Page 45 of Victorious Vice

“One sec.” Typing and shuffling paper for a second. “Actually, he’s in his office right now. May I tell him who’s calling?”

“Raven Bellamy.”

“Of course. I’ll transfer your call.”

“Thanks.”

A few seconds pass.

“Dr. Michaels speaking.”

“Yes, thank you for taking my call, doctor. My name is Raven?—”

“Raven Bellamy, yes. Sherri told me. You’re the daughter of Austin Bellamy.”

“Yes, I am. Perhaps you have heard that I am organizing a nonprofit for the treatment and research of blood cancers. We have a gala coming up in a couple of weeks.”

“Let me stop you right there. How much would you like?”

“I’m not asking for a donation, though of course if you’re interested in making one, we won’t turn you down.” I let out a nervous laugh. “But actually, I wanted to know if you’d be interested in sitting on our board. Your expertise would be invaluable to our cause.”

“I’m flattered, Ms. Bellamy.” He pauses. “When did you say your gala will be?”

“In a few weeks. You would be invited, as well as Mrs. Michaels.”

“There isn’t a Mrs. Michaels.”

I slap my palm to my forehead. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed.”

“Not a problem. I’m divorced.” He chuckles. “Perhaps I’ll see if I can scare up a date.”

“You would both be welcome. We won’t be starting board meetings until after the gala, so you wouldn’t have to do anything until then but show up.”

“Sounds good.”

“So you’ll join the board?”

“I would be delighted to.”

“Wonderful. I’m actually resting up a bit before the gala, so my sister and my attorney will be the main contacts. But this number is my personal number, so please feel free to call me if you have any questions.”

“Glad to, Ms. Bellamy. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”

“Yes, you will.”

“Ciao.”

The call ends.

Ciao?That wasn’t how I would expect a doctor to end a call. Dr. Michaels seems like an interesting fellow. But I did my research on him before calling. He graduated top of his class at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, did several stints of service with Doctors Without Borders, and has glowing reviews from his patients online.

I don’t have much time to think about it, because my phone then starts ringing. A number I don’t recognize.

Probably a telemarketer, but the area code is local. It could be someone calling about the gala. I bring the phone to my ear.

“Hello?”

“Yes, hello. Is this Raven Bellamy?”

---