Page 119 of The Enforcer

“Is there any other reason?” Every time his eyes twinkled, I had tremors.

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

“Well, when you figure that out, let me know.”

“Why choose to do the right thing?” I asked.

Christos continued rubbing Magnum’s head, glancing out the bank of doors for a few seconds. “Because for the first time in my life I have a reason to spend more time enjoying life than creating enemies.” He slowly turned his head, his stare so poignant and deep I was taken aback.

“Because?”

He chuckled for a few seconds. “Because of you.”

“Is that something you’ll regret in the future?”

Now his expression turned playful. “Probably.”

I tossed a pillow at him just as my phone rang. Perhaps my father wanted to give me a piece of his mind. When I noticed the number, I froze.

“What is it?” he asked, his voice deeper than before.

“It’s the hospital. I sent an email that I was taking a few days.” I hadn’t known what to do at that point. What should I tell them, that I was taking an undisclosed leave of absence?

He said nothing further as I debated answering it, but putting off whoever was on the other end of the line wasn’t going to make things any easier. “Dr. Laurant.”

“Doctor. I was hoping to reach you. I know it’s early, but this couldn’t wait.”

The hospital administrator. I was instantly on edge. “It’s afternoon here, Director Wallace. What can I do for you?”

“Your email was received.”

“Good. I will let you know when I’m returning.”

I sensed Christos’ tension.

“There’s been some information brought to my attention. I’m afraid you’ve compromised your position with us at the hospital. While it’s unfortunate, I feel I have no choice but to let you go.”

The words rang in my ears and I got to my feet, trying to listen to what he was saying while my entire world seemed to be crumbling around me.

“Someone lied to you, Director Wallace,” I said, although I knew it wouldn’t matter.

“Maybe so. When you return, we’ll have another discussion.”

“Sure. Whatever.” I didn’t bother remaining the nice girl I’d been my entire life. I hung up on the man.

“What happened?” Christos asked as he was suddenly right behind me.

“They fired me. Do you believe that? I have no job.”

He placed his hands on my shoulders. “I’m sorry.”

“Are you? Are you really?” I turned around to face him. Yes, I was angry, furious. And I was already lashing out at the oneperson that had shown me joy. “Or did you orchestrate this so I wouldn’t have much to return home to?”

“Maybe you should answer that question, Valencia. Do you really think I would stoop so low as to destroy your career for my personal needs?”

“You’re certainly capable of doing so.” The words were biting and I hated having said them.

Christos was doing nothing more than staring at me, but I sensed he was hurting. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Valencia. However, that changes nothing. You’re safest here with me.”

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