“But then he picked up the rock and threw it at me. It knocked me down. But I got back up.”
“Wow, you’re very brave,” I say. His little hand is clammy, and I stroke my fingers over it soothingly.
“My papà says you can tell the measure of a man by how quickly he gets up when he’s knocked down,” he says. I raise an eyebrow. Those are impressive words coming from such a small kid.
“Your papà seems like a pretty smart guy,” I say.
“He is,” the kid says seriously. “And he’s strong and brave, too. I’m going to be just like him when I grow up.”
“Sounds like a good idea, Dani,” I agree. Andy sits back and gives me a thumbs up. “And look at that, you’re all done!”
His eyes widen. “Really? That didn’t hardly hurt at all.”
“I know, right? Dr. Carter is the best!” I keep hold of his hand as he slides off the high bed. He doesn’t release it as we walk to the door and head back to the reception. As we return, the angry mother is waiting, as if she’s ready to pounce.
“You!” She waves a finger in Dani’s face. “You’re going to pay for this!” He shrinks back and I feel him press against me. The school nurse is standing nearby, looking terrified too. I’m pretty sure she’s already felt this woman’s wrath. “I’m going to take it up with the school and see that you’re thrown out.” I suck in a breath as I feel my own rage rise.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” I cut in. “I suggest you address your concerns to the appropriate authorities. You’re talking to a little boy.”
“He’s not just some boy. He’s a rotten little halfbreed! Our children shouldn’t have to fraternize with his type,” she turns on me. I pull my shoulders back and step right up to her.
“That’s enough!” I hear my own voice rising. “You are completely out of line. And from what I hear, your son was too.”
“My son…my son…” she blusters.
“Your son is a bully!” I snap. The kid next to her blinks in surprise. “Look at the size of him – he’s head and shoulders bigger than Dani. And he still needed a weapon to level the playing field? I suggest you teach him some manners. And you could learn some too.”
“You bitch!” she shrieks, but I don’t back down.
“I’m calling security,” I say coldly, turning to my desk. “I imagine it won’t take long for the media to catch wind of it if you’re marched out of here in handcuffs.” Her mouth snaps shut. I was right. She’s clearly some sort of socialite.
“You’ll be sorry you did this,” she snarls as she reaches for her son’s hand and leads him away. “This isn’t the end of it!”
“Bring it on!” I call after her. I’m not sorry at all. Horrible cow. No wonder she raised such a nasty kid. Andy is beside me, chuckling.
“You know you’re going to get an earful from the hospital administrator, right?” she says.
“I don’t care,” I mutter. “It’ll be worth it. I hate people like that.” Dani is staring up at me, eyes wide. He’s still pressed against my side, and I pat his shoulder. Then I look up abruptly as a commotion interrupts the moment. The doors on the far side of the reception crash open, and three towering figures burst through as if charging into battle.
Chapter 8
Nikki Love
“Holy mother of God,” Andy gasps. “Quick…it’s a medical emergency.”
Her words snap me to attention, and I turn my focus back to her.
“Where? Who needs help?”
“I do!” she says, fanning her face. “My heart just stopped.”
I frown. “What the…?” I glance back at the entrance. She’s fixed her eyes on the men who’ve just stormed in. Not one of them measures under six feet. Each is built like a prizefighter. Andy is already prowling toward them. I leave the boy and hurry after her.
“Gentlemen,” Andy says firmly. “I’m Dr. Carter, the attending physician today.” It’s not true; she’s officially off duty. At the sound of her officious voice, the men turn to face her.
And I do a double-take.
Andy’s singled one out. I recognize her predatory expression, and normally I’d be surprised to see her behave like this at work. But my own eyes are fixed on the man at the center of the group. I can’t get a word out.
