Page 90 of Retaliation

The doctor’s expression softened with understanding as he regarded him, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Phillip knew the doctor could see the turmoil etched in his features, the guilt that crushed his soul. The fact that he called Poison family meant he must have known what had happened.

“She’s stable,” the doctor began. “Took some heavy blows to the head. Concussion, a hairline fracture on her jaw, and, as you said, sprained ankle, a badly broken arm and nose, and localized internal bleeding. They are operating now. How did this happen?”

Phillip’s gaze faltered, guilt washing over him, suffocating him. He averted his eyes, unable to meet the doctor’s probing stare, and responded with uncertainty, his voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s a long story. When can I see her?” There was a pleading edge to his words, a desperate longing to be by her side.

“As soon as she wakes up, I will take you to her,” the doctor promised.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

“Call me Nick,” Nick smiled. “She has no blood relatives, so I’m sure she will be happy to see you.”

Sinking into his seat, Phillip buried his head in his hands, emotions boiling inside him.

“I’m going to get you a cup of coffee,” Nick said, and Phillip heard him walk away.

A moment later, he returned with two cups and handed him one.

“Thanks,” he mumbled, taking one from Nick.

“Don’t mention it,” Nick answered and sat down

next to him, taking a sip of his coffee.

“So how do you know Poison?” Phillip asked, trying to sound as calm as possible.

Nick smiled. “She’s like a sister to us,” he answered, and Phillip saw his worry mirrored in the doctor’s features. “I met her here, actually. Back when I was still a med student.”

“So how much do you know?” he asked, fearing the answer.

“It isn’t any of my business, Scorpion. Poison’s affairs are her own, and if you don’t feel like sharing, I won’t ask any questions.”

“She told you about me?” he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Nick nodded, his smile widening. “The fact that she did, means you are important to her.”

Phillip’s head snapped toward Nick, confusion furrowing his brows, and Nick let out a low laugh.

“She’s quite something, that one.” And he had to agree. “But I don’t think she has ever mentioned another man to us before. Unless it was an opponent.”

“Us?” he asked, trying to keep himself distracted.

“My girlfriend, Nina, and I. We’re a family.”

The thought of Poison having people who cared about her, comforted him in a way he had never experienced before.

“But let me go and check on her,” Nick said, rising to his feet. “She should be back in her room by now.”

“Thank you, Doc... Nick,” Phillip corrected when Nick gave him a look.

“Don’t mention it,” he answered, walking out of the room.

After what felt like hours, Nick returned, and Phillip leapt to his feet, his crumbled, empty coffee cup tumbling off his lap.

“Is she awake?” he asked, and Nick nodded in answer. “Can I see her?”

“Sure. Just don’t upset her,” he warned. “She shouldn’t go through any more trauma,” he cautioned, a hint of worry lingering in his voice.

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