Page 38 of 7 Days and 7 Nights

“What’s on your mind?”

“Well, actually, I’m a bit concerned about Matthew Ransom.”

“But, Michelle, don’t you think—”

“I think he needs one of my cards.”

Olivia sighed. “Because?”

“Because I understand that he was knocked senseless.”

“I think you mean unconscious. He was already senseless when he got here.” Diane came up with a burst of canned laughter and Olivia added the “ba-da-bing.” “He was only out for a minute or so. I’m sure he’s fine.”

“Sometimes people appear to be fine, but actually are not. There can be delayed reactions and long-term effects. I’d advise that he be examined thoroughly. X-rays would probably be a good idea, too.”

“And I suppose you’d be conducting that examination yourself?”

“Well, no. But we have people who do. I’m with Brant, Merriweather, and Hodgson. We’re personal injury attorneys.”

“Ookay...” Olivia dumped the call without a moment’s hesitation. “Thanks so much for your concern. I’ll be sure to pass it on.”

She managed to keep the “when hell freezes over” part under her breath and contented herself with typing a scathing message to Diane, who was supposed to be screening her calls. Then she picked up the next line.

“You’re on the air, Amanda. What can I do for you?”

“Sorry, but I just have to ask about Matt Ransom, too, Dr. O. When I pulled up the live stream on Tuesday, he appeared to be lying on the floor having a near-death experience.”

“That’s what happens when you put your face in front of someone’s foot.” Olivia had to stifle a smile at the memory.

“Is he all right? Does he seem strange?”

“No more than usual.” Olivia went through the motions of a mimed drum riff, but didn’t bother to go for the sound effects. God, she was tired of talking about Matt.

“Well, I’m a nurse, and I can tell you that any blow to the face or head is cause for concern.”

“I wouldn’t worry about Matt Ransom. He’s every bit as annoying as he was before—which makes me think we can rule out permanent brain damage.”

“Well, I’m on duty all day today at St. Joe’s if he needs anything.”

“Amanda,” Olivia feigned a disapproving tone, “are you offering aid to the enemy? You know there are stiff penalties for that.”

“Like eating gourmet meals and watching soap operas?”

“Well, I—”

“Or being kissed by Atlanta’s Bachelor of the Year? That must have been really rough.”

“Now hold on.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, Dr. O, you’re not doing time with Hannibal Lecter in there. Half the nurses on my shift would pay good money to take your place.”

“And I’d give a fortune to let them.” Olivia let the call go and eyed the list of women waiting to go on the air. Most of them seemed intent on discussing Matt Ransom in some way or another. Nobody seemed to have a problem she wanted to discuss. Except herself... and that would require discussing the very person she didn’t want to talk about.

Olivia allowed a few long moments of silence while she dumped all but the one call that listed something other than Matt as the topic. According to her computer screen, there was a woman named Rebecca waiting to discuss... horse racing?

Olivia peered at the monitor, trying to understand what the words Diane had typed in could possibly have to do with anything, but “jockey,” “short,” and “bet” didn’t exactly clarify the caller’s problem.

She had a horrible suspicion that Matt Ransom was starting to rub off on her. She’d been entirely too flip, and too quick to dump deserving people who wanted her opinion—even if it was about her current roommate and this ridiculous promotion.

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