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Vivian sat down on the edge of the chair. She was ready to bolt if Annie so much as mentioned Aiden or Webster’s names.
“We’ve known Janice for some time now, haven’t we?” Annie said as she poured the tea.
“Yes, but—”
“And she’s always been a good friend.”
“Yes, she has been, but—”
“And she’s never given us a reason not to trust her, has she?”
Vivian groaned out loud. “Okay, yes. I agree. Janice is our friend and we trust her.”
“So, if she tells us something, we can believe what she says?”
“Annie, seriously. Where are you going with this?”
“Just answer the question.”
“Okay yes, I supposed we don’t have any reason not to believe what Janice says, but…”
Annie put a cup of tea in front of Vivian before she sat down. “So if Janice tells us Webster is not only doing another article on you but on other women who have also been abused by Brett Carson, would you believe her?”
Stunned, Vivian stared at Annie. Was it possible… But she immediately squelched the thought. “She’s heard it from Aiden or from Webster—both are reporters and not to be trusted. You should believe me when I tell you that.”
Clearly exasperated, Annie threw her hands in the air. “I’ve forgotten how stubborn you can be! I can understand that you’ve been hurt, but why you are clinging to that hurt when you have the facts, I have no idea. You know what I think?”
Fed up, Vivian stood up. “Why don’t you tell me? You seem to know everything else about me.” She didn’t ever try to hide the sarcasm in her voice.
“You’re head over heels in love with Aiden and you’re running scared. That’s what I think.” Without looking at her again, Annie got up and quietly left the kitchen.
Vivian sat down again and picked up her cup but her fingers were shaking so badly, she had to put it down again. Aiden has kissed her and touched her but she couldn’t be in love with him, surely? And as for Webster’s story about other women…
Frowning, she got up again. She’d thought about the possibility at the time but she’d been so upset when her complaints to the authorities of the hospital had been swept aside, she hadn’t spoken to any of her colleagues.
She could try and find out but what difference would it make at this point?
*
“Aunt Janice, pleasestop crying. I don’t understand what you’re saying.” Aiden tried his best to sound calm, but he was so frustrated he was ready to climb the walls.
It was late Friday afternoon, and his aunt had finally answered his call, but she was obviously so upset he didn’t understand what she was trying to say.Blasted Carol,Anniewere the only words he understood in between her hiccups and sobbing.
“I’m so sorry.” She hiccupped again. “I really thought you two… But now everyone is angry and upset. It’s all my fault.” And she promptly burst into tears again.
The sound of someone else calling interrupted his efforts to calm down his aunt. It was Annie.
“Aunt Janice, I’m going to call you again. Annie Miller is on the line.” He said goodbye and answered Annie’s call.
“Aiden?”
“Yes, it’s me. I’ve been on the phone with my aunt, but she’s crying so much, I don’t understand a word she’s saying.”
Annie groaned out loud. “I’m so sorry about that! I’d forgotten how stubborn Vivian can be. She refuses to listen to me about the other women.”
“How do you know about it? Have you spoken to my aunt?”
“I have, and I’ve heard about the other women who have come forward, all of whom also suffered at the hands of Doctor Brett Carson.”
