251 Jackson at the FMC 3 (1/2)

Max looked at Sabrina. ”Considering Jackson's history with Liz, I will stay here with her. What do you want to do?”

”I want to wait for the results.”

”You can wait at home. Jack's parents are here and there is no reason for you to stay.”, Max reminded her.

Liz agreed. ”I will make sure you get the details.”

”It feels wrong just to leave.”, Sabrina said guiltily. ”I need to be here when he wakes up.”

Max understands that Sabrina is in a tough spot. She does not want to be here, especially because Jackson's parents are not willing to accept the breakup. However, she needs to face this sooner or later. If she leaves, it will only give an opportunity for Jackson to come up with another scheme.

”It's up to you. If you stay here, Jack's parents will get more chances to confirm Ashton's involvement in all this.”, Max warned her.

Liz understood that Max is referring to Ashton's relationship with Sabrina and to Ashton punching Jackson. Well, she has a solution to one of the two. ”Jack has a nasty bruise on the left side of his face. We know that Ashton is the artist behind it, but I put it in my report as an injury due to fall.”

Sabrina appreciates what Liz did, however, there is a problem. ”Jack can say that Ashton hit him.”

Liz grinned. ”Since they are claiming epilepsy, let's go with it. When the seizure is caused by epilepsy, the patient experiences memory loss. Even if he calls Ashton out, we can say that he imagined it. After all, there are witnesses.” Liz gestured toward Sabrina and Ashton. ”It will be your word against his.”

Sabrina was not sure what to think about this. But if Jackson ends up faking that he does not remember something, can he say that he does not know they broke up? ”How long is that memory loss?”

Liz shrugged. ”Usually it's no longer than a few minutes. But if Jack remembers the punch, that should confirm that his seizure was not due to epilepsy.”

”Just memory loss is not enough to confirm or deny epilepsy.”, Sabrina said dejectedly.

”That is correct. But there are many clues that we can put together until we find something solid.”, Liz tried to encourage Sabrina and turned to Max. ”While on the topic of finding clues. Don't you find his mother's behavior strange?”

Mrs. Adams made Max uncomfortable, and he agrees with Liz that something is off.

Max was curious to find out what Liz noticed. ”How strange?”

”She was knowledgeable about types of scans for epilepsy and she acted as a concerned mother. But when I asked her about Jack's history, she refused to talk about it. As a devoted mother, it is in her interest to share with me any information that can help me treat her son better, but she refused, saying that his personal physician will take over. How can a general physician be more competent to treat a patient with epilepsy than a neurosurgeon?”

”You think that she knows how Jackson is faking epilepsy?”, Sabrina guessed.

”I'm not sure.”, Liz admitted. ”But her behavior is not consistent. This is one more clue that needs to fit in the puzzle.”

Max thought about how Liz is onto something. ”Their whole family is benefiting from the connections Jack's engagement is providing. It is not surprising that they want to ignore the fact that Sabrina broke up with Jackson. I'm sure that as soon as Jackson is awake, they will push him to win Sabrina over in any way he can. Would they go so far as to come up with a fake disease that will keep Sabrina tied up to Jackson? That depends on how hungry they are.”

”That is more of a reason to go into his room. Let's rattle the cage and see what happens.” Sabrina said and turned to Ashton. She noticed that he is not talking, probably because he does not want to meddle. But he is still by her side, silently giving her support.

Sabrina took Ashton's hand into hers. ”Do you mind coming with me?”

Ashton smiled. ”I feared that you will ask me to stay behind.”

Liz saw that Sabrina and Ashton are lost in their lovey-dovey mood and she laughed. ”Just do your best not to kiss and get handsy until you have privacy.”

Sabrina laughed and looked at Ashton hungrily. ”I'm not sure how long I can keep my hands off from this hunk. I feel a strong urge to rip his clothes off right here.”

Liz saw that Sabrina is playful, Ashton is obviously uncomfortable, and Max looks ready to snap Ashton's neck.

Ashton inhaled sharply and felt heat seeping into his face. Oh, God! Is he blushing? How can Sabrina put him in such a difficult situation? Max is watching and Ashton can feel the danger that is coming from a protective brother.

Liz laughed and wrapped her hands around Max's neck to get his attention. Liz knows that Max approves of Sabrina's loving relationship, but he needs to get used to it.

Ashton leaned closer to Sabrina.

”I will get back at you for this later. In private.”, he whispered.

”I can't wait…”, Sabrina breathed and leaned on him.

Ashton glanced to the side, and he was glad that Max is focused on Liz. Ah, Sabrina is getting him in trouble! But as long as it's with her, he will take it.

…