We pull up to the practice, and Lucian turns toward me. “Don’t you move.” I stay put as the guys get out of the back.
There is still a lot of police and sheriff activity down by my shop, which frightens me, but also reminds me of something important. When Lucian lifts me into his arms, I search to see who else is around.
“Lucian, I don’t trust Chump. He knew that the detective was going to tranq Rusty and Loco.”
“They both said something about that. I’ll take care of it.”
“Okay.”
Lucian carries me into the practice and straight to the back. An open door reveals that Lach is waiting, his white coat covering his cut already.
“Loco, guard the door.”
“Got it, Prez.” He leaves, and I’m laid on the table.
Lach checks my face where I was hit. I explain about the nausea and vomiting. He then moves a machine close to us and clicks some buttons before telling Lucian to lift my shirt and pull my jeans down a bit.
“You need a female partner before any other exams start,” Lucian orders.
“I have a nurse.”
“No. You aren’t looking at my ol’ lady’s pussy. You got it.”
“Judge, be realistic. To get another physician out here quickly could cost us extra.”
“I don’t care. If Torch has his way, Ruby is already pregnant or will be soon. You’ll need her.”
“I’m not fucking hiring just any female doctor.”
“I will then.”
“Fine, I don’t care.”
“Oh, you will soon enough.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“I have an application on my desk right now for a Dr. Neighbors.”
I watch as the blood drains from Lach’s face.
“You wouldn’t fucking do that to me,” he bites out.
“Oh, I fucking would. She’s overly qualified for the position. She wants to open her own practice. She’s applying for a lease of an office not far from here. She’s the best physician for my girl.” Lucian smirks at Lach.
“She’s already here?”
“I don’t know.”
“This town isn’t big enough for two doctors.” Lach keeps fighting it, but even I realize that Lucian has already told her yes and plans to help her. I’m going to have to talk to him later to find out who this woman is.
“You’re a general practitioner, she’s an OB-GYN. She has done all the demographic studies. How a woman must drive over twenty minutes to Foster or an hour to Smithfield. Did you ever think of that?”
“I’ve delivered babies before.”
“Yes, but how many of those weren’t your patients but needed your help in an emergency. Besides, now that I know Evie here is pregnant, I’m glad I already signed off on the lease.”
“Fuck, Judge, you can’t do this to me.”
