As I freshened up for our outing to The National Eagle Center, I couldn't help but think about the implications of the research I'd done on Dr. Kelly Adams after seeing her and Ray were both benefactors of Renowed Rochester Rehabilitation. It didn't get much more unethical than referring patients to a facility that you have a personal stake in. I was unsure how long this had been occurring, but I would get to the bottom of this debacle.
For now, I need to put my concerns aside and enjoy my afternoon with Kynlee. Seeing her laugh to the point of tears was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in my life. She was glowing. I was in awe, even if she was laughing at my word choice.
I opted for a polo shirt with my blue jeans and a light jacket. I had to dress in scrubs or office attire so often, it felt odd when I was able to dress comfortably. Almost like something was missing, or maybe I just wasn't sure who I was when I wasn't Dr. Teton. With Lee's help, I hoped to figure that out.
Lee was coming down the stairs as I stepped out of my bedroom. What a sight to see. She was wearing black jeans that fit her like a glove. Her shirt was a form fitting, long sleeved, red Henley that accentuated her perky breasts. Lee had changed into boots from her tennis shoes and was taller than usual as she stepped off the stairs. A purse was hanging over her shoulder, her brunette hair was left to fall around her shoulders, and a jean jacket was draped over her forearm.
I asked, "you ready?" I took Lee's hand in mine after she nodded and led her to the SUV. After opening her door, I ran around to get in the driver's side. Having plenty of time, I drove leisurely to our destination.
We looked at the beautiful fall colors along the bluffs in the distance as we drove through Rochester and along highway 42. Once we reached Highway 61 en route to Wabasha, the scenery was even more spectacular. The river towns in this area tend to be nestled between the bluffs and the river. That combination makes this the perfect area for eagles and other birds of prey to nest and hunt.
Once upon a time the eagles had been endangered, but thanks to conservation efforts, they had made a comeback. It's estimated that hundreds of eagles migrate and nest in the river valley over the winter.
We parked downtown and walked a couple blocks, hand in hand to The National Eagle Center. Before Lee could reach for her purse, I said, "two adults please," and handed over the money. When the cashier tried to give me my change, I said, "keep the change."
The lady smiled warmly and replied, "thank you sir. You two enjoy your visit." I nodded in response and led Lee past the gift store to the educational exhibits and live birds.
When we came to a real life example of an eagle's nest, Lee appeared gob smacked. She stared with her eyes wide and mouth slightly hanging open. "Amazing isn't it?" I inquired.
"I had no idea they were so big," she exclaimed.
"I've read the wingspan of a female eagle can reach 8 feet across, so I suppose the nest has to be large to accommodate their size," I explain.
"So if the female is up to 8 feet, how big is the male?" She asks with large eyes as if expecting it to be even larger.
"Male eagles are usually smaller and only have a wingspan of about 6 feet from one wing tip to the other."
"Wow," Lee says, "I was expecting males to be bigger…. like with humans."
Just as she finished talking, my cell phone rang. I saw it was Dr. Adams and thought I'd better answer in case it was work related. "Sorry Lee, I need to take this," I said as I stepped away from the exhibits and people to an area by the window that gave me at least some privacy. Pushing the green button, I put the phone to my ear, "Dr. Teton," I say with authority.
"Ah, Dr. Teton, just the man I was looking for. We need to have a chat. Is now a good time?" Kelly asked with the entitled, rich, bitch voice she used on her subordinates.
"No, it's not a good time. I'm out in the community, but what can I do for you?" I ask with every ounce of patience I can muster. I breath slowly in through my nose and out through my mouth.
"Well, I was hoping we could schedule a time to chat before the upcoming board meeting. Just a few things I want to discuss with you beforehand," Dr. Kelly Adams says in a sickly sweet voice.
Quietly I sigh and roll my eyes before I answer her request, "I received the outline of topics, so what else could you need to discuss?"
Dr. Adams laughed, "oh come on Wam," she said in a sarcastic tone. "You're an intelligent man. I'm sure you can guess what I'd like to chat about. Ray said he saw you this morning."
"Oh, so it's about the rehab center? I think it can wait until the board meeting," I said in a matter of fact voice.
"That's exactly what I want to talk about Dr. Teton. I have it on good authority from one of my patients that you have been dating that little whore, Kynlee. Since that would be an unethical thing to do, I'm sure we can strike up a deal to help each other out."
"Why in the world would I want to help you Dr. Adams, when I've done nothing wrong? I did
Not start dating Kynlee Knutson until her brother was no longer in my care. Not that who I date is any of your business," I said with a bit of an attitude. No matter how hard I tried not to let her get under my skin, she still irritated me.
"Okay, if you are positive I couldn't possibly have evidence to the contrary, then by all means, we can forego our meeting," Kelly retorted.
"Good bye Dr. Adams. I'll see you Thursday afternoon."
"Well, if you change your mind about our chat, let me know," she offered and the line went dead.
I felt a headache starting and rubbed my forehead with the fingers of my left hand as I fought the urge to throw my cell phone against the wall of windows facing the Mississippi River. I took several slow, deep breaths to calm my anger before I headed back to Lee. What the hell was I going to do about Kelly Adams? Could she have incriminating evidence on me? I don't know how, because our relationship didn't become sexual until after Kedron was transferred yesterday and therefore no longer
in my care.
I felt a hand on my forearm and a soft voice asked, "are you okay Wam? You look upset."
I tried my best to give Kynlee a reassuring smile, but I'm unsure how successful I was. I opted for verbal reassurance instead, "I'll be okay. We can talk about it on the way home if you'd like. For now, let's go enjoy the exhibits and the live birds, okay?"
Lee nodded, but didn't look reassured in the least. The rest of the tour was much more subdued than before my phone call, but I did my best to push my stress aside and focus on Kynlee and the present. I couldn't change the past, and the future was yet to be seen. We took a few pictures with the eagles and next to the huge nest Kynlee was shocked by.
Upon leaving The National Eagle Center, we walked down the block to a store called, The Chocolate Escape on Main Street. They sell ice cream, espresso, homemade fudge, a huge variety of nuts, various candies, gifts, and to my surprise, they even sell Native American goods. This place was amazing!
I opted for a piece of their five star peanut butter fudge, and Lee chose mint chocolate chip ice cream. I found a large, beautiful dream catcher that I purchased for Lee to hang over her bed. "Thank you Wam, that's so sweet," she said with a huge smile and a kiss to my cheek.
"You are most welcome my dear Lee," I answered with a huge smile myself. She was so easy to please. A breath of fresh air from most women I'd spent time with.
After paying for our purchases, we walked down to the end of Main Street to a place called Beach Park and ate our sweet treats. We watched the squirrels gather nuts for the upcoming winter, fish jump in the shallows of the river, and birds flit to and fro. When our treats were gone, we walked along the path, next to the river, and back to my SUV. The festive decorations, the polka music playing out on the street, and all the tourists, made the experience exciting and likely not one either of us would forget soon. All in all, it had been a successful day.