Page 45 of Ellie 3

Next, I went over the list of reasons other governments wanted ASH to become a UN hospital. All to benefit their pockets since all of the money we made would be reverted to them. Our government made a lot of money off of us in taxes and the others wanted that money. UN hospitals were basically neutral zones or embassies.

And they wanted what was most of Atlanta to become that? Just because they said so?

No, over my dead body, and even then it wouldn’t happen because the founder had it in several clauses and charters. If the move was ever truly tried, ASH would be no more. Governments were not to controlmedicinelike that or there was no point in keeping the doors open.

Again, the anchor and people in the studio were horrified, but I thought it was best to lay it all out.

While they were still in shock, I brought up the next file that showed our costs for the sinkhole crisis. There was also a list of departments that hadn’t gotten updated numbers or we ran out of time to get all the invoices that vendors would bill us for the extras later.

“That is thecostof the South American government’s neglect to allow a town to be built where it was. For not having their owntrauma center able to help. First responders not ready to give aid or a cohesive plan like our FEMA. And their administration has theaudacityto try and force a UN hospital label on a private hospital in another country?

“That’s their answer? They want to distract attention and try and get the win that they have full access to ASH instead of fixing their problems? Or apologizing for this huge misstep the government made? It’s ludicrous.” I snorted. “I have people warning me to tread carefully or let some of this go. That I have no leverage or way to fight a government.

“That’s ridiculous. There is always a way—starting with canceling all hospital services and appointments with citizens of their country. Also, cutting off the blood supply. No longer selling it to them. Those of us at the top of ASH have beenkillingourselves to increase the blood supply we sell.

“Mostly so we can give discounts to our military, law enforcement, and first responders. We couldeasilyif we cut off South America.” I shrugged when the anchor dropped his pen. “ASH is not government-run. We are for profit. We pay anexorbitantamount of taxes. I am not allowing crazy from their politics to try and take over my hospital.”

“Yes, but—” he tried to interject.

I looked at the producer. “Roll the footage I gave you. Show how we’refloodedwith uninjured South American citizens and their government isn’t doing anything. They said we agreed to help so handle it. How? ASH isn’t aresort. We’re a massive hospital and these people aren’t injured. I’ve been told it’s mydutyto handle this.

“Unless the gods come here and tell me that themselves, no one else gets to tell me and my people what our duty is. We made an oath of do no harm. That is amedicaloath while taking care of a patient, not a promise in blood to give everything of mine toothers.” I saw the video was playing and gestured to the screen. “They need showers.

“Beds we don’t have. Basic necessities. It’s been days and they have no idea about their homes. The few people from the South American government have only shown up to yell at me that we’re a UN hospital like that senator who physically assaulted me. Others yelling that we’re not doing enough.” I snorted again. “Enough? No, we’ve had enough of this situation.”

“What about all of these people?” the anchor whispered as he watched the footage.

I shrugged. “They’re getting upset.Validly, but we didn’t do this. This is not the fault of my people and it will become a mob fast. I wonder if that’s not what their government wants. They promised there would be ‘punishments’ for me if I didn’t agree to what they want. Are they inciting these poor people to become a mob? In another country?”

There was so much more to unravel and I had no problem doing it. Showing the numbers and listing the doctors and more who came from all over our country to help and yet not one offer from those in South America. It was beyond ridiculous.

We had help from Asia and Europe but not from the country of the crisis.

Enough was enough and I said as much.

They thanked me when it was all over, switching to a different segment. Someone had just come to take my mic off when my phone rang… From a South American number.

I waved for the producer and her assistants to follow me and moved into the hallway. Then I answered the call on speaker and let them hear the disgusting onslaught of insults and threats I received from someone in the South American’s cabinet. I recorded it and let them get it all out, not saying anything which they eventually noticed and demanded I answer for myself.

So I did. I hung up.

“You’re welcome,” I chuckled when the producer realized what I’d been up to. “Go ahead and report it. I’m done. The fact they just called a powerful citizen of another country like that…” I shook my head. Disgusting.

Which was why I also sent it to Alan and the president. They needed to be read in, andmypresident needed to handle it whether he wanted the drama or not.

I hadn’t been the one to start it. I was only protecting myself and my people.

“Fuck today,” I grumbled after coming through the portal. The last thing I wanted to do was drive home and then I frowned, not even sure whose vehicle was at ASH. Mine? No, I rode with Ha-joon that morning.

But I thought he drove my SUV?

“I need a fucking vacation,” I sighed, rubbing my eyes and trying to remember this morning.

“You do, but I can’t give you that right now, so tell me how to help,” a deep voice said with a sexy accent.

I glanced over my shoulder and smiled at Ha-joon. “You drove my SUV today? I can’t even remember and was trying to think about getting home.”

“Yes, and I promised to wait for you,” he reminded me, giving me a worried look. “We need more rest.”

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