Page 35 of Broken Dreams

Glancing over his shoulder, he watched as a nurse’s aide pushed Billy’s bed into the newly cleaned room. The kid continued to stare at the ceiling, acting as if he couldn't care less where they stuck him. The expression of tense hopelessness struck a resonant chord.

He continued scanning the young man's past medical history and current level of care. A few minutes later, he scrubbed his hands over his face. Billy's story was similar in many ways to his own. The main difference was that Nick had chosen to charter a plane so they could fly over the Great Wall of China. Billy had been simply doing his job as a soldier. And now, he had lost his leg because of his determination to serve his country.

He forced himself to stand. According to the medical record, Roland had already completed an initial assessment on Billy. It struck him as odd, though, because normally assessments were done once the patient was in a room. Maybe after being chastised by Johnson, Roland had actually gone to the orthopedic unit to complete the assessment.

“Which nurse is taking care of the new patient, Billy Anderson,” he asked.

Betty, the unit coordinator glanced up. “Margaret, she's in the room with him now.”

“Has Roland been in here recently?”

She nodded. “Yes, but he didn't stay long. Just mentioned something about completing the assessment and the new transfer, then he left. Billy Anderson is the only new patient we're scheduled to receive today.”

A cowardly relief swept through him. At least he wouldn't have to go in to do the assessment himself. As a young otherwise healthy twenty-three-year-old, there was no need for Nick to examine him as a hospitalist on the unit. His role was to monitor the medical needs of the patients who had other medical concerns. He was to assist in treating hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other medical comorbidities. Roland was responsible for the rehab component of the patient’s care.

“Thanks for letting me know.” He paused, then asked, “Did Roland seem okay?”

Betty shrugged. “He was the same as usual, rude and short tempered.” She reached for the ringing phone.

There was no way he could ask if she'd smelled alcohol and Roland's breath—those sorts of questions would only result in the spread of nasty rumors. As much as he didn't care for her the guy, especially after the scene he'd witnessed with him assaulting Amber, encouraging speculation wouldn't be fair. In this instance, the guy was innocent of being an alcoholic, until proven guilty.

He turned and headed down the hall to double check on those patients who did need his expertise, even though he wasn’t required to work weekends, he may as well do a quick review. When he deemed everything was under control, he turned and left the unit.

Roland probably didn't have a drinking problem at all. Nick grimaced, realizing he'd made the decision to stay in Milwaukee for nothing. In fact, Roland seemed to be on top of things this morning. Going to Dr. Johnson with his concerns had probably been the kick in the pants Roland had needed to get his act together.

Outside, the hot summer sun beat down on his head. Last night he'd promised to call Amber, but now he hesitated. As much as he wanted to be with her, he knew better than to give in to temptation.

Guilt hit hard at how they’d fallen asleep. Innocently enough, but he could tell Alec had believed otherwise. And honestly, if the situation had been reversed, he’d have assumed the worst, too. He didn't blame her brother for being concerned. Amber was young, innocent and had her whole life ahead of her. She wanted to travel, to experience life at its fullest, and she deserved to do exactly that. His hand tightened on his cane. What could he offer? Especially now, when he was at a crossroads. He needed a place to settle down. A place to start over.

A place to find himself.

“Nick?” Hearing Amber's voice made him frown. Had thinking of her conjured the sound? “I've been looking for you.”

Dressed in a pair of denim shorts, and a blue top that matched her eyes, she looked adorable. He felt the tightness in his chest ease. Gazing at her made him feel young. Healthy. Ready to take on the world.

For a moment, Billy’s blank stare invaded his mind. He shoved it away. He couldn’t help the kid feel better. Not when he could barely help himself.

He cleared his throat. “I went to the PT gym to do some physical therapy, then checked things out up on the rehab unit.” He smiled when she approached. “You'll be glad to know Roland was in earlier this morning, actually making rounds.”

“No way!” Her eyes widened. “I don't believe it.”

“It's true.” He held up a hand. “Scouts honor.”

“You were a Scout?” Skepticism laced her tone. “Somehow, I have trouble picturing you wearing a Boy Scout uniform sporting all those badges of accomplishments.”

He chuckled. “All right, you win. I was never a scout. But I wasn't lying about Roland. Betty saw him making rounds.”

“I'm glad. It’s about time he took his responsibilities seriously.” She shook her head. “I wouldn’t care if it wasn’t the patients who suffer as a result of his lack of attentiveness.”

“I agree.”

“Are you finished for the day? Because if so, let's go.”

“Go where?”

“To German Fest, silly.” She raked a critical gaze over his casual slacks and button down shirt. “You’ll be too hot dressed like that. I'll wait while you change.

He doubted German Fest was anything like actually being in Germany, where he’d been stationed. It made him smile to think that the Milwaukee version would consist of beer guzzling men shouting, “Gemutliechkeit!”

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