Page 6 of In Death, Love Survives
“Just fine, Dr. Owens. I’m about to head over and see the latest prisoners arriving.”
“Me as well.”
“Oh, really?” I ask, surprised.
“Purely for observation. They’ll be taken back to the medical quarters after, like usual,” he starts.
Ryan pauses as he gives me a knowing glance. I smile shyly in response.
“Same as you, I suspect.”
“You know I like to see them all when they aren’t witha doctor. It changes our dynamic when they know who I am and what I’m trying to do.”
Ryan gestures for us to start walking. My high heels click on the ground and echo through the bleak hallway.
“I do. It’s a shame, but I do.” Ryan sighs, almost as if he’s having a rough start to his day as well.
As I stare at my colleague, I notice he looks more tired than usual. I can’t remember another time Ryan has looked worn out like this.
Despite his emotions on his worst day, you usually can’t tell if he’s had a bad night or a long day. He’s always so upbeat, and his dynamic personality is contagious.
He’s an attractive man—even I can admit that—at over six feet tall with styled blond hair that never looks out of place. That, combined with his usual polished suits that cover his fit physique, makes it hard for most of his nurses or other staff to look away.
As much as I can appreciate his looks, it’s his mind that has me enraptured. Although, I think he values that everything between us is platonic. In our environment, it makes working together side by side that much easier.
“Everything okay?” I ask as I pause in the hallway.
“Just a lot going on.” He sighs loudly this time as he pinches the bridge of his nose.
Gently, I touch his forearm.
“If you need to talk, you know I’m here for you.”
He smiles warmly as he puts his arm back down.
“Professional duty?” he asks teasingly.
“Friend or professional. Either way,” I offer.
“Thanks, Nova. Maybe we can go out for a drink after work on Friday. I can spill all my sorrows,” he says, trying to ease any awkwardness.
“If you’d like.”
Ryan stares intensely this time.
“I would like that. Thank you,” he rasps.
He runs a hand through his hair as a sheepish expression takes over. Somehow, he manages to collect himself, andI’m really not sure what’s running through his head. I hope everything is okay for my friend.
“Let’s go meet the newest residents of Roper State, shall we?” I ask.
“After you.”
Ryanand I are seated behind a two-way mirror, watching as the new prisoners are being led into the final intake room before they can enter their new prison block. They’ve changed into their jumpsuits, been processed, and are waiting to be seen by one of Ryan’s medical assistants.
Ryan may have a different reason for getting to know who’s coming into this prison than I do, but I take my time ahead of each prisoner transfer, trying to understand them.
Soon enough, I won’t be able to dedicate this amount of time to each of the prisoners. There’s just far too much happening, which is why I like to get a first impression of them here.
