Blurred lines by kd will.., p.25
Blurred Lines by KD Williamson, page 25
“Clarify that, please.”
“She no longer engaged in surgeries with Dr. Whitmore, so I put her on my service to pick up the slack.”
“Did you find that odd?” Angela asked.
“Not for Dr. Whitmore, no. She has her favorites, I suppose.”
“Thank you, Dr. Rader.” Angela shuffled some papers and flipped through a legal pad. “Were you witness to any hostile behavior toward Dr. Fuller by Dr. Whitmore?”
Rader nodded. “Yes the most recent was the morning of April 17th. In front of a patient, Dr. Whitmore alluded to the sexual relationship between Dr. Fuller and me. It was inappropriate and embarrassing.”
“Tell me about her demeanor,” Angela said.
“She looked at her like she hated her. It seemed very malicious to me. I’d never seen her like that. Jealousy doesn’t look good on anyone, I suppose.”
“When Dr. Fuller told you about Dr. Whitmore’s proposition toward her, did it all make sense?”
“It did,” Rader answered.
“Very good, thank you.” Angela grinned. “Dr. Rader, the defendant would have us believe that you coached Dr. Fuller to make up this story to get back at her for the demise of your sexual relationship. Is that true?”
Rader laughed this time, loud and full. Then, he stopped abruptly. “Sorry. No, it’s not true. That wouldn’t make any sense.”
“Ugh, the guy is creepy. He’s like a cartoon villain and not one of the good ones. Elmer Fudd or something.” Kelli sounded disgusted.
“Who?” Nora asked, but she had to agree. He wasn’t very good at any of this.
Kelli sighed. “Oh dear God. Bugs Bunny?”
Nora glanced at Kelli and grinned slightly. “I’m sure you’ll educate me sooner or later.” When Nora looked back at the computer, Tom was questioning Rader.
“Do you need anything, Dr. Rader? Water? Coffee?”
“No, I’m fine, thank you.” Rader smiled, but it was weak, pitiful.
“Then let’s get started.” Tom smiled back. “Let me get straight to the point, Dr. Rader. You stipulated that Dr. Whitmore refused to include Dr. Fuller in her surgeries out of jealousy and spite, correct?”
“Yes.”
“It wasn’t because Dr. Fuller missed a liver laceration that nearly killed a patient?”
Rader shifted in his seat. “Uh, not to my knowledge.”
“To your knowledge, Dr. Whitmore didn’t correct that error or bring it to your attention afterward?” Tom asked.
“Not to my knowledge.”
“May I remind you that you are under oath.”
“I am aware, thank you,” Rader said.
Tom shuffled through some files in front of him, pulling out a single piece of paper. “This is a release signed by Gerald Travis Jr., giving access to his medical records.” He paused and reached for more documents. “These notes show that he had a second surgery to repair a liver laceration within forty-eight hours of his first one, which was to remove the bullet and repair subsequent damage. The initial surgery was performed by Dr. Fuller, accompanied by a Dr. Simmons. What conclusions could you draw from that, Dr. Rader?”
“Objection! I wasn’t informed about this. Let the record reflect—” Angela intervened.
“You can question him again. I’m nowhere near done. This is a deposition, Angela, not open court. This whole thing is about discovery.”
Rader’s pallor grayed.
“Isn’t it true that Dr. Whitmore refused to include Dr. Fuller in her surgeries because of her sloppiness, not out of pettiness or jealousy, as was suggested?”
“I—I’m not sure,” Radar answered.
“You stated that you did not have a conversation with Dr. Whitmore about this. Is that still accurate?” Tom continued to press.
“I didn’t discuss this with Dr. Whitmore.” Rader shook his head.
“Somebody is lying here, Dr. Rader, and I don’t think it’s my client. Again, after what’s been revealed, you still consider your statements to be accurate?”
“Asked and answered. Let’s move on!” Angela interrupted.
Instead of acknowledging her, Tom walked toward the door. When he returned, he had the same kind of laptop that Nora and Kelli were now watching.
“Dr. Rader, you also stated that Dr. Whitmore was bitter after you ended your sexual relationship, which is why her alleged behavior centered on Dr. Fuller. Correct?”
Rader cleared his throat and began to fidget even more. “Yes, she wouldn’t let go.”
Tom pressed a button and the video started for Rader. “That’s not what you indicated in the parking garage.”
“Is that what it was, Nora? You like the ladies more?”
“I renew my objection!” Angela banged her hand on the table.
“This is a deposition. It’s what your client requested, so here we are.” Tom turned toward Rader. “Do you need that water now, Dr. Rader?”
Rader glared at Tom, but it looked to be more of a grimace.
“Does this altercation indicate that Dr. Whitmore is jealous or bitter, Dr. Rader?”
Rader looked away. He didn’t answer.
“Or does it sound as though you’re the jealous one?”
Rader loosened his tie some more. “Where…how…” He sputtered.
Tom stopped the video and removed the disc. He replaced it with another one. “Maybe this will help you make sense of this, Dr. Rader.”
The video didn’t have sound, but the scene was very familiar to Nora. It was one of their many run-ins at the hospital, but this time Rader threatened her with retaliation. Now, here they were entangled in this ridiculous lawsuit. Nora continued to watch as Rader stepped into her personal space.
“Son of a bitch! I should have beat his ass when I had my cane, but I’m sure pistol whipping hurts a lot worse,” Kelli said through gritted teeth. She turned to Nora. “You told me he was a total dick to you, but I didn’t think he’d have the balls to get in your face like that. Just wait—”
Nora squeezed Kelli’s hand, interrupting her tirade. “No one has ever defended me before, and that’s how many times you’ve done that now?”
Kelli valued her, as an individual and as a human being. It was surreal to watch on video how the other people in her life did not.
Kelli blinked. “Uh, I don’t know? That’s so not the point.”
“Yes, it is.”
Kelli closed her mouth and stared. Her gaze softened. She brought Nora’s hands to her lips and kissed it. Nora’s pulse quickened, and she could feel the heat rushing to her face. She glanced at Tom. She had almost forgotten he was there. He raised a brow and smiled. Nora looked away quickly and refocused her attention to the laptop.
“Dr. Rader, isn’t it true that you and Dr. Fuller are in collusion because of your inability to let go? Isn’t this your attempt to get back at Dr. Whitmore?”
James clawed at his tie and pulled it completely loose. He looked like he was having trouble breathing.
“Dr. Rader, do you need me to repeat the questions?” Tom pushed.
“Look at him. We need to end this. He’s turning blue. Obviously, this man needs help!”
“Fine, I will recall him next time, after I’m done with your client.” Tom added.
James Rader slid from his chair to the floor.
“Oh my God! He fainted! Call an ambulance!” Angela cried.
Kelli laughed. “Serves him right.”
Nora was shocked. “That was…I don’t think I can adequately describe what I just saw. Excellent work, Tom.” The shock transformed to relief. This farce was nearly over.
Tom nodded and smiled. “I’ll let you know how this proceeds. I really think they will concede. It’s not rational to go on with this, and if they do, I’ll be ready.”
With their hands still clasped, Nora stood. Kelli did as well. “We’ll be ready too.”
* * *
Kelli took a long swig of her beer. Studying the label, she realized she didn’t recognize the brand, Hoppyisum, IPA. “This is good. I’m making you my official beer shopper.”
“A title I’m sure many have vied for,” Nora murmured.
Kelli chuckled and popped another piece of cheese into her mouth and damned near spit it out again. “Ew, that’s nasty. What’s this one?” She pointed at the pieces with dark rind.
“Drunken goat.”
“They should have kept him sober.” Kelli took another pull from her beer.
Nora cleared her throat but she looked amused. “I’m sure if you write them a strongly worded letter…”
Kelli glared.
Nora grinned, slightly.
Kelli continued to stare. Nora looked very much at ease. That sad, worried glint in her eyes was gone. It was good to see her like this. “You look happy.”
Nora finished her wine and set the empty glass on the table. “I do?” Nora turned, and their knees touched.
“You do.”
Nora’s brow wrinkled. “I suppose I am. This is all going to be over soon.”
Kelli leaned back into the couch cushion, but she didn’t look away. Nora Whitmore was a beautiful woman, but right now, she was a lot more than that. “It looks good on you.” As expected, Nora blushed. Kelli enjoyed every second of it. “We should have gone out for this pre-celebration celebration.”
“I don’t think I have the energy. It’s only early afternoon, and I’m exhausted.”
Well, that let a little air out of her balloon. “You want me to go so you can get some rest?”
“No,” Nora answered quickly. “Don’t. You don’t have to.”
“Good, I didn’t want to,” Kelli said honestly.
“It’s still hard at times to believe that you actually enjoy my company.”
“I could probably say the same.” Kelli wanted to reach out, to take Nora’s hand.
“It’s not the same. You have friends and family. I have—”
“Me.” Kelli interrupted. She saw and heard the catch in Nora’s breathing. The warmth that was always just underneath her skin when Nora was around started to simmer and turn into something hotter. Goddamn. She loved that feeling. “You have me,” she said it again, making the words as solid as possible.
“Yes, I have a…friend.” Nora obviously tried to choose a nice, safe word.
Kelli smirked. “We’re more than that, and you know it.”
“I’m aware. What would you call us at this point?”
Kelli turned and threw her arm over the back of the couch. She gave Nora her full, undivided attention. “Complicated.”
“Yes, that does seem to fit,” Nora agreed in a whisper.
“It doesn’t have to be.” Like it was the most natural thing in the world, Kelli moved closer and tangled her hand in Nora’s hair. It was just as soft as she remembered. Nora gasped and leaned into the caress. Her eyes widened and darkened in the span of seconds. Suddenly, it seemed like forever since they touched this way. Kelli pulled her hand away slowly, but she held on to a honeyed strand, twirling it around her finger. An ache formed in her chest and settled into her stomach as a hard twist. That feeling needed to be bottled. Someone would make a fucking fortune.
Kelli was chasing a woman who had no idea if she wanted to be caught. She should have backed off a long time ago, but she couldn’t. She just wanted more. The twist in her belly turned into a hard clench that ended with a delicious pull between her legs. No, she was wrong. It was that feeling. Shit could be sold by the gallon. Her fingertips trailed down the side of Nora’s neck. She stopped and traced over the base of Nora’s throat where her pulse was literally throbbing. Then, she found her way to soft lips and could not pull away.
Kelli’s chest burned. She couldn’t breathe worth a damn. Kelli leaned forward bringing their bodies closer. She wound her hand in Nora’s hair again. The spike in heat around them was almost more than she could stand. Just a little taste. That couldn’t hurt, right?
“I need pre-payment. On our bet,” Kelli husked.
“What do you wa—” Nora’s question ended with a whimper. Kelli captured the sound with her lips. Her tongue slipped inside Nora’s mouth, intent on drawing even more noises from her. Nora moaned loudly. This time, the sound was incendiary. Kelli could feel fire crackling over her skin, and she groaned in response. Why the fuck did this have to be so good? Before Kelli could get used to one feeling, she was assaulted by another. In a flurry of movement, Nora straddled Kelli’s thighs, and she was literally surrounded by softness and scorching heat. Nora’s breasts, larger and heavier, pressed against her own. It was erotic as hell. A second later, Kelli changed her mind as Nora’s hips began to roll against her. Shit, what was this? The death of her, that’s what this was.
Nora made desperate needy sounds, and her nails crawled into Kelli’s shoulders. Kelli was getting drunk on it all—the way Nora smelled, sounded, felt, and tasted. Kelli was completely overwhelmed. She didn’t really need to breathe. Did she? Yes, yes she did. Kelli grasped Nora’s hips and whispered Nora’s name into her open mouth.
Nora whimpered and pulled away slightly, ending the kiss. Their foreheads touched. Kelli closed her eyes. She couldn’t look at her right now, or she would be deep inside Nora in two seconds flat. Nora played with the sensitive hairs at the nape of Kelli’s neck. Kelli shivered appreciatively. She tried to calm her ragged breathing, but it was damn near impossible.
“Kelli,” Nora murmured. She tried to move away, but Kelli wouldn’t let her. She needed to hold onto something. Why not her hips? They wouldn’t stop moving a second ago.
Finally, their gazes met. Nora’s eyes were cloudy, unfocused. Her lips were wet, red, and swollen. Kelli felt heat flare up inside her again. “We’re both in really big trouble, aren’t we?”
“Yes, we are.”
CHAPTER 19
The past two days seemed to drag on forever. In fact, Nora was sure that if Kelli hadn’t been present for most of it, she’d be right on the cusp of insanity or very close to it. Still, she slathered her croissant with marmalade as if it was an average day. Nora could feel Kelli’s gaze from across the table. She glanced upward.
Kelli peered at her over the rim of a coffee cup. She took a sip and set it on the table. “Stop.”
Nora put her knife down and brought the pastry to her lips. She chewed slowly, thoughtfully, and she was completely aware that her lack of response exasperated Kelli.
Kelli leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. She continued to stare. When Nora looked at her again, there was definitely irritation in her eyes, but there was affection as well.
She put her croissant back on the saucer and brought a napkin to her lips. “I didn’t do or say anything,” Nora finally responded.
“You don’t have to. I can tell you’re over there wallowing in your orange jelly.”
And there it was. Hiding herself and her emotions from Kelli just wasn’t possible anymore. “I don’t wallow, and it’s marmalade.”
Kelli rolled her eyes. “You’re worrying, then.”
“Yes, somewhat. I want this whole fiasco to hurry up and be over. Too much time has been spent on it already.”
“True, but the deposition is just a couple hours away. I can’t believe Fuller didn’t drop the suit. Suppose some people just need their asses handed to them. And you…you’re usually more patient, but you’ve been antsy the past couple days. I thought you were gonna come out of your skin. Please don’t do that. I like your skin.”
Nora smiled slightly. It was impossible not to do so around this woman.
“So, just hold your horses. Is worrying about it making time go by faster?”
Nora picked up her coffee and drained it. She added cream to her now empty cup and reached for the French press.
“That wasn’t rhetorical, but I’m sure you knew that,” Kelli growled playfully.
Nora bit the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning. “I’m aware, but I’m sure you know my answer. I didn’t see a need to respond.”
Kelli shook her head and laughed. “I don’t even know what to say to that.”
“Mmm,” Nora murmured. She loved the interplay between them. It was stimulating, and she was always left wanting more.
Kelli smirked. “I’m on to you.”
Nora felt heat flood her face. “Really?”
“Uh-huh, really. There’s something sexy about the way we talk to each other.”
Nora took a quick scan around the cafe before her gaze found Kelli’s again. “Yes, I have to agree.”
Kelli looked back at her teasingly. “Still worried?”
She was not. Kelli worked her special brand of magic. “Well—”
“No, it’s okay. I know the answer to that one too.” Kelli interrupted.
Nora didn’t hold back her smile.
* * *
“Don’t let the fact that she hasn’t withdrawn the suit bother you,” Tom said. “It’s not all that unusual. Sometimes there needs to be a clear loser before common sense prevails.”
“That’s pretty much what I told her a little while ago…in my own words of course,” Kelli agreed.
“Yes, the similarities are astounding,” Nora said dryly. She glanced at Kelli who looked back at her with a sparkle in her eyes.
Kelli shrugged and grinned. “Tomat-o, tomat-o.”
Nora pressed her lips together and wondered if Kelli ever turned off the charm.
Tom chuckled and stood. “Okay, I’m going to get you guys set up in here for the live feed. You can always just sit in, you know. Sometimes it’s more intimidating, especially near the end.”
“Nora can, but it’s probably better for their health if I don’t. Thanks,” Kelli said flatly.
“This is fine. It gives me a little distance. I think I need that at this point to start putting all of this behind me,” Nora said.
“Understood.” Tom turned his laptop toward them. “Adjust the volume at your convenience.” He nodded and exited his office.
The camera was already on. Rader sat on the other side of the table from Taylor. He glared at her, but she didn’t shrink from his gaze. She met it head on.
Kelli whistled. “That tension is thick. This should be interesting.”
