Chapter Nine
DARKNESS SCOURED THE area when they left Rodney’s home. Julie was accustomed to the hour and felt energized by her schedule. The two SUVs blocked the street, waiting for her and Rodney to enter. When their hands accidentally brushed against each other, electrical currents surged through her. She gritted her teeth. He’s a patient.
While Julie primarily specialized in trauma surgery, she performed several general surgical procedures. Today, she was scheduled for both a hernia repair and a bowel resection, procedures that required her expertise to ensure optimal patient recovery and minimize complications. As usual, her mind focused on the day’s events, and the drive blurred by until the hospital came into view. At that point, she became antsy and eager to start her day. She would consult with the patients in pre-op, reminding them of what to expect and check that her staff and students were accounted for to avoid any issues.
Stacy encountered her in the women’s locker room in the surgical wing. “What’s happening? You didn’t return my calls last night. I was worried sick when I heard about the bomb scare here. I’m relieved I was already home, but I knew you would probably still be at the hospital.”
After speaking with Rodney the night before, she clarified what she could share with everyone, including her friends. It annoyed her, but she understood. “I’m sorry. A friend came into town last night, and we were catching up for most of the evening.” She closed a locker that contained her personal items. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”
Julie was amazed that the men had concocted cover stories in such a short time. She nearly went ballistic when Doc told her he had been approved to shadow her this week. While he prepared in the men’s locker room, one of the men kept watch outside the women’s locker room. And yes, they had swept the area before she could enter. It felt like too much, but Julie wouldn’t let her focus waver from her patients and the procedures she would conduct today. She would handle the rest this evening because Mr. Rodney White would hear from her.
“Did you notice those hunky guys in all black walking around? The nurses are curious if there’s a high-profile patient today.” Stacy raised her eyebrows in playful teasing. “Wouldn’t that be exciting?”
Julie sighed. Yeah, it would be great if they followed someone other than her. “Listen, Stacy, do you remember Mr. Rodney White? He was the man I recently operated on.”
Stacy smiled. “Who could forget that hottie? Why?”
Licking her lips, she tried to stay focused on the story. “Well, he’s a medical colleague, and the hospital has permitted him to shadow me for a few days because he may want to switch to trauma surgery.”
“Oh.” Stacy furrowed her brows. “Is this who you were with last night? I mean, he’s a patient and all, but if he’s a medical professional too….”
Julie straightened her back and told her friend another lie. “Of course not. He may be a colleague, but he’s still a patient.”
Stacy tapped her finger on her chin. “Now that I think about it, didn’t he fire you? Would that make him fair game?”
Rolling her eyes, Julie walked toward the exit. “I’ll see you in surgery.” She then left while Rodney, dressed in scrubs, waited for her at the door.
“Is everything all right?” he inquired.
Julie sighed as she walked. “I really hate lying to my friends.”
“It’s just for a little while. We might find out today that you weren’t the target, and you’ll be free from us.”
Why did she suddenly hesitate to embrace her freedom from Rodney? It felt as if she had only just exchanged weak introductions with him. Yet, he had already shown himself to be an overwhelming presence, a blustery brute whose impact was impossible to ignore. There was something attractive about him: a hot, rugged charm and an intimidating demeanor that kept her entranced. He had many admirable qualities, revealing his depth and a disarming smile that made her weak in the knees. But still….
“Hmm…Let’s get the day underway.”
Their first stop was the bustling pre-op area, a hive of activity filled with the low murmur of anxious voices. With her warm smile and reassuring demeanor, Julie checked the charts on her sleek tablet, her fingers gliding effortlessly across the screen. After a quick review, she approached her first surgical patient, a young man sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes wide with apprehension. Julie paused to kneel beside him, making direct eye contact and absorbing the tension that enveloped the room. She cherished these moments, observing her patients’ expressions—some eager, some fearful, but all reflecting their hopes and anxieties about the procedure ahead. With a calm and soothing voice, Julie offered gentle reassurance, and gradually, the man’s taut shoulders relaxed. Her goal was to alleviate their fears and instill a sense of anticipation for the positive transformation that would follow once they awoke, free from their ailments.
After consulting with Jonathan Nelson about the herniorrhaphy, she led Rodney to the surgical suite, where she introduced him to the surgical team and carefully prepared for the operation. The surgical attire, aseptic scrubbing, and hair containment were vital for maintaining a sterile environment. Any deviation from these protocols could lead to postoperative infections in the patient following the procedure’s incision.
As she entered the surgical room with Rodney close behind her, nerves overwhelmed her. She had only experienced this level of anxiety during her early surgeries when she was new to surgery. Now, she was a pro—an esteemed surgeon with countless procedures to her name—and this was merely a simple hernia repair. She could perform it in her sleep. However, with Rodney on the edge of the room, scrutinizing everyone present, she felt as if she was facing her very first surgical trial.
Trying to push him from her thoughts, she turned to her students. Ryan, Darlene, and even Marla were there. She needed to ask them questions and forget he was nearby. It felt like a school instructor continuously supervised her work, even though he was there for her safety. However, she couldn’t understand safety from whom in this room. And how could they get away with anything in such a big hospital?
“Miss Rollins, I’m glad you could join us,” Julie said, pausing by the patient after passing the student. “Could you outline the steps we’ll take today with Mr. Nelson?”
Marla blanched. “Well…” She hesitated. The student would fail the class if she didn’t step up and study.
Julie turned to Darlene. “Miss Lang, could you explain, please?”
As the student described the standard procedure, Julie focused on the task at hand. She was in her element and her world. With Stacy by her side, she flawlessly performed the hernia repair and sent Mr. Nelson to recovery. She planned to visit him after he woke up and once she was on rounds.
“Great job, Doc,” Rodney whispered to her as they exited the surgical room. They took off the protective clothing they had worn and washed their hands.
She felt proud. Though she knew feeling pride in herself was inappropriate, she couldn’t help but sense that she had earned it when she received his approval. “Thank you.”
“Next?” he asked, opening the door to the hallway for her. They stepped out, and she again guided him to the pre-op room.
“We’re on our way to see Ms. Rebecca Taylor. She needs a bowel resection. We’ll check in with her in pre-op and then get ready for the surgery.” With thoughts of her impending procedure, she effectively ignored the man next to her.
“Do you do this all day?” he asked, interrupting her thoughts about Ms. Taylor’s surgery plans.
Julie nodded. “Pretty much. Later, we’ll make the rounds. I’ll introduce you to my patients and see if it’s all right for you to sit in.”
Doc stopped and took her arm, turning her slowly to face him. “We may have removed the procedures for searching the patients’ rooms before your arrival, but you will not enter a room without me. Am I clear?”
The sternness in his voice made Julie feel uneasy. She understood his words but had to consider HIPAA regulations. It was their choice if a patient didn’t want a stranger to attend their medical visit. Typically, hospital patients were agreeable to this, but she couldn’t be sure. She would have to wait and address the issue if it arose. She hoped it wouldn’t, as she doubted she would win this battle.
Rather than voicing her opinion, she nodded and chose the easier route. “Whatever you say.”
Rodney narrowed his eyes and examined her closely. “What game are you playing?”
She laughed. “Game? I’m playing the prisoner and doing what my warden tells me.” She pulled her arm free from his grasp and turned to walk away. She knew he’d catch up to her quickly, but it felt good to assert herself—even just a little.
By the end of the day, Julie felt both fatigued and exhilarated. Her surgical procedures had been successful, and all her patients were showing positive signs of recovery after surgery. She saw that as a win for everyone.
After her outburst, Rodney remained silent as he followed her. This was somewhat unsettling, but it allowed her to focus on her work instead of the pointless chatter some residents engaged in while collaborating with her. All her patients allowed him to visit, even asking him medical questions, which he answered skillfully. It impressed her.
Yes, he had impressed her, even though she hadn’t wanted him to. She had hoped he would fail so she could ask for another agent to accompany her—someone knowledgeable in medical terminology and procedures. But he had won her over. On that course….
That desire was creeping into her soul. Julie knew the attraction she felt was mirrored in the glances he gave her when he thought she wasn’t looking. But she felt powerless to act on it. Or could she? Stacy had made a valid point about him firing her—whether he joked or not. But where did ethics stand regarding a former patient? She’d never explored this because she believed that once a patient, always a patient. Then she reminded herself it wasn’t the Marines.
What she needed to focus on—instead of the handsome man beside her—was why they hadn’t cleared her as a potential victim. Oh, she hated that word. But it would have applied had she started her vehicle. And when would the police return her car? Another thing to consider that had no bearing on the present moment.
As they settled into the backseat of the SUV, Julie turned to Rodney. “Why are you still protecting me? I thought you said you could clear me today.” That had been her hope, at least.
He turned to her and shook his head gently. “I apologize, but we couldn’t clear you or the hospital today. So, you’ll remain in our care for at least another day until Jesse and his brothers determine if the hospital is the intended target. We’re uncertain because neither you nor any personnel have received threats or experienced unusual incidents. We believe it’s wise to prioritize safety in this situation and err on the side of caution.”
A heavy weight overwhelmed her, as if the world’s burdens pressed down on her shoulders. Surely, she mused, it couldn’t be her they had in mind when discussing a potential explosion. It must have been the hospital they were referring to. Yet, despite this thought, an unsettling idea lingered—what if she had been the unfortunate casualty? The mere prospect of her fate could unleash a spiraling nightmare not just for herself, but for everyone within the hospital’s walls.
“What’s the problem?” Rodney asked, flashing that irresistible grin—the one that made her heart do a little dance. “Aren’t you a bit charmed by me?”
And there it stood: the conundrum!