Come all the way to the hospital at one in the morning just to make sure she’s okay? When I already established that she’s not suffering any life-threatening injuries? And she made it perfectly clear she doesn’t want my help?
Shit. When did I get so indecisive? That’s not me. I gather intel, make a decision, and don’t look back.
I look inside her room, but unlike before, I don’t see Sofia straight away. Instead, there’s a curtain drawn around her bed, which makes sense given that she’s trying to get some sleep.
I’ll just take a peek, I decide. Then I’ll wait in the chair over by the window for her to wake up. Keep an eye on things, like I would for a client.
Then I spot the sneakered feet peeking from beneath the curtain, and my body tenses.
Who’s in here with her?
Another nurse?
But wouldn’t the woman I just spoke to have said something?
Inner alarm bells start clanging.
My hand dives into my pocket, searching for my switchblade.
On silent feet, I approach the bed, holding my breath.
There’s a rustle from behind the curtain. Then another.
Someone grunts; a low, irritated sound.
Not a woman. A man.
Something is very wrong.
Leaping forward, I grab the curtain and drag it back.
My heart stops.
Itisa man.
Dressed in a custodian’s uniform, bent over the bed, pinning Sofia down with one arm while he holds a pillow to her face with the other.
She’s struggling, but weakly. Her movements are slow and uncoordinated. The blanket has slipped off her body. Her pale legs are barely covered by a hitched-up hospital gown.
Even as the sight is still registering, he presses the pillow down harder.
Sofia’s legs twitch like she’s been electrocuted.
Horror streaks through me.
Then rage ignites; a supernova of it.
“Get off her!” I roar.
As I’m lunging towards him, he spins towards me.
His face is disguised by a latex mask, the same kind you see bank robbers wearing in the movies.
A lanyard bounces on his chest, but I’d bet anything it’s not real.
Eyes dark as coal meet mine. His gaze flickers with surprise. Then fear.
My fist is already flying towards him as he turns again, so it glances off the side of his head, rather than flush in the center of his face, as I intended.
