Three
Whenthenursescoordinatemedication rounds, I return to work on the filing system because reading would get in their way. The fact that the nurses’ station is in close proximity to room 1-12 is just a coincidence. That’s what I tell myself, anyway.
Cindy bustles toward the desk with exasperation.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
“Oh yeah,” Cindy says with exhaustion plaguing her tone. “Our new patient in room one-twelve wants to be discharged early. I just need to get the paperwork ready.”
“Is that wise?” I ask with heightened concern.
Cindy shrugs, marking the form. “We can’t keep him against his will. If he wants to walk out, fine by me.”
“You and Trisha are eager to get rid of him.”
Cindy frowns. “I wouldn’t call him a dream patient. Anyway, you can head off too, if you like. It’s getting late.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind staying.”
Cindy smiles. “Go on. You’re young and beautiful. Go have some fun.”
I sigh, grinning. “Why does everyone keep telling me to have fun?”
“Maybe because you act like a grown-up at eighteen,” Cindy jokes. “You can’t even imagine the stuff I’d get up to if I were a billionaire’s kid.”
I laugh and collect my purse from under the desk. “Okay, I’ll get going. See you tomorrow.”
“Sure thing, Vanessa. Thanks for your help.”
I step out of the nurses’ station and keep my eyes fixed on room 1-12. I wish I had a good excuse to go back in there. I’d say goodbye to Mrs. Gibson if she weren’t already snoozing.
Oh well, perhaps it’s for the best. Trisha said his family is dangerous. Shouldn’t that be enough to keep me away from him? Why hasn’t it sunk in yet?
I pull out my cell phone to call my driver, but before I leave the wing, I notice Dr. Harris approaches the nurses’ station. I should keep walking, but my ears prick.
“Does Dax Malone still want to leave?” Dr. Harris asks Cindy.
“Yes, I’m getting the paperwork ready now.”
Dr. Harris pauses, frowning at a file in his hands. “I think we should warn against this. I have his full blood count, and the white cell differential gives cause for alarm.”
I drop my phone, and both Dr. Harris and Nurse Cindy turn as I scramble to pick it up. Oh my gosh, that sounded serious. I pull myself together, wave goodbye, and hastily make my way out of the hospital wing.
I leave the building and call my driver. He won’t take long to arrive, and I scroll through my phone to pass the time. I’m so embarrassed. Dr. Harris caught me eavesdropping. Hopefully, he assumes I was glued to my phone and didn’t hear a word.
Behind me, the doors burst open, followed by the thud of heavy boots.
I turn around and find Dax Malone walking out of the hospital, thrusting his arms into his leather jacket sleeves. He winces and presses his arm against his ribs.
“Wait,” I blurt without forethought.
Dax peers my way with a questioning stare.
“Ah,” I stumble on my words. “Sorry. Not to pry, but, should you be leaving the hospital?”
He frowns, and I notice the fullness of his lips. “Why?”
My eyes fall on the hand gripping his side. “You’re in pain.”
