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When we pull down Dr. Lamont’s driveway, I peek at her. Dr. Lamont took care of my mom when she was ill and he made frequent visits to the house. Being a concierge doctor, I knew he’d be able to help me outside of normal business hours.
Brady isn’t the only one with connections. My dad might not be the state senator, but as the owner of Cromwell Bank, with institutions all over the United States, he’s gained the respect of many.
In 2020, he was named Businessman of the Year by Time magazine. He’s also been an esteemed member of the city council for the last six years. Needless to say, my dad has connections, too—connections I like to use to my advantage.
“Where are we?” Elodie asks, straightening her back to get a better view of the large brick house with the creek running beside it.
“This is Dr. Lamont’s house.” I choose not to elaborate and let her sweat it out for a few minutes.
“Why are we going to see a doctor?” she asks, just as we pull up to the home.
I cut the engine and turn to her with a wide grin on my face. “You’re getting a blood draw, Freckles.”
In an instant, she jerks her sunglasses off, her face even more pale than it was when she got in the car. “Have you lost your damn mind? What do you mean I’m getting a blood draw?”
“It’s exactly how it sounds. The doctor inside that house is going to jab a needle into your arm and draw blood.” I don’t think I will ever get tired of the exasperated look on her face. This is so fun.
“Why the hell are you speaking like this isn’t a huge deal!?” She throws her hands in the air, gesturing toward the house like I don’t realize where we are. “Why in the world would I allow some strange man to take my blood for no reason?”
I wait until she’s done with her little fit before my face turns serious. “How much did you have to drink last night, Elodie?”
Her shoulders rise, and she blinks rapidly. “I… All I remember is one. It hit me hard within just a few minutes. I must have drank more. I just can’t remember the other drinks.”
“That’s because you only had one.” I hold up my index finger. “You think one drink did that to you? Not a chance in hell.”
“What are you saying?”
I turn my head to the side. “You want to be pre-law. What do you think I’m saying?”
She crosses her arms, clearly refusing to speak. I think Elodie already knows the truth, she’s just too afraid to face it.
“I think someone slipped you something in that one drink. Then they slashed your tires to make sure you were trapped there, out in the dark and alone.”
Her expression drops, eyes wide as she realizes I’m not making this shit up. “Someone drugged me?”
“We won’t know for sure until Dr. Lamont draws your blood.” I let my voice go soft for her because it’s clear the drugs are still messing with her. If her hands shaking are any sign to go by, I’d say it’s going to take her at least three days to feel normal again.
“He’s a good doctor. Said it’ll take a couple days since the lab is closed on the weekends, but if you were drugged, we need to do this now before it’s out of your system. He’s doing this as a favor to me, and I think you should let him.”
I watch as she rests her head back, tears welling in her eyes. I don’t know why I’m doing this. If someone wants to mess with Elodie, I should be glad. But there’s this nagging thought in the back of my mind telling me I am the only one who is allowed to mess with her.
I’m actually surprised when she takes off her seat belt and grabs the door handle. “Let’s get this over with.”
Her defeated posture resumes as we walk up to the entrance, so I place my hand on her back, trying to offer her some support. For some reason, taking care of her right now feels like I’ve been transported back to taking care of my mom, and I want to do this part right.
We’re greeted at the door by Dr. Lamont, and memories of the last time he was at my house surface. It was the morning Mom passed away. She lay in her bed, frail and weak, thanking him for everything he did for her at the end. My brothers and I didn’t leave that room all day. After they came and took her body, I lay in her bed and cried for hours.
“Rome?” Dr. Lamont says. I’m still frozen until Elodie nudges my side.
I come back to reality, while wishing I could go back to the day and hug my mom one last time.
Clearing my throat, I stick out my hand. “Sorry. It’s good to see you again.”
“You as well, Rome.” He extends a hand to Elodie after shaking mine. “And it's a pleasure to meet you. I just wish it were under different circumstances.” He chuckles lightly. “Though I guess circumstances are rarely good when seeing a doctor.”
Elodie shakes his hand with a tight smile. “Thank you for doing this.”
Dr. Lamont steps aside and gestures for us to come in.
