Page 10 of Demon
“I want him out,” she tells the security guard, pointing to the hostile man. “My nurses are to be treated with respect. I won’t tolerate this behavior on my ward.”
I sag with relief as the guard escorts the man out. When I turn around again, Jett’s gone.
My boss turns to me, her expression softening. “Go take a break for fifteen minutes.”
“I’m okay, really.”
She pouts. “It wasn’t a request.”
I nod, still shaken, and retreat to gather myself. During my break, I type “sociopath” on my phone.
Sociopathy is a mental health condition where an individual consistently disregards moral standards and the rights and feelings of others. Those with this disorder can experience emotions. Both genetic and environmental factors commonly contribute to the development of this disorder. For long term management, maintaining healthy relationships and a strong support system are crucial.
A part of me wonders if that’s why he has so many tattoos: to scare people off. I liked seeing a different side to him—the protective side. I never had anyone defend me like that...ever. I smirk; I saw a glimpse behind his mask.
Later on during my shift, I thank Jett and watch as the team transfers Madeline to the other ward. My shoulders are still tense and my mind’s still reeling from dealing with the patient’s visitor, so when it’s time to go home, I find myself checking left and right out of the entrance doors. Fear forces me to walk faster until I hear a deep voice say, “Ivy.” I jump and whirl around to see a shadowy figure approach from the side of the hospital. I get ready to rush back inside until I see it’s Jett walking toward me.
I grab my chest; my heart is hammering. “You scared me.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.” His voice is gruff, his eyes determined.
Relief courses through me. “Thank you,” I say, still trying to catch my breath. A thought that this isn’t a good idea flickers through my mind, but I don’t think he’d hurt me, and after today I trust he’d protect me. “I’ve gotta say,” I tease lightly, “kindness looks good on you.”
There’s a ghost of a smile on his lips. I long to see a real smile. We walk side by side toward the parking lot. “Thanks again for today. I appreciate it.”
He grunts. I’m so exhausted that I don’t have much energy to muster up a conversation. I just want to get home and hold my baby girl. When I reach my car, I unlock it, and when I get in, he holds the door open. I glance up at him.
“Don’t let him dim your smile, little bird.”
The way he purrs that last part...little bird, a term of endearment. A shiver wracks my spine. He moves to the front of my car. I struggle to start my car, my brain short-circuiting. As I reverse, I take an extra second to look at Jett.
“Lock the doors,” he calls out, before I give him a nod and drive away into the night.
FIVE
DEMON – NO LOBOTOMY CAN GET HER OUT OF MY HEAD
Demon
I called Twitch last night,gave him Ivy’s details, and asked him to get information about her. I need to know everything about Little Bird. With my sister recovering well, I’ve got extra time on my hands—a perfect chance to stalk Ivy. I make a mental note to drop by the hardware store tomorrow for cameras and listening devices.
After showering at the clubhouse, I walk downstairs to everyone around the dining room table. All the men and their ol’ ladies are seated around eating. I inhale through my nose. Smells divine. My stomach has been devouring itself. Vending machine food at the hospital was putrid, so I’m looking forward to Ava’s cooking.
I take the vacant seat next to Bomber and Twitch. I feel every fucker’s eyes on me.
“How’s your sister doing?” Bomber asks as I grab a plate and start piling chicken on it. Everyone’s quiet, listening.
I swallow hard. “Madeline’s off the ventilator. When she fully recovers, she can return to a nursing home.”
He pauses, as if considering my words. “So you’ll be taking time away to go back to Las Vegas?”
“Naaah.” I sit down and shove a massive piece of pasta bake in my mouth. Fuckin hell... I needed this.
I feel Bomber’s stare burning my skull. After I slowly finish my mouthful, I look at him. “I’m thinking of putting her in the nursing care home either here in Crown Village or the next suburb, Opal Bay.” One thing I must run by Little Bird and Milly. They give a damn about their patients, and they’ll find out which is the best suited for Maddy.
“That’s good news,” Reaper says, breaking the silence.
“Yeah, man. That’s awesome,” Axle adds.
