Page 39 of Fractured

“Ms. Katarina Kelly.”

My heart skips a beat at the name, apprehension filling my chest. “Um, thank you, Margaret. I’ll contact them now.”

I’m sure the last thing Kat wanted to do was consult me. This shoulder reduction must be bad for her to call, especially knowing this is a procedure she can do on her own. She’s needed my help with this once before. Some of these shoulders are tricky. It’s no fault of the ER provider. But, to have to admit defeat, unable to get it back into place, and call me of all people must be awful for her. Jesus, this is why I shouldn’t have let myself think about anyone I work with.

Wiping my sweaty hands on my pants, I dial the number provided by the service. As the phone rings, I can feel my chest tighten and pulse pick up.Good lord, calm down.

“Emergency room, this is Kat.”

Clearing my throat quickly, I try to answer in as professional a tone as I can muster. “Hi, Kat, it’s Nick Barnes. I got a message you needed me.”Really, Nick?“I mean, you have a patient who needed an Ortho consult.”

“Yes. There’s a young patient in room thirty-four with a shoulder dislocation. He’s done this multiple times in the past, and neither myself nor Dr. Silver can get it to stay in place.” I notice her tone is clipped but otherwise professional.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve done all you can. I’m happy to come and see if I can reduce this in the ER or take him to the operating room if necessary.” I’m trying really hard to play this game, to stay professional. But all I want to say is, please talk to me. I’ll come in if you’ll just talk to me.

“Thank you. It’s actually Dr. Silver’s patient, so I’d appreciate it if you’d advise him once you arrive. You two can take it from here.”

Before I can reply, the phone has gone dead. “Fuuuck!” I scream into the air. Hanging my head in shame, I ponder how I could’ve let things get this bad?

* * *

On Monday morning, I’m in the office trying to manage my clinic patients. Normally, I’d have the morning off following a call shift, however, I’m still playing catch up after Dad’s fall. I have three remaining patients who were rescheduled, then I’ll be caught up. I also need to call the patient I saw in the ER yesterday with the shoulder dislocation to see how he’s doing. It was difficult, but I managed to get the shoulder back in place and sent him home with an immobilizer. If it pops back out, he’ll need surgery. I spent several hours in the ER, and Katarina avoided me the entire time. It was like a heavy weight in the air, knowing she was near, but I couldn’t talk to her.

As I pick up the receiver on my office phone to call my young patient, I hear mumbling outside my door. I stop momentarily and notice it’s Justin Norton and Dr. Morgan.

“Yes, in fact, I am.” I hear Morgan say.

“I decided to go last minute because I need a few extra continuing education credits before the end of the year. I shouldn’t have let it get down to the wire, but it’s like November just snuck up on me,” Justin replies, and laughter ensues.

“Well, I wish I hadn’t signed up for this, to be honest. I have a lot going on at home, and giving a lecture at this PA conference is bad timing. I agreed to do this over the summer before my wife decided to invite my in-laws to stay with us for the week leading into Thanksgiving. I know it is just one lecture, but between the DC traffic, the late hour of the lecture, and the kids pushing her to the brink… well, let’s just say I hope my wife is still speaking to me when I get home.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I know Kat and I are going to enjoy your lecture.”

Suddenly my ears perk up. What? She’s going with Justin? Boy, she moved on fast. He’s not her type at all.What type would that be, Nick, dickhead? You’re right, you hold that title, not him.

“I doubt you’ll learn anything new. Hell, Justin, you could probably give the damn lecture,” Morgan cajoles.

Trying to refocus on my task, I make my phone call and prepare to see the three patients who are scheduled before lunch. The patient doesn’t answer, so I leave a voicemail. As I hang up the phone, I begin tapping my pen on my desk. I’m agitated and know what I’m about to do is not wise.

Stepping into the hallway, I see Dr. Morgan must’ve returned to his office. Walking over to his door, I stop, take a deep breath, and knock.

“Hey, come in, Nick. What can I do for you?”

“Well, actually, it’s something I can do for you. I have a proposition for you.”

Chapter Thirteen

Kat

It’s Wednesday morning, and I’ve never been so glad to attend a work conference. It’s still early, around eight o’clock, and I’m waiting at the Ashland train terminal for Olivia. She’s agreed to a quick trip to Washington DC with me before returning home in time for her shows this weekend. Standing at the terminal reminds me of days gone by, traveling with Nate for a quick weekend getaway to visit Olivia in New York.

“Hey, girl. You ready to sightsee?” I hear behind me.

“Am I ever!” I reply, hugging my friend. “You have impeccable timing. We’re about to board any minute.”

“Well, good, I’m ready to get this show on the road. What’d you have planned today, my dear?” Olivia asks, digging through her purse for her ticket.

“Well, I want to walk around mostly. Just see some things on foot if it isn’t too chilly. Then I want to visit the Spy Museum. I’ve never been and always wanted to go.”

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