“It really depends on Charlie. But, once we get through these next hours, we will still need to keep her in an induced coma until she reaches certain benchmarks and we’re comfortable with her progress. Then, slowly, we will attempt to bring her out.”
Remington had a strong chiseled jaw-line like the men in the movies. Sky pressed her lips into a firm line because she was feeling a little disgusted with herself for noticing how attractive he was at a time like this.
Remington ran a hand over the unshaven overgrowth on his face as he thought about her words. “I mentioned to you over the phone that I was calling in a specialist. Dr. Henson’s flight has been delayed. He won’t arrive tomorrow. Provided his flight is on-time, he won’t be able to offer a second opinion until in the morning.”
His words were like cold water being thrown over her. “Good to know.” Sky’s response was flat. She knew it was a smart decision to want a second opinion, but it still messed with her ego. There isn’t anyone better than me in this field. There were only a few doctors who had ever successfully completed a spinal cord by-pass. Even Dr. Thomas hadn’t ever done so successfully. However, Sky refrained from saying those words out loud. Instead, she forced a smiled. “A second opinion is always good. Do you have any other questions?”
He hadn’t really heard what she said until her tone changed. “I just want Charlie to wake up and be happy and healthy.”
“We’re doing all we can to make the first part of that happen, Mr. Kneeland.” She almost mentioned her suspicions regarding the bruises on Charlie but then thought better of it. Remington had enough on his plate, and Sky didn’t have any proof. She would table it for now, maybe indefinitely. “If you don’t have any other questions, I can take you up to see her.”
Chapter 8
It was late morning, and Sky hadn’t left the hospital since the day before. She had been there all night and had slept in her office. She was waiting for Dr. Thomas Henson to arrive, only he hadn’t made it into town. His flight schedule kept changing.
After performing back-to-back surgeries, Sky was ready to call it quits and go home for a few hours of rest. Before she could make her escape and dive headlong into her bed, she still needed to finish up her rounds.
Fighting exhaustion, Sky yawned as she arched her lower back and massaged her aching muscles. The moment she walked through the front door of her condo, she planned to fall into a deep sleep–one more patient and it’s on.
Damn. She saw him . . . Dr. Shane Shaw, the hospital’s Chief-of-Staff, although he hadn’t yet spotted her. His stride was purposeful. Sky cringed on the inside. He was never on patient floors willy-nilly. Hopefully, he was looking for someone else because if he was searching for her, she knew it was about her report. Pleeeeeeease ask me to consult on a patient and don’t ask me about Charlie Kneeland. She begged the goddesses.
It was too late to turn down a different hallway or get the hell out of dodge. Sky’s brain was buzzing, but no escape ideas came to mind. This would be an excellent time to have a superpower. If she had one, Sky would make herself disappear.
Seconds later, Dr. Shaw glanced up in her direction.
Please let him be looking at someone over my shoulder and not at me. Sky did her best to avoid eye contact. She was acting like a two-year-old, hoping that if she didn’t look at him, he wouldn’t be able to see her.
“Dr. Kirby?” His booming voice rang out. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Great. The goddesses weren’t answering prayers today. He didn’t look happy either. As a matter of fact, he looked downright angry. Sky took a deep breath and dragged herself over toward him. Inwardly, she groaned. Damn, damn, damn! However, on the outside, Sky appeared steely calm. She was sure her demeanor didn’t reveal what was really going through her mind. “Dr. Shaw.”
“I need a moment of your time.”
Sky displayed the practiced art of feigned interest. Just a little scrunch of the forehead added the perfect touch. “Of course.” They stood in the middle of the hall, next to the nurse’s station. Sky placed her hands in her pockets and rocked slightly back and forth on the heel and balls of her feet.
“Our PR department has been working overtime attempting to keep the Langston-Kneeland situation quiet. I haven’t signed off on your report because I’m not sure you were thinking clearly.”
At the mention of the Langston’s and Kneeland’s, Sky felt her eyes start to roll into the back of her head but caught herself. Her tone was calm–even. “My mind was very clear, and I stand by my assessment. Although I didn’t put it in the report, I also feel like we had an obligation to call Child Protective Services the night of the accident, yet did not. As far as the press, they are going to do what they do regardless.” She managed to keep the frustration out of her voice.
“It’s not our job to give them ammunition.”
She nodded. “No, it’s not. I certainly would never purposefully do that. However, I hope you are not asking me to make an unethical decision.”
“No, but I am challenging your assessment. I spoke with Dr. Bridges, and he seems to have a difference of opinion on the condition of Charlie Kneeland’s body when she came into the E.R.”
“Of course he would. He was responsible for making that call,
