Page 121 of Ten Day Affair
"I traded being treated like a nepo baby to being treated like a princess invader."
"Princess? You? That’s laughable.”
Despite everything, I smile. “Is it, though?”
"You're determined and skilled. Maybe a little too proud sometimes, but not a prima donna.”
A helicopter passes overhead, probably carrying another trauma patient to the helipad on the opposite side of the building. The sound drowns out whatever Kip says next.
"What?"
"I said you're going to be fine. Better than fine. You're going to show them what a Taylor can do when she stops worrying about the name on her coat."
My throat tightens again, but this time it's gratitude instead of despair.
"Thanks, Kip."
"Don't mention it. Now get back in there and save some lives."
"Thanks. I needed that. I'll call you later."
The line goes dead. I wipe my eyes on my sleeve, hating that I'm crying at work, or that I feel weak. I hate that I left everything familiar behind and walked straight into chaos.
My pager vibrates against my hip. Back to reality.
I take one last look at the skyline, square my shoulders, and head for the door.
After my shift,my head is swimming.
I'm barely through the door when my phone starts ringing. Some unfamiliar number with a Palm Beach area code. I consider letting it go to voicemail, but my exhaustionmakes me vulnerable to hope. Maybe it's someone from home.
I answer while kicking off my sneakers. "Hello?"
"Is this Dr. Samantha Taylor?"
The voice is crisp and professional, but it’s not one I recognize.
"Speaking."
"My name is Laurel Harrelson. I'm a reporter with the Palm Beach Post. I've been working on a story involving the Good Samaritan restructuring. I'd like to ask you a few questions about your time there."
"Oh, okay. Sure."
"Specifically, your relationship with Cole Houston."
The floor drops out from under me. The words echo in my head like they're bouncing off canyon walls.
Cole. What the hell?
"What is this about?"
My voice sounds far away and detached. I grip the phone tightly as my knuckles go white.
"There are connections between Mr. Houston's financial entities and the shell company that acquired the hospital's debt. I'm confirming timelines and motives."
The room tilts sideways. My skin goes cold, starting at my scalp and spreading down like ice water. The pulse in my neck hammers so hard I wonder if she can hear it through the phone.
Shell company. Financial entities. Motives. I know these words, but not in this context.
