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“Because hospitals ask questions and a lot of the people who come in with those kinds of wounds don’t want to answer to authority.”
“So, I’ll be working on mafia members?”
“Among others. They bring in their families too. Their wives, their children...you’ll see all kinds.”
The clinic was already fairly busy by the time we got there, and Alessandro quickly led me through the front door into a waiting room where several people sat. Some looked fine while others looked ill.
We walked straight past them, through the white double doors, and into a long hallway with several exam rooms on either side.
A handsome man in black slacks, forest green shirt, and a white medical coat greeted us with a smile. "Ciao, Alessandro. And you must be Sienna. Welcome."
"Thank you."
"I’m Armando but most people just call me Arman.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too. You’re here just in time for the morning rush so I’ll have to wait until later to give you the full tour but for now, I’m going to have you shadow me to get your bearings.” He walked quickly around a nurses’ station, talking at the same rapid pace I was used to from working in the hospital, and pulled out a white coat. “First things first. Let’s make you look official, shall we?”
He held the coat open for me and I shrugged it on. “Thank you.”
“And we can’t forget this.” Arman held up an official-looking medical badge with the same picture that was on my badge from the hospital.
I took it, studying it curiously. “How did you...?”
“Alex found it in your things from the night he...uh. The night he picked you up from the hospital and he got me the picture so I could have this ready for you.”
The night he picked me up from the hospital? That was putting it nicely.
I slipped the lanyard over my head and straightened the collar of my white coat, already feeling more myself than I had in days.
“Perfect. Ready for our first patient?”
“Ready,” I stated confidently, noticing how quiet Alessandro had been since Arman had taken over.
Arman gave me a nod and led me to the first exam room.
“Buongiorno, Signora Berlusconi,”Arman greeted the little old lady sitting on the exam table. “How are you doing today?”
“Buongiorno, Arman.I’m well.”
“Good. Good,” Arman went straight to work pulling out a blood pressure cuff and thermometer, both conveniently attached to a rolling vitals machine. “I have a couple of observers today if you don’t mind.”
“Anything for you.” She smiled brightly at him, and I couldn’t help but smile at their exchange.
“This is Dr. Marino and the surly man in the corner is a friend of mine, Alex.” Arman strapped the cuff around her arm and pressed the button with a loud beep.
“It’s nice to meet you both. She’s such a lovely young thing. Is she your girlfriend, Arman?”
“No, I’m afraid I’m still just as single as ever.”
“I don’t understand it. A handsome, strapping young man such as yourself. Smart, kind...you should have a good woman beside you. You know, I still have that great niece of mine that I was telling you about the last time I was here.”
“I appreciate the thought, Signora Berlusconi, but I assure you, I’m perfectly fine as is. Besides, I’m far too busy with the clinic to think about dating.”
“Well, you let me know if you ever change your mind.”
“You have my word.” Arman chuckled and smiled fondly at the woman before recording her blood pressure. “Alright, blood pressure looks good. It seems that your new meds are doing the trick.”
