“Yeah, some kid. I didn’t get all the details, but it’s bad. She might not make it.”
“Wow.” I tried to wrap my mind around that.
“Okay, you go home. You’re off for twenty-four hours, right?”
“Yep.” I breathed a sigh of relief. “Back tomorrow morning for another run. Marlena hasn’t said where she’ll put me yet.”
“You did good in the ER.”
“Sure, but it’s not where I’m most comfortable. I like to take time with my patients.”
She shrugged. “Well, with so many viruses going around, I have no doubt Marlena will put you where the need’s greatest. Later.” She headed toward the exit with her sensible shoes squeaking on the floor as she went. As she was close to Mom’s age, I gave a passing thought to when she might retire as well.
Then I spotted the man who had me obsessed and who I’d also managed not to think about for the past day.
Well, much.
So I told myself. I raised my hand, “Hey, Leo.”
He offered a broad smile. “How’s it going? The kids ate a bunch more cookies, but left a few for me. I’m hoping to thank your mom. She, uh, knows you gave them to me, right?”
Does she know we have a social relationship? Well, yeah. At least she doesn’t know we fucked in a hotel room…“Yes, she knows. She was happy to do it.”
“You’re off now?”
I nodded. “It’s been a rough night.”
Lose the sample.The gruff words flashed back into my mind. I gestured to Leo with my chin. “You have a moment?”
He glanced at his watch. “A quick one. I’m meeting with a patient in half an hour.”
“Something weird happened last night.” I glanced around to ensure we couldn’t be overheard.
Leo cocked his head. “Weird how?”
I fidgeted. “Well, a bunch of Mission City firefighters were here. Which is odd enough, given how careful firefighters are.”
“Right. But accidents happen. Unexpected things occur.”
“Sure…”
His brow knit. “What?” With just a touch of impatience.
I cleared my throat. “I heard someone tell someone else to get rid of a sample. I mean, I’m assuming it’s a blood sample and—”
“Quinton, what are you talking about?” More impatience.
“I heard someone tell someone else to get rid of a sample.” Yet, even as I said the words, they sounded ridiculous.If only I’d seen who was talking.
“Did you see these people?”
As if he’s reading my mind.“Well, no.”
“Then how did you hear them?”
“They were on the other side of the curtain.”
“In the ER?”
