Chapter 163 Quick Reflexes
Chapter 163 Quick Reflexes
Nathan：POV
I noticed the questioning look in Mia's eyes as she stared at me. The incident at the station had clearly shaken her perception of who I was.
"So," Mia continued, her voice tentative. "That was quite the show back there. I've never seen anyone move like that."
I took a deep breath. This wasn't how I'd planned to navigate this conversation, but the universe had forced my hand. I'd have to tell her something close to the truth without revealing everything.
"My father insisted all Sinclair men learn self-defense," I explained, keeping my voice casual. "I started training in college - Krav Maga, jiu-jitsu, some boxing. Cassius always said that to protect our investments, we first needed to protect ourselves."
Mia's eyebrows rose slightly. "That looked like more than just a few self-defense classes, Nathan."
I leaned forward, lowering my voice. "The Sinclair portfolio includes investments in unstable regions. I've had to travel to places where kidnapping American businessmen is practically an industry. Being constantly alert becomes second nature after a while."
I studied her face, trying to gauge if she was buying it. Her expression remained skeptical, but the hard edge of suspicion had softened slightly. I hated lying to her, but the complete truth would only put her in danger. The less she knew about my work with Homeland Security, the safer she'd be.
"So you're telling me you just happened to notice a kidnapping in progress in a crowded train station?" she pressed.
"When you've been in dangerous situations before, you develop a sixth sense for trouble," I replied. "Body language, positioning, the way someone scans a crowd... these things jump out at you."
She seemed to accept this explanation, though not entirely convinced. The guilt of hiding my true identity from her weighed heavily on me. I'd have to be more careful moving forward - no more spontaneous displays of operational training.
---
We arrived at Jennifer's house by early evening.
I discreetly checked the surroundings as we approached the front door, an instinctive habit I couldn't suppress.
After helping with the luggage, I watched Jennifer move around her kitchen with careful steps. She looked better than when we'd left, but still moved with the fragility of someone recovering from a health scare.
While Mia busied herself preparing a light meal in the kitchen, I checked my phone. The appointment with Dr. Hernandez at Cedars-Sinai was confirmed for 9 AM tomorrow. I'd pulled some strings through the Bloom family connections to get priority scheduling.
"Jennifer," I said, keeping my voice low so Mia wouldn't hear. "I've arranged for you to see Dr. Hernandez tomorrow morning. He's one of the top specialists for autoimmune pancreatitis in Los Angeles."
Jennifer looked up, surprise evident in her tired eyes. "That was fast. Those appointments usually take months."
"Let's just say I know people who know people," I replied with a small smile. "The hospital is only twenty minutes from here. We'll set off at 8:30."
"Thank you, Nathan," she said, meaning it, though there was something probing in the way she looked at me.
---
The next morning, I drove us to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Mia sat in the back seat with her mother, holding her hand tightly.
Through the rearview mirror, I watched her studying Jennifer's face with an intensity that spoke volumes—memorizing every feature like she was still terrified of losing her, good news or not.
At the hospital, I guided them through the maze of corridors with familiar ease, heading directly to the specialty clinic. Dr. Hernandez was already waiting for us, his demeanor professional but warm.
"Dr. Hernandez, thank you for seeing us on such short notice," I said, shaking his hand firmly. "This is Jennifer Lawrence and her daughter Mia."
I efficiently briefed him on Jennifer's situation: "She was initially misdiagnosed with pancreatic cancer at Community Memorial in Ventura, but Dr. Ramirez at Dana-Farber confirmed it's actually autoimmune pancreatitis. She's had CT scans and blood work done - I've sent you the files."
I continued with relevant details: "She has allergies to penicillin and sulfa drugs. Family history includes rheumatoid arthritis on her mother's side."
Dr. Hernandez nodded appreciatively at the thorough information as he began examining Jennifer. I stepped back, putting my arm around Mia's shoulders as she watched nervously.
"The doctor is excellent," I whispered. "One of the best in the country for this condition."
After a thorough examination and review of her records, Dr. Hernandez confirmed Dr. Ramirez's diagnosis and started Jennifer on a corticosteroid injection. I watched carefully, noting every detail of the treatment for future reference.
---
"The most important thing is completing the full course of treatment," Dr. Hernandez emphasized as he wrapped up the appointment. "We'll start with prednisone for four weeks, then taper down gradually."
He turned to Jennifer, his expression serious but reassuring. "Your diet needs to be low in fat, no alcohol whatsoever, and increase your protein intake. We'll need to monitor your blood work every two weeks to check your inflammatory markers."
I pulled out my notebook, jotting down every instruction to ensure nothing was missed. Jennifer and Mia listened intently, occasionally asking questions which the doctor answered patiently.
Before leaving, I scheduled Jennifer's next treatment session and spoke privately with the hospital administrator to ensure she received VIP care.
---
The next morning, Jennifer surprised us with an announcement over breakfast.
"I think we can all go back to our lives now," she said firmly. "I can handle the treatments from here. Mia needs to get back to school, and Nathan, I'm sure you have work waiting."
Mia's face fell. "But Mom, I want to stay a few more days, make sure you're okay..."
I saw the tears forming in her eyes, the conflict between duty and desire clearly visible on her face.
Jennifer reached across the table and squeezed her daughter's hand. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Now that we know it's not cancer, we have all the time in the world."
She smiled mischievously. "Besides, I still plan to be there when you get married someday," she added, causing Mia to blush furiously.
I felt my own cheeks warm at the implication, carefully avoiding Mia's eyes.
As we were packing to leave, my phone rang. Seeing my father's name on the display, I answered with surprise.
"Nathan," Cassius Sinclair's commanding voice came through, "I need you back in New York immediately. There's a situation with the Singapore investment that requires your attention."
"I'll be there as soon as possible," I replied, my tone automatically shifting to business mode. "Probably by tomorrow morning."
"Good. We'll discuss the details in person," he said curtly before hanging up.
I pocketed my phone and glanced at Mia, who was watching me with concern.
"Everything okay?" she asked.
"My father needs me back in New York for some business emergency," I explained. "I'm sorry, but we should probably get going."
Jennifer nodded with understanding. "Of course. Business waits for no one."
As Mia finished packing, a thought occurred to me. "Isn't your birthday coming up in about two weeks?" I asked her.
Mia looked surprised that I remembered. "Fifteen days, actually."
"Well," I said, turning to Jennifer, "you should definitely come to New York for her birthday. We could celebrate together."
Jennifer's face brightened. "I'd love that. By then I'll have started treatment and should be feeling better for travel."
"It's settled then," I said, feeling pleased with the solution. "We'll have a proper celebration in New York."
Mia's eyes lit up. "Really? You'd come, Mom?"
"Wild horses couldn't keep me away," Jennifer assured her, reaching out to squeeze her daughter's hand. "After everything we've been through, a birthday celebration is exactly what we all need."
Watching Mia say goodbye to her mother, I couldn't shake the thought of everything I'd have to navigate—this complicated situation with Mia on one side, and my family responsibilities closing in fast on the other.