Page 450 of Rosetti Family New York
I leave without waiting for dismissal. Coleman will complain to the chief, the chief will remind everyone I have the best surgical stats in the hospital, and nothing will change. It's a dance we do every few months, pretending bedside manner matters more than the ability to stop someone from dying.
Back in the trauma bay, I check on the girl. Still stable, vitals strong. The family hovers near her bed—mother crying, father standing guard, older brother trying to look brave. They see me and rush over, gratitude spilling out in broken English and rapid Spanish.
"Thank you, doctor, thank you—"
"She's stable. The repair went well. She'll need monitoring for infection, but the prognosis is good."
The mother grabs my hand, tears streaming. "You saved our baby. You're an angel—"
I extract my hand. "I'm a surgeon. She'll be moved to pediatric ICU within the hour. The nurses will update you."
Their faces fall slightly at my tone, but I'm already walking away. They wanted their daughter alive, not a friend. Mission accomplished.
My phone buzzes as I strip off my scrubs. Unknown New York number, but I recognize the exchange.
"Reyes."
"I have an assignment for you." Dom Rosetti's voice carries weight—the kind that comes from owning half of Chicago's legitimate businesses and all of its shadows.
"What kind of assignment?"
"Protection detail. My sister needs watching."
I lean back against the wall. Another cheerful optimist who needs reality delivered bluntly. Perfect. "How long?"
"Indefinitely. She's… headstrong. Gives her security the slip regularly. Two of our competitors are already asking questions about her whereabouts."
Of course she does. Rich girls always think daddy's reputation makes them untouchable.
"Where is she now?"
"On her way to Chicago. She thinks she can walk away from who she is."
"You want me to what, exactly? Drag her home?"
"Keep her alive while she figures out the world isn't as safe as she thinks. Consider it educational."
"Payment?"
"This squares us, Van. Full debt."
The words lift weight off my shoulders. Three years of owing the Rosetti family for things that don't officially exist. When the military threw me away, Dom picked up the pieces. Now one babysitting job would clear the slate.
"I'll need details on current threats."
"Everything will be ready. Van? She's not a Rosetti like the rest of us. She's soft. That's what makes her dangerous to herself."
He gives me a Lincoln Park address before hanging up.
Dr.Whitman appears again as I head for the exit, her cheerfulness apparently made of titanium.
"Dr.Reyes! I just wanted to apologize if I was too pushy earlier. I'm just really passionate about learning and—"
"Are you always like this?"
She blinks. "Like what?"
"Happy."
