I turn just as the door opens and Harold Patton walks inside. It’s definitely the same man from the photo Leon sent me. Round face, thinning hair, uneasy smile. His eyes linger on me for a heartbeat too long and I clear my throat.
“Dr. Hyland.” He extends his hand. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. I apologize for the late hour.”
Reluctantly, I take it and shake, fighting the urge to recoil. “Of course.”
“I appreciate your discretion with this matter.” He pulls out his phone and starts tapping on the screen, darting his gaze between whatever he’s reading and my face. “As I mentioned to the other one, we’re going to need a thorough physical examination. My client has specific requirements.”
His client… Here we go.
“What exactly are you looking for?” I keep my voice neutral, clinical. It’s more difficult than I thought it would be. Every timewe’re in situations like this, it’s hard not to picture Bailey when we first found her.
Keep your shit together.
“We need a full physical examination. Vitals, blood work, pelvic exam.” He scrolls on his screen, not looking at me as he speaks. “We’ll need confirmation of her overall health, fertility markers, any previous pregnancies or complications.”
Fertility markers. What the hell?
“And...” He pauses, finally meeting my eyes. “My client has requested that her IUD be removed during this examination.”
Is the room spinning? Or am I about to pass out?
“What the fuck did I just hear?” Damon says in my ear.
I can’t respond, can barely pull in a full breath.
“Removed?” I manage to keep my voice steady. “May I ask why?”
That smile stays put. It’s creepy as hell. “The wedding is tomorrow. Christmas Day. My client wishes to begin... attempting conception immediately. The IUD would obviously interfere with that goal.”
Wedding.
Conception.
What the fuck is going on here?
I wish Damon was in the room with me. This is nothing like what we’ve dealt with before.Thisis something else entirely.
“I see.” My mind is racing, trying to process and alter our plans. “And the patient… she’s consented to this examination? To the IUD removal?”
Patton’s expression shifts and a crease forms between his brows. “Not that it’s your concern, but Miss L has been made fully aware of the requirements. Her consent was given as part of the marriage contract her family signed.”
I’m speechless. This is a truly fucked up situation. I have more questions… How old is she? Who is this client? Most of all,why is this being done in secret? But Patton’s turned his back to speak to someone in the hall, most likely his employee in black.
When he turns back, he’s holding a thick envelope. “Payment is fifteen thousand, as discussed. Half now.” He sets it on the counter next to my medical bag. “Half upon completion and submission of the documentation.”
I’ve never looked at a stack of cash with such disgust before.
“One more thing, Doctor.” He moves toward the door again. “My client is a powerful man and he values discretion above all else. What happens in this room stays in this room. I trust you understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.”
It’s not a question. There never was one. The moment I accepted this job, it was an unspoken acknowledgement. Whoever this client is will be in for a fun Christmas surprise when the bride he purchased is MIA.
“Of course.” I swallow down the lump in my throat. “Patient confidentiality.”
He nods and plasters that creepy smile back on his face. “Excellent. We’ll bring her in now.”
He leaves, pulling the door shut behind him and I’m alone again.
“Blake.” Damon’s voice cuts through the comm. He’s barely holding it together. “What the actual fuck is happening?”
