Page 186 of Toxic Salvation
“I can’t say that officially, but off the record? This has his fingerprints all over it.” Richard glances toward his closed door, then lowers his voice. “The timing isn’t coincidental, either. Your first day back, and suddenly, these allegations surface?”
I set the papers down carefully, though what I’d really like to do is rip them to shreds. “What happens now?”
“Effective immediately, you’re suspended from all medical duties pending a full investigation. I have no choice, Vesper. If I let you continue practicing while these allegations are under review, it could compromise the entire case.”
I want to vomit. After months of fighting to get back to work, I’m being forced out on my very first day. “For how long?”
“Indefinitely. If these charges are proven legitimate, you’ll lose your medical license for good.”
“And if they’re proven false?”
“Then you’re reinstated with full privileges and probably a hefty lawsuit settlement from whoever filed false documents.” Richard’s grimace softens. “I know you didn’t do this, Vesper. Everyone who’s worked with you knows it. But I have to follow protocol.”
I stand up slowly, my legs unsteady, my heart stampeding in my chest. “I understand.”
“There’s something else.” Richard fidgets with his pen. “Your husband came by this morning. Right after he dropped you off.”
That gets my attention. “Kovan was here?”
“He made it very clear that if anything happened to you under my watch, there would be consequences. Violent ones.” Richard attempts a weak smile. “I’ve never been threatened quite so politely before.”
Despite everything, I almost smile. “I’m sorry about that.”
“Don’t be. A man who loves his wife that much? I respect that. I just wish I had better news for you.”
I extend my hand to shake his. “Thank you for telling me yourself. And for trying to dismiss it.”
“I’ll do everything I can to expedite the investigation. The sooner we prove these documents are forgeries, the sooner you can get back to work.”
I gather my purse and the leather case of medical instruments Kovan gave me this morning. The irony isn’t lost on me: He gave me tools to celebrate my return to work, and now, I’m walking out on day one.
“Richard?” I pause at his door. “Don’t tell Kovan about this yet.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Vesper, I can’t keep something this serious from him. Especially after this morning’s conversation.”
“I’m not asking you to lie. Just give me twenty-four hours to figure out how to tell him myself. He’s dealing with enough right now without adding this to his plate.”
Richard looks like he wants to argue, but something in my expression must convince him. “Twenty-four hours. That’s all I can give you.”
“That’s all I need.”
I walk out of his office with my head held high, even though inside I’m crumbling. Two of my bodyguards are waiting in the hallway—Shura and Efim, both new faces I’ve made a point not to get attached to. Not after what happened to Nikolai and Tikhon.
“Change of plans, gentlemen,” I tell them. “We’re going home early today.”
Shura opens his mouth to ask questions, then seems to think better of it. “Whatever you say, Mrs. Krayev.”
I change out of my scrubs in my office, folding them carefully and placing them in my locker. Who knows when I’ll need them again? If I’ll need them again?
The leather case feels heavier as I carry it through the hospital corridors. All those people Kovan knows, all that money he spent on custom engraving, all for nothing. The instruments will sit in their velvet-lined case, unused, while I fight to prove my innocence.
Outside, the California sun is too bright, the air too warm for the season. I slip on my sunglasses and wait for Efim to bring the car around, trying to look calm and collected while inside I’m screaming.
That’s when my phone vibrates.
My entire body goes cold as I read the message.
UNKNOWN NUMBER:I have Luka. If you want to see him alive again, you’ll come alone. Your old apartment. Be there in thirty minutes, or I’ll have to send him to you piece by piece.
