Once the HR officer had finished, I challenged her to check all CCTV footage in the hospital and prove that I had left early. Then I demanded a list of jobs I was alleged not to have completed. Half of them had been Mahoney’s. Angrily, I filed my own complaint about Mahoney, detailing witnesses to our conversations, which had been several.
Then I told the HR officer I wouldn’t comment further until a full investigation had been conducted. Next, I pointed out that my parking badge for the staff car lot would show the times I left. On top of that, I stated I’d not claimed overtime for all the extra time I’d done. Perhaps I had better claim that while I was thinking about it. HR choked, swallowed, and informed me stiffly they would be investigating.
That little bitch Mahoney was due a reckoning. She was standing with Tegan, a smirk on her face, when I approached.
“Are you okay?” she simpered.
“Yeah. Seems someone had been spreading bullshit. Shame, because they should have done some research. I pointed out a few things that would prove the complainant was a liar, and I’m sure HR will be speaking to them soon. Especially when I hit the budget for forty-five hours of unpaid overtime, I had planned to let that go, but fuck that. Naturally, I imagine the hospital won’t be too pleased when I claim it. Particularly, as it will break this month’s budget,” I said, holding the bitch’s gaze.
Mahoney blanched. “Well, I’ve got to check on a patient.”
“Yeah, run away, you bitch,” I hissed, and Mahoney flinched and then scarpered. Moments later, she was talking to Dr Simmons, who brushed her off and approached.
“What lies is Mahoney spouting now?” I demanded, crossing my arms.
“Nurse Mahoney says April called her a rude name,” Simmons said.
“Nope, didn’t happen. Mahoney has been telling fibs and trying to get people in trouble,” Teagan spoke before I did.
“Indeed?” Simmons asked.
“Yes. April had been questioned about shirking duties and clocking out early,” Teagan elaborated.
“Well, I can bear witness to neither of those things happening,” Simmons replied, looking puzzled. “Why would Mahoney do that?”
Unsure, I swapped a glance with Teagan, wondering if she’d inform Simmons why.
“Dr Reines,” Teagan bit out, and Simmons scowled.
“If Reines put as much effort into doctoring as he did his love life, he’d be top of the hospital in a blink of an eye. Pleaseconfirm you didn’t succumb to Reines’s charm, April. I thought better of you,” Simmons stated.
“No, I haven’t dated Reines and have no intention to. That fact appears to have upset Mahoney. Idiot thinks she deserves his attention and is annoyed that I have it. Honestly, I’d throw Reines at her if it were possible. Reines is not my cup of tea,” I replied.
“Glad to hear that. Thank God you’re the reasonable sort despite the piercings and tattoos,” Simmons declared and wandered off.
“Holy crap. I’m sensible,” I moaned, and Teagan laughed. “Anyhoo, I’m going to live through you. What happened with Smokey?”
“Oh, that man’s good,” Teagan cooed, and I whooped.
“Sounds like you had a great night!”
“Honey, the man has ruined sex forever. Nobody will ever come close again. And as for skills, Smokey made me come four times, and fucks like a jackhammer.” Teagan grinned.
“Wow, okay.” Yup, I was jealous. “He took care of your needs first?”
“Twice before Smokey got his own release. Any woman who ends up in Smokey’s bed is one lucky bitch.”
“Was it a one-and-done?”
“Nope. Smokey’s meeting me next Friday and Saturday,” Teagan crowed.
“Way to go, girl, you got yourself some,” I smiled slightly, envious. It would be nice to have Teagan’s confidence, but Stone’s harsh lessons lingered in my mind.
“You’ll heal one day,” Teagan said, making me jolt
“What?”
“There’ll be a day when you wake up and what that asshole did won’t matter anymore.”
