Ties That Bind (Ruthless Sinners MC 1)

“Well… I started feeling better, so I thought I’d come on in and see if you needed me.”

“Are you sure?” She cautiously kept her distance as she asked, “Have you been fever free for at least twenty-four hours?”

“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.” Janet was a stickler for the rules, so I wasn’t at all surprised by her question. She would never want to put any of our patients in danger, and I hoped she knew I felt the same way. I smiled as I reassured her, “I’m fine, Janet. I don’t even think it was really the stomach bug. I think it was just bad sushi or something else I ate.”

“Well, that’s good to hear because we could really use the help today. Carol and Nikki both called in with the flu, and Mr. McClanahan and Ms. Rice have been all out of sorts. I can’t seem to get either of them settled.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” I put my purse and keys in the desk drawer, then asked, “Is Ms. Rice in her room?”

“Yes, but be forewarned, she’s not herself today.”

“Thanks for the heads up.”

I started down the hall, and when I walked into Ms. Rice’s room, I could see what Janet was talking about. Ms. Rice was normally very social, spending most of her days visiting with her friends or watching her favorite game shows, but today, she was sitting in the corner of her room alone. She was still in her robe, and instead of watching TV, she was staring out the window with the saddest expression I’d ever seen. My heart ached for her as I walked over and knelt down beside her. I placed my hand on her arm as I smiled and said, “Hey there, Ms. Rice. How you making it today?”

She didn’t even acknowledge my presence—not so much as a blink. I didn’t know what to think. Ms. Rice was younger than most of the residents, so her mind was still pretty sharp. Her health was a different matter. She had moved into our facility after she fell and fractured her hip, and because of one complication after the next, she’d been with us for over two years. Thankfully, that hadn’t broken her spirit. She’d always smile and look tickled to see me whenever I came to her room to do my rounds. We’d talk about her day and whether or not she’d spoken to her daughter, but today she seemed like she was a million miles away. Hoping I might be able to get to her, I just started talking like we normally did. “I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you in a couple of days. I was sick with this stomach bug thing, but I’m feeling a lot better now. How have you been feeling? Aren’t you going to watch your shows this morning?”

I waited for a moment, hoping she might say something. She didn’t. I wasn’t ready to give up, so I said, “Well, if not, I’m sure you can get caught up with them later. Has Leslie called or come by?”

At the sound of her daughter’s name, Ms. Rice turned and looked at me, letting me know I’d struck a chord. After several moments, she finally muttered, “Leslie’s sick. She has the flu and won’t be able to come see me.”

“Is that what has you so upset?”

“I’m just so worried about her and the children. Things have been so hard for her since Tim left her. I just wish I could do more for them.”

“I understand why you might be worried, but Leslie will bounce back from this. The kids have gotten older, too, so they can help look after their mom.” I gave her leg a little pat as I assured her, “You’ll see. Leslie will be back on her feet in no time.”

“I’m sure you’re right, but I still worry.”

“Of course, you do. You’re her mother. It’s your job to worry about her, but everything’s going to be okay.” I could tell she wasn’t completely convinced, so I asked, “What if I gave Leslie a call this morning? I could check on her and see how she’s feeling for you. Would that make you feel better?”

“Oh, yes. That would be wonderful.”

“Then consider it done.” As I stood up, I asked, “Can I do anything for you before I go? Walk you down to the cafeteria for some breakfast or turn on one of your shows?”

“I’m fine for now.” She smiled. “I’ll turn it on in a minute.”

“Okay. I’ll let you know when I get in touch with Leslie.”

“Thank you, dear.”

“No problem.” As I started towards the door, I told her, “Just give me a shout if you need me.”

I left her room with every intention of going to find Mr. McClanahan, but as I walked down the hall, I was sidetracked by Krissy. She came running up to me with a big smile on her face. “Thank god, you’re back! I don’t know if I could take another day in this place without you.”