|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The only explanation they offered for Matty's absence was "medical reasons." Of course, word of the attack spread across town like a firestorm, and with it rumors that Matty had been on drugs and was being treated at some detox center for adolescents. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Hazzards could not care less what stories circulated. They were too beset by fears that their son was suffering an inoperable brain tumor. They talked briefly with him over the phone during his four days at McLean's but could not visit because tests were ongoing day and night. On the morning of the third day, Mitch Tojian called to say that the staff was ready to review the results of their assays. The meeting was set for ten. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
They arrived at nine-thirty and met Mitch in the lobby. Matty was downstairs having a late breakfast. They could visit after the consultation. He led them down a corridor to a conference room. Waiting for them were Dr. Givens and a woman introduced as Dr. Jean Hagan, a pediatric psychiatrist. On the table were folders, fat with papers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terry felt her heart gulp for blood. Nobody in the room was smiling, and Mitch's face was stretched. He spoke with a flat voice. "Let me begin by saying that we think we've located the source of Matty's problem, which is half the battle." His eyes moved from Terry's face to Calvin's. "To give you a picture of what's been going on, we thought it best to review the diagnostic stages of his condition." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mitch opened the folder and put on his half-glasses. "Two weeks ago Matty came into my office on the pretext of fitting him for his Little League uniform. That's when I first noticed his unusual mus- |
|
|
|
|
|