Grumpy Doctor

“I know Robert,” Rees said, speaking slowly, “but he is not my source. I don’t trust Robert on this matter.”

“That’s good, because the Tippetts are trying to destroy Dr. Hood for their own selfish reasons.”

“You might be right,” Rees said softly. “But that doesn’t change a thing. If you get dragged into the proceeding, then that will be a stain on your reputation. You won’t lose your license, but these places, these hospitals, they’re so political. You say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, unless you’re an absolute genius, they’ll throw you right out. And I don’t want that to happen.”

“Good thing I’m a genius then.”

He didn’t laugh. “Perhaps. But I’m saying, we should rethink your position.” He cleared his throat as the car turned off Broad and began to cross the bridge into West Philly. “I have connections and those connections could be very beneficial.”

“I appreciate the office,” I said, “but I’m happy where I am.” I peered out the window, down at the slow-moving river. “Where are we going?”

“I want you to understand.”

I let out a slow breath and instantly knew what he meant. We were headed to University Hospital, and I was willing to bet Rees sat on the board there, as well. I wondered if there was a single hospital in the whole region that he didn’t have his claws in.

Which meant I’d never quite be free of him.

“I’m not interested,” I said. “I don’t care if that means my political future isn’t great, or whatever you think.”

“It’s not just about politics, it’s about what jobs you can get. I can only protect you so much. If you think about it—”

“Rees,” I said, staring at him. “I’m not leaving my position.”

He nodded slowly, and his gaze tightened. I got the distinct feeling that he wasn’t used to someone pushing back against him, much less denying one of his desires. Rees was a powerful man, a rich man, and he lived in a rich man’s world, where everything was available to him if he wanted it.

But that didn’t mean I had to acquiesce to every whim.

“I know this is an uncomfortable conversation,” he said. “Believe me, I’m loath to have it. But Dr. Hood is going down, and when he does, they’ll strip away his license. I don’t want you to be stained by all that.”

“I’m willing to take that risk.”

He turned to me, eyes suddenly flashing anger. “Perhaps I’m not. What happens to you reflects back onto me. Why do you think I’ve pulled strings for you already?”

I leaned back, surprised at his tone. Rees didn’t seem like the type to lose his temper.

The look on his face made my feet go suddenly cold. I sat very still, wondering just how much Rees cared about his image.

He shook his head, looking away from me. I let the silence deepen for another moment, then spoke like I was afraid he’d shove me out the car door for saying the wrong thing.

“I don’t want to be a problem for you,” I said. “If you need to disown me or something, I understand. I really appreciate what you’ve done so far, but I can’t walk away from this now.”

He nodded slowly, staring forward at the back of his driver’s head. “I can get you a new position at a different hospital. Or I can get you assigned to a different attending. I can do things for you, Lori, if you’ll allow me. All I ask in return is that you leave Dr. Hood.”

“I know, but I’m not going to.”

He grunted and leaned forward. “David, take us to her apartment, please.”

The driver turned and began the trip back toward Center City.

Rees remained quiet. I tried to work out what this visit was about, but it kept eluding me. He seemed convinced that Dr. Hood would lose his court case, which meant he might lose his license—but that seemed so unlikely, considering this was his first lawsuit, and he was such a skilled surgeon. Still, Rees seemed to know something that I did not, and it bothered me.

The car pulled up to my apartment and stopped. Rees pointedly looked out the window, ignoring me, as I opened the door. I stepped out, but leaned back into the car.

“What do you know, Rees?” I asked. “Do you know something I don’t?”

He glanced at me. “It doesn’t matter. You seem to have made up your mind already.”

“Rees—”

“This is your choice, remember,” he said. “When everything is finished and done with, please remember that I tried to warn you.”

He looked away again, and I closed the door. The car drove off, leaving me in front of my building, a heavy exhaustion shoving down at my shoulder, rounding my spine, making me feel like I might go all jellyfish on the pavement and break down into a blob.