Cerys Chapter 12
I regretted that our weekend in Temecula was over. Even with the issue with Brady and Jack, it had been wonderful. On Sunday morning, Brax surprised me with something I never thought of doing. It seemed that taking rides in hot air balloons in the morning over the Temecula Valley was common. He’d arranged for us to do it.
I admit I was scared, and he had to coax me to get into the basket. It was just us and the balloon pilot, I guess you’d call him. He pointed out various sights for us as we floated through the sky. As we looked at the unbelievable sights, Brax opened a basket he had brought from the winery. Inside were croissants, a couple of different pastries, various fresh fruits, orange juice, and champagne to make mimosas. He fed me by hand, and I did the same to him. I found it incredibly intimate.
When we landed, the pilot told us it was romantic as hell, and he’d have to remember it for his wife. We thanked him, and Brax gave him a good tip and left him the rest of our food. The pilot had to pass on the champagne. He grinned and waved as we walked off. We lazed around the villa and winery for the remainder of the day. I hated to leave, but we had to be back home so we could work the next day.
That was days ago. I was almost through my Wednesday shift, still daydreaming about our weekend when I wasn’t busy, which wasn’t often. Despite being a weekday and during the day, when most people were at work, we had a steady stream of people coming in. Most were minor accidents or infections that they waited to address and now had become more urgent. I wished people wouldn’t use the ER like it was a doctor’s office. A few were more serious issues that required hospitalization or surgery.
I’d just finished stitching up a kid who sliced his hand open on a metal lid from a can he’d opened as Denise came strolling in. She wore a worried expression. Telling the boy to lie there and rest, I motioned for her to follow me. I paused long enough to tell his anxious mom she could rejoin him. Then, I led Denise to a nearby supply closet. Entering, she shut the door behind us.
“I know that look. Something is bothering you. What’s wrong?” I asked.
“I am worried. Irene is looking for you. She’s been on the warpath all week. I’ve seen how she’s watched you since Brax told her off, and we all left that day of the accident. She’s out to get you, Cerys, for sure. For the rest of us, she wants to punish us, but not like she does you.”
I sighed. I hadn’t been ignorant of Irene’s behavior or observation. I figured it was only a matter of time until she found a way to get me back.
“I know she has it out for all of us, but particularly me. Brax told me that they had words well before I moved here. It was due to how she treated one of her staff. He’s not one of her favorite people, either.”
“That’s for sure, but she can’t touch him. You, on the other hand, can have your life made hell and get yourself written up for stupid shit. I don’t want you to leave.”
“Denise, I don’t intend to leave. She’s the one who better watch her step. Gardener isn’t stupid. I don’t know why he hasn’t gotten rid of her before this, but she’s on his radar.”
I knew this because, since the incident, he had been seen in the ER more often. I swore he popped in almost every day I worked. Irene’s face when she saw him made me want to grin. She looked a cross between sick and angry. She made sure he never caught her looking that way. She was a master manipulator.
“Just watch your back. The last place I saw her was in the breakroom. She was looking for you there. When she asked if anyone knew where you were, everyone said no idea, other than you were super busy.”
I hugged Denise, and she squeezed me back. “Thank you, babe. I’ll be careful. You better be, too. Let me go see what the battleax wants,” I said, crossing my eyes and sticking out my tongue. She giggled. We were still smiling when we exited the closet. A few coworkers saw us and smiled. They knew we liked to be silly sometimes to break the tension.
A few minutes later, I found Irene coming back to the unit. She was probably in her office plotting. I walked straight to her. “Hi, Irene, I heard you were looking for me. How can I help you?” I asked pleasantly. I detested the woman but wouldn’t be rude unless she left me no choice. I noted several people were standing nearby, listening.
“I’ve been running everywhere trying to locate you. Where were you? You’re not allowed to leave the ER without permission,” she snapped.
“I didn’t leave it. I’ve been here the whole time. Besides a five-minute bathroom break and fifteen minutes in the breakroom to scarf down a little food, I’ve been working since I clocked in…” I paused to check the time. “Eleven hours ago. It’s almost the end of my shift. I’ve got some charting to do and a report to give.”
Her flushed face darkened. She didn’t like to be contradicted. “No, you don’t. Angie is going to be late. I need you to stay until she gets here.”
Again, Angie fucking up my day. “How can she always be late or call off and never get into trouble? The employee handbook clearly states acceptable absences. She exceeds them by a mile,” I stated.
“It’s none of your concern what I do or don’t do with other employees. I’d worry about yourself,” she said snidely.
I knew I should do it and keep my mouth shut, but I was tired and ready to rest and sleep in Brax’s arms. We’d barely said good night and good morning the last three days.
“I’m sorry, Irene, but you’ll have to ask someone else. Before my short trip last weekend, I’ve pulled more overtime than anyone. I’m at the end of my three days. I’m tired. I need to go home and sleep. I’m sorry. Maybe someone wants the overtime, who only did eight hours today, or they’ll come in on their day off. Have you asked or called everyone?”
“I’m telling you. I don’t care how many hours you’ve worked. You’re not special, Cerys. Are you refusing an order from your supervisor?”
I guess Dr. Gardener’s warning had been forgotten so soon, or she didn’t care. Another nurse, Josette, edged closer. She’d recently started in the ER about two months ago. Before that, she worked in Kingman, Arizona, about forty miles away.
“Ms. Clark, I can stay. I’m finishing an eight-hour shift.”
I gave her a grateful smile and was about to thank Josette when Irene answered her.
“Josette, go back to work. I didn’t ask you. I told Cerys. She’ll stay. Angie is her replacement. She can cover her.”
I’d had enough. If I ended up fired, then so be it. “No, Cerys won’t. You have a qualified nurse willing to do it. Thank you so much, Josette, for offering. If you’ll excuse me, I need to finish my charting. I’ll give you a report since Angie again doesn’t see fit to come to work. Give me fifteen or twenty minutes, and I’ll find you.” Without another word, I spun on my heel and walked off to the nurses’ station. Staff were watching me with their mouths hanging open. I knew Irene wouldn’t leave it alone, but I had to hope.
I heard her footsteps coming up behind me. I could feel her rage coming at me. I swear, I even smelled her sweat. I was almost to the desk when my arm was grabbed, and I was spun around. Her furious face was in mine. Her fingers bit into my arm.
“Don’t you walk away from me!” she yelled.
I heard gasps from all around us. I reached down and pried her fingers loose. I had to bend them backward pretty far to break her hold. Her cry of pain didn’t bother me.
“Don’t you ever touch me. I told you that I can’t stay. You have someone willing to cover it. I don’t see the problem, other than you yelled at me and thought applying unauthorized force against me was acceptable. Your touch is not only offensive, but you bruised me. I believe the law calls that battery.”
She sneered at me. “Oh, who taught you that, Deputy Christou? You’re making a fool of yourself with him. Everyone knows he’s only looking for sex. Badge bunnies like you make me sick. You think you’re something. Wait until he dumps you for the next pretty thing that catches his eye. He’s been through most of the single women in town and even some who aren’t free. He and his buddies all have.”
I knew Brax and his friends hadn’t been celibate before I met him. They were desirable men and had no restraints on them. Based on how Brax was with me in bed, I knew he had a very healthy sex drive. If women were willing to sleep with them, why wouldn’t they take them up on those offers? What upset me was I didn’t like the implication that they slept with married women. I fought not to give Irene the reaction she wanted.
“My personal life is none of your business, but since you brought it up, it sounds like you’re jealous. What happened? Did you offer yourself to Brax, and he turned you down?” I asked.
It was meant as a low blow, but it touched a nerve, I guess, because the next thing I knew, she shrieked. Her hand came flying at my face. I barely caught it before she made contact. I gripped her wrist tightly and applied pressure. Around us, I heard urgent chatter. I ignored them as I stared into her wild eyes. I squeezed harder, causing her to scream in pain. I felt something give. The agony on her face made me drop her arm and take a step away from her.
She was crying and cradling her arm. Movement to my left caused me to glance that way. I saw Eddy, one of the ER’s security guards. I almost groaned. Shit, I was in trouble.
Irene must’ve seen him because she shouted, “Eddy, I want you to restrain her and call the police. She broke my wrist.”
He gave her a disgusted look as he shook his head. “No, Ms. Clark, I won’t do that. Everyone saw what went down. You not only verbally were out of line with Nurse Morgan, but you grabbed her arm first and then tried to hit her. She prevented you from hitting her, that’s all. I’m not calling the law to arrest her.”
“I order you to call them!” she hollered.
Jesus, what has gotten into people lately? First, we dealt with Jack and Brady this past weekend, and now I have this. Sure, I could’ve possibly de-escalated it by agreeing to work and refusing to respond to her verbally, but I was tired of it. Almost nine months of her shit was more than enough.
“Ma’am, calm down,” Eddy told her as he moved closer. We were out in the open, so patients, family members, and staff could hear and see us.
“We should move this somewhere private,” I told him softly.
“Why? Are you embarrassed for people to find out what kind of person you are?” Irene asked acidly.
“I’m not the one who should be embarrassed, Irene. The patients need quiet,” I stated.
Her mouth opened to spew God knows what else, but she was stopped by another voice speaking first.
“Ms. Clark, that’s enough. You’ll stop talking and follow us to my office. Eddy, I need you to come with us as well as Nurse Morgan,” Dr. Gardener said sternly.
I had no clue how long he’d been here or what he had heard or seen. This whole confrontation was becoming a nightmare. Without another word, Gardener spun around. I fell in step behind him. Irene was muttering darkly under her breath and shooting me death glares as Eddy made her walk in front of him. She was off to my right. I kept her in my peripheral vision. Dr. Gardener’s office was on the same floor as the ER but on the opposite end. When we arrived at his door, he gestured for us to enter. He closed the door behind us.
“Everyone take a seat,” he ordered.
We did as he settled in his chair behind his desk. He wore a vexed expression.
“Dr. Gardener, Cerys refused an order and disrespected me in front of everyone in the ER. She walked away. When I tried to finish our conversation, she grabbed my wrist. I believe it’s broken,” Irene said irately.
Gardener stared hard at her. Eddy was giving her what I thought was an incredulous look. I didn’t know whether to speak up or keep my mouth shut and let her bury herself.
“Sir, if I may speak,” Eddy interjected.
“Go ahead.”
“Ms. Clark’s accounting isn’t accurate, sir. Ms. Morgan only grabbed her wrist because Ms. Clark went after her first. Ms. Morgan was trying to block a punch after having her arm grabbed.”
“He wasn’t there the whole time,” Irene protested.
“Nurse Morgan, what do you have to say? Why don’t you walk me through what led to this unseemly display in my department?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat and launched into the retelling. I kept it concise and as brief as possible. When I was done, Eddy nodded in agreement, and Irene squawked that my story wasn’t what happened. Was she nuts? The whole ER could attest to it. Dr. Gardener held up his hand. She fell quiet.
“Shall I tell you what I saw?” No one answered, but he continued, “I saw a nurse who is tired and has been working a bunch of hours beyond her schedule, refusing to stay over. She wasn’t asked if she would. She was told she had to do it. When she questioned you, Irene, you tried to shut her down and demanded she had to stay. Even after another nurse volunteered, you refused to let it go. You badgered Nurse Morgan and spoke disrespectfully of her, her personal life, and Deputy Christou. When she attempted to disengage with you, you followed her, grabbed her, and still she didn’t retaliate. It wasn’t until you tried to hit her did she stop you.
“After your actions after the wreck on the Interstate when you were unreasonable with Nurse Morgan, I’ve been watching you and looking into how you manage your staff. It seems you show favoritism to a select few, such as the one Nurse Morgan mentioned. Angie has had more late arrivals and missed shifts than almost the rest of your staff combined, yet I found no write-ups in her file. Would you mind telling me why? And what is your issue with Nurse Morgan and Deputy Christou? Although, from my discussions with other staff, you seem to have issues with others, too.”
Irene sat there with her mouth hanging open. She kept opening and closing her mouth in a way that reminded me of a fish out of water. I fought not to giggle—that wouldn’t be appropriate. Finally, she closed it, and it stayed that way.
“See, I have access to the cameras in the emergency department. We have them for legal and security reasons. I’ve been observing them on and off for days. Imagine my shock and dismay when a staff member called Rumi and said I should get to the ER immediately. That there was an argument happening. I chose to check the cameras. I saw almost the entire altercation. I know what happened, Ms. Clark.”
Irene gasped and paled. Her eyes darted around the room as if trying to find a way out. Dr. Gardener continued talking. “Eddy, the police have been called. They should be here any moment. I’d like you to go back to the ER and show them here when they come. Ms. Clark and Nurse Morgan will remain with me.”
Eddy slowly got to his feet. He seemed reluctant to leave us with our department head.
“Eddy, it’s okay,” I told him.
He relaxed and smiled before nodding. “Alright, sir, but if you need me, please call. I can get someone else to wait for the police.”
“Thank you, Eddy, but I’ll be fine. I feel better if you’re protecting the patients, their families, and our staff. Getting another security guard to watch while you bring them to me is a good idea. Do that.”
Eddy didn’t hesitate to leave the room. The silence when he did was deafening. It was hard for me not to fidget. Irene surprised me by saying nothing. Suddenly, Dr. Gardener addressed me, but it was about a topic that had nothing to do with the current debacle.
“Nurse Morgan, may I call you Cerys?”
“I, yes, of course, Dr. Gardener.”
“Thank you, and please, call me Nathaniel. All this formality is fine in front of patients and their loved ones, but we’re colleagues. I don’t see the need for it. I heard someone say that you spent the weekend in Temecula. Did you enjoy it? I love it there. Was this your first time there?”
I quickly flipped my astonishment off and answered him. He didn’t seem pissed at me. Maybe I won’t lose my job after all. Wait until I get off work and tell Brax what occurred.
“Yes, we did. It was amazing. I’d been there as a kid for a wedding, so as you can imagine, it was drastically different going as an adult and with my boyfriend.”
Irene snorted at the word boyfriend. I ignored her.
“Mind if I ask what you got to do? My wife and I love to visit the various wineries and walk Old Town’s streets.”
“We did that. Brax rented a villa at one of them. I got a horse-drawn carriage ride through the vineyard, had great dinners, visited the casino, danced, and ended it with a hot air balloon ride. Have you ever done one of those? If not, do it. Amazing, even though I was scared to death at first.”
“Why are you asking her about her weekend instead of reprimanding, terminating, and letting the cops deal with her?” Irene asked snidely.
Dr. Gardener’s left eyebrow hiked up. “Ms. Clark, I have no intention of reprimanding, terminating, or arresting her. You, on the other hand, I’ll gladly do all three. Your attitude, behavior, and lack of professionalism are the worst I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something. As soon as the police arrive, I hope Cerys presses charges against you. However, if she doesn’t, she won’t have to continue to work under you.”
“What!” she shrieked. I winced because her octave made my ears hurt. I swear, they have been more sensitive lately. She came bounding out of her chair. He rose to his feet. I wasn’t about to be left sitting, so I stood, too.
“Ms. Clark, sit!” Dr. G roared to be heard over her, swearing at the top of her lungs.
“I can’t fucking believe you! What is it with you men? You take one look at her, and you start thinking with your dicks instead of your brains. She’s a slut, and all she wants is men who can provide for her. She’ll use the deputy like he’s using her, then they’ll move on. There’s no way he’ll stick with her. He’s a manwhore, and she’s a whore. If you’re hoping she’ll dally with you, she probably might. A mediocre nurse like her has to do something to advance beyond an ordinary floor or unit nurse,” she yelled louder.
Fury hit me. As weird as it sounded, I almost thought it was a combination of mine, hers, and his fury. I lunged toward her and got right in her face.
“Listen, you vindictive, jealous cow! I’m not a whore, and Brax isn’t a manwhore. While it’s none of your business, I can assure you that Brax and I are committed to each other beyond what you can ever dream of. I provide for myself, and I always have. I don’t sleep with anyone to advance my career. And I’m a helluva nurse. Don’t ever dare call me mediocre!”
“Ladies,” Dr. G. shouted right as the door opened, and in walked three sheriff deputies. One of them was mine. He was glaring as he entered. The other two were tense and exchanging concerned looks as they came forward. Behind them was Eddy. He remained in the hall.
Brax rushed straight to me, and I was enclosed in his arms. He hugged me and tenderly kissed my lips before saying anything.
“ Astéri mou , Denise said you were in an altercation with her.” He gestured dismissively toward Irene, whose gaze was glued to Brax.
“I was, agápi mou ,” I told him.
The smile calling him my love in Greek put on his face was incredible.
“Deputies, if you’d be so kind. I assume Eddy told you what happened. I’d like you to please remove Ms. Clark from the premises. Cerys, do you want to press charges for her grabbing you and trying to hit you?” Dr. Gardener asked.
“She did what?” Brax growled. I saw Nightstalker trying to peek out. Shit. The last thing we needed was for him to turn into a wolf to defend his mate. I rubbed my hands up and down his chest, trying to soothe him.
“Honey, it’s alright. She didn’t hit me. As for my arm, I might have a few bruises, but her arm is worse.”
“She broke my wrist!” Irene yelled. She was trying to get around the other deputies.
“Montgomery, Wilson, secure her,” Brax ordered.
Neither one hesitated. The cuffs came out. The one Brax looked at when he said Wilson gripped her arms and brought them behind her back. She was whining and complaining of the pain. Both ignored her as Montgomery put the cuffs on her. She struggled the entire time. Once she was in them, she changed tactics and became verbal again.
“You wait until my lawyer finds out what you did. You’ll all lose your jobs. This whore and her fuck buddy will be out on their asses. They’ll never get a job again as a cop or nurse in this state or any other when he’s done with you,” she yelled.
“Christ, she’s nuts,” Wilson muttered.
“Tell me about it. She’s been nothing but a bitch since I met her. For some reason, she hates Cerys, and she’s done nothing to her. I want to know what happened, every detail. Cerys, baby, I know you make your own decision, but I strongly recommend you press charges against her. We’ll get Banner involved. She thinks her lawyer is something. Banner is a beast,” Brax stated.
While I knew Brax was angry, I caught the glimmer of amusement in his eyes as he called his friend a beast. Lord, if only the others in here knew how right he was. I addressed the other deputies.
“I want her arrested, charged with battery, and anything else you think is appropriate after you see the security video Dr. Gardener has. You’ll see. She touched me, and I responded in defense only.”
“She’s correct. I’ll have our IT department download a copy of the video for you. Cerys, I’m sorry that you had to put up with this. I had no clue how awful she was. The wreck opened my eyes. I’ve been gathering information to terminate her. I’m sorry I didn’t do it before she became physical or said those terrible things she did. You go home and don’t worry about coverage. We have it handled,” Dr. Gardener told me kindly.
“Thank you, Nathaniel. Do I need to give a statement?” I asked the deputies. How long would that take? Fatigue was hitting me hard. I didn’t know why. I could barely keep my eyes open.
Montgomery answered me. “You will eventually, but for right now, go home and get some sleep. You can come to the station and give your official statement tomorrow. We have enough people to question as it is. Doctor, we’ll start with you, your security officer, and those in the ER. Can you ask those ready to leave to wait? We’ll make it as quick as possible. We just need everyone’s names and contact information.”
“I can give you the names and contact information. As for those staying, some may have left, but there should be some who haven’t. I’ll get the names while you take care of her.” Gardener gestured dismissively toward Irene.
Irene was so mad her face was almost purple. She wouldn’t stop struggling or muttering about how I’d get what was coming to me. I ignored her. Brax had his arm securely wound around my shoulders.
“I’m taking her home. I’ll bring her in after she wakes up,” Brax promised the deputies.
“Honey, I need to go back to the ER first. There’s a spot of charting I need to do and report to give to Josette. It’ll take me no more than half an hour,” I told him.
“Then let’s do it. Thank you, Dr. Gardener,” he said. They shook hands.
“Think nothing of it,” Dr. G responded.
Brax escorted me to the ER. He didn’t question me, but I knew it was coming. I hoped he wouldn’t be upset that I instigated it. He tried to stay professional no matter what, but I’d had enough.