Page 12 of Broken Dreams

“Hmm.” Nick’s shrug was noncommittal, and she wondered what he thought of the practice when he'd been a patient. No doubt he’d been as grumpy as Mr. Goetz. His familiarity with rehab was obvious. She imagined patience wasn't his strong suit.

“This is a nice area, but I noticed the third wing is completely empty. Why haven't you moved the physical therapy gym to this floor? Wouldn't that be more convenient for your patients?”

“Yes, it would.” She sighed. “We suggested that very thing two years ago, but the planned renovation didn't survive budget cuts.” It still burned to know Roland's new office had been completed, featuring cherry wood furniture and floor to ceiling bookcases, but not the relocation of the gym. She didn't want to keep bashing Dr. Roland but, honestly, with him in charge, it seemed nothing happened to facilitate better patient care.

“Roland isn't around, I take it?” It seemed as if he'd read her uncharitable thoughts.

“No, he’s not.” She turned back leading the way toward the main nurse’s station. Talking about Roland would only make her mad.

“Is your shift over?” Nick asked as they walked off the rehab unit.

She thought about how he must feel being in a strange city all alone. Despite her annoyance with the way he'd read her letters, she couldn't manage to stay angry with him. The idea of Nick sitting in his tiny motel room for the rest of the evening bothered her.

“Yes, I'm off, thank goodness.” She flashed a quick smile. “You know, my dad would be thrilled if you'd come over for dinner again. I know you're probably sick of his incessant questions, but if you're not too busy, we'd love to have you.”

He shook his head with a wry smile. “I know your parents were close to Shane, but he wasn't their son. I'm not sure I understand why your dad is so interested.”

Amber suspected she'd gotten her longing for adventure from her dad. He'd always wanted to travel too, but there wasn't much sightseeing you could do with six kids whose ages spanned 11 years. She didn't want to go into all that detail though so she gave him the shortened version.

“Shane was around all the time when he and Adam were younger. Then his parents moved out of state while he and Adam were still in high school. Shane moved in for the last two years of high school, until he and Adam graduated. Then he and Adam both went to college in Madison majoring in pre med.”

Nick arched a brow. “I didn't realize your brother was a physician, too.”

“Yes, but he specializes in Pediatrics.” She glanced at her watch then gestured to the elevator. “What do you think? Will you come for dinner?

A shadow passed over his eyes, then quickly disappeared. “Sure. Why not?”

“Great. We can go after I make a quick stop in the ICU.”

“To see Mr. Goetz?” Nick guessed.

“Yep.”

They rode the elevator to the 4th floor. The ICU was on the other side of the building, so she headed down the hall, slowing her pace to accommodate his lopsided gait.

“I tried to see Mr. Goetz earlier but he was having an MRI scan. I hope he's doing alright.”

“I'm curious to see how he's faring, too.”

“What do you think caused his seizure?”

“Hard to say.” Nick shrugged. “Could be anything from a brain tumor to a blood clot. You mentioned urinary tract infections, he could have thrown a clot from being septic. Whatever the source, his MRI will tell them what they need to know.”

She fell silent as they approached the ICU. She'd never worked there, and she found the environment intimidating. He didn't seem to notice her apprehension, while she used her hospital ID badge to scan the sensor that opened the automatic doors. She could just imagine what an imposing picture he would make as the trauma surgeon in charge.

The unit clerk raised her head as they entered. “Hello, may I help you?”

She stepped forward with determination. “Yes, we'd like to see Mr. Goetz, if you don't mind. I'm his nurse from the rehab unit. And this is Dr. Nick Tanner. He helped with the medical resuscitation.”

“Oh, uh, Okay. Just a minute. “The clerk appeared flustered as she reached for the phone. “Mary? The floor nurse is here to see your patient in bed twelve.”

“Something's wrong,” Nick murmured beside her. “His name isn't on the board.”

What board? Leaning forward, she saw it. The main census board for the unit was tucked around the corner out of view. As her gaze traveled down the list of names, the warning knot in her stomach tightened like a noose.

An older nurse, wearing scrubs, came over to them. “Hi, my name is Mary. I understand you're here to see Mr. Goetz.”

“Yes. I was his nurse on the rehab floor and witnessed his seizure. Is he okay? Did you transfer him to the general floor already?”

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