Page 74 of Obedience

Dylan:

‘FYI I cleaned the stool after you left so the cleaner doesn’t see it. I think maybe you should seek some therapy for your sex addiction’

Greta:

‘My sex addiction?!’

Dylan:

‘What have I told you about back chat? I am so sick of your mouth’

Greta:

‘You weren’t complaining about my mouth over the weekend, or last night… OR at 2am…OR at 5am, for that matter.’

Suddenly worried that everyone in the hospital’s atrium would be able to read the exchange, Greta held the phone to her chest. It vibrated on her sternum. In a desperate bid to contain her smile, she pressed her fingers to her lips.

Dylan:

‘No no, you misunderstand, that mouth, Dr Vincent, I cannot get e-fucking-nough of’

Greta:

‘Go away please, Miss St John. I am very busy and extremely important’

She bounced the phone on her lips, her smile pushing into her eyes as it vibrated on her mouth.

Dylan:

‘Thank you for spending the weekend with me. We can do this, G. I really like you. I’m off to see Margs and Dr McFossil, so you’d better be ready with my reward later. Have a great Monday. Dx’

Greta:

‘Speak later. Gx’

After ordering her usual of a cortado and a croissant, Greta stepped aside while they were prepared. With one hand in the pocket of her trousers, she reopened her phone and flicked through her emails to make a head start, however infinitesimal. The first subject line caught her attention, sending stomach acid to burn ferociously in her throat. She clicked it open with her thumb, the other hand coming out of her pocket to hold the phone steady.

Subject: Relationship Disclosure

Dear Dr Vincent,

There has been an allegation of impropriety by a staff member involving yourself and an enrolled postgraduate student at The University of Manchester.

As you will be aware, our policies require full disclosure of any personal relationships with students where there may be a perceived or indeed an actual imbalance of power.

At this stage, no assumptions have been made, and no conclusions have been reached. However, I would like to meet with you to discuss the matter, to better understand the circumstances and determine whether any relevant disclosures should have been made. Please contact my office to arrange a meeting within the next few days. You are entitled to seek advice from the GMC, a union, or a colleague should you wish to.

Regards,

Professor Leila Andy

Associate Dean.

Faculty of biology, medicine and health.

Gripping the phone with both shaking hands, Greta stared at the small screen, reading the words again and again until her vision blurred. The bustle of the hospital atrium, the hiss of the milk steamer and the chatter of people all faded into a dull, distant hum. A cold sweat prickled at her hairline as the blood pumping through her veins turned to ice. Her pulse bounded in her throat and eardrums as the memory slammed into her.

‘That fucking librarian,’ she whispered under her breath.