Page 110 of Death Wish

He chuckled. “Not only is Doc Sorenson a trauma surgeon, he’s a practicing veterinarian. Better watch it. If you ask too many questions about the animals in the clinic, he might saddle you with a pet. He also treats animals from the local animal shelter and is always on the lookout for a potential pet owner.”

“I wouldn’t mind a pet.”

“Don’t say that unless you mean it.” He set her on the exam table and helped her recline, then slid a pillow under her head.

“Would you like a pet?”

“Although I’d love to have a dog, my schedule is too erratic for a pet. I’d have to leave him with a boarding place or a friend every time I deployed.”

“Maybe we can adopt a pet after we’re settled.” Simone could hardly wait. She loved dogs and had longed to have one of her own since she left San Francisco. Like Jesse, she never stayed in place long enough to have a pet. It would have been unfair to the dog to be constantly on the move. Now, perhaps, things would change and she could have the life she’d always dreamed about.

Soon, a man with a scowl on his face and dressed in a white coat walked into the room. “Back again, Phelps?”

“Not just me, Doc. My injuries are minor. You need to check my girlfriend. This is Simone Kent. A perp shot Simone twice on this mission.”

“Should have protected her better.”

His face flushed. “Yes, sir. I should have. I promise you, she won’t be injured like this again.”

Sorenson shifted his attention to Simone. “Let’s have a look at you, my dear. Phelps, out.”

“Yes, sir.” He brushed his mouth over Simone’s. “I’ll be outside the door if you need me.” He straightened and stared at the doctor.

Sorenson rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. I’ve got her. Go.”

After a squeeze of her hand, Jesse left the room, closing the door behind him.

“Where were you shot, Ms. Kent?”

“Simone, please. Right shoulder and right side.”

“The shooter tried to kill you twice?”

“And missed.”

He grunted.

The examination took a while but finally Sorensen stepped back and folded his arms. “Phelps left little for me to do. I’ll give you a stronger antibiotic. The meds the medics carry are mild and generic. With two gunshot wounds, I’d rather be on the safe side. When you finish the prescription I give you, see your regular physician. It’s important, Simone.”

“I just moved to Tennessee to work at Fortress. I don’t have a doctor.”

“Doctors are on staff at the headquarters. Just go down to the infirmary. They’ll make sure everything has healed. If you notice any swelling, heat, red streaks or oozing from the wounds, see the doctor immediately.”

“Yes, sir. Will you check Jesse now?”

“In a moment. First, I want you to be absolutely honest with me. Will you do that?”

“Of course. Ask me anything.”

“Were you sexually assaulted on this mission?”

“No, sir.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I was never unconscious except when I fell from a waterfall into a deep pool of water. Jesse is the one who pulled me out and saved my life.”

He gave a curt nod. “Good. Second, you’re on leave for the next two weeks.”

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