Rees was connected in this city.
“I’m glad I ran into you,” he said, and I sort of doubted it was an accidental meeting. “I’ve been thinking about your progress.”
“I think things have been going well,” I said.
“I’m sure they are. That’s not exactly what I mean.” He paused for a long moment, still watching me with that unnerving gaze. “I’ve been thinking about your position, and I’m starting to wonder if maybe we made a mistake, forcing you on Dr. Hood.”
I went very still as the town car turned left and headed south. It was the right direction for my apartment, but I got the distinct feeling we weren’t headed there. I looked out the window for a moment, gathering myself for this conversation. I expected to hear from Rees at some point—but in a completely shallow way. I didn’t think he cared enough to know what was going on at the hospital, or mind if I was involved in it at all.
“I’ve been learning a lot,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Getting annoyed wasn’t going to help. “Dr. Hood is the best surgeon I’ve ever seen, and he’s been going out of his way to train me. I’m his only resident, so I get a lot of attention.”
“I’m sure.” Rees continued to watch me, betraying nothing about his inner state. I couldn’t tell if he was angry, or annoyed, or frustrated, or simply bored. “There are some rumors about Dr. Hood. He’s having some legal troubles, and there are important people that believe Dr. Hood is going to lose this case, and by extension, lose his license. That would be bad for you.”
I forced myself to breathe. “What do you mean, rumors? Who are these people”
“I hear things. I know people in this city—”
“Do you know the Tippett family?”
His eyes narrowed. “Why do you ask?”
“I’m curious if that’s where you’re getting your information.” I clenched my jaw, tilted my head, and shifted myself away from him, or at least as much as I could in the back of a car. I wasn’t going to be intimidated by him, at least no more than I already was.
“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
