Until we arrive, then he assures me, “I’ll be right here. Short gave you my number?” When I nod yes, he continues, “If anything seems off, use your phone.” His eyes narrow. “Your father may not come to you himself, but if any other asshole approaches you and tries to get you to go somewhere with him, or even if something just feels off, fuckin’ call me.”
Again, I nod. It’s a scenario Short and I have discussed.
“Thank you, Knight. I, er, I know how boring waiting out here will be.”
He chuckles softly. “Lady, I want to earn my patch, which means doing anything the club asks. And please, I’d rather you overreact and call me in, even if it turns out to be nothing, than be too cautious and have things go south. ‘Cause fuck knows I’ll never become a King if anything happens to you on my watch.”
Unsurprised to learn he’s got an ulterior motive for keeping me safe, one which benefits us both, I reassure him, “I will. I’ll especially be on the lookout for any biker types who look out of place.” I doubt the Mojave Devils will confront me wearing their cuts, but bikers carry themselves with a confidence and swagger, and dress in certain ways that should give me a warning. After my conversation with Knight, I know he’s serious, he’d rather I call on his help for a false alarm, than let the benefit of the doubt dissuade me.
“Have a good day,” he says, as I get out of the truck.
“You too,” I offer, automatically.
I’m a competent nurse, one who takes pride in her job, always ready to assist when I’m asked. But I’m also quiet and shy, and I tend to stay in the background unless I’m needed professionally. My family situation and the secrets I carry aren’t conducive to making friends. So, I’m surprised when I enter the hospital and go to the ward to which I’m currently assigned, to be asked multiple times if I’m fully recovered. I get so many checks on my health, my head spins. And it’s not only the nursing staff, but also the janitors, and a couple of the doctors. And here I was thinking I wouldn’t be missed. The fact that I was, puts a smile on my face.
Thrown in the thick of it, I monitor patients as they go into surgery, placing catheters, and putting IV lines in, and having toreassure them about the competency of the medical staff and the safety of the procedure as they’re given their anaesthetic.
The surgeon, Dr. Robson, even offers me the chance to observe an appendectomy, an opportunity I can’t turn down, and I end up assisting, even if it’s only to pass swabs and basic medical necessities.
At the end of the operation, I take advantage of the fact that Dr. Robson is washing his hands at the sink next to me. He’s always been pleasant, not standoffish as some of the other surgeons can be when interacting with a nurse. He’s also probably one of the most approachable, and he gives me the confidence to talk to him.
“Can I ask you a question?”
He gives a sideways glance toward me. “Sure, do you need any information about the procedure we just performed?”
“No, it’s something different.” The quiver in my voice betrays my nervousness.
Now it’s a stern look he’s giving me. “I don’t fraternise with trainees,” he warns.
My face blushes red. “I wasn’t going to ask you out. I’d never…” When he raises an eyebrow, I fall over my words. “I mean, you’re good-looking and all that, but I’m not in the market?—”
“I was messing with you,” he cuts in, with a grin on his face. “Go on. What do you want to know?”
Think of Trip.That thought makes me pull myself together.“I’ve got a friend who has a child with developmental problems. She needs a therapist for him. I was just wondering if you knew of someone you’d recommend?”
His eyes narrow as he dries his hands on a paper towel. “Let me think. Oh, yeah, Dr. Amelia Hancock, that’s right up her alley.”
I can hardly believe he’s given me a name. It seems too easy. “Does she work here?”
“No, she’s in private practice, but she’s here in town. She’s good, helped out with a colleague’s kid. Want her number?”
“Yes, please.” There’s a kernel of excitement growing in me. I’d much rather take Trip to see someone who’s not connected to my workplace. It adds an extra level of security.
Taking a pen out of his pocket, he scribbles down a number and hands it to me.
On my lunch break, I waste no time calling the woman he’d recommended. As it happens, she has an open appointment at the end of the day due to a cancellation. Quickly, I work out that if Short brings Trip here to meet me, we can make the time she’s suggested.
Almost bouncing on my feet, I ring Short and explain the opportunity. He’s just as enthusiastic as I am, and quickly agrees. It’s only then that I realise there’s no way I’ll be able to afford her fee.
“Short…” My bright tone disappears.
“What is it?” I’m surprised how quickly he’s able to read me.
“How will I pay her?”
I don’t expect him to chuckle. “Are you, or are you not my ol’ lady?”
Blushing, I respond, “Well, not really?—”
“Bron,” he says sharply. “You are to me. Which means I cover all of yours and Trip’s expenses when you can’t. Won’t hurt me none, I assure you. I can afford it. This is an opportunity we can’t pass up.”
