Chapter 8

MIRA

His face hardened at whoever came in and I felt the same way, thinking it was Dr. Einstein coming to check if I had killed his patient. Come on, I was better than that.

When I turned, a well dressed old man holding a cane strutted in, accompanied by one security detail. He looked to be around seventy.

He donned a well tailored oxblood blazer over a white shirt and matching pants. His foot wore expensive oxblood shoes.

The buff fellow behind him was covered in all black leather and no smile. He looked terrifying.

I stood from the bed. “Good afternoon, sir.”

He completely ignored me and frowned at James. “You asked her to greet me on your behalf?”

Judging by the attitude and the words Eric had quoted before, I suspected this was Mr. Carter, James’ father.

James snorted, “I would rather tell her to spit on you on my behalf. But I will preferably do it myself.”

The man’s frown deepened. He turned to me, “You should be the nurse who hit my son.”

I was right- this was his father.

I gulped. “No. She is the one who is in charge of me.” James defended me and I wondered if he was the same person who had just threatened to sue me for hitting him.

The man starred me down. “Hmm.” He turned to James. “I came to check up on you.”

James scoffed, “Like you give a flying fuck. Just go. I know you came to check if I was dead already.”

Mr. Carter’s face hardened all the more but he quietly walked out, his security detail following him closely. I think this was one clue I could investigate on. They obviously had a sour relationship and it could be a trigger for James.

“So, what is the story?” I asked after a moment, gesturing to the happy meet with his father.

He laid on his bed and drew the covers. “I want to sleep.”

I guessed the drugs had started kicking in. “Let someone in so you could be helped”

He did not reply. He only closed his eyes.

I sighed and left for Dr. Einstein’s office. We had not finished the discussion we were having.

“I am glad you came. I have news.” Dr. Einstein said as I closed the door.

I sat. “What could that be?”

“I had just spoken with Mr. Carter. I am sure you must have met him…” He continued when I nodded. “Mr. James would be discharged tomorrow.”

I gaped at the old man. Had he lost his mind?

“But…” I had wanted to argue when he raised a finger.

“This is to hinder the progress of his suicide attempts, as there are more sharp objects in the hospital. He could easily gain access to any of them.”

I nodded in agreement. He had a point.

“We will transfer him to an apartment his father had prepared for him…”

“Why would he not be transferred to a rehabilitation center instead? That is the appropriate facility for him,” I interjected.

“Mr. Carter would not want anything to tarnish his image or that of his son.” Dr. Einstein said by way of explanation but that did not make any sense to me.

“Egotistical mf,” I cursed under my breath.

“The apartment is surrounded by nature. You will be with him there and help him recover.”

“What? Me?” I shrieked.

“Yes. You are his personal nurse. So it is only right that you be with him and keep a close eye on him,” Dr. Einstein answered.

And they did not seem it right to consult with me first before making any plans? Was this why all the nurses declined being in charge of this patient? I knew something was off about this arrangement.

“Mr. Carter promises to reward the hospital handsomely if his son survived this. And your salary has been given a raise.”

Another raise? How much money did this family have? I shuddered.

“All you have to do is to put in your best and help his son recover. Can you do this for us?” He asked me.

I stopped myself from rolling my eyes. Like I had a choice in the matter.

“I will try my best.” I replied, my uncertainty seeping into my voice.

“Good. You can leave now. You would sign the papers tomorrow and you both would leave after.” He informed me.

I stood, muttered a low ‘okay’ and trudged out the office.

I met with Kathy at the reception. She noticed my downcast look and asked what was wrong. I recounted the recent development.

“Another raise?” She squealed. “Girl, by the time Mr. James must have recovered, you would be one of the elites. So much money.” She gestured the money sign with her fingers, beaming widely at me.

“I do not mind switching roles. I could recommend you to Dr. Einstein,” I bit out.

“Come on, Mira. You talk like you have been sentenced to death…”

“I do not see a difference.” I interrupted her. “I met this patient only yesterday and look at all the headache I have been through. I am scared I might finally lose it staying in that apartment with him. I might even end up killing him.”

My best friend guffawed at my confession. When her laughter died down, she held me by my biceps, her eyes intently boring into mine. “Mira. You have faced worse. You can do it. I believe in you.”

We held each other in an embrace. Her hands ran down my back in a soothing pattern.

“I have a date tonight,” I divulged and her hands froze. Then she untangled from the hug, her eyes lighting up in excitement.

“Oh my gosh. Who is he?” She inquired.

“Dr. Eric Reeves,” I informed her.

“He is so hotttt,” Kathy drawled out. “He does have an eye for good things,” she wiggled her brows at me.

I smiled weakly. My mind not following the conversation anymore. It however wandered to one green eyed patient who would drive me completely insane in the coming weeks.

Oh Santa, please help me.