Page 27 of Tainted Blood

The next morning after a peaceful day with my family, I tuck my legs under my butt and then open my laptop. Once I connect to the internet, I check my email and find one from my school. Reading it, I see an official letter attached that states I’ve been expelled based on unbecoming conduct while at the hospital that reflected poorly on the school.

I can’t fight the tears. They’re silent as they fall because I don’t want my father to hear. I don’t know how long I sit there, feeling numb and broken. I did nothing wrong, and Dr. Fisher used his bias to get me tossed on my ass. I couldn’t believe how ridiculous he could be. As much as I want to blame Ian, I can’t. Patients talk out of their asses sometimes when they are on heavy painkillers. Besides, my ties are closer to the mafia than Ian and what would happen once Dr. Fisher or the hospital saw one of my father’s guards lurking or my father popping up for a visit?

My mother knocks on my bedroom door and says, “Breakfast is ready.”

“I’m not hungry right now.” I’m not ready to face anyone, so Iclose my laptop, set it aside, and then tuck myself under the covers. “Sorry, but I’m still tired.”

She opens the door and peeks inside. “Jet lag?” I nod, and she smiles. “Get some rest, and we’ll save the shopping for tomorrow.”

“I’d like that.”

“Can’t wait,” she squeals before closing my bedroom door.

I dodged that one just barely, but I’m not sure how long I can hold off on the news that I’ve been kicked out of medical school. Once my father finds out, I’m sure all hell is going to break loose. He’s not going to stand for it. Hell, I’m not sure I’m going to take it lying down. I just need a moment to grieve a bit. Goodness, I wonder how Ian’s doing?

I sent a text to Claudia, wondering if Ian’s recovering well. She shoots a message back with a smiley face emoji and I feel better. Then she sends another.Call any time you’d like.

I reply,Will do when I get over this jet lag and my mother’s shopping sprees.

Don’t let her wear you out. You promised me we’d go shopping too.

I sent her an eyeroll emoji and then tucked my phone away to visit with my siblings.

Chapter Twelve

Ian

It’s been two weeks since I’ve been home, and I haven’t seen Calista or even spoken to her. It doesn’t help that I suffered a major setback, getting an infection that nearly sent me to another hospital. The doctor was able to get it under control; however, I needed to be on stronger meds that made me sleepy.

Every time I close my eyes, I dream of her standing over me as I wake. It sucks that she’s not by my side. Claudia claims she hasn’t been able to contact her, but I don’t think she has tried. I just got my new phone with added encryption as well as high-tech security.

It’s already midday and I’m tired of just waiting for life to happen, so I walk down the stairs gingerly, holding onto the railing with one arm.

“Mr. MacNamara, are you sure you should be walking around?”

“I’m sorry, but who are you?” I question, staring at her suspiciously.

“I’m the new housekeeper and cook, Sarah Camp.” The older woman is dressed appropriately for the job, a stark contrast to her predecessor who craved attention. I wonder what happened to the woman who was fawning over my brother even though he didn’t give her an ounce of attention.

I nod, and I don’t tell her to mind her business because I’m sure that they told her to watch out for me. Still, there are matters to deal with, and I’m good as long as I take breaks, “So you’re not my boss, then. Where’s my brother or his wife?”

She sighs and shakes her head. “They’re in the living room.”

I walk past her, trying to keep my balance, but the pain is intense. “Here you go,” she says, handing me a cane.

“Thank you.” She is prepared for my bullshit, and I appreciate it.

“Just don’t be too stubborn to ask for help,” she adds.

“Yes, ma’am.” I lightly dip my chin and then walk away to find my brother, who has been too busy to talk to me. Jack and Nora have been over one at a time. They haven’t come over with John because they’re afraid he’ll accidentally hit me. My injuries, although severe, didn’t hit any major organs. Still, they’re all afraid of me pushing it too much and tearing more muscle.

I turn the corner and enter the living room. “So are you having a party in here?” I ask and stop in my tracks when I see Governor Saunders sitting across from Connor and Claudia. They all look up and toward me.

“Ian,” the governor says. The look on his face is one of shock and a sense of pity. He swallows hard.

“We were just about to see if you were willing to come down,” Connor says. I raise my brow, thinking he’s full of shit.

Reading me like a book, Claudia says, “It’s true. Claudia told me about the possibility.” He shakes his head, and now I can’t unsee the resemblance. “I see a younger version of myself mixed with my darling Evelyn.”

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