Page 14 of Chase

[email protected]

Dear Miss Coleman,

I am delighted to inform you that you have been awarded an offer of employment to undertake your Adult Nursing (BSc) at Varley Medical, London. Your course, which predominantly includes on-the-job training, will require study at home and in a university setting from September 2023. Until then, you will gain valuable experience within my ward as a nursing assistant.

Being a private hospital, we can support a flexible work pattern.

If you wish to accept this offer of employment or require further details, please reply to the email address above, so we can confirm your start date for January.

Kind Regards

Dr. Josephine Rivera

Varley Medical

London

“You didn’t tell me you’d applied for a trainee nursing position,” Mia stammers. “Since when did you want to wipe old people’s asses?”

“There’s a lot more to nursing than that, but that is most likely where I would begin.” I stare at the piece of paper that could change my life, and it all seems too good to be true. “I didn’t apply for anything recently. The last time I applied was months ago, and I can’t remember completing anything for Varley Medical. I know I didn’t.”

“You must have,” she cries. “Maybe after a few cocktails and you’ve forgotten?”

“Maybe, or…” My thoughts move to the only person I’ve discussed my desire to be a nurse with. The person in recent weeks who’s listened as I spoke. Would Connor be influential enough to negotiate an offer of employment and training in an industry I have no qualifications to work in? It seems the only plausible reason.

“Or what?” Mia prompts.

“Nothing. It must be a scam. Even if it isn’t, there’s no way I can afford the tuition. I’ll call them tomorrow and let them know. Someone is probably trying to rip-off students for fees.”

Mia unplugs my phone from its resting place beside my bed and passes it to me. “Call now. It might not be a con. That letter looks legit. There is a watermark.” She hands me a glass of champagne, takes her own, then leaves my bedroom, calling over her shoulder, “Once you’ve spoken to them, let me know whether the occasion is a happy one.”

I watch her leave, then dial the number at the top of the letter. I’m one hundred percent certain it’s a scam.

***

Russell

Sitting at my desk in my office, I lean back in my chair with my phone at my ear. The woman on the other end purrs and chirps like she has a thousand times before. Dr. Josephine Rivera and I have a history. Our sexual relationship is now over, but I’ve helped her out enough to know I can call in a favor.

“Thanks again for sorting that out, Josie. Samantha will be delighted with the traineeship offer. I’ll have the full amount transferred as agreed today.”

“Who is this girl, Russ? She must be special if you’re actively helping her pursue a career.”

“Just a woman needing a break in life,” I reply. “And I’m fortunate enough to be able to help.”

Chapter seven

The Level Boardroom

2nd Jan 2023

Russell

“Happy New Year!” Hunter announces as he steps out of the elevator and into the boardroom.

“What is there to be fucking happy about?” Damon snaps. It’s ten thirty in the morning and he’s nursing his second whiskey of the day.

“Oh, I don’t know, the blue skies, the birds singing.” Hunter gestures to the windows which look out onto the gray London rooftops. “It’s the start of a new three hundred sixty-five-day book. What do you plan to write?”

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