to my new family if I supported an ex-wife at Silver Leaf."

"I see." Agnes reached for her purse and willed her legs to lift her from the chair. She moved slowly towards the door. "I hope you won't regret your decision, Simon. You have that smooth bed-side manner that has made you so loved by your patients. How will they feel when they learn what you have done? What you have done for years?"

"You're stooping to blackmail, Agnes?" Simon's voice was reaching a shrill pitch. "Blackmail?" he repeated.

Agnes remained calm. "I call it insurance."

"It's blackmail," Simon accused. "And you won't get away with it."

Agnes casually checked her watch before turning her gaze upon Simon again. How the sight of him made her sick. If Ellis recovered from this, if she ever considered to fight for Simon again, Agnes vowed to drag her back to a doctor to have her head examined. Simon was a snake. All his successes in the cardiac arena had gone to his head. He was above everyone else. He was above having to do the right thing.

"If Ellis isn't admitted to Silver Leaf within two days," Agnes stated firmly, "I will be forced to pay a little visit to my trusted attorney. I'm sure he will find many ways to use my recollections of the past twenty-five years. Ellis or Nicole, Simon?" Agnes forced herself to smile warmly at him. "You decide."