Blurred lines by kd will.., p.14
Blurred Lines by KD Williamson, page 14
“Well, you’re not asking for much, are you, Ms. McCabe?”
Kelli chuckled. “Message received.”
Kelli grabbed a copy of The New York Times and eased into a seat. She checked out the espresso maker and array of breads and fruits, but decided to leave it all for the paying customers. The lounge looked like it had been decorated by a cyborg or something. Everything was black, white, and gray except two oversized red vases that were big enough for Kelli to climb inside of.
As the minutes ticked by, she glanced again at the expensive-ass coffeemaker and wrinkled her nose. She didn’t like to chew her coffee or go through froth to get to it. She glanced up as the door swung open.
Judy grinned and handed Kelli a Styrofoam cup filled to the brim. Her fingers brushed against Kelli’s hand. “You’ll be glad you waited. I make great coffee.”
Obviously, the flirting hit its mark. Kelli pulled her hand away. She cleared her throat and uttered a simple “Thank you.”
Judy’s smile dimmed a bit. “I’ll be sure to let Ms. Whitmore know that you’re here.” At least she kept on being nice.
Kelli nodded.
Alone again, Kelli jumped slightly when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She fished it out and read the texts.
I think Tony’s about to run 4 it. Found him at one of his girls’ places. He’s been camped out there the past 2 days. Lots of traffic in and out btw. Somebody is planning something. Gotta get things goin tonite. Might have 2 be creative 2 get him out.
Kelli leaned forward. The weight on her shoulders seemed to physically increase, and shit was just getting started. She sighed and typed out her reply.
Yeah we waited long enough. I’ll make a couple of calls and get something lined up.
Sean responded almost immediately.
Ok keep in touch.
Kelli lifted the cup to her lips and took a small sip. Tony, Travis, Rader, and Fuller …she was tending to a big pile of shit that was just getting nastier by the minute. Just the thought of it all left her hollow. She swallowed down more coffee to fill the hole.
* * *
Kelli moved to a seat on the other side of the lounge. There was plenty of room. The other chair gave her the perfect view of the lobby. At least that damned part was easy. As she sat down, the door swished open and Nora walked in. Kelli smiled even though Nora didn’t.
“Hey,” Kelli greeted her.
“Kelli.” Nora’s tone was freeze-Kelli’s-ass-off cold. It went perfectly with her grey pencil skirt and snow-white blouse. Nora looked like a librarian…a very hot one.
Kelli forgot to breathe for a second. She was still getting used to Nora saying her name. It didn’t matter how she said it. “You knew I’d be here.”
“I did.” Nora nodded.
Kelli held Nora’s gaze and added, “You were tempted to just leave me sitting here.”
Something shifted in the Nora’s eyes. “I was.”
“But you didn’t.”
“No…I didn’t.”
This was turning out to be just peachy.
“I’m here because I wanna be, Nora. There’s no ulterior motive. I don’t want anything from you.”
“Yes, you do.”
A man cleared his throat.
Kelli forgot they weren’t alone.
They stared at each other.
Nora turned and left the lounge. Kelli followed Nora to an empty conference room. Now that they had privacy, she didn’t waste any time. “Is that why you didn’t answer any of my calls? You think I want something from you?”
“You said—” Nora started.
“I said I wanted to be your friend.” Kelli finished for her.
Nora looked so prim and proper sitting there, back straight, hands on the table. Kelli knew better. There was something behind the hoity-toity thing Nora had going on. Kelli had seen it, felt it.
“Yes…that’s something I don’t think I can do. I’m not equipped for this.”
Kelli stepped forward. “You coulda fooled me.”
Nora’s eyes widened. Her face flushed. “What do you mean?”
“Do you think that asshole Rader would have done what you’ve done for me?”
“Well, no,” Nora answered.
“Damn straight. Why did you do it?”
“I’m not sure. It…felt—”
“Yeah, I know. You saw me at my worst, Nora. And you came back. You weren’t my doctor. You didn’t have to, but I’m glad you did. I wanted you to.” Kelli took a deep breath. Her heart was racing, and she was trying like hell to catch up to it.
Nora’s expression softened. “May I finish a statement before this conversation is over?”
Kelli smirked. “Yeah, sure. Sorry.”
Several seconds passed as she waited for Nora to speak, but Kelli didn’t mind. She was happy just to look at her.
“I’m not sure what to say. I have no idea what I’m doing with you…or anything else, for that matter.”
Kelli sat down on the opposite side of the table and fought the urge to touch Nora. Kelli would do anything to make that lost look on Nora’s face go away.
“Just remember that I’m not the enemy. You don’t have to fight me so hard. Save it for Rader and his tag-along twat—”
“Kelli.”
Nora didn’t really sound upset, but Kelli decided to humor her.
“Bitch.” She held out her hands placatingly. “I meant bitch.”
Nora sighed.
Kelli continued to stare at her. She couldn’t look away.
Nora dropped her gaze. “My hesitation and lack of experience with all of this must be tiring for you.”
“You mean, why aren’t I screaming and running the other way?”
Nora nodded.
“First of all, I can’t run.” Kelli gestured toward her leg.
Nora smiled slightly.
“Second, no, I’m not tired,” Kelli said softly.
Nora’s eyes widened, and Kelli noticed a distinct hitch in her breathing. It was a full minute before she responded. “You will be.”
Nora spoke with confidence so Kelli took the statement as a challenge. “No, I won’t.”
Nora turned red and looked away.
There it was again—that urge to touch. It made Kelli’s palms itch.
“I can’t make you any promises about this…about us, but I’ll try this…friendship,” Nora said.
The door to the office opened. A tall man with white hair peeked in. “It’s time.”
Nora stood gracefully. “Thank you, Tom.”
Kelli smiled. “They’re full of shit. You’re gonna beat this.”
Nora nodded.
When the door closed, Kelli felt like she could breathe again. The more Nora pulled away, the harder Kelli pushed. It was worth it. She didn’t mind putting in the extra work. Kelli had a feeling that it would pay off big time.
* * *
Nora walked beside her attorney. She listened as he talked.
“Remember, this is the first of what will likely be many depositions. Her lawyer will try to rattle you almost immediately just to see if she can.”
“I understand.” She tried to clear her head, but it was useless. Regardless of what she was about to walk into, she couldn’t stop thinking about Kelli. Nora was torn more than ever. The constant push and pull that battled inside her throughout the whole “Kelli situation” was exhausting, but apparently, she wasn’t tired enough to make a decision and stay with it.
“I’m only allowing an hour with this first meeting, so it shouldn’t be too invasive. In the future, you don’t have to attend a deposition if you’re not testifying. The entire proceeding will be digitally recorded so I can go through the footage with you, as needed.”
Nora didn’t comment. As far as she was concerned, this whole thing was a disaster. Tom grasped her elbow. She pulled away, uncomfortable with being touched.
“Sorry, but you’re passing the conference room.”
As she stopped, Nora made an effort to concentrate on the matter at hand. She entered and sat quietly. Nora studied the woman across from her and assumed she was the opposing lawyer. She appeared to be in her mid-fifties and was attractive in a cosmetically enhanced way. Her smile was too perfect not to be veneers. It really was tragic what women did to themselves to keep from aging. There was probably a minute scar underneath the woman’s chin and one hidden in her hair line. Nora fought the urge to ask about them and expose the lawyer’s secrets. It seemed only fair, given what she was about to do to Nora.
“Ms. Whitmore. I’m Angela Perkins.”
Instantly perturbed by the common use of her name, Nora corrected her. “Dr. Whitmore.”
“Pardon?” The lawyer’s smile faltered.
“I would prefer to be addressed as Dr. Whitmore.”
Angela cleared her throat. “I see. Let’s get started then. We are now on the record.”
They all stated their names for the record, and Nora was sworn in.
Nora placed her hands in her lap and waited.
“You do understand, Dr. Whitmore, why you’re here today?”
“Yes.”
“You barter surgeries for sex.”
Nora stared back unblinkingly. “That is incorr—”
“Would you care to rephrase, Ms. Perkins?” Tom asked.
“Fine. You are being sued for perpetuating a hostile workplace as well as sexual harassment. To clarify, you are here for soliciting sexual favors from a subordinate. Is that correct?”
“No, it’s not correct. I’ve done nothing wrong despite Dr. Fuller’s claims.”
“They all say that, but let’s move on. How many sexual relationships have you engaged in with residents since you’ve worked at Seattle Memorial?”
“Seven.” Nora answered without hesitation.
Angela paused. “Uh, both male and female?”
“Five male, two female.”
“And you would like us to believe that they were all consensual?”
“They were,” Nora said.
“How many since you became an attending?”
“One.”
“So, you’ve only had sex once since you became an attending?” The lawyer scoffed.
“No, I thought it prudent to exclusively seek partners outside the hospital.”
“Why is that?”
“I wanted to prevent the appearance of impropriety,” Nora said.
“I really don’t think you succeeded with that one.”
“Ms. Perkins. We will end this now if you continue along these lines.” Tom tapped his fingers on the table with succinct precision, as if to punctuate his statement.
Nora turned to her lawyer. “I know what she’s referring to. I think it’s important that I address it.”
“Are you sure, Nora?”
“Yes.”
“Ms. Perkins, if you would care to repeat?” Tom said.
Angela nodded. “Do you think you managed the impropriety?”
“No. He, Dr. James Rader, had a difficult time accepting the end of our sexual involvement, but he has since moved on with your client.”
The lawyer smiled. “You sound bitter. Is that why you went after her? To get back at him?”
“I am in no way interested in Dr. Fuller sexually.”
“But you are interested?”
Nora waited for clarification.
“My client details incidents where you humiliated her in front of colleagues and patients.”
“I’ve treated her no differently than I do the other residents when their performance and work ethic are subpar.”
“Dr. Whitmore, I have a detailed list of eight different incidents when you humiliated her, culminating with your demand for sex in exchange for the opportunity to assist you during surgery.”
The lawyer reviewed the list.
“I am aware of the allegations.” Nora maintained her calm facade. She’d had a lifetime of practice at letting things roll off her.
“But what is your response?” Angela raised her voice.
“I believe I made that clear just a few minutes ago.”
“You’re dodging the question, Ms. Whitmore.”
Nora remained quiet and unruffled despite the lawyer’s vehemence. In her opinion, she answered the question already. It was all a lie.
“Do you have a conscience, Ms. Whitmore? It doesn’t seem likely.”
“All right, Ms. Perkins, our time is just about up for today.” Tom stood.
Angela huffed. She gathered her things and left.
Tom cut the camera off. “You did great, Nora. Can you continue to rein in your emotions? I think it will help.”
“That won’t be a problem,” Nora said, her voice held as tightly in check as her emotions.
“Do you still believe that Dr. Fuller and Rader are in collusion?”
“I do, but I suppose the burden of proof is on us?” Nora asked.
“It is. I’ll ask you again. Can you think of any witnesses that have seen them together?”
“As I said before, I’m sure there are plenty, but I don’t have a particular name to give. Talking to the residents may be a viable option or even the charge nurses, but I believe some of them are more interested in adding to the gossip pool.” Nora recalled the words whispered at the nurses’ station the day of her suspension and wondered if the nurse celebrated being correct in her assumptions about Fuller’s complaint.
“Do you think any of them would be sympathetic to you?”
Nora took a moment. Throughout her time at the hospital, she responded to numerous attempts at friendships with disdain. After a while, the staff stopped trying and gave her a wide berth. Today, she regretted that decision. With hindsight, Nora speculated on what could have been. She couldn’t change the past. If Kelli had entered her life earlier, her current existence would be completely different. Her days would be filled with laughter, warmth, and so much more, but she couldn’t dwell on that. She needed to answer based on the current reality. “I’m not sure.” Nora weighed the additional comments from the nurses and decided to inform Tom even if the information wasn’t helpful. “Only that some think that Rader is capable of sexual harassment himself.”
“I’m not sure if that’s pertinent or not, but settling is still an option—”
Nora paid his firm too much money for him not to listen. “No.” She cut him off. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Sometimes that doesn’t matter.” Tom’s voice was a mix of sympathy and practiced cynicism.
“Are you insinuating they are going to win?” Nora asked brusquely.
“No, their case is weak, but they can drag us along for a while.”
Nora stood. “Earn your retainer, Mr. Young.”
“I usually have more to work with, Nora.”
Exasperated by his implication, Nora said the first thing that came to mind. “I’m sure security has seen plenty as well.”
“Would some of the guards be impartial—”
“Interactions with them have not been typical for me.” Nora was done with this conversation, both emotionally and literally. “Have a good day, Mr. Young.”
* * *
When Nora entered the lounge this time, she found Kelli leafing through a magazine. For several seconds, she simply watched her. Kelli seemed so free with her time, her friendship, and everything else, but Nora knew that wasn’t the case. She considered the possibility that they brought out latent characteristics in each other. It was an interesting theory to say the least, but not one she wanted to dwell on at the moment.
As Nora stepped closer, Kelli glanced up. She gazed at Nora, her expression earnest, concerned. “You okay?”
Nora’s heart stuttered. It was a peculiar feeling. There wasn’t a person at the hospital who thought favorably of her, and it was strange to be face to face with someone on the other end of that spectrum. “I…I suppose.”
“If you’re done, I’ll walk you to your car.”
Nora nodded.
They stood close to each other in a nearly empty elevator. Kelli gazed at her. Nora could actually feel the heaviness of it. The elevator doors opened and other people disembarked. They were now alone.
“You’re not okay. I can tell.”
Warmth invaded Nora’s chest. To have someone know her was intoxicating. No one took the time, nor did she allow such familiarity. “You were right.”
“About?”
“About me not having anyone. I’ve wanted it that way.” Nora looked at Kelli. She tried to figure out what it was about this woman.
“Do you still want that?” Kelli asked softly.
“I…I don’t know.”
The elevator stopped, and the doors opened to the parking garage.
The need to flee overwhelmed Nora. Before she made it out of the elevator, she was stopped, rather abruptly, when Kelli grabbed her arm. She felt burned by the touch and gasped in response. She met Kelli’s gaze. Because of the gentleness in Kelli’s eyes, Nora panicked even more. She couldn’t breathe. Nora didn’t believe in magic, but Kelli had to possess some kind of strange power to be able to do this to her.
“You said that you’d try,” Kelli whispered.
“Well, would you look at this. The day just keeps getting better and better.”
They both turned to find James Rader by the driver’s side of his car. He moved toward them.
“Is that what it was, Nora? You like the ladies more?”
Nora instantly saw red. She stepped forward, but before she could speak, Kelli was in front of her.
“You can’t be that stupid, you slimy piece of shit, to approach her in the parking garage of her lawyer’s office.”
Rader closed the distance between them.
“I take it back. Obviously, you are,” Kelli said with a humorless laugh.
“You stay out of this!” He pointed at Kelli.
“You’re pathetic, but come closer. I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I’m sure it’s gonna be fun.”
Rader stopped and seemed to pale. “Are you threatening me?”
“I don’t recall making a threat of any kind.” Kelli tapped her cane against the concrete.
Nora watched the interaction. It mesmerized her. Heat coiled in her chest. Kelli was doing this all for her. No one had ever come to her defense before, not like this. Was this what people did when they cared?
Kelli chuckled. “Message received.”
Kelli grabbed a copy of The New York Times and eased into a seat. She checked out the espresso maker and array of breads and fruits, but decided to leave it all for the paying customers. The lounge looked like it had been decorated by a cyborg or something. Everything was black, white, and gray except two oversized red vases that were big enough for Kelli to climb inside of.
As the minutes ticked by, she glanced again at the expensive-ass coffeemaker and wrinkled her nose. She didn’t like to chew her coffee or go through froth to get to it. She glanced up as the door swung open.
Judy grinned and handed Kelli a Styrofoam cup filled to the brim. Her fingers brushed against Kelli’s hand. “You’ll be glad you waited. I make great coffee.”
Obviously, the flirting hit its mark. Kelli pulled her hand away. She cleared her throat and uttered a simple “Thank you.”
Judy’s smile dimmed a bit. “I’ll be sure to let Ms. Whitmore know that you’re here.” At least she kept on being nice.
Kelli nodded.
Alone again, Kelli jumped slightly when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She fished it out and read the texts.
I think Tony’s about to run 4 it. Found him at one of his girls’ places. He’s been camped out there the past 2 days. Lots of traffic in and out btw. Somebody is planning something. Gotta get things goin tonite. Might have 2 be creative 2 get him out.
Kelli leaned forward. The weight on her shoulders seemed to physically increase, and shit was just getting started. She sighed and typed out her reply.
Yeah we waited long enough. I’ll make a couple of calls and get something lined up.
Sean responded almost immediately.
Ok keep in touch.
Kelli lifted the cup to her lips and took a small sip. Tony, Travis, Rader, and Fuller …she was tending to a big pile of shit that was just getting nastier by the minute. Just the thought of it all left her hollow. She swallowed down more coffee to fill the hole.
* * *
Kelli moved to a seat on the other side of the lounge. There was plenty of room. The other chair gave her the perfect view of the lobby. At least that damned part was easy. As she sat down, the door swished open and Nora walked in. Kelli smiled even though Nora didn’t.
“Hey,” Kelli greeted her.
“Kelli.” Nora’s tone was freeze-Kelli’s-ass-off cold. It went perfectly with her grey pencil skirt and snow-white blouse. Nora looked like a librarian…a very hot one.
Kelli forgot to breathe for a second. She was still getting used to Nora saying her name. It didn’t matter how she said it. “You knew I’d be here.”
“I did.” Nora nodded.
Kelli held Nora’s gaze and added, “You were tempted to just leave me sitting here.”
Something shifted in the Nora’s eyes. “I was.”
“But you didn’t.”
“No…I didn’t.”
This was turning out to be just peachy.
“I’m here because I wanna be, Nora. There’s no ulterior motive. I don’t want anything from you.”
“Yes, you do.”
A man cleared his throat.
Kelli forgot they weren’t alone.
They stared at each other.
Nora turned and left the lounge. Kelli followed Nora to an empty conference room. Now that they had privacy, she didn’t waste any time. “Is that why you didn’t answer any of my calls? You think I want something from you?”
“You said—” Nora started.
“I said I wanted to be your friend.” Kelli finished for her.
Nora looked so prim and proper sitting there, back straight, hands on the table. Kelli knew better. There was something behind the hoity-toity thing Nora had going on. Kelli had seen it, felt it.
“Yes…that’s something I don’t think I can do. I’m not equipped for this.”
Kelli stepped forward. “You coulda fooled me.”
Nora’s eyes widened. Her face flushed. “What do you mean?”
“Do you think that asshole Rader would have done what you’ve done for me?”
“Well, no,” Nora answered.
“Damn straight. Why did you do it?”
“I’m not sure. It…felt—”
“Yeah, I know. You saw me at my worst, Nora. And you came back. You weren’t my doctor. You didn’t have to, but I’m glad you did. I wanted you to.” Kelli took a deep breath. Her heart was racing, and she was trying like hell to catch up to it.
Nora’s expression softened. “May I finish a statement before this conversation is over?”
Kelli smirked. “Yeah, sure. Sorry.”
Several seconds passed as she waited for Nora to speak, but Kelli didn’t mind. She was happy just to look at her.
“I’m not sure what to say. I have no idea what I’m doing with you…or anything else, for that matter.”
Kelli sat down on the opposite side of the table and fought the urge to touch Nora. Kelli would do anything to make that lost look on Nora’s face go away.
“Just remember that I’m not the enemy. You don’t have to fight me so hard. Save it for Rader and his tag-along twat—”
“Kelli.”
Nora didn’t really sound upset, but Kelli decided to humor her.
“Bitch.” She held out her hands placatingly. “I meant bitch.”
Nora sighed.
Kelli continued to stare at her. She couldn’t look away.
Nora dropped her gaze. “My hesitation and lack of experience with all of this must be tiring for you.”
“You mean, why aren’t I screaming and running the other way?”
Nora nodded.
“First of all, I can’t run.” Kelli gestured toward her leg.
Nora smiled slightly.
“Second, no, I’m not tired,” Kelli said softly.
Nora’s eyes widened, and Kelli noticed a distinct hitch in her breathing. It was a full minute before she responded. “You will be.”
Nora spoke with confidence so Kelli took the statement as a challenge. “No, I won’t.”
Nora turned red and looked away.
There it was again—that urge to touch. It made Kelli’s palms itch.
“I can’t make you any promises about this…about us, but I’ll try this…friendship,” Nora said.
The door to the office opened. A tall man with white hair peeked in. “It’s time.”
Nora stood gracefully. “Thank you, Tom.”
Kelli smiled. “They’re full of shit. You’re gonna beat this.”
Nora nodded.
When the door closed, Kelli felt like she could breathe again. The more Nora pulled away, the harder Kelli pushed. It was worth it. She didn’t mind putting in the extra work. Kelli had a feeling that it would pay off big time.
* * *
Nora walked beside her attorney. She listened as he talked.
“Remember, this is the first of what will likely be many depositions. Her lawyer will try to rattle you almost immediately just to see if she can.”
“I understand.” She tried to clear her head, but it was useless. Regardless of what she was about to walk into, she couldn’t stop thinking about Kelli. Nora was torn more than ever. The constant push and pull that battled inside her throughout the whole “Kelli situation” was exhausting, but apparently, she wasn’t tired enough to make a decision and stay with it.
“I’m only allowing an hour with this first meeting, so it shouldn’t be too invasive. In the future, you don’t have to attend a deposition if you’re not testifying. The entire proceeding will be digitally recorded so I can go through the footage with you, as needed.”
Nora didn’t comment. As far as she was concerned, this whole thing was a disaster. Tom grasped her elbow. She pulled away, uncomfortable with being touched.
“Sorry, but you’re passing the conference room.”
As she stopped, Nora made an effort to concentrate on the matter at hand. She entered and sat quietly. Nora studied the woman across from her and assumed she was the opposing lawyer. She appeared to be in her mid-fifties and was attractive in a cosmetically enhanced way. Her smile was too perfect not to be veneers. It really was tragic what women did to themselves to keep from aging. There was probably a minute scar underneath the woman’s chin and one hidden in her hair line. Nora fought the urge to ask about them and expose the lawyer’s secrets. It seemed only fair, given what she was about to do to Nora.
“Ms. Whitmore. I’m Angela Perkins.”
Instantly perturbed by the common use of her name, Nora corrected her. “Dr. Whitmore.”
“Pardon?” The lawyer’s smile faltered.
“I would prefer to be addressed as Dr. Whitmore.”
Angela cleared her throat. “I see. Let’s get started then. We are now on the record.”
They all stated their names for the record, and Nora was sworn in.
Nora placed her hands in her lap and waited.
“You do understand, Dr. Whitmore, why you’re here today?”
“Yes.”
“You barter surgeries for sex.”
Nora stared back unblinkingly. “That is incorr—”
“Would you care to rephrase, Ms. Perkins?” Tom asked.
“Fine. You are being sued for perpetuating a hostile workplace as well as sexual harassment. To clarify, you are here for soliciting sexual favors from a subordinate. Is that correct?”
“No, it’s not correct. I’ve done nothing wrong despite Dr. Fuller’s claims.”
“They all say that, but let’s move on. How many sexual relationships have you engaged in with residents since you’ve worked at Seattle Memorial?”
“Seven.” Nora answered without hesitation.
Angela paused. “Uh, both male and female?”
“Five male, two female.”
“And you would like us to believe that they were all consensual?”
“They were,” Nora said.
“How many since you became an attending?”
“One.”
“So, you’ve only had sex once since you became an attending?” The lawyer scoffed.
“No, I thought it prudent to exclusively seek partners outside the hospital.”
“Why is that?”
“I wanted to prevent the appearance of impropriety,” Nora said.
“I really don’t think you succeeded with that one.”
“Ms. Perkins. We will end this now if you continue along these lines.” Tom tapped his fingers on the table with succinct precision, as if to punctuate his statement.
Nora turned to her lawyer. “I know what she’s referring to. I think it’s important that I address it.”
“Are you sure, Nora?”
“Yes.”
“Ms. Perkins, if you would care to repeat?” Tom said.
Angela nodded. “Do you think you managed the impropriety?”
“No. He, Dr. James Rader, had a difficult time accepting the end of our sexual involvement, but he has since moved on with your client.”
The lawyer smiled. “You sound bitter. Is that why you went after her? To get back at him?”
“I am in no way interested in Dr. Fuller sexually.”
“But you are interested?”
Nora waited for clarification.
“My client details incidents where you humiliated her in front of colleagues and patients.”
“I’ve treated her no differently than I do the other residents when their performance and work ethic are subpar.”
“Dr. Whitmore, I have a detailed list of eight different incidents when you humiliated her, culminating with your demand for sex in exchange for the opportunity to assist you during surgery.”
The lawyer reviewed the list.
“I am aware of the allegations.” Nora maintained her calm facade. She’d had a lifetime of practice at letting things roll off her.
“But what is your response?” Angela raised her voice.
“I believe I made that clear just a few minutes ago.”
“You’re dodging the question, Ms. Whitmore.”
Nora remained quiet and unruffled despite the lawyer’s vehemence. In her opinion, she answered the question already. It was all a lie.
“Do you have a conscience, Ms. Whitmore? It doesn’t seem likely.”
“All right, Ms. Perkins, our time is just about up for today.” Tom stood.
Angela huffed. She gathered her things and left.
Tom cut the camera off. “You did great, Nora. Can you continue to rein in your emotions? I think it will help.”
“That won’t be a problem,” Nora said, her voice held as tightly in check as her emotions.
“Do you still believe that Dr. Fuller and Rader are in collusion?”
“I do, but I suppose the burden of proof is on us?” Nora asked.
“It is. I’ll ask you again. Can you think of any witnesses that have seen them together?”
“As I said before, I’m sure there are plenty, but I don’t have a particular name to give. Talking to the residents may be a viable option or even the charge nurses, but I believe some of them are more interested in adding to the gossip pool.” Nora recalled the words whispered at the nurses’ station the day of her suspension and wondered if the nurse celebrated being correct in her assumptions about Fuller’s complaint.
“Do you think any of them would be sympathetic to you?”
Nora took a moment. Throughout her time at the hospital, she responded to numerous attempts at friendships with disdain. After a while, the staff stopped trying and gave her a wide berth. Today, she regretted that decision. With hindsight, Nora speculated on what could have been. She couldn’t change the past. If Kelli had entered her life earlier, her current existence would be completely different. Her days would be filled with laughter, warmth, and so much more, but she couldn’t dwell on that. She needed to answer based on the current reality. “I’m not sure.” Nora weighed the additional comments from the nurses and decided to inform Tom even if the information wasn’t helpful. “Only that some think that Rader is capable of sexual harassment himself.”
“I’m not sure if that’s pertinent or not, but settling is still an option—”
Nora paid his firm too much money for him not to listen. “No.” She cut him off. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Sometimes that doesn’t matter.” Tom’s voice was a mix of sympathy and practiced cynicism.
“Are you insinuating they are going to win?” Nora asked brusquely.
“No, their case is weak, but they can drag us along for a while.”
Nora stood. “Earn your retainer, Mr. Young.”
“I usually have more to work with, Nora.”
Exasperated by his implication, Nora said the first thing that came to mind. “I’m sure security has seen plenty as well.”
“Would some of the guards be impartial—”
“Interactions with them have not been typical for me.” Nora was done with this conversation, both emotionally and literally. “Have a good day, Mr. Young.”
* * *
When Nora entered the lounge this time, she found Kelli leafing through a magazine. For several seconds, she simply watched her. Kelli seemed so free with her time, her friendship, and everything else, but Nora knew that wasn’t the case. She considered the possibility that they brought out latent characteristics in each other. It was an interesting theory to say the least, but not one she wanted to dwell on at the moment.
As Nora stepped closer, Kelli glanced up. She gazed at Nora, her expression earnest, concerned. “You okay?”
Nora’s heart stuttered. It was a peculiar feeling. There wasn’t a person at the hospital who thought favorably of her, and it was strange to be face to face with someone on the other end of that spectrum. “I…I suppose.”
“If you’re done, I’ll walk you to your car.”
Nora nodded.
They stood close to each other in a nearly empty elevator. Kelli gazed at her. Nora could actually feel the heaviness of it. The elevator doors opened and other people disembarked. They were now alone.
“You’re not okay. I can tell.”
Warmth invaded Nora’s chest. To have someone know her was intoxicating. No one took the time, nor did she allow such familiarity. “You were right.”
“About?”
“About me not having anyone. I’ve wanted it that way.” Nora looked at Kelli. She tried to figure out what it was about this woman.
“Do you still want that?” Kelli asked softly.
“I…I don’t know.”
The elevator stopped, and the doors opened to the parking garage.
The need to flee overwhelmed Nora. Before she made it out of the elevator, she was stopped, rather abruptly, when Kelli grabbed her arm. She felt burned by the touch and gasped in response. She met Kelli’s gaze. Because of the gentleness in Kelli’s eyes, Nora panicked even more. She couldn’t breathe. Nora didn’t believe in magic, but Kelli had to possess some kind of strange power to be able to do this to her.
“You said that you’d try,” Kelli whispered.
“Well, would you look at this. The day just keeps getting better and better.”
They both turned to find James Rader by the driver’s side of his car. He moved toward them.
“Is that what it was, Nora? You like the ladies more?”
Nora instantly saw red. She stepped forward, but before she could speak, Kelli was in front of her.
“You can’t be that stupid, you slimy piece of shit, to approach her in the parking garage of her lawyer’s office.”
Rader closed the distance between them.
“I take it back. Obviously, you are,” Kelli said with a humorless laugh.
“You stay out of this!” He pointed at Kelli.
“You’re pathetic, but come closer. I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I’m sure it’s gonna be fun.”
Rader stopped and seemed to pale. “Are you threatening me?”
“I don’t recall making a threat of any kind.” Kelli tapped her cane against the concrete.
Nora watched the interaction. It mesmerized her. Heat coiled in her chest. Kelli was doing this all for her. No one had ever come to her defense before, not like this. Was this what people did when they cared?
