I walked up to her. Close enough to crowd. She backed away. I moved forward.
'I don't know what your problem with me is, but I suggest we deal with it.'
'I don't have any problem with anyone.'
'Oh? Is what I've seen so far your usual level of charm?'
The pretty blue eyes blinked. Though they were dry, she wiped them quickly.
'Listen,' I said, retreating a step, 'I don't want to get into anything personal with you. But you've been hostile to me from the beginning and I'd like to know why.'
She stared at me. Opened her mouth. Closed it.
'It's nothing,' she said. 'I'll be okay-no problem, I promise.
Okay?'
She held out her hand.
I reached for it.
She gave me fingertips. A quick shake and she turned and started to walk away.
I said, 'I'm going down to get some coffee. Care to join me?'
She stopped but didn't turn around.
'Can't. On duty.'
'Want me to bring a cup up for you?'
Now she turned quickly. 'What do you want?'
'Nothing,' I said. 'With your double-shifting, I figured you could use some coffee.'
'I'm fine.'
'I've heard you're terrific.'
'What does that mean?'
'Dr. Eves thinks a lot of you. As a nurse. So does Cindy.'
Her arms clamped across her chest, as if she were holding herself together. 'I do my job.'
'Do you see me getting in the way of that?'
Her shoulders climbed. She seemed to be phrasing an answer.
But all she said was, 'No. Everything will be okay. Okay?'
'Vicki-' 'I promise,' she said. 'Please? Can I go now?'
Sure,'' I said. Sorry if I came on too ~~~~~g~oo She clamped her lips together, pivoted, and returned to her station.
I went to the Five East elevators. One lift was stuck on the sixth floor. The other two arrived simultaneously. Chip Jones stepped out of the central door, a cup of coffee in each hand. He had on faded jeans, a white turtleneck, and a denim jacket that matched the pants.
'Dr. Delaware.'
'Professor.'
He laughed and said, 'Please,' and stepped out into the hall.
