by Wilder, L
“I don’t know yet. I’m going to start with the first three names on her list. There has to be some connection that Ana missed,” Bobby says as he starts typing on his computer. “Can you come back in a couple of hours?”
“I’m not going anywhere, Crack Nut. Just tell me what I can do to help,” I tell him. I plan on being here every step of the way until we find a way to help Ana.
“We need to get a folder started for each person on the list, with their names, addresses, medical history, and financial status,” he says, pointing over to his other desk.
“I can do that,” I say as I get up to collect the folders he was motioning to. I grab several colors, one for each name on the list.
“Once I get into the hospital’s network, we can print off each of their records. Their address and phone numbers should be on the forms.”
“Maybe Doc can help us with some of the medical stuff,” I suggest.
“Good idea. We’ll need that once I get everything together.” With just a few taps on the keyboard, he has the Grandview Hospital Database pulled up on his computer screen, and he is scanning through all of the pages on the site. I smile to myself as I watch Bobby’s knee bouncing like a jack rabbit under his desk. The man is excited. I may have no idea how he does it, but he loves this shit.
“What’s the first name on the list?” Bobby asks as he continues to work feverishly, searching through endless pages of information.
I grab the journal and look for the first name. “It’s Evelyn McDermott.”
The sounds of typing fill the room as he clicks through the site finding everything we might need. “Got it. Go grab those pages off the printer,” he tells me.
I walk over to the desk, and I’m surprised by the amount of paper spouting out into the tray. “What is all this stuff?” I ask.
“Don’t know yet. Just put it in the folder,” he orders.
Once I’ve placed the enormous stack of paper into the folder, he asks for the second and third name. Each person ends up with large pile of papers added to their folder. I flip through the pages, and it all looks like a foreign language to me.
“We need to see if there are any irregularities in their medical treatment. See if you can get Ana and Doc in here to start sorting through all that paperwork,” Bobby tells me.
I nod and head out to find them.
When I walk into the kitchen, Ana is standing there with John Warren sitting on her hip. He has a strand of her blonde hair in one hand and a cookie in the other. She’s whispering something to him, but I can’t make out what she’s saying. Her facial expressions are just too damn cute. I want to stand here and watch her, but Bobby is waiting.
“Ana?” I call out to her. She turns to face me, and her face lights up with a bright smile when she sees me standing there.
“Hey, babe,” she answers as she brushes the cookie crumbs off John Warren’s shirt. “We’re just having a snack. Lily asked me to watch him while she did inventory.”
“You look good holding him like that,” I tell her.
Her cheeks turn a light shade of pink as she looks down at John Warren. “I like hanging out with him. He’s such a sweet baby.”
“I want kids, Angel. Lots of them… soon.”
“Umm… okay… I want that, too. Is that what you came in here to tell me?” she asks in surprise.
“Bobby’s got some stuff for you to look over,” I explain.
A serious look crosses her face before she says, “I’ll be right there. Let me take JW back to Lily first.” She takes his sippy cup off of the counter and starts walking towards me. “He’s so cute. I could spend hours playing with him.”
“Let’s get this shit sorted, Angel. Then you can spend all the time you want with him, and we can talk about starting a family of our own,” I tell her, owning her with my eyes as I lean down and kiss her on her forehead.
“I’d like that,” she says, leaning into me and smiling. “Give me five minutes, and I’ll meet you in Bobby’s room.”
“I’m going to get Doc. Maybe he can help.”
“Good idea,” she says before she walks out.
We all meet back in Bobby’s room, and Ana and Doc start going through the first folder. Ana spreads out the papers all over Bobby’s bed as she frantically reads each and every page, searching for anything that might help us end this.
“So this Evelyn McDermott… was she the first patient you were concerned about?” Doc asks Ana.
“Yes. When we were doing rounds, I noticed that they were running several unnecessary tests on her. I asked Jason about it, but he just blew me off. I even asked the Chief of Staff. He told me to tend to my own patients and leave it alone.”
“What kind of tests?” Bobby asks.
“Some of them were just routine checks for her scheduled hysterectomy… urinalysis, an ultrasound, basic blood work. But the tissue sample… that’s what caught my attention. There was just no need for tissue type for a basic hysterectomy. She had no signs of cancer, or any other irregularities, so I didn’t see the need for it.”
“Tissue type?” I ask. She’s talking over my head with all this medical stuff, but I hate to slow her down by asking a bunch of trivial questions.
“It’s used to match the number of antigens that an organ donor has with the recipient share.”
“English, babe. No idea what you’re talking about.”
“The antigens recognize the differences between two people’s body tissues. They are like markers… they help tell which donor is the best match. For a successful transplant, you need six out of six matches,” she explains.
“I think she's on to something here," Doc says. “These guys are definitely up to something… something big.”
Ana and Doc make a list of all the testing done on the patients that she had in her journal. Doc pushes up his reading glasses as he sorts through his stack of papers and asks Ana, “Did you see this?” He hands her a piece of paper and says, “Looks like Evelyn’s family requested an autopsy. It’s dated around the time you were suspended.”
“Damn…” Ana whispers as she looks at the sheet of paper. “Do you see the actual autopsy?”
“No… I don’t see it,” Doc tells her as he flips through his stack of papers. “Bobby, can you check the pathology department? See if they have any record of it there.”
“On it,” Bobby says as he turns back to his computer.
Chapter 16
Ana
It’s official… I have a migraine, the migraine to end all migraines. I could feel it creeping up on me when we were going through all that paperwork, but I didn’t think it would get this bad. I finally had to leave it for a little while and come lay down in Dillon’s bed. I should feel relieved; for the first time, someone is really listening to me, but I don’t. Instead, it’s like all of my worries and doubts are being confirmed… one by one. I just don’t know where it’s all going to end.
I need to talk to my dad… just hear his voice for a minute, so I roll over and grab my phone.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hey there, sweetheart. I’ve been wondering when I was going to hear from you. How are things going?” he asks.
“They’re good… really good,” I say, trying to mask the fact that I am freaking out.
“That doesn’t sound very convincing, Ana. What’s going on?” he asks.
“It’s nothing. We’re just going through some of the stuff from the hospital. I got a little overwhelmed and had to get away from it all for a minute,” I tell him.
“It will all work out, honey. You just have to be patient. Don’t get too worked up and get one of those damn headaches of yours.” I smile, thinking how he knows me too well.
“Okay, Daddy. I’ll do my best,” I tell him. “How’s Steven today?”
“He’s actually coming around. He’ll be in the hospital for a few more days, but I think he’ll be okay.”
“Did you tell him why I’m not there?” I ask. I roll over on
my side and try to use my arm to shield my eyes. The light coming through the blinds is excruciating, making my headache worse.
“He understands, Ana. He just wants you to be safe,” he tells me. “That’s what we both want. Hopefully, Dillon knows what he’s up against. Tell him to call me if he needs anything.”
“I will, and keep me posted on Steven. Tell him I asked about him.”
“I will. You do the same.”
“Okay… I love you, Daddy.” I miss him… more than I’d realized.
“I love you too, sweetheart. Talk to you soon,” he says just before he hangs up the phone. Tears instantly fill my eyes. I hate feeling sorry for myself, but these headaches bring it out in me. I close my eyes and try to block out all the crazy thoughts racing through my head. After a few minutes, I finally manage to fall asleep.
Some noise down the hall startles me, waking me up from my deep sleep. I slowly open my eyes, and I am relieved that my headache has finally gone away. I smile when I realize Dillon’s warm body is pressed against my side, the heat of his breath on my neck. The slow and steady rhythm of his breathing almost draws me back to sleep, but having him so close is too much of a distraction. I can’t resist him. I need to see him, to touch him. I run my fingers along the lines of his fingers, memorizing every ridge and callous. I find myself becoming aroused with this simple touch, bringing a mischievous thought to my mind.
I ease his hand off my hip and lower it down at his side. When I start to move, he lets out a deep breath and rolls over on his back. I freeze, hoping he won’t open his eyes. The tension alone excites me. After a few seconds, I ease up on my side, being careful not to move the bed too much. I inch my way down the contour of his body until I’m at the perfect spot and begin undoing the buttons of his fly… five copper buttons, each one more alluring than the last. I take a deep breath as I see more and more of his bulge. I begin to slowly slide his jeans down his hips, inch by inch as I watch for any signs that he may be waking up. I smile with excitement and satisfaction when I finally have them down below his waist.
“That’ll do,” I whisper to myself. I take a minute to just look at him, lying there on display. He’s perfect. All of him. My body feels like it’s virtually on fire as I think of having him in my mouth. It has me both curious and scared out of my mind, but it seems natural… I want to do this. I want to please and pleasure him, but the thought of hurting him or doing something wrong almost stops me. I release my fears, and my mouth begins to water as I let my fingers trail along the smooth skin, exploring every inch of him. His breathing begins to change slightly when I take him in my hand, gently moving up and down his shaft. I look up at his handsome face, checking to see if he is waking up. When I see that he’s still sleeping, I lower my mouth down to his cock and gently press my tongue against his flesh. My heart begins to race as I twirl it around the head. The round metal ball of his piercing rakes across the roof of my mouth, reminding me what it feels like to have him inside me. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before… it’s intoxicating. When I take him in my mouth, the faint taste of salt trickles across my taste buds, but there’s something more… an underlying flavor that’s all him, making me crave more. I continue to move my hand along his shaft as I take him farther into my mouth, sucking as I take him deeper into my throat. His cock is steadily growing more erect, thrilling me as I try to keep my rhythm steady.
“Ana?” Dillon mumbles, but I don’t stop. I look up at him as I brush my tongue along the head of his dick and down to the base. His eyes are filled with lust as he watches me, burning me with desire. I love how his body responds to my touch. His fingers dive into my hair, guiding me as I find the rhythm that he wants. I am lost in the moment, when his body tenses.
“Teeth, babe,” he warns.
I stop moving, hating the thought that I might have hurt him. I pull back, frozen with doubt.
“Don’t you dare fucking stop, Angel.” I pause for another brief second, but ultimately decide to keep going. I cautiously lower my mouth back down over him as I tighten my grasp at the base of his cock. I ease my way back and forth, trying to be careful as I follow his guided pace. He lets out a deep moan, encouraging me… fueling me to keep going. His hips rise up from the bed, driving him farther into my mouth. A deep growl vibrates through his chest as I flick my tongue against his piercing. I feel a sense of pride knowing that I am learning what he likes. I want to please him, to make him remember the feel of my mouth against his skin. I’m beginning to realize why so many women enjoy doing this. There is such a sense of power knowing that I can affect him this way with just my touch.
His breathing begins to quicken, his chest rising and falling with increased intensity. I slowly begin to twist my wrist as I move my hand up and down his shaft, taking him deep into my throat. His cock throbs against my tongue, growing harder every second.
“Angel… I’m going to cum,” he warns. I moan with pleasure, feeling a sense of gratification that I’ve brought him to the edge of his release. His balls grow hard and tight, while his cock throbs against my fingers. I continue moving up and down his shaft as I pull him farther into my mouth, twirling my tongue along his hard cock. His breathing stops and the muscles in his body become rigid. I feel him begin to swell and get even harder in my mouth. His moans echo through the room as I increase my pace. His hips thrust forward, letting me know he’s about to cum. His cock begins convulsing against my tongue as he erupts in my mouth, shooting hot spurts down my throat. A sense of satisfaction takes over as I swallow what he has given me, loving the taste of him against my tongue… bitter, yet sweet.
“Fuck,” he grunts as I continue to lick him clean.
“Don’t know what brought that on, but that was fucking fantastic,” he says with a low husky voice. A sexy smile crosses his face, as he reaches out for me and pulls me back into his arms, his cock still resting outside of his pants.
I let out a deep sigh as I look down at his waist. He shakes his head and says, “You’re going to have to give me a minute.”
I run my fingers over the lines of one of his tattoos and ask, “Was it okay? I mean… really?” I was feeling pretty confident earlier, but now I’m feeling a little insecure.
“Absolutely. Love having your mouth on my dick.” His hand reaches for my face, lifting my chin so I’m looking into his eyes. “I hope you liked it, because you’re going to be doing that again. Often. Like on a daily basis.”
I can’t help but laugh. He always knows how to make me feel so at ease, “I love you, Dillon.”
His blue eyes pierce through me as it sinks in. I hadn’t realized that this was the first time I’d actually said the words. “Say it again.”
“I love you.”
“All of it, Angel.”
“I love you, Dillon,” I say as I lower my head onto his chest, my fingers still trailing his ink.
“You’re mine, Angel. Now and forever,” he whispers as he kisses me on my temple. We lay there for several minutes, just enjoying the feel of our bodies lying close to one another. I love how he makes me feel so safe, like the world around me isn’t really spinning out of control.
We are pulled from our thoughts when there is a loud knock on Dillon’s door.
“Got something you both need to see,” Bobby shouts through the door. “Meet me at the bar. I need a beer… maybe two.”
“Be there in a minute,” Dillon tells him as he tugs his pants up over his hips. “Let’s go see what he’s found out,” he says as he gets up out of the bed. He puts his hand out to me and helps me up. “We’re going to fix this thing, Angel. You’re going to have everything you’ve ever wanted. I promise you that.”
It means so much to me that Dillon is trying to help me like this. Being a doctor has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, but it just doesn’t seem like the most important thing anymore. Just having my life back will be enough. A chance to have a future with the man that I love… that’s all I really need.
&nbs
p; Chapter 17
Sheppard
When Ana and I walk in, Bobby and Doc are sitting at the bar. Bobby is drinking a beer as he studies the piece of paper he’s holding. He’s mumbling something to Doc, but stops when he sees us walk up. I grab a couple of beers from the cooler and sit down beside them.
“We got the autopsy report,” Bobby says as he hands her the sheet of paper. “Something’s not right.”
Doc walks over to the end of the counter where Ana is sitting as he says, “She had a pretty severe case of endometriosis, which is why they decided to do a hysterectomy. But her records show that she had a complete workup done, and all her labs came back normal.” He takes a long pull off of his beer and continues, “She was physically fit, and showed no signs of cancer.”
“I know all of that, Doc,” Ana sighs with a look of frustration. I hand her a beer, and she takes a quick drink before saying, “Is there anything else?”
“The autopsy results show that she had a kidney removed. The medical report said it was cancerous, and that they had no option other than to take it out,” Bobby explains.
Ana eyes widen as she looks over the report. Her head shakes back and forth as she tries to make sense of it all. “This can’t be right.”
“That’s what they’re saying,” Bobby tells her as he hands her Evelyn’s folder.
She immediately takes out one of the pages and looks it over before she turns to Doc. “Look. I just can’t believe this. It says it right here! The lab tests came back completely normal,” she says as she jabs the piece of paper in her hand. “They even did a twenty-four hour urine collection, and it showed no signs of any irregularities.”
“We know, Ana,” Doc tells her calmly. “That’s what we’re trying to tell you. The facts just don’t add up. There has to be another reason they removed her kidney.”
It is like a light turns on in her head and everything becomes clear. Her eyes widen, and a look of panic crosses her face. “Shit… Shit… Shit!!! The tissue sampling! Oh my God… they just took it!! They stole her kidney!” Ana screeches.
