Page 27 of Doctor Mile High
“I know you’re a big name around here. You’re chief of surgery and a damn good one. I respect you working your way up instead of having your daddy give you the position. Your name is on this hospital, so if you have issues with me it means my job could be on the line. I promise you, Dr. Warrick, you do not want my wrath if that is your plan.”
I slap the emergency stop button on the elevator and slam against the wall from the sudden stop. Righting myself, I tug on the lapels of my white coat, doing my best to stay calm and collected.
“Dr. Leighton, I’m not trying to test your abilities to do your job. I think you’re the best OB-GYN in the country. Your track recordproves that. I won’t tolerate being threatened. I was only trying to have a conversation with you.”
“Why? You aren’t the conversating type.”
“Because I thought—” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I thought maybe your patient was someone I’ve been looking for. I was wrong to question you like that. I’m glad your patient is happy and healthy. I have no doubts that you treated her in her best interest. I apologize for making it seem like I was questioning you.”
“Apology accepted.” She presses the emergency button causing the elevator to move again.
“Thank you.” I fold my hands behind my back. “And I hear Dr. Jenks is retiring which means you could be the department head.”
For the first time in years, Dr. Leighton blushes. “Oh, I don’t think I’ll be considered.”
“That’s nonsense. I’ll put in a good word.” The doors open up onto her floor and she steps out, snaking her hand between the doors.
“You’d do that? Seriously, Dr. Warrick?”
“You deserve it. You have more accomplishments and experiences than your male colleagues. You’re recognized as one of the best OB-GYNs in the country. You should be the department head. I’ll put in a good word before I leave for the conference this weekend.”
“Thank you, Dr. Warrick. I appreciate that. Thank you so much.” She removes her hand and stops the doors again. “And I saw your viral video?—”
“Please. Let’s not.” I chuckle, wanting to get away from the nightmare of everyone I know seeing my desperate video.
“I have faith. You’ll find her. Don’t stop trying. I respect what you’re doing. More men should.” Dr. Leighton allows the doors to finally close, leaving me alone in the metal tin with my thoughts.
Getting away to the War-Med Con will be exactly what I need. It will refresh my soul and help me rediscover what I need, not only out of my career, but my life.
The elevator lowers, stopping at the floor below.
“Doctor.”
I groan internally when I see Dr. Greene.
“Doctor.”
7
DOVE
I’m standing in line,waiting to board the flight to take me to the War-Med Conference. I hate airports. The air is stagnant and stale. It smells weird from all the thousands of people passing through. And it’s hot. So hot.
I use my boarding pass as a fan, needing some type of breeze even if it is recycling the air that’s causing my stomach to turn slightly from the aroma. A light sheen of sweat beads across my top lip and lower back. My shirt is sticking to my back, and I have no doubt that people can see a wet spot forming on my clothing from how warm I am. All I want to do is take a cool shower, crawl in bed with no clothes, turn the fan on high, and just lie there. Naked.
Oh my god, that sounds so nice.
“Are you sure you can fly?”
A stranger’s voice floats from behind me. I don’t turn around. There’s no way anyone has the audacity to ask someone that seriously. Perhaps his wife isn’t feeling well. That would be understandable.
A tap of a finger on my shoulder has my entire body tensing. I turn my chin to my shoulder, waiting to hear what he has to say.
“Yes?” The word is curter than I mean for it to be. I can’t help it. I’m so damn irritable right now.
“Are you sure you’re cleared to fly?” the stranger asks me.
“Excuse me?” I stop fanning my face with my boarding pass, needing this line to move quicker than it is. I need to sit down. I know this stranger, Hanson, and my doctor are most likely right. I shouldn’t travel, but five thousand dollars is on the line. That’s clothes, diapers, formula, and everything else I might need. It will keep me afloat.
