Page 42 of Broken Dreams

She didn't know what to do. No one came to stand beside her, supporting her. The two of them faced each other as if about to embark in a duel. Then, over Roland's shoulder, she saw Nick walking down the hall, leaning heavily on his cane.

Nick wouldn't let this go. She wasn't totally alone here after all. Thrusting her chin toward Roland in defiance, she lifted her chin. “You heard me. I asked you a question. Have you been drinking? Because I smell alcohol on your breath.”

When Roland took another step closer, she wanted very badly to turn and run. She expected him to erupt in a fit of rage. But she hadn’t anticipated his hand to swing toward her face, cracking loudly across her cheek.

Chapter Thirteen

Utterly demoralized, Amber stared at Roland as stinging pain blazed across her cheek. Before she could think of anything to say, Nick rushed over.

“That's it, Roland. You've crossed the line. Again!” Nick's eyes widened as he drew close enough to smell him. “I don’t believe it! You’ve been drinking!”

She finally found her voice. “I'm filing a formal complaint with hospital administration and with the Wisconsin Medical Licensing Board.” She was glad Nick was there to smell the alcohol on Roland's breath, but she wasn’t letting this man get away so easily. This was the second time he’d physically attacked her. “Hospital administration won't take my intent to file assault charges lightly. And I believe the Wisconsin Medical Licensing Board will also take action against you for working under the influence.”

“I'll be your witness, Amber.” Irene came out from behind the nurse’s station to stand beside her. A little late, but she understood Irene's position. Her unborn baby had to come first.

“Good. That makes three of us. I'll be a witness, too.” Nick aligned himself with her, placing his body solidly in front of hers as protection. “I suggest you leave, Roland. Right now. You have no business taking care of patients in your condition.”

Roland hesitated, then swung away and walked off the unit. She brought a hand up to cover her flaming cheek. “Good riddance,” she muttered.

“Here, let's get some ice.” Nick’s eyes were full of concern as he gently tugged her hand from her face.

“No, I'm fine.” She managed a smile. “Oh, and thanks for coming over to support me, Irene.”

“I should have come sooner.” Her colleague worried her lower lip between her teeth. “You were right, Amber. I'm so sorry.”

“Hey, don't worry. I understand.” Amber wished she could turn back the clock and forget the whole ugly scene. At least the part where Roland had hauled off and slapped her. Still, she was satisfied Roland would no longer be a threat to his patients. With an effort she thought about what needed to be done. They still had patients to take care of.

“Are you sure you're okay?” Nick’s eyes reflected doubt.

“I'm sure. Annoyed, embarrassed and upset more than anything. There are bigger issues to worry about.” She thought about her new patient. “Nick, would you do me a favor? I would really like you to go talk to one of my patients.”

“Sure. Who?”

“Billy Anderson.”

He sighed and took a step back. “I’m not sure my talking to Billy will do any good. That boy needs professional help.

“Yes, I know.” There was no arguing that. “But in reviewing his chart, he has had professional help both in the form of medication and psychiatric care. Maybe what he needs is unprofessional help from someone who's been there.”

He stood for a long moment, then nodded, his expression resigned. “I can try. What's going on? Did he refuse therapy?”

“He isn't cooperating with therapy, but that's only part of the problem. He's very depressed.” She lowered her voice. “Please, just try to talk to him. Make sure he sees he's not alone in this.”

“All right.” He blew out a breath. “Has psych come to see him yet?”

“No, not today, yet. Roland was just going to call them. I can do that, now.” She turned back towards the nurse's station. When she approached, Betty the unit clerk avoided her gaze.

She told herself she didn't care. Even though Roland was in the wrong, it seemed she may still be a persona non grata around here. She’d done what she thought was right, but maybe she could have used a more tactful approach.

The phone rang, and Betty turned to look at her. Understanding, she picked up the phone, recognizing the call was from her boss. “Hi Leanne.”

“Amber, I understand you're causing a little excitement on the unit.” Leanne must have found out about Roland. Probably from Betty. Bad news traveled fast.

“Yes. Dr. Tanner and I both smelled the alcohol on Dr. Roland’s breath. And I tried to get him to come off the unit to talk to you in your office, but he refused.”

“I heard.” Leanne tone was somewhat sympathetic. “I wanted you to know that Dr. Johnson is already aware of the situation. Dr. Roland has been put on medical leave immediately and until further notice.”

“Good.” She sucked in a breath and then made a quick decision. “Leanne, as long as you're on the phone, I'd like to move up my resignation date. I would ask that my last day be two weeks from today.”

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