Page 67 of Bonds of Shame, Bonds of Lust

The ask was too broad, though. She wanted everything at once: the MRI suite, the expanded capacity, the staffing, the retrofitting.

I understood that. But I don't fund things that way.

I cleared my throat. The murmur settled.

"That was an extensive wish list," I said. "I'm not rebuilding the whole department at once. I'm also not saying no. I'd like to sit down with Bonds directly and work through the priorities. She knows the clinical detail better than anyone in this room, and I don't want to be filtering it through committees." I looked at Allison. "Have her contact me directly. We'll do it at my home office. Easier than finding time here."

Allison looked satisfied. "I'll let her know."

The nods and thanks from the rest of the board ran too long. I gathered my things while it went on around me and thought about catching her before she vanished back onto her floor.

I decided against it. Not today. Let her have today.

Aaron had the car at the front entrance, engine running, standing by the driver's door. My brother for over half my life.

"Hey, D." He clocked my face as I came through the doors. "You look happy. Must've been a good meeting."

"It was okay," I said. "Let's get coffee. Want me to drive?"

"Naw, I got this. You're in your monkey suit." He pulled into traffic.

"Josie's got that new roan about ready to ride. You wanna give her a go later?" Josie was Aaron's wife, and a lifelong horsewoman.

"Yeah, that sounds good," I said, distracted.

I'm trying to convince you to help save children's lives, Derek. I'm not here to entertain you.

Not a mouse after all. I was looking forward to being wrong again.

"What are you grinning at?" Aaron asked.

I shook my head. "Nothing."

He looked like he didn't believe me but wasn't going to say so.

"Coffee," I said.

"Coffee," he agreed.

29 - GOOD DEED, PUNISHED

Lacey

I was at my desk staring at a referral note I'd read four times without retaining a single word. I shouldn't have lost my cool with this much on the line.

I texted Janice.

Can we have an early lunch together today? I need to decompress after that meeting.

Fifteen minutes later.

Sure! I can take an hour off in thirty. That work?

I brought up my schedule.

Yes, I can get there in thirty minutes. See you then!

One knock. Firm, brief.