Page 140 of Her Wicked Plan

My heart picks up its speed. “Talk about what?”

Edith interlaces her fingers, inhaling a deep breath. “Veronica landed herself in solitary again.”

A sigh of disappointment puffs past my lips as my jaw ticks with frustration. “What did she do?”

“She stabbed another patient's hand with a pair of scissors.”

I readjust the duffle bag strap on my shoulder that somehow seems heavier than it did just a second ago. “When did this happen?”

“Right after you left.” She matches my earlier sigh. “Dr. Bennett had enough and sent her down for two weeks. He said that if she continues with this erratic behavior, he would have to send her to Ward R.”

All alone in the dark for two weeks? Another fucking ward? This is almost too much to take in seeing as I’ve been back only for a split second.

“She’s already been down there a week?” I can’t believe she did this. Actually, you know what? Yes, I can believe it. Edith nods, and that’s when it hits me. “She did this on purpose.”

“You mean to tell me that Veronica hurt another patient to get sent to solitary?” Edith wears a confused expression as she says, “I know that the woman marches to the beat of her own drum, but I’m not sure she would land herself in confinement on purpose. She hates it down there.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. She didn’t want another doctor to discuss her issues with her while I was gone. I saw the idea flash in her eyes momentarily, and I thought I had made myself clear when I warned her not to do anything stupid.”

Edith laughs in disbelief. “Stubborn girl.”

“Very.” This isn’t what I wanted to deal with when I returned. “Thank you, Edith, for telling me.”

She nods, ending the conversation. I head straight to my room, set my bag on the bed, and run my hands through my hair.

My eyes feel heavy from the tears and lack of sleep. All I want to do is crawl into my bed and sleep the rest of the day. But I don’t. I have someone I need to visit.

Stalking out of the room, I retrace my steps and find the solitary entrance. After scanning my card, I walk down the dark stairs and enter the hall to hear the faint voices of the women below—cries for sadness or pleas to be let out. I don’t know how the guard can stay here and listen to this.

As I approach him, he takes out an earbud. That’s how he does it—he listens to music.

How the hell would he hear if the patients actually needed help?

“Can I help you?” he asks.

“I’m Dr. Madden.” I flash him my badge. “Veronica Rollins doctor. I’d like to see her.”

Slowly, he goes over to the room she is in. The same one as last time. He unhooks the ring from his belt, placing the right metal key in the hole, and the metal door creaks open.

Sitting on the bed in the dark, Veronica has her knees to her chest and her cheek resting on the top of her knee. As the dim light leaks into her room, she squints and then pops her head up when she realizes it’s me.

“Leo?” Her voice is hoarse as if she hadn’t had anything to drink.

Staring at her, I speak to the man over my shoulder. “Can you give us a moment alone?”

“No can do,” he states, patting the wall with the palm of his hand. “Have to be here if she tries anything crazy.”

Turning around, I eye him up and down. “She is my patient, and I trust her. Look at the state she is in.” I gesture back to a fragile Veronica. “She is in no position to do anything crazy. Now, give me a moment to speak with my patient privately.”

He stares at me, unmoving. Sighing out of annoyance, I dig for my wallet and pull out a fifty. Handing it to him, he takes it with a smug grin. “Take as long as you need. Shut the door when you’re done. I’ll be at the top of the steps.”

I watch as he leaves us, the door to the stairs shut behind him. Bringing my attention back to Veronica, I notice she has dropped her knees, her legs dangling off the side of the bed. I step in, and my shoes on the concrete floor echo around the small room.

“I’m sorry.” She drops her eyes to her lap.

“For what?”

“Not listening.” She coughs. “I didn’t... want another doctor.”