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Confirmed. I’ll reach out once I’ve met with the family, their attorney, and Dr. Rice.
Three dots appeared immediately. Disappeared. Appeared again.
Cole:
Appreciate the heads up. Let me know if you need anything else from my end.
Me:
Sure will. A word of advice: don’t answer any questions without a representative. If they’re trying to build a narrative, don’t give them ammunition.
His response came faster this time.
Cole:
Noted.
I set my phone down, but the screen lit up again before I could look away.
Cole:
I believe you meant what you said. About protecting me, not just the hospital.
My fingers hovered above the keys, stilled in midair. This was the moment I could and should draw a thick, bright line to keep a professional distance with Dr. Vaughn. To remind him—okay, myself—I had a job to do and I couldn’t let anything personal bleed into it.
But I didn’t do that.
Me:
I did mean it. Don’t trust me too much yet though, Dr. Vaughn. I still work for RMC, even if I don’t always agree with how they operate.
Cole:
Fair enough.
Cole:
And it’s Cole. I only make people call me Dr. Vaughn if I don’t like them.
This time, I didn’t fight a smile.
Me:
Fine, Cole. Then it’s Harper.
Cole:
Already was.
A laugh slipped out, louder than I’d intended, echoing across the empty office. My fingers were already tapping out a reply.
Me:
See, every MD is a little bit of an asshole. Might rethink my approach.
Cole:
No take-backs. You’re in too deep.
