Page 111 of Death Wish

“But Dr. Sorenson….”

“No arguments. Your body needs time to heal.”

“I’m a computer tech at Fortress. I don’t have a stressful job.”

“With those injuries, I would sideline an operative for a month. I considered your job.”

“I’ve only worked for Mr. Maddox for a month. I don’t have any time built up for vacation or sick days.”

“Leave that to me. I’ll deal with Brent. Focus on your recovery.” He patted her shoulder, then went to the door and opened it. “Your turn, Phelps. Get in here.”

“Yes, sir.” Jesse entered the room and walked to Simone’s bedside. “How is she, Doc?”

“She’ll be fine. You did a good job with her injuries.”

“Thanks. Treatment plan?”

“I prescribed stronger antibiotics and two weeks away from work.”

“I’ll see to it.”

“What about you? You said you were injured.”

“Pistol whipped.”

“Where?”

Jesse pointed to the area where Boudreax had struck him.

The doctor examined the back of Jesse’s head, poking and prodding. “Any light sensitivity, blurring vision?”

“Yeah.”

“How severe are the symptoms?”

“Enough to be annoying but not debilitating.”

“We’ll do a scan of your head to be sure but you probably have a mild concussion. Although you have a cut, the bleeding has stopped and you don’t need stitches. I’ll clean the cut for you, then we’ll set up you and Simone in the recovery room. You will stay overnight so I can monitor you both.”

Jesse grimaced. “Yes, sir.”

“Scan first, then I’ll tend to your cut.” Sorenson opened the door. “Reggie, take Phelps for a scan of his head.”

“Yes, sir.” The linebacker-size man motioned for Jesse to follow him.

After the two left, Sorenson turned back to Simone. “Well, young lady, the recovery room is across the hall. Do you think you can walk on your own? If not, I’ll have one of my assistants carry you.”

“I can walk.” She didn’t want anyone other than Jesse to carry her. Weird, but it’s how she felt.

“Let me help you sit up, and we’ll walk across the hall.”

Five minutes later, Simone lay on the recovery room bed with a blanket draped over her body. She glanced around the room as Sorenson’s assistant set up a new IV bag for Simone. Even though this was a recovery room, the furniture and decor were surprisingly pleasing and comfortable.

When the man finished, Simone thanked him.

“No problem. Need anything before I head back to our four-footed patients?”

“I’m fine. Do you think I could see the dogs and cats later?”

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