Ortiz looks at me. She looks at my hand gripping Jax’s. She winks.
"He is consulting on peripheral perfusion," Ortiz lies smoothly. "And possibly... cuticles. It’s a very specialized field. You wouldn't understand."
Sterling turns a shade of purple. "This is ridiculous. I am ordering?—"
"You are ordering nothing in my unit," Ortiz snaps. "My patient is critical. He needs stability. And right now, Dr. York is the only vital sign that is keeping him stable."
She hits the button for the doors. They hiss open.
"Dr. York?" she says, gesturing inside. "After you."
I look at her. I nod, a silent message of profound gratitude.
"Thank you, Mama," I whisper as I pass her.
"Just don't fall asleep in the chair," she mutters, patting my arm. "Or I’ll draw a mustache on you with a Sharpie."
I walk into the ICU. The doors slide shut, sealing Sterling out.
I park the gurney in Bed 4. I transfer him over. I pull the chair up to the bedside.
I am not leaving him. Not tonight.
Chapter 18
The Severance Package
Maxwell
Ileave Jax sleeping in the ICU.
It is the hardest thing I have ever done. He is warm, stable, and finally peaceful, holding the remote control for the TV like a weapon. But I have one last infection to treat.
My phone has been buzzing for an hour.
FROM: A. STERLING
Boardroom. Now. Bring your resignation.
I adjust my tie in the reflection of the ICU glass doors. I am wearing a wrinkled shirt from yesterday and I haven't shaved. I look like a disaster.
Good. Let them see the disaster.
I walk to the elevator. I press the button for the top floor.
I am not afraid. Fear is for people who have something to lose. I almost lost Jax last night. Compared to that, losing a title is nothing. Losing a legacy is a joke.
I walk into the Boardroom.
The air conditioning is set to a frigid sixty-five degrees. The long mahogany table is occupied. The entire Board of Directors is present.
At the head of the table sits Dr. Anthony Sterling.
In front of him, fanned out like a royal flush, are the photographs.
Me and Jax. The kiss. The tailor shop.
Sterling looks up as I enter. He smiles. It is a predatory, satisfied expression.
