Page 11 of Inglorious
“Easier said than done. Okay, I’ve got a Legacy to bully,” I replied, straightening my shoulders.
Vortex snorted. “Good luck.”
I’d take all the luck I could get. I definitely needed it!
???
“How are they?”
“Chill’s not as bad as Inglorious. I think he just ties one on. Inglorious, however, needs tests run on his liver. He has alcoholism, no doubt about it. I’ve put IVs in their arms for fluids. Nanci, Inglorious is heading for a rough time. Perhaps a rehab centre should be called?” Doc Paul replied.
“No. Inglorious can go cold turkey. And yes, I’m aware of the risks. That’s why you’re here.”
“Nanci, I have a day job.”
“I know.”
“Then you understand I can’t stay here.”
“And I also spoke to Doc Gibbons. He’s your immediate boss, isn’t he? Doc Gibbons said you’ve eight weeks’ vacation you needto use up. He actually claimed there’s more, but he’s placing you on forced leave as of today.”
“Nanci!” Doc Paul exclaimed. As much as I wanted to school my expression to look innocent, it wasn’t going to happen.
“You’re a Legacy, Doc.”
“Nanci, don’t go there.”
I crossed my arms and eyed him. “Snake was your cousin, and I know you were close. You’re his Legacy. I’m offering you a place in the club I’m rebuilding. The plan was to have a doctor stationed in town. That means I’m asking you to join us, open the surgery here, and be on the club’s inner circle as our medic.”
Doc Paul held my gaze before shaking his head. “Nanci, I’ve got a job at the hospital.”
“Working for others and answering to them. Here, you’ll get a fully kitted out clinic, with a minor theatre, and will serve several towns who’ve not had a doctor for years. You’re needed here,” I argued.
“How do you know all that?” Doc Paul asked.
“People keep asking me that. Do you think I’m stupid?”
“No. It’s been less than half a day since you returned. So, how are you aware of all this?” Doc Paul demanded.
“I read it in a folder on Inglor—my desk. The budget is damn healthy for the clinic, and it is also partially funded by the local towns you’d serve and by us. The county will pay your wages, and the club will top them up.”
“Snake asked me to join a few years ago. I told him no,” Doc Paul said slowly. He shook his head. “Sorry, Nanci, I don’t want to patch in when the president’s a drunk.”
“You’re not. You’re joining the Unwanted Bastards run by Vortex and me. Inglorious won’t get his role back for a long time. Not until he can prove he can remain sober. Asshole also needs alcohol counselling and serious therapy.”
“You for real?” Doc Paul asked.
“Yes. I’m going to be tracking the Legacies. Former members will rejoin straightaway. New Legacies will do six months on a trial basis. But I’m rebuilding the club. I owe Psych that.”
Doc Paul’s face fell. “We lost so many.”
“And you’re tired and jaded. Doc Gibbons thinks you’re near burnout,” I stated, and Doc Paul straightened.
“Wow. Really? Discussing me behind my back is low, Nanci.”
“Not in the slightest. Like it or not, Doc, you are Snake’s cousin and his only surviving Legacy. I’m offering you this chance,” I said and glanced across at Inglorious. He was still unconscious, but Chill was making slight noises.
“Don’t push, Nanci. I’ll think about it.”
