Chapter Seven.
April
I was beyond furious as I stormed from the conference room.
Dr Simmons had seemed seemed upset when he'd informed me to attend a meeting with HR regarding a complaint. Someone had told HR that I’d been slipping out on tasks and leaving them for others to complete.
And apparently, I’d also been clocking out early and taking full pay.
Once the HR officer had finished, I challenged her to check all CCTV footage in the hospital and prove that I had left early.
Then I demanded a list of jobs I was alleged not to have completed.
Half of them had been Mahoney’s. Angrily, I filed my own complaint about Mahoney, detailing witnesses to our conversations, which had been several.
Then I told the HR officer I wouldn’t comment further until a full investigation had been conducted.
Next, I pointed out that my parking badge for the staff car lot would show the times I left.
On top of that, I stated I’d not claimed overtime for all the extra time I’d done.
Perhaps I had better claim that while I was thinking about it.
HR choked, swallowed, and informed me stiffly they would be investigating.
That little bitch Mahoney was due a reckoning. She was standing with Tegan, a smirk on her face, when I approached.
“Are you okay?” she simpered.
“Yeah. Seems someone had been spreading bullshit. Shame, because they should have done some research. I pointed out a few things that would prove the complainant was a liar, and I’m sure HR will be speaking to them soon.
Especially when I hit the budget for forty-five hours of unpaid overtime, I had planned to let that go, but fuck that.
Naturally, I imagine the hospital won’t be too pleased when I claim it.
Particularly, as it will break this month’s budget,” I said, holding the bitch’s gaze.
Mahoney blanched. “Well, I’ve got to check on a patient.”
“Yeah, run away, you bitch,” I hissed, and Mahoney flinched and then scarpered. Moments later, she was talking to Dr Simmons, who brushed her off and approached.
“What lies is Mahoney spouting now?” I demanded, crossing my arms.
“Nurse Mahoney says April called her a rude name,” Simmons said.
“Nope, didn’t happen. Mahoney has been telling fibs and trying to get people in trouble,” Teagan spoke before I did.
“Indeed?” Simmons asked.
“Yes. April had been questioned about shirking duties and clocking out early,” Teagan elaborated.
“Well, I can bear witness to neither of those things happening,” Simmons replied, looking puzzled. “Why would Mahoney do that?”
Unsure, I swapped a glance with Teagan, wondering if she’d inform Simmons why.
“Dr Reines,” Teagan bit out, and Simmons scowled.
“If Reines put as much effort into doctoring as he did his love life, he’d be top of the hospital in a blink of an eye. Please confirm you didn’t succumb to Reines’s charm, April. I thought better of you,” Simmons stated.
“No, I haven’t dated Reines and have no intention to. That fact appears to have upset Mahoney. Idiot thinks she deserves his attention and is annoyed that I have it. Honestly, I’d throw Reines at her if it were possible. Reines is not my cup of tea,” I replied.
“Glad to hear that. Thank God you’re the reasonable sort despite the piercings and tattoos,” Simmons declared and wandered off.
“Holy crap. I’m sensible,” I moaned, and Teagan laughed. “Anyhoo, I’m going to live through you. What happened with Smokey?”
“Oh, that man’s good,” Teagan cooed, and I whooped.
“Sounds like you had a great night!”
“Honey, the man has ruined sex forever. Nobody will ever come close again. And as for skills, Smokey made me come four times, and fucks like a jackhammer.” Teagan grinned.
“Wow, okay.” Yup, I was jealous. “He took care of your needs first?”
“Twice before Smokey got his own release. Any woman who ends up in Smokey’s bed is one lucky bitch.”
“Was it a one-and-done?”
“Nope. Smokey’s meeting me next Friday and Saturday,” Teagan crowed.
“Way to go, girl, you got yourself some,” I smiled slightly, envious. It would be nice to have Teagan’s confidence, but Stone’s harsh lessons lingered in my mind.
“You’ll heal one day,” Teagan said, making me jolt
“What?”
“There’ll be a day when you wake up and what that asshole did won’t matter anymore.”
“Yeah, somehow, the image of Stone banging my best friend since birth will never go away,” I replied, and Teagan gaped.
“Shit, really?”
“No lie, honey. Straight up truth.”
Teagan stared aghast and shook her head. “Holy crap, that wasn’t a friend.”
“Yeah, I’m well aware of that now. And seeing as I’ve seen most men cheat on their women, I’m better off without a guy causing complications.”
“Guess you’re right, but that’s such a shame. You’re a good person, April,” Teagan said, and I squeezed her shoulder.
“Hey! I need help!” a man yelled as he raced in. Reacting, I turned and saw the President of Hellfire carrying a little girl. She was covered in blood and whimpering.
“Here,” I called, racing over. I took the child and carried her into a booth. Scared eyes met mine as I grabbed some wipes to discover where the blood was coming from.
“What happened?” I snapped.
“Isla bounced off the trampoline and cracked her head. A freak accident because the ground under it has that soft play area surfacing,” Chance replied.
“How did she hit her head?” I asked. The playground surface should have prevented this. Finally, I discovered the cut, which was still seeping blood and was just in her hairline.
“Isla bounced too high, and one of the kids had taken the safety net down. Isla struck a tree close by as she flew through the air. I saw it take place, but couldn’t reach her in time,” Chance said angrily.
Correctly, I surmised Chance’s anger was directed at himself, not at Isla or me.
“Accidents happen.”
“Seems to happen often. Damn kids don’t have any fear,” Chance replied.
“Daddy,” Isla whimpered.
“It’s okay, baby, the nice nurse will fix you up. April, isn’t it?” Chance asked, his gaze searing me.
“Yup, that’s right. Okay, Isla, I’ve cleaned the wound, and you’ve got about a three-inch cut. Head wounds bleed a lot, and I’ve stopped the bleeding for now. The doctor will be in shortly. However, you’ll need stitches,” I informed the little girl.
Isla blanched. “Will I still be beautiful?” Isla asked Chance.
“You’ll always be absolutely gorgeous, princess,” Chance replied.
I smiled at the sight of this huge man being gentle with his daughter.
When I left, I was surprised to see half the waiting room filled with bikers.
I approached a window in the barrier as an enormous guy came over.
He held his hands up with a worried expression on his face.
“Hey, I’m Bear. Is Isla okay?” he asked.
“You’re here for her?”
“Yeah. Is Isla going to be alright? That was a fuckload of blood,” Bear muttered, raking his hand through his hair.
“She’ll be fine. Chance is in with her, they’re waiting on the doctor,” I replied. “Sorry, I can’t give you any other information.”
“Can we see them?” another guy asked, stepping up. He was as big as Bear. His badge said Tiny, and in his hands was a pink teddy bear. Tiny was wringing its neck, and I wondered if he realised that.
“I’ll let Chance know you’re here. No more than two visitors at a time, but Isla should be released soon.”
“Thanks,” Bear replied. I headed back to the nurse’s station, completed filling in Isla’s details, and passed her over to a doctor.
◆◆◆
When Teagan called me over as I finished my shift, looking mad. “Bitch, you said that you weren’t dating anyone!”
“I’m not!” I exclaimed.
“Then what the hell are these?” Teagan demanded, pointing to a vase filled with flowers.
“Who are they for?” I asked stupidly, and Teagan rolled her eyes. She whipped the accompanying card out. “‘April, missing you. Things aren’t the same, but I’ll see you soon.’ Something you’re not telling me, honey? I thought we were friends.”
“Teagan, we are, but I’m not dating anybody,” I muttered, taking the card and checking it over.
“Then who’s that from?”
“I’ve honestly no clue. There’s no name? Not another card?”
“Wow, you’ve got a secret admirer!” Teagan exclaimed, and I shook my head.
“God knows who, because I’ve not encouraged anyone. Dating is something I’m not interested in,” I drawled, staring at the flowers.
“How pretty! Did you send them to yourself?” Mahoney gasped as she approached. She saw the card in my hand, and her eyes narrowed.
“Is everything that comes from your lips gossip, a lie, or stupid comments?” I snapped.
Mahoney flinched. “April, you’re creating a hostile work environment.”
“Mahoney, go and do one,” Teagan hissed.
“Do one what?” Mahoney asked, and I laughed.
“Jesus, in other words, Mahoney, fuck off,” I explained, and she scowled.
“I don’t like either of you!” she complained.
“That’s fine. We don’t like you. Get lost and take your stupid comments with you!” Teagan ordered.
Mahoney sent us an injured-looking glance before stomping off. She headed towards Reines, and I rolled my eyes. “Desperation is on the loose. What’s the betting Mahoney’s quizzing Reines to ask if he sent them?”
“Reines would never send flowers. Asshole doesn’t think he needs that type of courtship. Apparently, good looks and charm are enough to offer a woman,” Teagan replied, and we both laughed.
“Urgh. That’s sleazy.”
“Ain’t it just. Hey, there goes Chance Michaelson and his baby girl.” I turned to where Teagan was staring.
Chance was walking out with a beautiful woman at his side and Isla in his arms. She was holding a pink teddy and several other items. A smile crossed my lips as they entered the waiting room and were surrounded by burly bikers who fussed over the little girl.
“That’s sweet.” Teagan sighed.
“You know Chance Michaelson?” I asked.