Page 55 of Careless Whisper

Reggie

Icame back from Mexico lighter, clearer, and more at peace with myself than I had been since Elias walked into the OR at Harper Memorial.

I’d had ten beautiful days without an OR, without the tight band of adrenaline around my ribs, without Maren’s voice in my ear or Elias’s silence in my heart. I’d even started to think—maybe—I could still reclaim what they’d tried to take from me. But, very soon, that proved to be a ridiculous thought.

Cindy was waiting for me when I walked into the department. She didn’t say anything—just nodded toward her office. The look on her face told me that she wasnothappy, and whatever she had to say to me would result in me not being happy either.

She closed the door behind us and stayed standing.

“There’s something you need to know,” she began quietly.

I nodded. “Okay.”

“There’s a new complaint,officially, that has been sent through. This is from one of the cardiology attendings.”

I flinched. “Who?”

“I haven’t filed it yet,” she admitted. “I wanted to talk to you first.”

I crossed my arms because suddenly I felt cold. All the good vibes I’d brought with me from San Miguel de Allende had fled as if the devil had chased them away.

Cindy didn’t look stoic but harassed. “You know Dr. Kirk?—”

“He’s on the trial project with Dr. Loring,” I snapped. “He’s been kissing her ass so hard his nose is brown.”

“The complaint is not from her; if it were, I’d be able to do something, but she was in the room when it was made. And I’d bet good money she’s the one who orchestrated it.” Cindy looked dejected, her eyes troubled. I’d never seen her like this—defeated, shoulders slumped.

I waited for the rest.

“I also don’t think it would’ve come through without Elias knowing,” she added. “Nothing like this does—not from his team.”

My mouth went dry. “Right.”

“This isn’t medicine.” Her jaw clenched like it hurt to say it out loud. “It’s politics. And I hate it.”

I swallowed hard and nodded, my throat tight.That was three complaints. Three strikes, and you’re out. I was out.

“Do you want to hear the details?” she ventured.

I pressed my lips together and shook my head. “Will it make a difference?”

“Reggie—”

“I know why you waited to file that complaint, and I’m grateful.” I gave her a travesty of a smile. “I resign, Cindy. I can send you a formal email shortly.”

She looked down at her shoes, then back at me. “You sure?”

“Yes. I’m not going to beg to stay in a place that wants me gone so badly they’re inventing reasons.”

Her eyes shone. Not tears—Cindy didn’t do tears. But there was a weariness there I hadn’t seen before. The same exhaustion I’d felt for months.

“I’ll miss you,” she murmured. “We all will.”

“Thanks for everything.”

A shadow passed over her face. “Please don’t thank me. I didn’t protect you. I thought I could, but?—”

“Hey, you know the rules. You fuck up with an attending like Dr. Graham, and there’s no getting out of it unscathed.”

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