“To an administrative meeting?”I smile, trying to lighten the mood.“I think I can handle hospital bureaucracy on my own.”
He doesn’t return my smile.“After everything that’s happened…”
“I’ll be fine,” I assure him, leaning over to press a kiss to his forehead.“The hospital has increased security, and this is just a meeting in an office.”
Reluctantly, he nods.“Call me when you’re done.I’ll pick you up.”
An hour later, I’m walking through the hospital’s main entrance, nodding to the new security guards stationed at the doors.The atmosphere is different, tenser, more alert, but the familiar bustle of medical staff and patients continues regardless.
I make my way to the administrative wing, greeting colleagues as I pass.A few give me strange looks, their smiles not quite reaching their eyes.By the time I reach Patricia’s office, the unease in my stomach has grown into something more substantial.
Patricia’s assistant waves me straight in without the usual pleasantries.Inside, I find not just Patricia, but the hospital’s legal counsel and the head of HR seated around the conference table.My heart sinks.
“Dr.Blane.”Patricia gestures to an empty chair.“Please sit.”
I take the seat, keeping my expression neutral despite the alarm bells ringing in my head.“What’s this about?”
Patricia slides a folder across the table.“We’ve received a formal complaint against you.A very serious one.”
I open the folder to find a detailed report, Alex’s name prominent at the top.My blood runs cold as I scan the contents: allegations that I cornered her in the supply closet, made unwanted advances, became physically aggressive when rejected.
“This is completely false,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel.“If anything, she was the one who?—”
“She has witnesses,” the legal counsel interrupts.“Three staff members who saw you follow her into the supply closet.One who heard you raise your voice.”
“That’s because I was rejecting her advances,” I explain, anger beginning to override shock.“She’s completely twisted what happened.”
Patricia’s expression remains impassive.“She also has photographic evidence of bruising on her wrist where she claims you grabbed her.”
I stare at them, disbelief warring with growing horror.“I removed her hand from my body when she grabbed me inappropriately.If anyone was assaulted, it was me.”
“Dr.Blane,” the HR director speaks now, her voice gentle but firm, “given the seriousness of these allegations and the… complications of your personal associations, we believe it’s in everyone’s best interest if you leave immediately.”
“My personal associations?”I repeat, cold realization dawning.“You mean Zach.”
Patricia shifts uncomfortably.“There have been concerns about your relationship with a known member of the Devil Souls MC, especially in light of the recent violence at this hospital.”
“Violence I helped stop,” I remind her, anger building.“Patients I saved.”
“Nevertheless,” the legal counsel interjects, “the hospital must protect its reputation.Ms.Donovan has threatened to go public with her allegations if we don’t take immediate action.”
“So you’re suspending me based on false accusations because you’re afraid of bad press?”I can’t keep the bitterness from my voice.
Patricia slides another document toward me.“Not suspending.I’m afraid we’re terminating your employment, effective immediately.”
The words hit me like a physical blow.“You’re firing me?Without even investigating?”
“The terms of separation are generous,” she continues as if I haven’t spoken.“Six months’ severance, continued health benefits, and a neutral reference for future employment provided you sign this nondisclosure agreement.”
I stare at the document, unable to process what’s happening.Years of dedication, of saving lives, of building my career at this hospital gone in an instant because of a lie.
“This is wrong,” I say, standing so abruptly my chair scrapes harshly against the floor.“You know me.You know my work.How can you possibly believe I would do something like this?”
The HR director won’t meet my eyes.“We’re not making a judgment about the truth of the allegations, Xavier.We’re simply following protocol for cases involving potential sexual harassment.”
“By firing me before investigating it?That’s protocol?”I laugh, the sound hollow even to my own ears.“At least have the decency to admit this is about Zach, not Alex’s accusations.”
Patricia’s expression hardens.“You have until the end of the day to clear out your locker and return your hospital ID.Security will escort you.”
