Page 6 of Savage Peril

That was Matt: he wouldn’t listen. His way was the right way and explaining didn’t do any good. He couldn’t even see that was one of the reasons the relationship hadn’t worked out.

“If you care for me at all, you’ll respect my wishes,” Lori said. “I have a lot going on right now, especially the loss of my father. I can’t deal with our issues. I’ve told you that.”

Matt stepped closer. “Will you talk to me, please? I don’t think you want to do this. If you hear what I have to say, you might change your mind.”

“I’m done talking.” Lori walked past Matt without looking back. She didn’t want to see his dejected look. It had taken a lot to break it off with him, and she couldn’t go back. Even though his pleading made her feel heartless.

At the doctors’ station, Lori glanced down the hall, grateful that Matt hadn’t followed her. Yet she had no doubt that he hadn’t given up. She wondered if it was more about not getting what he wanted than how much he cared for her. Using wit and charm enabled Matt to finagle what he desired. And this time she was the target.

Lori found Doctor Reed examining a patient’s chart. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”

“My flight got in early,” Lori said. “How did it go while I was away?”

Adam Reed had been with the clinic longer than Lori. He was forty and attractive. The female patients quite liked him. He had a warm smile and a gentle nature. “You don’t trust me?”

Lori grinned. “You’re such a tease. Of course I trust you. If I’m not needed, I’ll just go home to a hot bath.”

“I didn’t say that.” Adam proceeded to enlighten her about some difficulties with a patient, so Lori offered her opinion. While discussing the matter, he formulated a treatment plan.

Afterward, Lori checked in on a few patients who had standing appointments and spoke with the nurse. Yet she wasn’t as focused as usual. Nagging worry over her father’s death distracted her, as she wrestled with thoughts that she couldn’t put aside.

When Adam was free, Lori asked to speak with him. In his office, she took a seat in front of the desk.

Adam leaned forward in his chair. “What is it you’d like to discuss?”

Lori sighed, unsure how to approach this. “I know we’ve gone over this before, but I’d like to talk about it once more.”

“Your father’s death?”

“I can’t stop thinking…”

“Lori, it wasn’t your fault,” Adam said. “I’m not saying that just to make you feel better. Your father’s death was due to respiratory failure. It was sudden and unexpected. I’m telling you that there isn’t anything you could have done to prevent it.”

“On one hand, I agree with you,” Lori said. “But certain things bother me.”

Adam waited for her to continue.

“Before he died, my father had symptoms of a virus,” Lori said. “He experienced weakness, nausea, muscle aches.”

“What else?”

“Loss of appetite, stomach pain.”

“Did your father express concerns that it was more than a virus?”

“No, he didn’t,” Lori said. “But misdiagnosis is not uncommon, as you are aware. A variety of causes can have similar symptoms.”

“That is true,” Adam said. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m not sure, and that’s what bothers me.”

Adam steepled his fingers. “Let’s talk this through.”

“The coroner stated the cause of death was respiratory failure,” Lori said. “Since my father hadn’t previously been diagnosed with respiratory issues, the incident was sudden and acute, causing death.”

“Yes, I read the report,” Adam said. “An unknown allergy or a reaction to medication could result in respiratory failure.”

“But that’s what I can’t get past,” Lori said. “The cause is undetermined, so that doesn’t resolve it for me. What allergy? What medication?”

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