“Yes…”
“Do you have evidence? Video?”
“I do.”
“He reported that he was using the gun in self-defense, probably because he knew you had it.” Maybe, technically, it was. But Keoni had every damn right to do what he did.
“How do you know this?”
He sighs. “I’ve got my resources. Did you get any more of the incident recorded?”
“No. I didn’t…” I draw my knees up to my chest and bury my face into them. “Fuck… What’s going to happen?”
“They were going to let you go from SF General, but take a deep breath, please.” I do, and I’m so fucking glad to have someone like Dr. Yadav on my side. Knowing he believes me lifts a weight I know would be too unbearable to keep from squashing me right now. “Because you put in your resignation, they’ve accepted it but made it immediate. You won’t be able to stay on leave as you requested.”
“That’s fine…”
“Because these are just allegations, it’s been decided to allow the legal system to take the appropriate actions. They won’t be reporting it to the board… for now. It’s why I said you need to get agoodlegal team, Ayden.”
I nod, even if he can’t see it. “I understand.”
“I’m going to do what I can here for you. I’ve got resources, and friends that can help.”
Dropping my head back against the wall, heat builds in my eyes. “Thank you…”
“I’m so sorry.” The ache in his tone has tears falling across my temples.
I bite hard on the inside of my cheek, and only when I taste metal, do I stop.
“I want to tell you what’s going on so you understand.” With a shaky breath, I clear my throat. “I lost my dad and stepmom a few months ago… and after their funeral, I decided to stay here in Colorado. My stepbrother, Keoni, moved into the cabin before me…” I pause, and swallow down my fear. “You need to know that I am seeing him. Michael had police here in Colorado following me, he was tracking my phone. They saw me with Keoni, and that’s what brought him here to me. We… we aren’t doing anything wrong!”
He doesn’t say anything. Complete and utter silence.
“I met him when I was fourteen, before our parents introduced us as soon to be step siblings. He… I wanted to be with him then, and because their love, theirhappiness, mattered more, I had to suffer for it. Please don’t see me as fucked up, Markus, please it’s not?—”
“I would never. I understand the law, and I know you. There’s zero judgement from me.”
“Ayden?”
My head snaps up to see Brittany standing just a few feet away, her eyes wide.
“Oh my god, Ayden!”
I shake my head quickly and raise a hand, finger pointed at my phone. She nods but continues to rush over to me.
Markus’s voice fills my ear. “Look, who you love isn’t anyone’s business as long as it’s legal. Which this is. Michael is psychotic, but he has resources.” His tone of sincerity reminds me I did have friends, and someone that could’ve helped me if I had spoken up… “Whoever just called your name sounds worried. I’m going to save your number. Am I okay to call when appropriate?”
“Yes… of course.” My throat is raw, but I manage the words.
“Let’s leave all of this out of texts.”
“Probably for the best. Thank you… Dr. Yadav.”
He lets out a soft laugh. “Call me Markus. We’re friends. Take care of yourself, Ayden. Get that team together. We’ll figure this out.”
“I will. Speak soon.”
“Bye.”
