Page 27 of Her Wicked Plan

These two gave me hope that one day, I will find someone to love the way my father loves my mother. I can love and care for someone as they deserve to be treated.

One day it will happen.

“What is he working on now?” My thoughts fizzle out as I come back to the present.

“The backyard. He has been taking advantage of this beautiful weather.” Another sigh leaves her before a laugh. “He was talking about getting a pool installed.”

“In a city where it rains all the time?” A smile forms on my lips.

“Seattle has its trials.”

I chuckle. “Oh, tell him to put a dome over the pool! That way, he can use it all year round!”

“Leo Oliver, don’t you dare give him that idea!” The motherly scold is prominent in her tone. “He already has too much on his plate, plus we don’t need a pool.”

A booming laugh finally escapes me, and I cannot hold it in any longer. “And what is filling up his plate?”

“You will find out for yourself when you visit.”

Shaking my head with a smile, a notification appears on the computer screen. I click the email address to find Dr. Bennett inviting me to meet with the other staff members—a way to get to know everyone later that evening after all the patients sleep.

“That sounds like a plan, Mom,” I say. “Look, I have to go into a meeting.”

“My son. So professional.” She gushes to herself. “Alright, sweetie, you have a good meeting. I love you.”

“I love you too, Mom. More than all the stars in the universe. I’ll call you soon.” It’s a promise I intend to keep.

I find myself in the common room faster than I expected. The room is full of nurses and doctors. Seems that everyone invited tonight is here already.

The only two faces I recognize are Edith and Dr. Bennett. All the other employees are mingling, and a white styrofoam cup in each of their hands is full of who knows what. Surely, we can’t have alcohol in this place.

“Leo!” Edith's voice booms over the chatter of the nurses and fellow doctors. She sweeps across the room, a drink in hand, and finds her way to me. “I’m glad you can make it to meet everyone!”

“Please tell me Dr. Bennett didn’t plan this for me?”

“Of course he did! Henry wants all the staff to feel welcome. He does this for every new employee.” She leads me to a table where there is a bowl of punch. Taking the spoon out, she pours the pink liquid into a cup for me. “This way, you can get to know everyone else that works here.”

I take the cup from her, my lips meeting the edge of the styrofoam. Taking a generous sip, my eyes scan the room at the people congregating here.

Most are women, except for a few older men. All are in casual wear, not work attire. I guess I didn’t get that memo.

Once the liquid slides down my throat, I pull the cup away and eye it curiously.

“Were you expecting the punch to have a punch?”

I glance down at the old woman. “Would it be bad if I said yes?”

“Would it be bad to say I have a flask hidden away? You only need to ask if you want an extra kick to your drink.” She smirks.

“Oh, Edith, I think you and I will get along well.” I laugh, pulling the same sound from her.

“Leo, there you are!” Dr. Bennett claps me on the back, thankfully after Edith mentioned the booze. I smile at Henry before staring at the woman holding her finger to her mouth.

Her secret is safe with me.

“Dr. Bennett... Henry, you didn’t have to put everything together for me.”

“Nonsense.” He dismisses my words with a wave. “It’s tradition when we get a new staff member. Although, not everyone is here. We have a few guards missing, but they must watch the patients while they are in their rooms.”