Page 42 of Inglorious
“Nope. Snake didn’t talk to half the family. I’m the only one Snake tolerated. And because of that, I’ll take a place on the inner circle and the title of club medic.”
Joy swamped me. “That’s amazing, Doc. Lacking any imagination, I think we’ll stick to Doc for your road name.”
“Easy to remember. I have my dad’s and Snake’s Harleys. I’ll switch between riding one of them. Now, I need staff. A receptionist for a start, and a triage nurse who can handle minor injuries and do vaccinations. I’ll also need someone who can double as a phlebotomist and an X-ray expert,” Doc said, and I laughed.
“You don’t want much. Make that two receptionists, or one and a general admin person. Somebody needs to man the reception while the other does the filing, sends bills, etcetera.”
“Does the club have enough cash to hire staff?” Doc Paul asked.
Honestly, I’d no idea because I hadn’t finished the damn reports yet. But I had the money in my own bank account.
“Yes. If you’ve people in mind, offer them the roles. You’d also be more aware of their current wage than me. Add ten per cent to it and see if that tempts them,” I replied.
“I’ll maintain one day a week at the hospital, to keep my skills sharp. The triage nurse can cover me,” Doc stated.
“Fine by me. If there’s anything the clinic needs or lacks, let me know. We’ll get it put into place,” I added.
“Doc Gibbons checked this over, and I believe he gave Inglorious a list of everything needed. I only require staff. Can you order all members to inform me of their doctors’ addresses so I can request their files? I’ll also need them to sign disclaimers saying they are moving over to me,” Doc Paul said.
“Yup, I’ll do that tonight. Meadow is cooking a pot roast if you want to come along instead of eating here alone,” I suggested.
“Kya…”
“Bring her. Kya needs to meet her family. Has she spoken yet?”
Doc Paul shook his head. “No. Kya is fully aware of what’s happening. She can’t control her surroundings, but she can control speaking.”
“Shit,” I muttered, my eyes on the little girl who was awake and staring at me. “Hey there, Pickle, I’m your Aunt Nanci. Tonight, Uncle Doc is going to bring you to meet the rest of your uncles.” A thought hit me. Was Kya aware of Heat’s death?
I softened my voice. “Kya, do you know where your daddy is?”
Kya pointed upwards. Tears welled in her eyes. Bless that kid; she understood Heat was dead.
“Do you remember the clubhouse?” Doc Paul asked, and Kya nodded.
“Pickle, did you have a bedroom there near your dad’s room?” I asked, suddenly realising she must have had one.
Kya stared for several long moments before nodding. Fuck, I’d not come across a little girl’s room, but then again, I’d not gotten to Heat’s bunk. I needed to go look for it.
“Do you remember Uncle Razor and Chill?” I asked, and Kya’s eyes lit up.
Great, Kya recognised those names. Even so, Kya was cautious when she nodded.
“Want them to visit, and they can bring you to the clubhouse?”
Kya agreed, her eyes still wary.
“What about Uncle Inglorious?”
Kya repeated her nod, but not as enthusiastically. I thought I knew the reason why. While Inglorious would have spoiled Kya, how much time would he have had to interact with her? Not much, as he ran the club and everything else.
“He’ll be there, too. Which means you’ll have some people you know!” I tried to be chirpy but saw the suspicion in Kya’s eyes.
Damage had been done. The fact was, it would take a long fuckin’ time to undo it and allow Kya to feel safe again. I noddedto Doc, said bye to Kya, and took my leave. Determined to find Kya’s bedroom, I headed straight for the clubhouse.
That took mere minutes, as it was smack bang next to Heat’s. It was painted in pink, purple, and white. There was a princess bed with a canopy and a cute white wardrobe set. I checked inside and saw lots of clothes hanging up. The room’s in-built closet held shelves with a ton of toys on, and there was a trunk with dress-up clothing in. A stack of storage drawers contained craft items, pencils, pens, and a drawer full of paper.
Heat had even provided bookshelves, which were crammed with books. There was an adjoining door to Heat’s room, and I bet he’d slept with it open in case Kya had needed him. I dragged out a fluffy dressing gown and some pink soft slippers. It had been a year since Kya had last worn them, but I had no doubt that Kya hadn’t grown much because of the abuse. On Kya’s bed was a stuffed rabbit that had been well-loved.
