Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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particularly attractive. This was not the time to linger.
He grabbed a new folder and tried to decipher his handwriting - real
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nicely, that tone that she was alone with him to use.
Maybe it was that why he liked to have him as assistant?
- The hospital is on a line, it will continued. You're in big trouble.
- A beautiful mess? Does he repeated with annoyed pout. What kind of trouble?
Actually, for the staff of the small hospital at the edge of the city, a nail
broken resembled a major emergency, and he had over the times he
had been disturbed for nothing.
Before his dubious mine, Val plunged his gaze straight into hers.
- The kind of trouble that could well end your career, decreed Does
it.
coming between him and Harold Benton. The animosity between them born on
the banks of
medical school was not attenuated with age. During their studies,
had always performed better than Benton. The latter conceived it
Despite more, to the point of him still stick rigorously, we wondered
why. Everyone had found his place in the final, and this stupid competition
teenager was no longer acceptable today.
Benton flipping the patient record.
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- Where were you the head, Landry? Does he suddenly threw a defiant tone.
Nick ignored him, preferring to focus on Kent Dawson himself, whose state
fortunately seemed to improve. Finally, the pulse and respiration covered
a more normal pace.
- It is in black and white that this gentleman is allergic to iodine, continued
Benton.
Reassured about the state of Kent, Nick took off the hands of Benton folder and
scanned the
quickly.
- I asked a gastrointestinal endoscopic assessment, not an angiogram
with contrast injection, it Does muttered, clenched jaws.
Benton finger tapped the location of the signature at the bottom of the sheet.
- You asked angiography, Dr. Landry, Cobby does it in a tone that
could not hide his satisfaction.
Frightened, Nick could not take his eyes of the document. It was indeed
his signature, not a shadow of a doubt ... How could he have committed a
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He saw it as at best a good asexual boyfriend at worst a nice animal
company ...
They came in what the other staff called him "
sanctuary "but which she rather took the bachelor or the nest
love. Nick was a womanizer and rarely octroyait rest in
that area. Besides, as he more or less already had an affair with
all women may be of interest to Jasper, he would soon need
extend his hunting ground to neighboring towns. It was hair pulling!
He was interested in principle to all who wore skirt, and she alone was
exception to the rule. Not once, outside of a few lunches or dinners
work, Nick had asked her out for a drink. Yet it was not
uglier nor more stupid than another, it even had a sense of
humor ... But she seemed completely transparent to him. - You want to drink
something? asked one ridding the kitchen table of a battery
newspapers put it on the floor.
- Yes thank you. What have you got to offer me?
In response, Nick opened the refrigerator in order to inspect the content,
which gave plenty of time to contemplate his racy valley profile, thick hair
brown, her tanned man who has always lived in the open air. And then there was
those eyes which she knew by heart the color: incredible blue-gray tint
which recalled a stormy summer sky ...
Nick handed him a bottle of beer she popped a dry and precise hit,
the tilting against the edge of the work surface.
- We really need one of these days, you teach me to do that! if it does exclaimed
laughing.
- You can always wait! Every woman has to have her little secrets.
- All except you, it does corrected after drinking a sip of lager. Although
You annoy me sometimes prodigiously, you're my closest friend. There is no
secrets between us, of course!
"Except that I am dying with desire for you, no, indeed!
In order to keep himself in countenance, she raised her bottle like toast and
took a sip from the bottle.
- I wonder how I could make such a terrible mistake,
Nick stared thoughtfully.
- I'm sure it's due to a computer problem.
- Computers or not, I am still signed the application form
examinations.
- Let's check anyway that the computer was in the belly ...
He nodded and preceded the in the living room, where there was a computer
connected to
computer network firm. Without having to exchange a single word, Val
settled authority before the screen. It was viscerally allergic to such
machines, and anyway, he would have lost three hours manipulations
diverse, where Val would barely two minutes with a few mouse clicks.
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They sat side by side, so close to one another that their thighs brushed against.
The
delicate floral and fruity scent that smelled of jet-black hair Val
frowning.
- Apparently, the first request was canceled and replaced by the second
two days ago.
- Look, Val, think! How do you want me to go into the system to
to make such a change? I do not even know how to play solitaire with
that thing!
- Yet the change was made from the your desktop computer,
two days ago, at 19: 45 am sharp.
Nick thinks and let out a triumphant cry.
- There are two days 19 hours 45 precise, I was on my way to pick up a
lovely blonde with long legs at home. So you see, it can not
be me!
- How does she called this pin-up?
- Gretchen something ... The kind "Be beautiful and shut up."
- The qualities you like in a woman.
- Look, I have not asked her to marry, he defended himself.
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- Oh, I beg you, no sordid details! Besides, I think I can guess without
wrong what you asked.
- Relax, Val. I am a single man, sane and healthy,
not one of those crazy rapists or whatever ... And I've never done any
woman boat. I set the tone right away and they all know that with
me, they will only have a night stand. I'm not made for long
term. - It has a name: the phobia of commitment.
- Whatever. The bottom line is that I want proof that I have not changed the
prescription.
Val was a dubious pout.
- Yes, well, it will still let your sweetheart corroborate your words. Then
I will contact the technicians of IT so they repair this bug.
- A bug that could have cost the lives of Kent Dawson, Nick watched the dark
mine
and severe.
- Just like your sex life with unbridled unknown perfect you could
cost yours ...
- Sorry to contradict you, young lady, but I do not lead a sex life
unbridled. First, I take my precautions, then all my conquests
and consenting adults. We have a short report, and without satisfactory
next day.
- Only because you've struggled to keep women away. And if thou doest
so, it is because you have never solved your problems with your mother.
- Yes! And even that would not be the case, I'm not sure I
want you thickets your nose in this part of my life.
A little annoyed, Val shrugged with feigned casualness.
- Perfect! Continues to refuse any entry and you'll end up all alone, like a
pathetic old man reduced to drooling watching the girls go
under his nose ...
- I have no intention of "drooling watching the girls go," my
expensive, and I intend to remain the darling of the ladies to the end!
- Well, back on topic, if you will ... We now know that there
had two requests for review. How is it that you have signed the wrong?
Nick shrugged sign of ignorance.
- You do not remember having initialed you a superseding the form
precedent?
- I'm an absolute nullity computer, I am very careful to
medical forms I have to sign.
- So I'll ask the question: how is it that you have signed the wrong
request for review?
Nick sighed.
- It is true that my signature at the bottom of the damn form. I saw it
spread out in black ink.
- So it's you who signed.
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- I tell you not!
Val gave her a gentle smirk.
- A heartthrob who feels perfectly infallible eventually tired to
long even the most insanely loving ...
Nick darkens.
- Because you honestly believe that I did it? I have committed this huge
blunder?
- The error is human. It happens even to the best of us.
- Not to me.
- Look, the most important ultimately is that Mr. Dawson is pulled in
unharmed.
- Okay, this is essential, but it does not change the fact that I do not have
asked angiography. I am certain: Kent Dawson is my patient
for years, and I knew very well that his iodine allergy could be him
fatal.
- But what are you doing? You're not his father, as I know!
- I do not want her to suffer, that's it! defended himself with Nick
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bad faith that surprised himself.
Because it was necessary to call things by their name: he felt a terrible jealousy.
A
completely unexpected feeling, he could not understand in the least.
Shane smirked.
- Of course ...
- What course? What do you mean?
- I merely note the obvious: I think you're in love Val.
- I'll have treated an idiot, but I was wrong. In reality, you're completely
remained!
- You might as well try to deny, it will not move on to much! replied
Shane laughed uproariously. I saw the way you looked at her. I know you
and I know it ... You have a lot of similarities, I would say
you're made for each other.
- Are you kidding? It is far too ... homebody.
- There are worse fates for a man to be married to such a woman
Val.
Sacrilege and terrifying word that began with a m, Nick felt a thrill
panic.
- This is exactly where I'm going. Val needs a man who caresses
that same dream: marriage, children, a nice house to house his
small family ...
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- Because I accompanied two or three times to the reserve. I had brought from
food and animal vaccines. That answer that? Suddenly it
ran.
Furious at his reaction, he forced himself to clear his mind. Fortunately Val
came down from the loft just a few minutes later, wearing jeans
and an ordinary sweatshirt. She was wearing a tail-to-horse
put in the delicate oval value of his face and almond eyes, traces of
Indian blood in his veins.
He followed her into the kitchen, where he attabla while the young woman served
coffee.
- This is not the cream commented Does he, knitting his nose with caution
above the pot containing a white liquid.
- No, it's soy milk. All milk intake without animal fat ...
- Without flavor so.
- Do not criticize until you have tasted. You want to have breakfast with
me?
- It depends. It consists of what, exactly, breakfast?
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- Fresh, organic yogurt and bread rolls.
- With cream cheese?
- You dream?
- Okay, so I'll just fruit and yogurt.
- As you wish. But do not come and complain if you die of hunger in less
one hour.
While she was busy, Nick watched furtively. It was the first
Once he discovered it in a setting other than the firm to its environment
She moreover, and it looked as comfortable in the kitchen as a room
care.
- And if you explained why, exactly, you came knocking on my door at 7
hours on a Sunday morning? she asked, while posing a fruit plate
in front of him.
- Like I said ... I would go with you to the reserve.
- I go for years and it does anyone ever touched the mind so far.
Why the sudden interest?
- Val, I just to be nice to you. What shocks you so much?
- I'm not shocked ... I just say to myself afterwards that it would have been very
awkward if I had not been alone. Finally, this is a chance for you, my
appointment
you last night included in the pantheon of pathetic failures!
- What was wrong?
She sat opposite him and shrugged.
- Everything from A to Z.
- Tell ...
- Looks like Nancy!
Which in this case was not a compliment, because her nursing colleague was
an insatiable curiosity that sometimes bordered on indiscretion.
- You give all your secrets in Nancy? he inquired, casually.
- Never deliver all his secrets to anyone, matter of principle.
- It's funny ... In general, you tend to say whatever comes into your
the head.
- There is a huge difference between making intimate confidences and express
opinion.
Val had plunged his right eye in his, and suddenly Nick felt a little
lost almost distraught. Suddenly it seemed intolerable to stay
margin of not being able to see through the enigma that this woman had
always represented to him.
The irrepressible urge the tenailla to learn and even to know everything
of it down to the smallest detail. Incomprehensible reaction, the extent
where Val was a friend. Although ... She was also a young beautiful woman
and mysterious, and he only found out now in this day.
- Well, who built this house? he said, clearing his throat. - Me.
Before his expression dazed, Val sketched disdainful pout.
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- What? Does she threw on a defiantly. According to you, a woman is not
capable of
tinker?
- Not at all! I'm just surprised, admiring and ... very impressed.
As to me, I would have never considered myself a minute of build
even my house.
- That's because you're a Landry. Me on the other hand, I'm not after a
rich family of landowners. And with that I win, it was either
build myself my house, or rent a tiny apartment and dingy
in town. You know, anyway, it's not that complicated. And I do not have any
done alone. It helped.
- Who?
- The men of my tribe. But, I do not understand why it shocks you
at this point!
- Because I've never met a woman entrepreneur
building, laughed does it nicely.
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- I am a doctor, he defended himself. Altruism is defined as second nature
at home.
In response, Val laughed.
- Come on ...
- Take my 4x4, it does suggested. Shane filled the back of provisions for
reserve.
- It is really sweet ...
A minute later, they both climbed aboard the 4x4, and Nick started.
- Oh, what an idiot! exclaimed Val snapping fingers. I completely
forgot to take glucose tablets and insulin doses!
- You only have to make a detour by the firm.
- Heard.
They set off and drove in silence, each lost in his thoughts.
The landscape of snow-capped mountains that surrounded them was
absolutely gorgeous, and Nick thought that he would never have been able to live
in a
big city, far from nature. As Val, too.
- Have you ever thought about from here to set you elsewhere? Does he asked.
- Not for a second. Although the winters are harsh and if I have trouble handling
the shovel
to remove snow in front of my house, I could not live anywhere else.
- I mania shovel expert!
Val gave him a smirk.
- You, a manual?
- Perfectly! You seem to forget that I grew up on a ranch. I assure you that
I've done more than my share of manual work.
- This is why you became a doctor?
- In part, yes. I also wanted to distinguish myself from my family.
- Me too. But it is easier when one is born with a silver spoon in
the mouth.
- What do you want? I apologize for the money?
- No, it was a simple observation.
- Val, how much cost you your medical studies?
- So expensive that I probably still have bills to pay after my death?
- And why have you abandoned?
- I have not abandoned my studies in the sense that it is ordinarily understood.
Simply, I have a concept of medicine that does not correspond to what
teaches at the Faculty. And I finally realized that I was not there to my
site.
- If you were suffering from appendicitis, I imagine you'd be glad to you
operated on by a surgeon.
- Yes of course. But when I have a simple cold, I find no need to feed me
drugs. I much prefer to treat me with herbs and teas that my
ancestors have always used. I strongly believe in the virtues of a good
lifestyle, and "scientific" medicine is for me a last
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recourse.
- With that, I'll join you completely.
They were silent again and finished the short trip to the office in the
silence.
Once Nick had parked the 4x4 in the parking lot, Val got out of a flexible bond.
- Wait here, I'll just be a minute.
The young woman had just entering the firm he heard a call
anxious.
- Nick, come quickly! 3.
The office door was wide open and Tara Bishop, the accountant,
standing in the doorway.
- Here you are at last! if it does exclaimed. I tried to reach you everywhere.
Look ...
She stepped aside and pointed Dora Simms. Curled up in a chair, the old lady
seemed to suffer martyrdom.
- I found it in this state, Tara explained. I had gone home to get a
copy of its order to see if I could arrange with the
pharmacist. Dora has a slate at home, and I intended to negotiate a
Spread refund. I actually started typing a note to
your intention ...
Nick interrupted this verbal barrage with a gesture of thanks and rushed
with the old lady that Val was in the process of helping to recover. The supporting
each by an arm, and brought it in treatment room.
- It will be okay? Tara asked, who had followed them. I might be better
Because of the drive directly to the hospital ...
Nick gave her a reassuring sign of head.
- There must be an osteoarthritis crisis triggered by an effort that Dora would
not have done. This stubborn refuses to understand that from the age, we must
accepting no longer be as alert as before.
- You see, as I brought her here, I took the opportunity to enter a word
your intention and ...
- Thank you. By the way, how did you get?
- I have the key to the cabinet. You gave me a double, you do not remember
right? This was just in case I would need to spend during the weekend and ...
- Oh, well, cut Nick. Well, now, let us Dora.
- Why, exactly, I pulled out the file.
Nick took the document and, while reading, approached the table where
the old lady was lying, aided by Val.
Reassured by auscultation, he asked the latter to program a radio.
- In my opinion, it is simply intercostal neuralgia, but better
take pictures as a precautionary measure.
- A radio? Dora repeated. It's expensive? Because you see, I pull the
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struggling and I really do not need unnecessary expenses.
What he already knew well. Like many of his patients, Dora Simms
had no supplementary health insurance. Many people in Jasper
were from modest backgrounds and were struggling to make ends meet. Pay
supplementary health insurance was therefore a luxury they could not
afford.
- Do not worry, Dora commented Val. We'll ask Tara
complete a medical social form.
Dora sniffed suspiciously.
- It is weird that Tara Bishop ... Of course, I'm glad it has passed
home at the right time and that has brought me here - God knows how many
time I could have stayed on the floor in agony ... But I do not like people
who do not look you in the eye.
Nick shook his head, laughing.
- It may simply afraid of you! You have a reputation for
not to be taken lightly, you know!
- And if we did, this radio? Val intervened.
Without waiting, she took Dora radiology room, when Nick started
use to read the back of her patient with more attention.
The last visit dates back to three months. He had prescribed the
monoamine oxidase, an enzyme used to treat depression. He
had also suggested to consider psychotherapy as Dora suffered
depression since her widowhood. But she preferred to settle for a
antidepressant treatment that would help pass the course, saying that the
time would eventually heal his wounds. And no doubt she was not wrong because
it had a much better morale today. As Val delayed a bit
bring radios, he went to the office where the drugs were kept
locked up and took some samples he brought into the office. In the meantime,
Val had returned and posted the photos on the bright display. He encamped
front of the screen and studied them, to ensure they did not contradict his
diagnosis.
- That's what I thought, he concluded, satisfied.
- What treatment are you going to prescribe?
Nick showed him the samples provided by pharmaceutical companies that
had in his hands.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Perfect. I'm going to record it all in the computer file, while
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typing error. It's funny, we each have our tics ...
- I thought these machines were supposed to identify spelling errors.
- Spelling yes, but a computer can not detect that it is
the use of a word for another. Come on, ad dosages me ...
Nick complied, skeptical. Certainly, IT was an undeniable progress, but
it seemed just as quick and easy writing a prescription in hand and
give it to the patient.
- There you go! Val finds when he finished. You want me to send it by mail to
Pharmacist?
- It would be easier to place it in his shop?
- But, Nick, it's so much faster and ...
He raised his hands in surrender.
- Okay, I say no more! I'll give one dose to Dora, it
will help to keep the time that Guy Day prepares the order.
- Meanwhile, I'll fill support application forms
care by social assistance.
At this time, the computer issued a ringtone.
- What's happening? Nick worried.
- Nothing. This is the signal that the prescription is right and there is no counter
indication. The computer checks all alone through special software. Now I
can send it directly.
Nick rolled his eyes and turned away.
All this was certainly wonderful, but it was still not convinced ...
Two hours later, after making a detour to the pharmacy to Day
Dora gets his medicine there and then escorted the old lady at home,
Val and Nick finally reached the reserve.
For three hours, they hardly touched the ground. Between ear infections
treat various wounds and maceration to clean and heal and reminders
vaccines, they were not too two.
At lunch time, when the frantic pace finally calmed down, a young woman
speaker came to bring their packed lunches.
- Thank you, Leta said Val. So how do you feel?
- I wish I had given birth, the young woman sighed. The baby stops
not to move.
- He's gone for long.
- Birth is planned for when? Nick asked.
- In three weeks normally.
At this time, Leta was interrupted by the ringing of mobile phone Val.
It apologized and took the call. After a few seconds,
she hung up, livid.
- What's happening? Nick asked an anxious tone.
- It was the hospital. Dora is ... dead.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Harold Benton waiting at a halt. No need to be
Page 17
a genius to guess that under his wrathful air, he was jubilant ...
- Damn, what has happened? Nick muttered, clenched jaws by
rage and indignation at this blow.
- For you to tell me, Landry replied coldly Benton. Ms. Simms was
died of cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived on site.
- This is insane! I examined her this morning! His heart rate and
blood pressure were perfectly normal.
Val put a comforting hand on his arm.
- She may have suffered a ruptured aorta or pulmonary embolism, hasardat it.
- The first post-mortem examinations show no coronary problem,
Benton launched with an evil smile. We will soon conduct an autopsy, but I
can already announce that the results of the research of toxic products
in the blood is more than interesting.
- That is to say?
Benton eluded a gesture.
- Wait the final results of the lab. Until then, we'll have you explain to his
family how is it that thou hast received this morning to your office and you
hast not been able to make the correct diagnosis.
Nick had to dig deep in himself to keep from jumping to the throat
his colleague. Luckily, the reassuring touch of the hand on his arm Val
helped him to not give in to a bout of violence. Anyway, it was to himself
he wanted first.
How something so serious could he escape?
The terrible news came less than an hour later. Nick and Val fro
tirelessly the scene of the morning in the break room when doctors
Harold Benton burst like a tornado.
- I have the lab results! Does he threw waving forms. Analyses
showed a very high rate of phenelzine and meperidine!
Nick tore the leaves of Benton hands and ran feverishly.
- It is impossible! I commanded the Naproxen because I knew very well
she was on antidepressants!
- The lab called the pharmacy. The pharmacist is explicit: you prescribed the
meperidine. Clearly, an against-indicated drug that killed your patient ...
- This is wrong! I'm sure I do not have prescribed this treatment!
- The problem is that the lab and pharmacy fall agree on
opposite. Okay, enough, I'll make a report to the authorities
Medical and the Bar Council. And count on me to make you revoke before
until you have time to kill more innocent people!
Thereupon, Harold Benton turned and left the room. *
**
After he left, they exchanged a bewildered look. Val was the first to
recover.
Page 18
- Do not we pack ... After all, the lab may have been mistaken.
- Are you kidding? They always do two sets of analyzes by measuring
precaution.
- What is needed, she continued after a moment's reflection is successfully
take a blood sample and conduct ourselves in an analysis.
- I am sure that Benton has already given orders that prevents me
like a real plague, but what do you want? I can not remake me!
- It is clear that this is not your career is at stake! I might be due
follow your example and give up my medical studies in the way. And
Dora would still be alive ...
She had to provide a superhuman effort to keep from shaking it.
- Denigrate my life choices may help you feel better, anyway, it does
we are of no use to understand what happened to Dora, defended
it.
Nick ran a trembling hand through his hair and breathed a long sigh.
- I'll have the whole hospital and Bar Council on the back ...
- Again, stop complaining, sit down and think. First
hypothesis: the laboratory analysis results are false.
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- I remind you again that there are always two sets of analyzes, grumbled
Nick, sitting still.
Val nodded, then sat down at his lap.
- Second hypothesis: Dora had not warned you she took another
treatment than those you had prescribed. It happens often enough, and you are
well placed to know that patients do not tell us any consultation. It
may have ingested a drug substance that has interacted with the
antidepressants ...
- All this does not explain the presence of a powerful narcotic in his blood
instead of the anti-inflammatory that I had prescribed.
- Right ...
A brief silence fell.
- There is a third possibility, Nick sighed, the dark mine. And it is the most
obvious ...
- No, Nick, you would never have prescribed a medication against-indicated in
patients
! You can not do commit this kind of error.
- And yet ... If we also take into account the case of Kent Dawson, one can
I consider two deaths on their hands. Benton will not interfere to establish
parallel and to manage to that obvious medical authorities.
- Wait a minute ... A doctor who is competent and dedicated during shows
years does not become the next day by careless character
capable of endangering the lives of his patients! You know as well as me.
- Maybe, but you admitted yourself that angiography demand for Kent
Dawson was within perhaps a simple human error. It happens that I am
just humans who signed the request for review, which nearly killed him. And
it's also me who cared Dora this morning, if you can call it like that ...
All this would pass for incompetence in the eyes of anyone.
Before Nick's hard to see everything in black, Val felt a sharp anger rising
in her.
- Listen, put in a little of yours! it will be won. I try to keep my composure
cold, to find the solution, and you, all you do is moan and feeling sorry for yourself
out!
- I asked you anything, Val!
This remark made him like a slap. She was silent a long
minute, time to recover from the humiliation that Nick had imposed, and
she jumped.
- Very good. I will not bother you anymore. Moreover, it is better that I go away
before
Page 20
- You do not still think me responsible for what happened in Kent and Dora
? Does he ventured after a long minute.
Without abandoning its hostile air, Val shook his head slowly.
- Committing such negligence is not like you, she said at last. If I thought
that you were able to, do you really think I would lose time to spend in
review all medical records?
While speaking, she was cleared so he could see the show. She had
turned on his computer, near which stood a pile of documents he recognized:
the records she had recovered firm.
- What are you doing exactly? Does he asked, stunned.
Val invited him, and brought him up to the computer and pulled up a chair near the
hers so that there take place. Then, having sat in turn, she slapped
the keyboard.
Dora The folder is flashed on the screen.
- Here is the entire history of the medical history of Dora, it does explained.
- You know, I do not need a computer to remind me. I know them
by heart.
Val breathed a short sigh and patted his keyboard again.
- Thou hast commanded him phenelzine there three months.
- Dora was depressed. During this consultation, I have also recommended
to make an appointment with a psychotherapist. She obviously me
unanswered ...
- You prescribed 40 mg three times a day, Val continued, unperturbed.
- Yes, so what? It is a mix that suited him.
- And now you have prescribed anti-inflammatories.
- I know well! Listen, Val, I can not follow you ...
The young woman slowly turned to him and plunged his eyes glitter
gold in his.
- If one assumes that Dora died of drug intoxication
due to the interaction of two products against-indicated, where it could well be-t
purchase of meperidine?
- A pharmacy ... Moreover, Benton told us himself that Day had confirmed
having delivered the drugs to Dora.
- So concludes Val, it may well be that the error has been committed to the
pharmacy when dispensing medications, not when you've written
the order.
Yielding to a spontaneous burst of joy, Nick imprisoned the face of the young
woman
his hands and dropped him a loud kiss on the forehead. Then his eyes
met the Valley and he froze. As in a daze, he brushed the
inch satin cheek and lips parted. Tenderly, he stroked
contour. When he looked up, his desire to be read in the light of Val
his body radiated a soft, strange warmth.
Page 21
he would never have imagined that as chaste caress can be so erotic
Point ...
Naturally, he cocked his head, hearing the urge to grab
sensuous lips, thrilling ...
- No, stop, Val whispered.
He stared at her blankly.
Val then put his hand on his chest and pushed him gently but firmly.
She had never had to do something so difficult, it does mused. And
Yet she was sure of being right.
- Do not kiss me, he repeated it without knowing where she found the courage to
say those words.
Nick pulled away with a sudden movement.
- Excuse me, I thought that ...
- You thought and acted like a man, she just does cut, its coating
About an indulgent smile. You a bad pass and cross, like all
men in this kind of opportunity, you consider sex as a distraction
appropriate to your worries.
- No, I assure you that you're wrong.
- Oh no! she replied, laughing. I know men, just imagine! And
Above all, I know you, you ... I will not take the risk of ruining our friendship
just because you want to forget your troubles for a few hours.
He stopped and stared at length.
- If that's what you think of me, 'said he at last, that means you do me
Page 22
- About as well as you know what the word "commitment."
- You know you make me much trouble?
- And I will continue if you do not change the subject. Just keep to admit that I
Page 23
and continue a minute longer and, for their own good in both, it was
this discomfort quickly. So when Nick invited him to drink a beer with
her, she will took the opportunity offered to him.
She climbed the stairs after him which led to his apartment, then took up
on the sofa in the living room while he slipped away in the kitchen.
He came back a minute later with two bottles of lager decapsulated.
- Thanks, it does murmured as he handed him a sitting near her.
However, it did not touch it.
After long hesitation, she took her courage in both hands.
Page 24
- I raccompagnerai you happy ... as soon as you confessed the truth.
Furious, Val encamped before him, arms folded, and glared at him.
- I do not want you, it does repeated, articulating each syllable.
- Attitudes, reactions, actions speak all the world of discourse,
he calmly replied with a smile. Just now, I could do this
I wanted you ...
She raised her arms to the sky, laughing a little too hard ..
- I do not believe my ears! Listen to me, Don Juan ... I feel no
desire for you. As for my reaction just now, you easily understand
it is due to my long celibacy. What do you want, I'm a Woman
other purely biological mechanisms victim on which I can not
Always maintain control. Sorry to disappoint you, she will added with a smile
pinched.
Nick shrugged.
- It's a little far-fetched as an explanation.
- In any case, this is my way of seeing things, and I stand.
Page 25
Nick ran a trembling hand through his hair.
- And how? I stalled!
- It's true, apparently, but ...
She could not continue because the phone rang at that moment.
She took the call.
- This is Moe Mackey to the device ...
Val knew that patient long enough to know that nothing tone of
voice and his breath short, that something was wrong. - Whether it will happen,
Mr. Mackey? Does she asked, addressing an anxious glance at Nick.
When he described his symptoms - difficulty breathing and decreased
body temperature - it ordered him to be taken to the immediately
cabinet, then hung up.
Immediately, Nick and prepared the treatment room and branchrent
the electrocardiograph. Nancy Halloway, the nurse arrived just five minutes
According to Mr. Mackey, took over and made sure that the latter is comfortably
installed.
- It looks bad shape, she whispered in his ear Valley.
- He said he was vomiting.
- I was talking about Nick. I am aware of what happened yesterday.
Val was a bored face.
- News travels fast, it does sighed.
- It turns out that my younger classmate has the employee's sister
which keeps the cash at the pharmacy. It seems that Mr. Day was in all its forms
when he learned the death of Dora. He argues that stubbornly sent you an email
Page 26
the electrocardiogram. A priori, nothing abnormal, which was almost eerie
insofar as the plot contradicted the evidence: Moe Mackey had all the
Symptoms of a heart attack.
Not knowing where to turn, he called Val via the intercom and asked
to join him in the hallway. Then he apologized to his patient and left the
consulting room.
Strangely, the young woman wore a worried expression and closed.
- What is wrong? he inquired, alarmed.
- Nothing. What did you mean?
In response, Nick handed her the paper strip on which appeared the route
ECG.
- In your opinion, there he does something that would have escaped me? whispered
in a tone
weary.
This simple question gave rise to a deep compassion in the eyes of Val.
- Do not start doubting each of your decisions ... For me, everything is
normal, it will added after reading the ECG.
- It is also my conclusion. Yet Mr. Mackey really did not look in his
plate ...
- You know people guessing. Trust yourself ... If it seems to you that some
goes wrong, do further investigations.
- These tests are expensive. Bored to prescribe, while the ECG is
normal.
Val looked up at the sky.
- That's exactly why I abandoned my medical studies! You know, there
Sometimes you have to ignore the hard science to rely on his intuition.
- And you think that prescribe a chest x-ray and examination of blood gases,
is to ignore science?
- No. In this case, it is to confirm your intuition thanks to her, although
ECG appears normal.
Nick thought for a second and then sent a knowing wink to the young
woman.
In a few words, she had brought him down to earth and restored confidence in
him.
A minute later, he asked his nurse to program the same day
X-ray examination and a blood test at the hospital to Mr. Mackey. After what,
he received his next patient, a family of five children who all had
symptoms of angina.
The Kessler family had just left his office when Val poked his head
through the crack in the door.
- Nick, can you come? We have a problem ...
He gave her a frightened look.
- Come with me to the floor, she continued, enigmatic.
It therefore followed suit, prey to a mad apprehension, and followed her upstairs.
Page 27
There, she went straight to his desk and turned on his computer.
- Still a computer lesson! if it does exclaimed angrily.
- Sit down and look ...
He complied reluctantly.
- I have messages?
- Opens the first ...
Puzzled, Nick pulled the paper from his wallet on which he had written the word
pass which gave access to their mail. Then he read the contents of the high email
voice.
- "Patient as phenelzine. Meperidine against inappropriate. Reconfirm
the issuing authority ... "But why Guy Has he said anything yesterday? It
deserved more than a mere computer message!
- Moe Mackey had a stroke in the X-ray room at the hospital, she does mouthed
in a barely audible breath.
Nick and Val had rushed to the hospital.
Enter the school premises did not go without difficulty because agents
Page 28
Security had received strict orders: Nick had no right to enter.
Nevertheless, he was in such a state of rage and frustration that nothing or
could not bar his way. After a few minutes, after
inspected several treatment rooms, they finally dnichrent one where Moe
whereabouts
Mackey. Harold Benton was at his bedside, doing everything to try
revive. When he saw Nick, he glared at him.
- Get out of here, Landry!
- This is out of question, Nick muttered, clenched jaws fury. Not
before I knew what happened ...
- Your patient was in a pitiful condition on arrival in radiology room. The
technicians took snapshots as fast as possible and we sent him for a
ECG.
- The one I practiced this morning in my office was perfectly normal!
- It seems that you did not know how to read, replied Benton, dismissive. A student
first year would have seen that which has escaped. I can not believe ...
Nick looked down at the screens and heart monitors
breathing.
- Pulmonary embolism, it does whispered, aghast.
- Too bad you have not been able to make this diagnosis a few hours
Page 29
forced. And if the firm should shut down, you will find all the
post at the hospital, in the service of Dr. Benton ...
- No, you can not close the cabinet! exclaimed Tara.
- Finally, Dr. Landry, you are not thinking! adds the nurse. Dr. Benton
did you ever made any flower, why should it be that ...
Nick stopped him with a gesture.
- Everything will be fine. Benton will be delighted to these new responsibilities. He
adores
the power. I assure you that I do not go away with a light heart, but I'm
forced to go to the obvious: no one will want to be Jasper
care if I stay here. I have no choice ...
Mechanically, he turned his attention to Val, who had not yet delivered the
single word. Disapproval he read in his eyes pierced his heart. It
could not express more violently disagreed by this obstinate silence.
However, as he had not the courage to quarrel with her, he did not add
a word, turned and went back to his office.
Val waited for Nancy and Tara are parties to rush in office
Nick. A mixture of anger and frustration boiled in his veins, and
knew she did not have the strength to keep it all for her a minute
more.
As soon as she reached the door, she went on the attack without giving time Nick
to open his mouth. - Really, it's you all over!
- I beg your pardon?
He might play the innocent, he could not hold his gaze! It
So had the advantage, so enjoy.
Page 30
- And I already thanked for this! What do you want more?
Nick was downright yelled his last sentence, so that it was a movement
back. But she pulled herself together soon.
- I want you to stop moaning you and you try to understand what
happens! Does she cried in her turn. Benton is currently working behind the scenes
and
uses all these dramas against you! You know, and you have not the right to let
do!
- You honestly believe that I have any leeway with regard
Benton and his dirty work?
- Here we are! As soon as you feel that you lose control of a situation,
something escapes you, you resign. This is typical of you:
the slightest concern, you prefer to distance and wait rather than you
fight.
- This is wrong! I just go to the evidence and ...
- Allow the problems you have had with your mother govern all your life!
An oppressive silence fell. For a few seconds she felt
Nick was going to slap his fist in the face. And no doubt it succeeds in
help it in extremis, judging by the fury that darkened his
look ...
- Excuse me, she said, aware of being gone too far.
- Leave my problems with my mother govern my life, you say? Does he repeated
the
clenched jaws.
- Yes, she does nodded, lowering of a tone. Apparently, this happened in
your family led you to think that if problems arise, the best course to take
is that of inaction. "Wait and see come" ... This is a principle that you
sadly seem to apply to all areas of your life.
He stared at her in silence, then let out a mirthless laugh.
- You do not know what you mean ...
Val took a deep breath and tried to calm.
Page 31
Nick violently door behind her desk.
Moments later, she slammed violently just as that of the firm,
then the door of his car, without feeling the slightest provided
relief.
Lord, why this Nick Landry's stubborn and he had the gift of
make off its hinges? How was she able to help now?
6.
To top the day certainly be among the worst of his life,
Val began to feel the first symptoms of a severe cold on the way
home. His fight with Nick had exhausted, also it does lay on the couch
hoping to relax and calm down.
She must have deep sleep several hours because when she awoke in
start, it was pitch dark. Unfortunately, his nap was not helped: it
head was enclosed in a painful vise, sore throat, and she had a
crazy bad breath. In addition, unpleasant nausea raised her stomach ...
As she tried to sit up, she was shaken by a violent coughing fit
who left panting without forces. Drained of all energy, she fell back on
sofa.
She might try not to panic, it was obvious she was going from bad to
worse. Now his vision was blurred to the point that she thought he had a
hallucination. A
briefly, a figure wearing a hooded sweat appeared at the
window, silhouetted in the darkness, to disappear immediately like a ghost.
Entering dizziness, she began to cough so hard that she lost half
knowledge. She was leaving and could do nothing. But suddenly it seemed
recognize the familiar voice of Nick. As in a dream, she heard through her
misty consciousness as people bustled around her.
The price of a superhuman effect, she finally managed to open his eyes and saw
Nick.
Leaning over her, staring at her with a crazy anxiety.
- I need oxygen, quickly! he yelled.
She tried to move, but a stabbing pain radiating through his body.
- Above all, be quiet, ordered Nick. Your pulse is normal.
A moment later, a paramedic brought an oxygen tank. Nick put a
mask on his face and ordered him to take long, deep
inspirations. Every breath of air, his atrocious migraine dissipated somewhat
more, and soon it also recovered normal vision. This allowed him to
found that a group of firefighters and paramedics had invaded his
salon. When she felt so weak, she sat up and sat down.
- What happened? Does she asked, in a voice choked by the mask he who
covered the lower part of the face.
- A gas leak, Nick dropped. This is good, it will added at the
Rescuers, you can board the ambulance ...
Val tore his mask with a sudden gesture.
- No, no ambulance, she does protested. I'm fine now.
Page 32
- You'll do what I tell you, Nick replied in a tone that brooked no
reply. It is imperative that we measure your blood levels monoxide
atoms and that you remain under observation for a few hours.
- I tell you that I feel better ... And besides, what is that
this gas leak story?
Seth's brother Nick and Sheriff of Jasper, had joined them.
- You're lucky that Nick has passed unexpectedly, he does commented,
tenderly wrapping a friendly look. It was less a ...
- But, how could it have been a gas leak? I did that
electrical appliances!
- The leak came from the auxiliary heater that is in your kitchen, explained
Nick. You know, the one you stole the firm, he will added with a smile
amused.
She shook her head vigorously.
- I've never been, and I know what he did here.
- Look, Val, it does not matter ... We are used it more. And any
so I agree that you collect ...
- But, I repeat that I did not bring that damn backup heating here
! defended her.
Nick brushed her cheek with a caress.
- We'll talk later. Poisoning by carbon monoxide
often lead to memory disorders passengers. Come on ...
Assisted by his brother, he dragged out in the open.
- I assure you I do not know how this heater was left at home,
Does she continued feverishly searching his memory. I came home, I
prepared a cup of tea and I lay on the couch with my cat ... Oh,
my cat! Where is he?
- Do not worry, it's safe.
- Ah ... Then I fell asleep and when I woke up, I saw ... Is what you
looked out the window? Does she asked, frowning.
- Yes. As you did not answer, I took a look in the living room. And I've
view, lifeless on the couch.
- That was the second time, launched a male voice.
Everyone turned toward the man who had just spoken. It was Mr.
Erickson, nearest neighbor Valley, came to give his version of events. - How to
that, the second time? Nick was surprised.
- Yes. In the early evening, I saw your 4x4 parked in front of Miss Greene.
- Impossible! Are you sure it was mine?
- Sure! I recognized the horizontal stripes that adorn the body.
While Mr. Erickson spoke, the officer who accompanied Seth
wrote down his words carefully in a small notebook.
- I saw your Cherokee, and almost immediately there was all that fuss,
Page 33
- It was not my 4x4! Nick insisted.
- Regardless, Seth intervened. We will check that later. If you emmenais
Val in the cabinet?
- Yes, you're right. Val, get in the ambulance and commend the damn mask
oxygen, understand?
- More ...
- There is no "but" that takes. I will follow the ambulance 4x4. A completely
time.
An hour later, fully recovered, Valle was sitting on the sofa in the living room
Nick.
- You made me such a fright commented it by sitting next to her.
- Listen, it will hesitantly began, first of all, I would like
clarify something: I have not reported the auxiliary heating cabinet at
i. It is true that I get everything I can so as to benefit
residents of the reserve, but I never took anything for my
personal use.
Nick waved his remark a shrug.
- It does not matter.
- If, on the contrary! I do not want you to think that I will fly!
Nick put his hand on his knee. To contact, she froze.
- You know, I'm still angry against you, it does watched, clutching at
first excuse came not to be distracted by the delicious thrill that the
went through a whole.
He pretended to be offended.
- What an injustice! I remind you that I just save your life!
- And I thank you. Nevertheless, I am still angry. Moreover, it
must ...
She stopped outright furious against herself and plagued by a terrible
embarrassment.
The words had passed his lips without having had time to hold them. And he
was too late. Judging by the penetrating gaze which enveloped Nick, he had
well aware of the disorder he aroused in her.
- It must be so? Does he repeated in a slightly hoarse voice. And for what reason?
- Because ... Because you may well have saved my life, my grievances to yourself
have not changed.
Nick sketched a knowing smile. Obviously, he was jubilant to see entangle
in its contradictions and get overwhelmed by emotion. He did not hesitate
Besides pushing its advantage is dangerously close to her.
Now, their lips were more than a few centimeters.
The heart pounding, Val drew deep within itself to
dominate the overwhelming desire rising in her.
- Stop, I beg you, she whispered weakly.
A fierce gleam in the eyes of Nick, who, to his relief,
Page 34
complied. He got up, retrieved the documents placed on his desk and he
handed. Val acknowledged the header of Pharmacy at first glance.
- Who brought them to you? she asked, browsing the good delivery
drugs.
Page 35
- Your enthusiasm is nice to see, commented Nick chuckled joyless.
A little ashamed, she took his hand and exerted gentle pressure on his fingers.
- I assure you that I do not try to shower your hopes. I'm trying to
keep a cool head and show me realistic.
- It is imperative that I discover the truth, as he said to himself, with
vulnerable and painful expression. And I need help. Your help, Val ...
She smiled at him tenderly.
- That's what friends are for, she replied in a tone as light as possible,
anxious to lighten the mood.
Then Nick laid eyes on her and stared at length, in silence. Under his
penetrating gaze, she suddenly felt as laid bare. Feeling
Page 36
- You aggravated your case, Nick, it does joked.
- Honestly, I do not understand one second the meaning of this remark.
She laughed heartily.
- There really is not enough to make a state case, it does teased. These
days have been full of excitement for all of us. Myself,
I almost died a while ago. I guess that's why
we kissed. We very well know where we were.
Creased its casualness, he gave him a disapproving look and annoyed.
- Maybe, but it does not explain the intensity of your reaction ....
- That is to say?
- There is a big difference between a simple kiss ... and passion that we
animated at the moment.
- You flatter me, she does quipped. So you felt passion? It's funny, it's
Air surprise you ... You never would have thought that kissing a woman like me
could upset you that much, right?
- No, it's not at all what I meant! Does he protested, plagued by more
extreme confusion. I just do not think you ... That I ...
- Well me, Val cut by dipping his right eye in his, I was
Page 37
your patients?
- Because Nancy was already working for Dr. Gibbs when I took the
cabinet, I guess we can remove also the list.
- Tara also ... It is completely harmless, it is obvious!
- Yes, it is true that she did not really have the profile of a serial killer.
Furthermore, it
loved Dora. As for Kent, she knew almost as
view. Nevertheless, chained Does it after a short break, I can not help but
to think that we wanted to kill Dora and Kent.
- And what do you Moe Mackey?
- He's different. Pulmonary embolism does not prevent, unfortunately.
- That's right. But the fact remains that his first electrocardiogram should have
alert us.
- And yet, you like me found it was perfectly normal. According to
me, Moe's death is a tragic accident. However, it is clear that
we wanted to murder Dora and Kent. So it would first that we may live
little investigation to find out if they had any enemies, or people likely to
blame them. I can ask Seth to check the records of the
police if there was no complaint or any dispute.
- Good idea! From our side, we dbrouillons to get their hands on the file
Kent in the hospital.
- What for? This was my signature.
- The prescription was written here, Val thought aloud. We have one
copy of the file in the cabinet, Kent won a copy to the hospital, and
the hospital received directly via the Internet. It would have we recover the
Page 38
advertise and could not find his words.
- What can you imagine worse than the fact that someone has made an attempt to
Val life? Nick interjected.
Seth shrugged and sighed.
- Whether you're the main suspect, said he finally dipping his right eye
crooks and murderers. What have you done to him so hates you so much
?
Nick shrugged.
- No big deal. I had to make him shade in medical school,
it was already not so much friends. The problem is that it did not
calmed down since.
- And you had an affair with his wife, Val intervened.
Seth shook his head with a sad look.
- But it was there for ages! Nick protested. At the time, it was not
Benton married. He should understand that this is ancient history.
- In any case, she did not appreciate getting thank her, she added, will
concentrating on Nick.
- She was a nurse? inquired the latter, as for himself.
Page 39
- Yes. She worked at the hospital until last year. In fact, it is
party at the time of the birth of her second child.
- How is she ever does call? Sandy? Sara?
- Susan. You think, all the same it would be behind this story
?
- You say that she did not like to "to thank" Seth intervened.
How does she took the thing exactly?
- Very, very wrong.
- It was there for years, Nick watched this conversation seemed
embarrass the highest point. I'm sure she has forgotten everything.
- It is not at all certain that you have forgotten, you, Val insisted. It could very
He regretted enormously from having yielded to the urge to kiss Val for besides
that
blurred maps, this made it even more difficult situation. But he had
really no need to further complications right now ...
Lest Val does not read him like an open book, he walked her his
brother, made excuse to give himself time to recover.
- I'll prepare the guest room, it will announced his return in the lounge.
Page 40
- Okay, it does nodded in a whisper.
Curiously, she was disappointed air. Or he imagined she felt the
disappointment because in feeling himself? In fact, he had tried to
convinced that offering to sleep in the guest room, he preserved
the privacy of the young woman. Noble pretext which, if he showed honest it
could not believe for a second. It was actually to protect itself and
reactions that would probably not be controlled. Certainly, his brothers
were right: it was a terrible womanizer.
How sad ... Previously, it had never asked him any problems,
but today for the first time in his life, he felt a less-than-nothing
immature, superficial and without any interest. Above all, he was completely
lost and helpless.
It was not without difficulty, but Val had managed to convince Nick to wait
a coffee while she would try to go get copies of
prescriptions in patient records stored in the hospital. Luckily, she
managed to go smoothly to the secretariat archives and, above all, to avoid
Harold Benton.
Now that she was facing Mike, the young attendant archives, it was
use the greatest finesse. And the need to charm him he seemed reluctant.
After all, desperate times call for desperate measures!
- Hello, Mike, she said with her most radiant smile.
- Hello, miss Greene.
- Tell me, I have a favor to ask you. I would need to call one
Dr. Landry patients who recently underwent tests here at the hospital, but
seems to have changed number. So I thought, maybe, the hospital
had its new coordinates ...
- How does he call?
- Kent Dawson.
On behalf of Dawson, Mike's smile froze.
- Sorry, I received strict instructions: I do not have the right to entrust the
Dr. Landry any information without first referring to Dr. Benton.
- But I'm not Dr. Landry, does she protested in a tone flirtatious.
- Unfortunately, I fear that Dr. Benton did not hear this
ear.
- He will not know anything. I will keep the secret, promise sworn ... Please, you
m'teriez of a sticky foot.
The young man hesitated a moment, then he capitulated with a sigh.
- It's good because it's you.
He rose and disappeared into the back room and came back a minute later with the
Folder Kent Dawson.
Val had a hard time keeping a neutral expression when, in reality, it
triumphed inwardly.
- Is Dr. Landry became completely crazy? Mike inquired.
Page 41
- Of course not! What question!
- Because it is rumored that runs throughout the hospital. It even appears that
Federal police officer interrogating the staff.
Val sketched a knowing smile.
- In this case, it would be better that I do not dwell too.
- Oh, do not worry, he already visited. He wanted a copy of
files Kent Dawson, Dora Simms and Moe Mackey.
- Why Moe Mackey? she asked, alarmed.
- I do not know. Besides, it's silly, Dr. Benton had photocopied the
three folders.
Attention had to play on velvet ...
- Ah ... Maybe could I, too, copy the same files? Does forward
it carefully.
Mike looked at her for a moment in silence, then he shrugged.
As he returned to the archive room, Val took the Kent file
and began to leaf through it. She soon found the prescription
allegedly written and signed by the hand of Nick. But as she repelled
leaves that preceded it, a disturbing detail caught his attention: it had the
inch stained black. At this time, Mike came back with the records of Dora and
Moe.
- Is it copies? Does he asked her, intrigued.
- No, it is the original. Why?
Without answering, she licked her thumb she applied to the signing of Nick.
Then she watched her thumb: the signature was drawn on her skin, as
a decal.
Page 42
- Not, I'm fine, it does protested, trying to recover.
But Nick put his hands on her shoulders and stopped.
- Keep quiet, it does commanded in a tone that brooked no reply. You
go to the hospital, and that's all. Gentlemen ... it will added at the
rescuers.
Val suppressed a smile. She had riveted his nail, and obviously, Benton
boiling with rage and impotence. A small victory she was not a little
proud!
- This type has no right to prescribe anything other than aspirin, he concludes
with disdain, addressing the radiology technician.
Then he turned away.
Fortunately, the shots did not show the presence of any fracture, and Val was able
to
rid of the collar encircling his neck. However, it was not
out of the woods because she was to be treated a long scratch
she had the arm. Nothing serious and nothing above that Nick could have
deal, but a nurse reminded them, not without embarrassment, that he
had the right to practice any medical procedure. Also, when Val was installed
Page 43
in a box, it will called internal to treat the wound.
- There you go! finds it after cleaning and put a scratch
dressing. No need for stitches, it is a chance!
Val thanked him with a smile.
- I can go home, then?
At these words, the features of the young doctor darkened.
- I'd rather you stay here for observation that night. You have been
victim of a violent shock, even if you seem fit, it would be
careful.
- Finally, this is ridiculous! Does she protested, seeking support in the eyes of
Nick.
Page 44
The documents are in my bag. Do you know where they have laid him?
- Your purse? You mean that old worn leather wallet inform? It me
seems to have seen, indeed.
- Spare me those disgusted air and help me to find it rather so that we
can examine the records of Dora and Moe.
- Why have you recovered Moe file? His case has no relation to those
Dora and Kent.
- Probably, but better check.
- Well, I'll call Seth. The police who came to the scene of
the accident at the time had to report it to the police station, your famous bag
hand ...
Suiting the action to the word, Nick picked up the telephone handset placed on the
bedside table and dialed his brother's number. The conversation did not last long
more than a minute and Nick spoke only a few words. When he hung up, he
wore a somber and concerned.
- Well? Val grew impatient.
- Seth discovered that there was a link between Kent and Dora.
8.
Val called Nick at dawn to come and get it to the hospital. She was hanging
Page 45
- I found the complete summary of the case, the names of witnesses and
jurors. All the people who were involved in some way in this trial are
unfortunately died.
- And Turner? Val inquired. He is still in prison?
- No. He served a sentence of twelve farm and he was released there about three
months.
- Do we know where he is, what he has become since his release from prison? Nick
asked.
- Audits are ongoing. But besides that he served his sentence, under the
laws of this county, there has now prescribed for his crime. Clearly, it is free
to come and go at will.
- And the minutes of the trial?
- They are filed in court. I called there yesterday to ask
one search. They are at your disposal, you can see the results as
today. But the archives of the Secretariat does not open until 8:00.
- Great! exclaimed Nick. Thank you ... Do you mind if we waited here?
- Of course.
- And you did not discover anything about Moe Mackey? Val asked. It has
nothing to do with this case?
- A priori, no, but I'll look more closely.
- Okay. In fact, it will found my purse? A large leather bag ...
I had it with me when I had my accident. It is imperative that I
found. There all my life in this bag.
Seth gave him a puzzled look.
- Your purse? No, I do not think we have reported, but I will
go check ...
When Seth had left the room, Val turned to Nick, frowning.
- I'm in big trouble, she said in a worried voice. The three cases that
we need are in my bag.
- I am sure we will find it. If unfortunately it was lost, we
can always get a new copy of the files.
- This is where the rub ... I took the originals. Mike and I are
agreed on the fact that it was better that I die that I rather
surprise being photocopied.
Nick breathed a deep sigh.
- What a great idea ... You see, I was sure that I should go with you.
- Oh, I beg you. I had bad luck, that's all.
At this moment, Seth came into the office, a large envelope kraft paper to
hand. The envelope contained the photographs taken by the police to the scene of
the accident. After examining them carefully, he shook his head.
- I see nothing that looks like the bag that you have described to me.
Concerned, Val took photos and watched them in turn.
- Me neither, does she sighed. It's very boring ...
- It remains you to call your bank to make opposition to your checkbook and
Page 46
to your credit card.
- Yes, I also have to block my mobile phone, will cut it thoughtfully.
Do you think it is possible to contact witnesses of the accident?
- I'll take care if you want. On your side, you can also ask
rescuers if they have not recovered. That happens in confusion. I know
they have a lot of found objects.
- Heard. Anyway, thank you again for yesterday.
- Oh, you know, when I arrived on the scene, there was nothing to do. Look,
while I think I would need your testimony. It's not in a hurry,
but do not wait too long either. Tara Bishop will certainly need to,
if she does not want to fly the rates of the insurance company.
- But it was not his fault, I assure you ...
- Yes I know. Anyway, witnesses saw you appear like a ball of
canon and practically throw you under its wheels. She could not avoid you. This is
a sign you in you'm unscathed ...
- Well, Nick stepped rising, the court archives secretariat should be
open now. If we go there? *
**
They took leave of Seth and immediately went on foot to the court that was in
two steps of the police station.
Clearly, the secretary was expecting their visit because she immediately took them
in a small room where they would not be disturbed. The records sought by
Seth were placed prominently on a table. They had only to consult,
tedious but unfortunately inevitable.
- Who would have thought that such accumulated paperwork for a two-day trial
only? Val sighed, closing the first folder.
- Lawyers and attorneys love to use twenty words where five would suffice,
Nick grumbled.
- No doctors perhaps?
- Of course not! Doctors need to be concise and precise,
precisely.
She gave him a smirk.
- Concise and precise? Use "laceration" to "scratch" and "body
abroad "to" thorn "is what you call conciseness?
- At least it reassures patients. They say that all these years of study
We were not used to anything.
- Personally, I always thought it was better to know how to use
properly scalpel instead of using a jargon for
common man.
- Really, you care medicine and the medical profession in many low esteem.
It makes you wonder why you chose to have a career.
- At the beginning, I was fascinated. I thought it was a discipline both
heroic and mysterious. Then I found that largely were put
Page 47
focus on technology and science rather than to focus on the patient
as a person.
- All the doctors are not butchers heart without you describe.
- I know well. Simply, I realized that I would never be my
place among them, so I decided to take a different path.
- It's a shame to have dropped so close.
- I admit that I hesitated ... But besides that I was already in debt
to the neck, I was almost certain not to be made for this medicine
it is practiced today. It was better for me on a personal level and
financial, work with a doctor rather than a doctor
myself.
- I understand. Besides, I find your very interesting contribution. You open
to other perspectives patients and you allow them to explore a bit
alternative medicines. As long as it remains within reasonable limits ...
She raised her eyebrows with an ironic expression.
- You have the art of the compliment, tell me. Finally, Nick, I'm not stupid. I have
never advised a patient with cancer to go berry picking
in the forest to heal instead of following chemotherapy needed.
- This is not what I said. In fact, I tend to agree with your theories
Abuse of antibiotics and the need to have a healthy diet
preventive, curative and even in some cases of diabetes. And to be frank,
in my eyes, you're a real gem. All physicians should have a
assistant like you.
- Totally agree! Well, if we we hand at work?
Nick nodded, and they both dived immediately into reading the minutes
Turner trial.
- Do you realize that Carl Turner never denied raping his wife?
Val commented after a quarter of an hour. He just repeated over and over again
she was consenting. It's a bit silly, no?
- In these circumstances, it would be illogical that he fed some resentment that
either to the jurors who convicted, especially for twelve years,
Nick adds. To which the accused, this could include,
obviously ...
- That's right. You do not have the impression, reading the files, it is no bad guy
not very smart?
-. If this is hard to imagine crude thick in the process of hatching a careful and
complicated that ask him sharp medical knowledge ...
- As well as computer skills, completed Val.
The defeat mine, Nick breathed a sigh shot.
- Conclusion, we are on the wrong track. It remains a point
common between all these cases.
- Which one?
- Me.
Page 48
- What are you talking about? You had any interest in trying to murder
Dora or Kent?
- No, of course ... Well, no need to waste our time here, we learn
nothing interesting. I invite you to lunch? We could go to the restaurant.
- And why not at home? I have a copy of all my papers to the office, I
could take the opportunity to call the bank and my telephone operator.
- As you wish. *
**
While Nick was preparing a meal upstairs, Val had settled in his office
to pass the phone calls necessary for the cancellation of his package
mobile phone, credit card and check book.
All by waiting on the line, the time standard of the various
institutions she had to contact the return of voicemail
music on hold, she mechanically turned on the computer and opened files
Dora Simms, Kent Dawson and Moe Mackey.
If Nick was the only link between these three people, then comparing their
records it would perhaps highlight elements that it
have escaped so far, and why not, to direct a new track ...
However, after a half hour of waiting interspersed with discussions with
interlocutors she manages to have the phone in the meantime, he had to
well to face the facts: if there was a medical common point between
Dora, Kent and Moe, it was not apparent to him. Everything seemed normal
desperately,
there was not even anything in common between their medical history,
pathologies or their birth dates. Nothing at all, she had not the slightest
little clue to their teeth ...
Plagued by a terrible frustration, she decided to change the method: it created
a dummy file name, and then, much like you throw a bottle into the sea,
she entered the same medical data as Kent Dawson and a tapa
identical to the prescription ordered by Nick. Then she went to the
adjacent room to retrieve the copy she had printed. Again, a
deep disappointment awaited him: everything perfectly consistent, there was no
any mistakes. The computer system was not involved.
- Damn, she muttered angrily crumpling the sheet before throwing
in the wastebasket.
- What's happening? Nick asked after her.
Startled at the sound of her voice, she turned away abruptly.
Their eyes riveted to each other, and suddenly the atmosphere is electrified. In a
Flash, Valle found himself a prisoner of Nick's arms.
Lump in his throat, she thought her heart would leap out of his chest. The time
seemed to stand still ... the fierce light that burned the eyes of Nick
not left no doubt: at that moment, he felt a desire equally
violate it.
She had a word to say, she knew, to avoid catastrophe. It was his
Page 49
last chance. If she consented to this embrace, he would have to comply with
Nick conditions and expect nothing in return a short-lived adventure.
Take it or leave it ... However, the decision to accept or reject
incumbent upon him, but he would have required it to be able to think. Gold
burning desire she had of him suddenly engulfed in a torrent and
lost all sense of caution.
Sliding a trembling hand in the thick brown hair Nick, she forced
to look up at her.
Nick took impetuously offered her lips. The hugging passionately, he
devoured his face eager kisses, which plunged into a whirlwind of the
exquisite sensations. As in a daze, she felt that Nick was lifting
land to take her to the treatment room. There he laid her on the bed and
lay down beside her.
Neither one nor the other thought of one moment to the incongruity of the place, as
they
felt the compelling, visceral need, to satisfy their desire. But in the heat
their embrace, they rolled to the side and ran into the electrocardiograph that
fell to the ground in a crash.
Panting, they froze their astonished eyes riveted to each other.
Nick was the first to return to reality.
- Hell, he does mumbled, sitting up to watch the disaster.
The device, which cost a fortune, lay at their feet, to pieces.
Rising, he picked up the paper roll that had unwound on the floor. The
plastic cover was shattered, exposing the needle ink jet
was used to register the layout of pulsations. Walking mechanically his eyes on
debris while he wrapped the paper strip on itself, he stopped
suddenly.
- Look! if it does exclaimed, pointing the needle.
In one movement, both bent to observe the needle more
closely.
Their discovery left them speechless. Someone had removed the small bracket on
which was supposed to rest the needle inkjet. To measure correctly
the electrical activity of the heart muscle, the needle was inserted into a support
that sustained while allowing it to respond to pulses. Its oscillations
thus inscribed on the paper web. But someone had crudely
fixed by means of a piece of tape.
- Branch the device, Nick ordered in a flat voice.
Val complied. Miraculously, the electrocardiograph set off. Since its
electrodes were placed on the chest of a patient, he could not detect
no cardiac activity and a straight line should have appeared on paper.
Gold, swayed needle to draw a classic layout, one of a patient
would not pose a heart condition.
- It is a normal electrocardiogram, commented Val scared.
- And perfectly identical to that of Moe Mackey, Nick completed.
Page 50
At this time, the characteristic ring that emitted when the printer
delivered a copy sounds. Val sent a puzzled look to Nick, then
rushed into the next room.
- Nick, come quickly!
He soon joined. Standing near the printer, Val observed that the sheet
had in hand with a look of total incomprehension.
As he approached, she looked up at him.
- It's getting worse, it does murmured.
9.
- You want me to make you an angiogram? Nick was surprised.
Page 51
- What are you going to prove by ordering these tests?
She paused, time to put some order into the bubbling
ideas she had in mind, then she looked up at Nick.
- I simply created a fictitious file in my name where I came from
medical data identical to those of Kent Dawson. And computer launched
printing an application entirely appropriate examinations.
- Which proves that I did not err ...
- All right. A few minutes later, I started printing a second
document.
- A duplicate?
- No, rather a test to verify that the computer did have "understood" that
saw history of allergy I had entered, there was a risk of shock
anaphylactic, and would signal. Now, look what came out, she added, it does
showing the document. The computer does not report any problems. This
why Kent Dawson narrowly escaped death closely.
- But then it's obviously someone in the office ...
- Not necessarily. Anyone with a little talent can take computer
Page 52
like which, for now, give nothing or not much. They arrived on
usually explain how things happened, but identification
criminals take infinite time. In my view, as this puzzle is not
resolved, you should keep a low profile.
- But I no longer exercises! Nick protested indignantly. What you want me to do
moreover? If only I knew for what purpose someone so much trouble for
harm me ...
- Let's start with what we have established with certainty, suggested Val. We know
that
your computer has been reprogrammed or manipulated remotely ...
- So do believe I'm mad or incompetent the day
next to the point of endangering the lives of my patients, Nick completed.
- Who could hate you so much? Seth asked.
Nick looked up at the sky.
- No, let's see ...
- And yet we try to harm you severely, obviously, watched Val. The
person is necessarily animated by a fierce hatred or need
vengeance. I'm even willing to bet that it is also she who tampered
the electrocardiograph.
- Obviously, I guess you did not see anyone approaching this
camera ... Seth intervened.
Nick and Val pondered a minute.
- I do not remember anything out of the ordinary, said Nick. Besides, I
do not even know when we practiced for an electrocardiogram
last time - before that of Moe Mackey, of course ... Anyway, we
Page 53
leave the shelter of Nick's arms.
- Maybe because you're by my side, ventured it. Or because
think we are together ...
- Those who know us well never would imagine that! The
Nick instead of helping to evacuate their entourage from the list of suspects
potential, the remark Val him the penalty.
For her, it was obvious that they had nothing to do together. Now, although
he even dares to admit clearly, himself was no longer quite this
notice since he had kissed her ... But, of course, the time was not to
delays, and only one thing mattered: Val be safe.
- We need you to leave Jasper, it does dropped out of the blue. You go you
refuge in a place where no one can hurt you ... Why not in
Indian Reserve?
Against all odds, she snuggled even closer.
- Close to you, I feel safer than anywhere else.
Flattered and a little annoyed at the same time, it gently away from him and
imprisoned her
face in his hands. Then he looked into his.
Read fierce determination in the eyes of Val, but he felt
equally determined to protect her in spite of herself.
- No, you're not safe with me, he said, articulating each syllable. I
going to put you on a plane bound for the most destination
far as possible and you will come back only when I have solved this whole thing
and found the culprit. I have two deaths on his conscience, I refuse to have
a third ...
He spoke in a tone that brooked no reply, though it seemed that
more was needed to stagger Val. Moreover, it was almost like
that his words had only managed to consolidate a bit more resolution of the young
woman.
- Even if I could, I would not leave, she said simply.
Annoyance wave rose in him.
Page 54
was only a puppet in his hands! He would have screamed in rage and helplessness.
He did not have time to dwell on those dark thoughts because Seth joined them
Finally.
- This is what will happen, it will announced. First, I'll take your
fingerprints both, then those of all people
could normally handle the electrocardiograph to exclude
from the start of the list of potential suspects.
In the same movement, Val and Nick nodded a nod.
- Who devotes the first? Seth continued.
- Val, launched Nick before she had time to open his mouth. Then you me
will do the pleasure of lock it up in a cell, the time we
Page 55
additional.
- I'm willing to take that risk.
Soon they reached the residential area inhabited Harold Benton and
woman. They were only small, charming pavilions surrounded by gardens with
lawns
immaculate, a quiet and uneventful, typical of the middle class
American easy.
Nick pulled up and down both car and went up the paved driveway
leading to the front door. By the time Nick was about to press the
stamp, Val suggested to him one last time to turn back. In vain.
- Susan is a nurse, so she had the knowledge to change
my prescriptions. In addition, she hates me ...
With that, he rang the bell of a resolute gesture.
Seconds later, Susan Benton opened the door, her latest
in the arms.
Lump in his throat, Val swallowed hard. Obviously, the sight of Nick
not at all delighted their hostess, however, there was not the most important
his eyes.
She had forgotten how Susan Benton was lovely. Barefoot, beautiful
auburn hair up to the devil, the young woman was wearing a simple jeans and a Tshirt, casual dress that gave her a charm.
She had to swallow the fierce jealousy that had suddenly seized her.
- Nick, Val, Susan muttered with a forced smile. I presume you are
Harold came to see, but it is in the hospital ...
- It's you I came to see, Nick retorted by entering authority, without fear
doubt that Susan slammed the door in their face.
Stunned, Val followed suit.
They met again a minute later in a warm and welcoming lounge where
reigned joyful toy disorder and child affairs.
- Been to Chelsea? Susan asked, pointing to his daughter playing in
a corner of the room. And here Colton, she added, will teasing her son that she
held against his left hip.
- It is beautiful, complimented Val. I have six months late, but ... all my
Congratulations!
A maternal pride smile lit up the face of Susan, who seemed to relax a
little.
- Thank you. Well, what can I do for you?
- I guess your husband put you aware of what happens to me now?
Nick shot point-blank.
He had spoken with harshness and coldness that could only steer
Susan, as Val he hastened to delay it.
- Nick is in an extremely difficult situation, she said. It is about to
lose everything.
- I guess ... I offer you something to drink? Coffee, tea?
Page 56
- Listen, we do not come with the intention to chat in your
lounge, Nick replied dryly.
Val glared at him, then turned back to Susan to whom she addressed a
smile of thanks.
- A tea, it will be fine, thank you.
Susan inserted a tape into the drive to occupy Chelsea, then
Nick and Val invited to follow her into the kitchen. After repelling the leaves
drawing and colored pencils that littered the table, she asked them to sit
and served tea. Then she sat down at her lap and her son cala the crook of his arm
left.
- Sorry for all this mess, does she sighed. Usually I manage to do
leave me broke, but I confess that today I have a hard time ...
- Susan, Nick cut, which provided visible efforts to keep calm, I
need to talk to you about this. It's very urgent.
- Why me?
- We believe that ...
- You think, Val corrected.
Nick slipped a quick sidelong glance and continued with a sigh:
- I think that the person who is taking my patients actually looking at me
hurt.
Susan stared at him with wide eyes in disbelief, and then she laughed.
- And you really believe that it could be me? Nick, see ... You must do
really more to know where you are for thinking of me. Why I seek to
harm you? Nick coughed and cleared his throat, to the delight of Val, who
reveled to see him sink into a situation more embarrassing.
Page 57
- Be a little lenient with him, it's just that it feels threatened. In reality, it
is not haughty and contemptuous man you think. It is true that sometimes has
opinions a little trenches, but this is not a defect so bad. About its
determination, that's what I like about him: no indecision, no
half measures. I'm sure he will be the first to introduce you to apologize
elsewhere.
Despite herself, Val felt reassured by that remark. Much more
reassured that she would care to admit ...
- This is normal, it does chained. She lives a fairy tale.
Nick slipped him a sidelong glance.
- Looks like you the desires ...
Oh, so it was so obvious that? Yes, she envied, what wrong with that?
How many women do not dream them to start a family and live happily
in household? In that concerned, the whole problem was that she loved
a man that such existence discouraged to the point of not wanting to hear
mention the word "marriage" ...
Obvious that, even formulated in silence, gave him the impression that she had
Page 58
receiving a stomach punch. How such an idea was it well
have crossed his mind? Unfortunately, it was too late.
- Val?
- You were saying? she stammered, still under the shock of this revelation.
- I asked you what you wanted to do now.
- Go home.
*
**
- You're very silent, watched Nick later by entering her home. This is
curious, you seem completely elsewhere ...
No, it was not also the opposite. He never seemed to be as it
presents itself in perfect harmony with his desires and what it was.
Page 59
It was a brief shrug.
- I've changed my mind, that's all, 'said she, suddenly invaded by a feeling
of inner loneliness and sadness. We both know that it is
a mistake, so what?
- Soft understatement ... My conscience will torment me the rest of my days, I
am certain. Yet tonight, I can not help but love you. Val,
I want you for so long ... Do not ask me to behave in
gentleman while inviting me to give in to my baser instincts.
Again, he captured his lips, this time with an almost animal passion
which made him fear.
- Wait, she does implored, feeling his courage to leave.
Nick learned nothing she did not already know it, and yet she fed
still jostling her love for him would change.
A naive and stupid reaction: men hoped that women
would change forever, while women were embarking on a relationship with
intend to change men. Or how repeated failures to
infinity ... She knew not to be content with a single passionate night in
Nick arm. Better perhaps to stop everything until he had a few
lucidity snippets?
Putting his hand on his chest, she gently pushed.
Page 60
not you complicate your life and ...
Page 61
of intent, I pray thee.
Val suppressed a groan of helplessness and tried to calm.
In fact, she appeared unfair and had no right to attack and Nick.
- Excuse me.
- We can talk if you want ...
- No, thank you. Anyway, we do not have time. You're ready?
- In a second.
Unable to stand by and watch him get dressed, she slipped away and went to wait
Outside, near the 4x4. A few minutes later, they would put on their way to
Page 62
- In this case, the wonderful feeling sometimes you speak of a succession
intolerable pain ... For me, there is not a heartbeat.
- Honestly, I can not believe my ears. It is you, Val I
know that talking about? One that wants to take the problems head-on body instead
to flee?
- Itself! I acknowledge even have shown a perfect unconsciousness on
some subjects. It suits you like that?
- When your turn comes, I'm sure you tireras in you hands down.
When his turn would come? But turn would never come, it was indeed the
problem! In its future loomed neither marriage nor motherhood. Moreover,
she had no future!
She was there when his thoughts Nick cursed and pressed
hard on the brake pedal. 4x4 made a violent lurch before
stop on the side of the road.
Heart pounding, Val scanned the road lit only by the headlights.
A few meters away was a bike folded in half. The driver was lying on
earth, inert, curled up on itself. God knew how this accident
had occurred. Anyway, it was a chance that they are been there!
- Give me the flashlight found in the glove compartment! Nick ordered
opening the door. Call an ambulance, I'll take care of him.
After getting his medical kit, he rushed to the bedside of the wounded. From
Meanwhile, Val dialed emergency and she joined Nick and helped
install the biker in recovery position. Luckily, it did not
lost consciousness. His helmet had also saved him head trauma
and a violation of cervical.
- I have a bad leg, he complained.
- Open fracture, diagnosed Nick. I do not see much. Val, do
you can approach the 4x4 and enlighten us with the headlights?
- I am going!
In less than a minute, it maneuvered so as to illuminate at best where
was lying injured. As she descended the vehicle, Nick rejoined the
tense features.
- He suffered martyrdom, and I can not even inject morphine,
Does he commented.
Plagued by a terrible sense of helplessness and frustration, Nick slammed
fist hood 4x4.
He possessed the skills to ease this hurt, but he was
in a position where he was reduced to sit and wait: there
could run the risk of injecting this man a product without being certain that
Whether many of morphine he needed. But it was not excluded that the
who sought to harm him had put his hand on his medical kit and
replaced products that were there by others.
If he was finishing this wounded trying to treat him, he did not call. Better
Page 63
so worth waiting for the arrival of the ambulance, even if this meant that the
Biker continue to suffer.
With a sigh, he returned to it and tried to reassure him.
- Above all, do not move. An ambulance arrives.
- I terribly ill, complained man clenched jaws.
- Rescuers you administer an analgesic. Try to stick it in
Meanwhile ...
- But you have nothing to give? You are a doctor yet!
To his relief, Nick sensed at the same time yelling
characteristic of a two-tone siren. The ambulance arrived and this poor man
would finally receive analgesics that would calm his pain.
Meanwhile, Val had joined them.
- I just got a call on your mobile, it does explained. The
Leta contractions are further apart than seven minutes.
Nick handed him his keys.
- Come on, hurry up!
- But I do not have my license on me!
- There are more important, right? Go ahead!
Val hesitated a second, then grabbed the keys. A moment later, she started to
steering wheel 4x4. When the vehicle tail lights disappeared in the
night, the ambulance arrived at the scene.
Nick briefa quickly and asked paramedics to administer them
urgently analgesic to hurt. Then he helped them to transfer it
the ambulance.
The ride to the hospital took them less than twenty minutes. Seth, who
Page 64
curse.
- I dressed in the dark, muttered between his teeth. - I'm not
sure you need to hear the details of this story, Seth quipped.
- Oh, come on! Look, I have a question to ask you.
- Go ahead ...
- If Val had thrown herself into your arms, it will began hesitantly, would you have
...
makes love with her?
- I would remind you that I am married and very happily married.
- Do not be silly! Nick was furious. I'm not talking now but before,
at the time when you were single.
- Val would never have thrown in my arms.
- Seth, dammit! I'm serious, and I ask you a real board!
Seth looked at him in silence for a long minute, then exhaled a sigh.
- I have no desire to tackle this thorny subject, but since you insist, I will
still give you my opinion. Sorry my friend, but in my opinion you have everything
wasted. You know what kind of woman is Val, as you know very well
she has feelings for you.
- No, I do not know anything! Nick defended.
- Of course yes. You do not want to admit, that's a fact, but you're perfectly
aware. So you knew and you did it anyway ...
- It was her idea, not mine!
- Oh yes? And I guess she did to you tied and put a knife to her throat? ...
Look, Nick, from the time I thought you had at least learned this principle
Base: when one is a gentleman, you do not have sex with a woman whose
knows that she is in love if we do not love in return.
- Who told you I have no feelings for Val?
At these words, the deepest astonishment was depicted on Seth's traits.
- You love it? he asked, incredulously.
Nick shrugged.
- Yes, probably, he will reluctantly admitted.
- So, it's even worse. You really did anything.
- Why?
- Second basic principle: never make love to a woman you
like if we did not intend to commit a minimum.
- Well? Then again, who told you that I do not consider a long relationship ...
term?
Seth rolled his eyes in exasperation.
- Third and final rule: never admit to his older brother that we love one
woman until we are is not confessed to himself.
- Really, thank you! You do not help me a second!
- It's not up to me to solve this kind of dilemma. This is your story, Nick, your
life ... You're a big boy doing yourself alone.
As he finished his sentence, the alarm beeper hooked to his belt sounded.
Page 65
Seth read the message, and then gave him a triumphant look.
- Come with me to the police station. Apparently, the study of fingerprints
Digital has paid off ... A feverish atmosphere reigned in the little house
Leta. All parents near and far, of the young woman and her husband
had given the word and had come with the sole purpose of being there at the time
of
delivery.
Upon arrival, Val was greeted like a head of state. Nevertheless avoided
linger and hurried to the bedside of Leta. The young woman was in her
bedroom, surrounded by her husband, mother and five other women in the
community.
- Sorry to come so late, apologized Does she opened the package she had
made.
She prepared the various instruments she needed and she put a pair
latex gloves and stood facing Leta, whom she asked to meet the
legs.
- Ready? Does she asked, smiling.
Leta nodded a nod.
- I can not stand, it does gasped. It's been seven hours it lasts ...
- It's almost finished, reassured Val.
And in fact, in the half hour that followed, Leta gave birth to a beautiful little
boy healthy.
- That's the wonder! Val announced in a voice choked with emotion. Bravo,
Leta. We are proud of you.
Leaving the women in the room to take care of the young mother,
Val Ausculta the newborn.
It was like a dream, his mother too, everything was for the best in the
best of all possible worlds ...
- How are you going to call? she inquired looking around on Leta
and her husband.
- Austin, said the young woman. This is my maiden name and I want to
my son keeps. Besides, it's tradition.
- A nice tradition! Val commented, smiling.
At that moment, the phone rang. Leta's mother slipped to take
Communication and almost immediately called.
- This is for you.
Val joined her in the hall and grabbed the handset.
- Hello?
- Well, she does reserve account an inhabitant? Nick asked at the end of
wire.
- Yes, a beautiful little boy named Austin. He was born there about half
hour. He's fine, his mother too.
- Bravo, Val! Congratulations!
- Thank you ...
Page 66
- Look, I'm Seth in the office, Nick went on. We expect a
minute now the study report on the gas heating and the result of
fingerprinting.
- I agree with you right away.
- No, no, stay where you are and rest. Anyway, the day will soon
up, better take the opportunity to get some sleep. You'll come back tomorrow to
Jasper
morning - well, just now.
- Heard. And you, how are you? You new?
- Not exactly. Let's say I have a hypothesis ... It remains for me to
ask Seth to verify it. 12.
- I told you to stay the night there! Nick exclaimed angrily saw Val
Seth cross the office threshold.
- Lovely home, Val replied, smiling. I would not be back, if you do
had not shown you too evasive, does she went on, more serious.
- I was not evasive, I just knew that Seth would not get
the information we needed in the minute ...
- Well, what is it?
- There was no trace of fingerprints on the gas heater. However, we
would necessarily have had to return because, as long as he remained in office, this
device is literally passed from hand to hand. So this proves that we have the
intentionally erased ...
- Right ... And your mysterious case then?
- I am told that the person who gave so much trouble to harm me had to
rent a 4x4 identical to mine in order to shift suspicion on me. Seth
currently conducting audits of all rental companies
cars in the area.
- Congratulations! What else?
Nick allowed himself a brief hesitation.
- Then ... should we talk, do not you think?
- Nick, I'm exhausted. It can not wait?
- Unfortunately not, he replied by dipping a look full of determination
in the Valley. Come with me, it's closer to home.
And without giving him time to protest, he dragged after him.
He too felt exhausted, but it was a much more nervous fatigue
physics. The rich emotions experienced in recent hours with Val had
plunged into such confusion that he was afraid of losing his sanity. This
why open-heart discussion was needed urgently.
Ten minutes later, as Val coiled on the living room sofa, home
him, he sat next to her and forced her to recover.
- I understand you're very tired, so I will be brief.
Val gave him a puzzled look and waited.
- I thought a lot, it will began hesitantly.
- Nick, it will cut with a weary sigh, he must really think we talked about
everything
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this now? You have only to make me deliver a bouquet of flowers and that will be
played.
Emu, he brushed her cheek with a gentle caress.
- What did you think I meant to tell you?
- Finally, Nick, it's me, Val, remember? I know you, and last night, I
perfectly knew what I was doing.
His casualness the disconcerted. After the first moment of surprise, he conceived
also vexed and a keen annoyance.
She expected nothing from him and made no secret. An attitude he had
always sought in women and, in this moment, the disappointed
terribly.
- Listen, I see much clearer now it nevertheless continued. And
I would like to share with you my findings ....
- In my case, I would prefer that we do as if nothing
happened. It would be much easier, right?
- Too late ... I talked to Seth.
A mixture of amazement and indignation was depicted on the features of the young
woman.
- How?
- I needed to talk to someone if he does justified sheepishly.
- You know the meaning of "privacy" and "privacy"?
At these words, the moral Nick still lowered a notch.
- Calm down ... I have given no details, if that's what you're worried about. I
needed
pour me with someone, and I chose my brother. It's all the same
not a crime?
- I would have preferred, however, you keep it for you.
- But why?
- First, because my love life is my business, then because it
is not difficult to guess what Seth answered you.
- Oh yes?
- Yes! I bet he advised you to swear to me that you love me madly up
the end of time ...
- It would disgust you so much? he replied, wounded.
- You do not understand. I do not want a connection with you, that's all, and again
less than a relationship.
- But you have always claimed that ...
She ordered him silence with a gesture.
- I always said I wanted to know true love, to live a
fairy tale, and that's the truth. However, the fact that you to run
Seth tell what happened between proves that thou art not at all
ready for that.
- Oh, but I did not intend to ask you to marry today,
you know!
- I doubt me, and anyway I have not asked you either!
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What makes you think that I would want, anyway?
- I believe ... that you're in love with me.
Stunned and angry for having been drilled to date, Val took a few moments to
regroup and find a parade.
living room when the phone rang. Entering the forlorn hope that maybe a question
of
Nick, she rushed to the handset. Great disappointment came over when
recognized the voice of Seth.
- How are you? inquired the latter.
- Okay, she lied. What do you want?
- Whether the name Hartley told you something.
She thought for a moment.
- In theory, yes ... Wait, I'll turn on my computer.
She put the telephone handset plugged his computer and in less than a
minute, she was looking for the file appeared on his screen.
- Teresa Hartley, it will announced by taking the phone. This was a patient
Nick.
- Ah, we may finally hold a track! Do you know where I can find?
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- What does it so interesting, that Ms. Hartley?
- She rented a 4x4 Cherokee identical to that of Nick the afternoon the day you
you almost suffocate you because gas heating.
- Sorry to disappoint you, but Teresa Hartley died there about two years.
I vividly remember her now, it was a very nice lady. It
died from complications due to diabetes. In fact, she was following
not properly diet, lacked a visit to two
cabinet and almost never checked his insulin levels when she should at
Instead, monitor closely.
- Was she married?
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the key to door by days.
Val did not feel particularly at risk, but since it seemed
reassure Tara, she let her close the door behind without a word.
After all, it had reason to be cautious.
- I think Nick has left on his desk stack of bills, it does commented
turning her attention to the envelope.
After removing a piece of paper folded into four addressed to Nick and
dating about a year before the death of Teresa, she unfolded it and read it silently:
"Dear Dr. Landry,
I am writing about my stepmother, Teresa Hartley. Being divorced his daughter
I no longer have any obligation, neither legal nor moral, adjust costs
her care and consultations. I beg you to go from today
my ex-wife, you will find the address below.
Sincerely,
Ira M. Bishop ".
the accident Valley. One of them was a closeup of the pavement stained
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few drops of blood. Seeing this, his heart clenched painfully in his
chest, and the image of Val lying inert earth imposed on him with such
violence a retrospective panic shiver ran it.
To say that he could have lost forever that day ... If it happened, it would have died
him too. Because it was a terrible simplicity Val he loved with all his soul and
never imagined one second life without it. He loved her with a pure and true love,
contrary to what she believed, guilt had nothing to do with it.
In short, he was in an impossible situation ...
With a sigh, he took photos and continued to examine them. Suddenly one
of them caught his attention. He peered intently for a long minute
when he felt his blood freeze in his veins.
- Seth! Does he called.
- I have news, told his brother of a victorious tone.
- Me too! Look at the tire brands ... They should run from the place
which was parked the car that hit Val. Yet they only appear
a few meters away, as if ... In fact, Val has not thrown under the wheels
Tara! if it does exclaimed, raising a frightened look on Seth.
- And it does not surprise me after what I just found: Teresa Hartley
had an only daughter named Tara.
- I just called the office, Val does not respond, Nick moaned, seized with fear
panic.
- Try on his mobile ...
He dialed the number and then feverishly, holding her breath, waited for
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Anyway, I assure you that you made a very bad choice.
- No, you're perfect in that role. Especially that by
your nose in my business, you have almost derailed my plan. That you
learn.
She stopped and entered a bumpy dirt road. Val, who had his hands
impeded, was tossed on the seat like a rag doll.
- Anyway, you're not a bait Tara resumed. I have no
intend to attract Nick anywhere.
- But why you blame me?
- That's up to you as the apple of his eyes and I want it
suffers.
- You want him to suffer? But why?
- I want him to endure what I have endured. My mother died because of his
negligence. And it was necessary that I learn to live with that. Today, the time
came to make him his own coin. Now he will have to live with
Dora Simms death and that of Moe Mackey on his conscience. Too bad Dr.
Benton intervened in time, otherwise it would also have been responsible for the
Kent Dawson.
- Your mother was suffering from a disease that is sometimes fatal, Tara!
The hands of the conductive tightened on the steering wheel.
- No, that's wrong! Diabetes, it is treatable!
They had arrived in a desert place, lost in the middle of nowhere, Val
had yet recognized. The emerald mine was abandoned Weller
close. Only an old wooden shack stood in the middle of the desert.
Nobody ever came here, so there was little chance that a miracle
occurs. Tara would not be disturbed and could quietly put his
execution plan. Nick had to call back in half an hour, and by then ... Until then,
she might have already lost their lives.
- Normally, I should have a search warrant in hand, Seth said
as Nick and he joined their efforts to break down the door of the apartment
Tara.
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Val second murder, as she did not hesitate to remove
innocent sole purpose to satisfy his rancor. But what she wanted revenge?
Mystery ...
After the first shock, Seth and he began to search the apartment in
hoping to find a clue that would tell them where Tara was well able to take
Val.
He attacked a third drawer when he finally made a discovery.
- Look, he said to Seth exhibiting a membership card of the Mensa society
name of Tara Hartley.
This international club founded in 1946 in Oxford brought together people who,
after
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card.
Nick breathed a sigh of intense frustration. His brother was right,
unfortunately.
- When I get it online, I will try to make the longest talk
possible, to save time, he concludes, the dark mine. Anyway, there is
nothing else to do ...
Tara Val had forced to sit on a chair in the middle of the unique piece
old abandoned cabin, including an unpleasant smell of mold and dust
empuantissait the atmosphere. Now the gun put to his feet, Tara preparing
injection. Val could have tried to seize the weapon, or at least the
push, but it was too far away from her.
- There you go! Tara announced a victorious tone showing the syringe. A pretty
small injection benzodiazepine ... This is a wonderful product, the
benzodiazepine. It reduces the side effects of chemotherapy and serves
also to relax patients before surgery.
portable.
We had to play tight because it was not suspect for a moment that they had
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discovered his hiding and were only a few feet away.
- This time, you're right on time, it does commented when she took the
communication.
- I did my best. Tara, I know that it is you who pull the strings
but we need you to explain a few things ...
- Sorry, it is not part of my plan.
- And what is it that famous plan?
While he strove to save time by forcing the mad to talk, Seth
and advanced him stealthily towards the hut. Soon they were no longer
only a meter away from the door.
- I do not have to explain. However, I can pass you Val. It
begins to lose consciousness, but you still have time to tell him
goodbye ...
Nick threw a glance anxious to Seth and motioned for him to follow. In silence,
they
approached the window and risked a look inside.
Nick thought he fainted seeing Val curled up on a chair. Tara had a
gun in his right hand and his left hand, she held the phone to Val
so she could talk to him. But the young woman seemed to have all the trouble
to remain conscious.
- Hold on, Val, it does murmured. Hold on! What did she injected?
- From benzo ...
Besides, you also could have you look after her. Why
resigned from that?
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- Stop, you do not know what you mean! Tara screamed. I had every right
to breathe a little, right? I spent the first eighteen years of my life
take care of her. And I married any fool the sole purpose
to escape all these responsibilities! Okay, enough! I will show you where
find the remains of your girlfriend!
Nick exchanged a quick glance with Seth, and it was decided in a flash.
Seth opened the door on the fly, gun in hand, and both burst
like a tornado in the cabin.
Stunned, Tara began a fraction of a second to recover, which allowed Seth
pounce on it and neutralize it while Nick rushed to Val.
- Quick, will bring the helicopter! he yelled, mad with anxiety. I can not feel her
pulse
! An urgent need to take her to the hospital!
Epilogue
Val opened her eyes and saw Harold Benton. Standing at the foot of his bed, he
smiled shyly.
- You did a great job, it does stammered a slightly slurred.
He shook his head with an embarrassed expression.
- I did not do anything at all. This is Nick who saved your life. You were about
verge of respiratory arrest, and he made you mouth-to-mouth all the
time-long journey so far.
Val smiled back.
- I was not talking about me, but Kent Dawson. If you have not diagnosed
his allergy to iodine in time, he would have died too.
Dr. Benton shrugged.
- Sometimes I think I'm a good doctor.
- Do not doubt for a moment. You are also a man who has a lot of
luck.
- Oh yes?
- Yes. Your wife loves you, you have two beautiful children, you can be
proud of your professional success ... You have everything to be happy.
A slight reddening cheeks flushed the doctor.
- It's true, it does murmured.
- I caught you, Dr. Benton! Nick launched at this time since the threshold
room in a tone falsely severe. Do not bother my patient, please.
- You are not at all. She was just trying to remember some
truths I was a little forgotten, and that made me a very foolish. Well, I leave you.
See you later.
Nick stood aside to let Harold Benton out, then he approached Valley and
kissed him on the lips. After dropping a small package on the table
bedside, he pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down.
- When I think you almost killed me on Does she teased. It was less a ...
Finally, thanks to my detective gifts, my intuition and my mind
deduction, I guess Tara Bishop is now out of harm's way ...
Nick wrapped in a mocking look.
- You do not suffer too ankles, I hope?
- No, it's okay, she replied, laughing.
- You forget one detail: I still flew to your aid at the risk of my life,
such a valiant knight flying to the rescue of his beautiful princess.
- Oh! Big thank you, my lord. Nevertheless, I would have preferred never
having to go through this kind of events.
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Nick gave him a tender smile.
- Do not spoil the happy ending of my fairytale, please.
- What a fairy tale? Val asked, lump in his throat. We know all
two that you do not give into the fairy tale ...
- Well, I've changed! Here, he added he handed him the package he had
brought. This is the Knight of the gift to his princess.
Curiosity crazy Val tore the package with febrile gestures.
- I thought the princesses had to appear serene and reserved
all circumstances, Nick watched mockingly.
- Well, you were wrong. Oh, a necklace! ... It's beautiful. It's funny,
Most people would have brought a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates.
- I'm not like everyone else. Val, listen to me.
Troubled by his sudden gravity, she looked up at him. As she was about
talk, he ordered him the silence of a finger on his lips.
- Listen to me, I beg you ... There is neither guilt nor gratitude, or anything
of this kind. The truth is that I love you. I knew deep within myself
when I saw you run over to Tara, but I have some time to myself
admit.
- But you do not want ...
- Let me just tell you what I want, will cut it tenderly.
He stopped, time to pull out of his pocket a green dark velvet.
- I want to share my life with you, he went diving in his right eye
his. I want to have children with you and grow old with you.
- I need you to be sure it does protested.
- I am sure of myself and my feelings. Here's the evidence, he added, will
lifting the lid of the casket. Val, in recent times, you and I have been through
more events that many people will never experience in a lifetime
whole. I do not want to end up like Tara ... And before you was what threatened
happen to me.
Silent, she contemplated the solitary gleaming softly on the dark velvet.
For fear of yielding to emotion, she preferred to get away with a pirouette.
- You mean you would become a murderous psychopath?
- No. I mean, I'd let my regrets destroy me, just
because I was afraid to take my responsibilities and also the love I have for
you. I now know for sure that if I let you go, I will regret
all my life. And I have no desire to miss happiness.
Joy drunk, Val nevertheless continued to languish again a few seconds,
per game.
- Rest a little problem.
- Which one?
- I never told you I loved you.
- That's right, he said, worried. So what?
Unable to as long torment, she threw herself on his neck, laughing.
- So I love you, Nick. Oh yes, I love you ...
He laughed too and looked at her tenderly.
- That's a real happy ending fairy tale.
- Almost. It is necessary that the knight embraces his princess.
Nick cocked his head and put his lips to his.
- Wishing my princess is our command.
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- END -