Page 50 of Ice
“Will Mr Silver still receive treatment? He’s going to need more help.”
She picked up my ID badge, and shoved it in her drawer, almost like she was dumping it, and me, in the trash, rather than just holding onto it temporarily.
“He’ll get proper care, if he’s willing to return to us at all. I’ll have Camille rearrange any appointments on your schedule for the next few weeks. Grab anything you need to take home, and leave. I can’t have you seen here after allegations like these. This is a PR nightmare.”
“Well, I’m so sorry that it affected your day. I’ll see myself out.” I slammed her door as I left, and immediately berated myself for showing her even that much of my anger and hurt.
“Lissa, you okay?” Cammy followed me as I headed for my office or, I guess, my former office. I shook my head, going to my desk to pick up my personal effects, shoving my few framed photos and bits and pieces into my handbag. I glanced around at the pictures I’d chosen for the walls. I wanted to take them, and yet, I wanted to believe that I’d be back in a few weeks, and this would be my office again.
“My god, what’s going on?”
“I’ve been suspended, and I don’t think I’m coming back, Cammy.”
“Why? What happened? Stop, don’t just run out of here.” I couldn’t stay. I couldn’t tell her. I couldn’t voice what had just happened. What I’d done. The mess I’d made. And I couldn’t talk at all, without breaking down, and I was determined not to do that anywhere where that bitch Mrs Keller could witness it.
With no car outside, I headed down the road, for the nearest coffee shop, and sat in a corner booth, my face in my hands. I’d just lost everything in one morning. Ice; I couldn’t see him anymore. I was banned from going near him, and I’d just lost my job. It wasn’t a suspension. The more it replayed in my mind, the more I realisedthat was me being fired. With no job, next I wouldn’t be able to make rent on the small house I lived in, so then I’d be homeless too. How the hell was this happening to me?
My phone buzzed on the coffee shop table, and I ignored it. It would be Cammy calling me. She’d want to make sure I got home okay.
The coffee shop was quiet at this time of day, so the barista, Clare, popped over and checked if I wanted my usual. It wasn’t a table service kind of place, but she recognised me.
I checked my phone after it buzzed again, with a message this time.
Has-Been:Ice is out of the infirmary. He’s fine. He’s a dumb fuck, but he’ll survive. Just thought you’d want to know.
I stared at the screen, wondering what the hell to say in response, or if I should even respond. A second message popped up in front of me as I dithered.
Has-Been:Reacher is still spitting feathers, so I’d stay away still. Sorry.
I picked up the phone, fuelled by my anger at the mention of Reacher, because that bastard had just destroyed my life. It had to have been him, and I knew it was my fault, but his actions had left me no way to try and fix anything.
Me:He just got me fired, so I get that he’s still pissed. Thanks though. I’m glad Ice is okay. He’s all that matters.
I set the phone down, and accepted my coffee from Clare with a thanks. I’d gone from hurt and upset to really angry. Reacher had just fucked my entire career. I’d wasted years on a doctorate that I’d never get to use again, because what clinic would hire me after this?
My phone was buzzing again; a message, then another came through.
Has-Been:He did what? Fucking hell. Where are you?
Has-Been:Are you okay?
I sighed, pushing the phone aside. Why was it that Has-Been was so keen to keep in touch, when the only one I wanted to speak to, was the one who wasn’t allowed to contact me. And why wasn’t he doing it anyway, without Reacher’s permission? Was he just following orders? Or did he blame me too?
I spent too long staring at my coffee, so that it was nearly lukewarm by the time I sipped it. My phone had fallen silent, which was a relief, because I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know Has-Been anyway. I barely knew Ice.
“Doc?” I lifted my head, and realised I wasn’t off the hook after all. Has-Been slid his large frame into the opposite side of the booth. He practically dwarfed the table.
“How did you find me?”
He grinned, and once again I was struck by the face of the teen star I’d had a crush on when I was younger.
“I have skills. Ice isn’t the only one who can track a phone.”
“Why are you even here?” He sighed, his hand reaching in my direction. Was he reaching for my hand? No, he was taking my almost-cold coffee. He slid back out of the booth, and headed for the counter. I watched him chatting and flirting with the barista. It wasn’t Clare this time. It was one of the ones I didn’t really know. A few minutes later, he was coming back with two drinks in hand.
“Here. That other one was stone cold.”
“Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”
