Page 18 of Michael
“Oh,” I utter, stunned. That was a lot of info.
Dr. Uri seems satisfied with my brief response, and he takes it as a cue to continue speaking. “We want to make sure that you are taken care of medically, legally, and financially. We have already taken the necessary steps to ensure that all costs related to your accident are fully covered by the hospital.”
He pauses for a moment to allow me time to process what he’s just said before resuming. “Additionally, we would like to offer you free access to any physical therapy or medical treatments that may be beneficial in recovering from your injury. You will also receive additional follow-up medical care if needed.”
I stare at him in shock, still unable to comprehend what’s happening. He smiles warmly and continues speaking. “Now, please remember that this is a no-fault coverage policy—which means there is no need for us to determine who is responsible for the accident—and there won’t be any negative consequences caused by accepting our offer of full coverage.”
I blink, in a daze.
“Would you agree to that?” he adds.
Full coverage? “Sure, I would agree,” I blurt. “I was honestly starting to get worried about how I was going to pay for all this, you know? I have no medical insurance. So, yeah. Not having to pay sounds great.” I can’t help but smile at that.
Dr. Uri’s demeanor shifts to one of contentment as he takes a step closer. “Fantastic,” he says with a widening smile. “If you could just sign these papers and give me your signature there, that would do it.”
“What are those?” I ask offhandedly.
“It’s just a few documents to exempt the hospital from legal action,” he says honestly. “I just try to steer clear of the courts and attorneys.” He grins. “I’ve got more than enough paperwork as it is.”
Dr. Uri doesn’t beat about the bush. I like him. “Yeah, I can imagine,” I tell him. “Hand them over. And thanks.”
I grab the folder with my good hand—fortunately, I’m a lefty and signing won’t be a problem.
As I’m signing my name on the last form, out of the corner of my eye, I notice a hole in the wall, dried blood, and four claw marks gouged into it. “Looks like you’ve got a problem here with your hospital,” I murmur.
“Oh? What kind of problem?” Dr. Uri asks. He tries to sound casual, but I pick up his restlessness. It’s a witchy thing.
I hand him the papers. “Pest controlissues?” I tell him point blank.
The doctor’s cheeks flush. “I beg you not to mention this to anyone,” he whispers urgently. He glances around to make sure nobody’s close enough to overhear, then draws nearer to me. “How do you know about the rat?” His voice is barely above a murmur.
My nose scrunches up as I say, “A rat?” Rats are icky. “You don’t havejust a rat,” I inform him. I can see him relaxing, until I add, “You have a Level 2 demon’s pet, most likely a kodi.”
He flinches. “A—what, now?”
“A kodi,” I explain. “It’s a magical creature… Hold on.” I pause with a frown. “Are you a believer? I should’ve asked that first.”
“A believer,” he states.
“Of the supernatural world,” I add with caution.
A subtle smile curls his lips. “Oh. I believe,” he says, throwing me a knowing look. “Tell me more about thiskodicreature.”
“Think of it as a vicious wildcat, but looks like a kitten?” I wait to see if he gets what I’m talking about. He doesn’t. “They’re actually kind of cute—but lethal. Trust me, you don’t want to run into one when it’s hungry. I snort.
Dr. Uri’s face falls into a frown. “Damn,” he whispers, averting his eyes from me for a moment. Then, his stare focuses on the magic symbols inked upon my skin. When his gaze lifts, it meets mine, and he asks, “You’re a...?”
“A witch.” I nod.
“Could you, maybe…?” he hesitates.
“Sure. I can catch it,” I reply. “I’ll just need to grab my things.”
The squeak of rubber wheels reverberates off the walls as the male nurse from before pushes a cart into the room, crammed with medical supplies to bandage my wrist. I crane my neck to get a better view of the hallway, but there’s no sign of Michael.
“What do I owe you?” Uri whispers as the nurse sorts into a basket the materials he’ll need to fix me. “Let me take care of your fee.”
“I just need to know a guy’s name,” I reply with the same secrecy. “Dr. Michael brought him here last night. Maybe you know him?”
