M V Branch

Betrayed Trust M V Branch

Publisher Marketing: In his active OB/GYN practice, Dr. Judd Streeter's lacies think him charming as he teases them and makes outragious remarks. His home-life is a different matter, however. Upon hearing Judd has the reputation of Abortion King in their small town, his neurotic wife, Claudine, screams, Murderer! The imaginary, college town is Somerset, Alabama; the year is 1978. Abortion is legal now, but Claudine isn't aware of it; she retreats so often into catatonia. She hasn't been the same since the death of Kelli, her only child. Dr. Judd doesn't have time for his wife's illnesses and accusations. Because his associate suffered a heart attack, he is overworked and is experiencing sleep deprivation in the busy practive. To complicate his troubles further, U. S. Senator Lester Joyce Sr., of Alabama is threatening blackmail if the doctor doesn't produce a baby boy, an heir to carry on the family name, to his son and daughter-in-law. When the young couple, Lee and Andrea Joyce, approach Dr. Judd with their infertility problem, he is drawn to Andrea. He wants to help her start a family and to get the Senator off of his back. As he reviews the couple's lab tests, however, he recognizes a nearly-impossible task. With unbelievable pressure added to his fatigue and ever-present burdens, the infertility expert snaps momentarily. He acts in an impulsive and unprofessional way, betraying his patient's trust. His act is unforgibable and can't be undone. It affects his life and future along with the others involved. As the story unfolds with its twists and turns, one witnesses scenes in which love, death, hate and betrayal are portrayed by lives intermingled by Dr. Judd IStreeter's impetuousness.