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Nurse's Date with a Billionaire

Page 15

by Amelia Addler


  Before it was time to go, Kali carefully got dressed in the outfit she’d picked out for the day. Ashley said it was important to look competent, but not like she was trying too hard – she reasoned that wearing a suit or something would send the message that she was guilty.

  Once she unburied her car from the snow, she drove to the hospital and found her way to the room where the hearing would be. It seemed that she wasn’t the only person in trouble. She stood outside of the door with a man and another woman – they made pleasant conversation, though none of them mentioned what they were in for.

  Finally, six minutes past nine, they were invited into the room. They took their seats together and watched as other people milled about chatting, grabbing coffee or snacking on the hospital provided baked goods. It all seemed too laid back to Kali. The most important thing in her life was on the line, and they not only started late, but did so to chit chat and eat stale breakfast pastries.

  The head of the committee, a hospital administrator named Bruce Carmen, called the meeting to order at 9:09. Not quite ten minutes late, Kali observed, but may as well have been. He briefly read over the minutes of the last meeting, adding a joke that only he laughed at. He then went through and introduced the three defendants (he called them “guests”) that were there that morning.

  The man was up first. He slowly rose from his chair and took the hot seat in front of the panel. Kali listened anxiously, trying to work out the personalities of those sitting on the committee. She ignored the smug glances from Betsy, who also came to the hearing. Kali realized that it was probably to testify against her or to request that she get the death penalty.

  They went over the man’s case, asking him to explain what he’d done wrong. He admitted to falsifying the medical record – well, sort of. He explained that to save time, he documented and scanned all of his medications as “given” at once, instead of scanning them one by one as they were passed.

  The committee did not take kindly to this. They told him that what he was doing, bypassing the safety measures of scanning the medications, put everyone at risk. They sentenced him (or instructed him, really, it wasn’t a court of law) that he’d need to go through some re-education and have supervision for a month afterwards.

  Kali tried to keep her jaw from dropping. She knew tons of nurses who did that when they were in a hurry. And nurses were often in a hurry. Why was this guy getting the book thrown at him?

  Next, the other woman was called up. Her offense? Bad mouthing a coworker in a rant on Facebook. One of the committee members read her Facebook post, flat voiced, and then stared at her blankly. She started to cry, saying it was done in a moment of anger. She apologized and said it would never happen again.

  The committee deliberated and decided that she would also need to go through re-education, and she was encouraged to delete her Facebook account entirely. She said that she would.

  Kali gritted her teeth. If they overreacted to an online rant (that didn’t even mention the coworker by name or anything!) they were not going to like what she had to say.

  The woman left the room, clearly holding back more tears, and Kali took the hot seat, facing a long table of ten people. She sat up straight, shoulders back. She told herself that she would not let them make her cry. She reminded herself that what she did wasn’t wrong – and even if she developed a crazy infatuation with Craig, that was not the reason she took him in to begin with.

  “This one’s a doozy,” Bruce said. Everyone laughed.

  Kali pinched her lips. Couldn’t he try to be a bit more professional?

  “Alright, Kalista Mitchell. Why don’t you tell us why you’re here?”

  She cleared her throat. “Hi everyone. My name is Kali…”

  Dorky intro. When she practiced it at home, the guy wasn’t supposed to say her name right before.

  Pushing away her thoughts, she continued. “I’m here because I was accused of inappropriate conduct with a patient.”

  He lifted his paper. “You were seen out on the town with this patient. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, but – ”

  “And this was someone you cared for during your time in the ICU?”

  She fidgeted. “Yes.”

  “Furthermore,” Bruce said, slipping his glasses back up his nose, “it was suspected that you had the patient at your place of residence early in the morning?”

  She scanned the faces of the committee members. All frowns. “That’s correct, but – ”

  He sighed. “Is it correct that it was suspected or correct that it happened?”

  “Correct that it happened, sir.” She clenched her hands in her lap. “He was staying in my rental.”

  An audible gasp from the crowd behind her. Who were these spectators? Did they come just for the show?

  “I had to take him in,” she said hurriedly. “I ran into him at the food bank and he said he had nowhere to stay, that the men’s shelter was full. And it was below freezing that night.”

  “Miss Mitchell, you are aware that people can take shelter with the police if needed?”

  “No,” she said slowly, “I didn’t know that.”

  He nodded and wrote something down. Some of the committee members leaned toward each other to whisper. Kali felt like she was in that scene in Harry Potter where Harry almost gets expelled from Hogwarts for using magic to save the life of his mean, fat cousin. Except Craig wasn’t mean or fat. She tried to brush away the thought and focus.

  A woman at the end of the table spoke up.

  “What was the nature of your relationship with this patient?”

  “I provided him with shelter and food. I helped him find a job.”

  The woman smiled and said thank you. Kali smiled back. At least she got to make her case a little.

  A man at the other end piped in. “It was reported to us that this patient was young, fit, and attractive. Are you telling us that your ‘kindness’ had nothing to do with this fact?”

  “No,” Kali stuttered, “it did not.”

  “Really? Would you have done that for any patient?”

  “I think so,” she said quietly. Well, maybe not any. Some people were aggressive or mean. That wouldn’t have worked, she was scared enough of Craig as it was, and he was totally harmless.

  The man at the end scoffed. “And you want us to believe that you didn’t see him in a romantic way? This patient who, apparently, and I quote, ‘all of the nurses found very hot,’ per this written report?”

  A written report calling Craig hot? Wow, how he would’ve loved to hear that. Kali opened her mouth, struggling because it was suddenly so dry. This wasn’t how she expected it to go in her head. “No,” she finally said. “I mean yes – that’s the truth.”

  He shook his head and wrote something down. Kali sat there, feeling cold, and small, and worthless. There was more murmuring from the committee. She stared at the ground. It was all over for her. She knew it. They’d probably recommend that she lose her nursing license.

  Suddenly she caught a movement from the corner of her eye. The side door opened, banging loudly against the wall behind it, as though the person who opened it had hulk strength. Everyone turned to look at the intruder.

  “Oh dear, my apologies! Did not realize that door was made of such flimsy metal.”

  She thought she was hallucinating. It was Craig, in the flesh. How did Craig manage to get here, of all people? Even her own family wasn't allowed, even Ashley couldn’t come and she worked at the hospital.

  Bruce turned away from him, rubbing his forehead. “It is rare that we hear such serious allegations, Miss Mitchell.”

  “Excuse me, sorry that I was late,” rang out that plucky British voice. “But it seemed that I missed introductions. Have I missed the character witness part of the hearing?”

  Bruce turned to Craig, annoyed. “There are no character witnesses. Sir, please have a seat.”

  “Ah, well then, let me introduce myself, since you seem to have forgott
en your manners.” He caught Kali’s eye before walking toward the front table. “Some of you may remember me as the reportedly hot patient who all of the nurses were in love with.”

  Kali suppressed a smile. So he had heard, after all. How long had he been standing there?

  “While that is all quite flattering, I can tell you that this nurse, Kalista Mitchell, decidedly did not feel that way about me.”

  Bruce’s face twisted with anger. “Sir, this is the last time that I will ask you to – ”

  “My name,” Craig said, speaking deliberately loud and slow to drown out Bruce, “is Craig Watson. You may know me as one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors. Or you may know my family business in London. Or, perhaps, you may recognize me as the top donor to this hospital as of…” he looked at his watch. “About forty minutes ago.”

  There was a confused murmur in the room.

  Craig continued. “I’m sure you got notice of it. I made sure that everyone received an email about the ten million dollar donation that I made, and a picture of my big, smiling face. Go on Bruce, have a look at your email and tell me.”

  Someone passed a cell phone hurriedly down the table. Bruce looked down at it and stood up quickly.

  Bruce shot up from his chair. “We are extremely sorry, Mr. Watson, to have failed to introduce you.”

  “That’s quite alright, I took care of it. Let me help you with the rest of your job.”

  Bruce sat down and Craig continued. “A few weeks ago, I was visiting Madison when I was knocked unconscious after slipping on ice. An ambulance brought me to this hospital, and I awoke under the care of nurse Kali. Does that match with the story you have so far in your report?”

  “Yes sir, it does,” Bruce blurted out, almost slurring his words.

  “I was assessed by a physician who determined I was suffering from amnesia. I had no idea who I was. No identity, no money, no shoes in fact. And the next day, when nurse Kali found me wandering around a soup kitchen for my next meal, she took pity on me. Much as I do on anyone who has to work beneath you, Bruce. Do you follow?”

  He nodded.

  “Good. I did, in fact, tell Kali that the men’s shelter was full – this was a lie, I am sad to admit, because I was afraid that she would offer to take me there. And I did not find it to my liking. For this, Kali, I do apologize.”

  Everyone looked at her expectantly. “That’s alright,” she said quickly. Kali was too enthralled by his performance to care. It’s not like he knew she would offer him a place to stay. It was a very Craig type short sighted fib.

  “Thank you, Kali.” Craig smiled and turned back to the panel. “I did not expect this in any way, but Kali offered me her rental flat. She set the rules very clearly. She told me that if I so much as sneezed in a way that made her uncomfortable, I was out. She provided me with a safe place to stay, and food, and work. Just as she told you. Never once did her behavior even approach inappropriate. However, you certainly are on to something.”

  “I am?” Bruce said, face red as an apple.

  “Indeed. A superior of Kali’s, I believe her name was Betsy, took a picture of us when Kali graciously offered to buy me some clothing at the thrift store. She then used this photograph to blackmail Kali into picking up shifts and working extra for the next few weeks.”

  The committee murmured again.

  “And I don’t have the documentation in front of me, but I would bet ten million dollars that Betsy was the one who reported Kali to your ethics committee. And I’ll tell you what Bruce, it bothered me so much that the woman who saved my life was under fire from her extortioner that I had to fly over here and see for myself.”

  Bruce stared at him for a moment, almost as though he were afraid to speak out of turn. Finally, he spoke. “Mr. Watson, first, please let me say what an honor it is to have you here.”

  Craig nodded and walked over to Kali, stopping once he stood at her side. “Sure thing, Bruce. I believe you have enough evidence to speak to your committee, wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  The members all stood and huddled around Bruce this time. The crowd behind them whispered excitedly. Kali couldn’t believe what was going on. She half wondered if she’d fainted and was dreaming all of this.

  “Are you doing alright?” Craig asked her quietly.

  She nodded. “Yes. Somehow things started turning around for me when you came in.”

  “Funny how that happened,” he said with a smile.

  The committee returned to their seats and Bruce cleared his throat.

  “Again, Mr. Watson, thank you for taking the time to visit our hospital. We are so pleased to hear that you received such great care here.”

  “Right,” Craig responded, stare fixed on Bruce.

  “We are happy to report that this misunderstanding with nurse Kalista Mitchell is completely cleared. The committee agrees that she acted honorably and went above and beyond to ensure your safe care.”

  Kali felt a weight lifted from her chest. She wanted to yell out but didn’t want to push her luck.

  “Terrific to hear,” Craig said. “Thank you, committee, for your fair judgement. Oh – and don’t forget to address Betsy at your next meeting.”

  The room erupted with excited voices. Kali looked back at Betsy to see her grabbing her things in a huff as she stormed out of the room. It was loud enough now that she felt she could talk to Craig without being overheard.

  “I can’t believe any of this,” she said.

  “Are you ready to go then? Perhaps we can swing by Mac-Donald’s?” Craig asked her.

  She grinned at him. “Sure. I’m buying.”

  Chapter 24

  They got to the door and Craig paused. He wasn’t done with Bruce quite yet.

  “You go ahead, I’ll catch up.”

  Kali nodded. “I’m going to call my mom.”

  “Good idea.”

  He watched as one of the committee members pulled her aside; from her facial expression, she appeared to be praising Kali quite heavily. Craig smiled to himself – Kali deserved better than that hearing, but it was the best he could do on short notice. He was pleased, at least, with the outcome.

  He found Bruce piling up some papers and chatting with the other members of the committee. As soon as he saw Craig, his face started turning red again. Craig reminded himself to keep the disdain out of his voice. It was hard to do that with a man like Bruce, a man who grovelled to those he perceived to be more powerful and spat on those he thought were powerless.

  There was such joy in his round little face earlier in the hearing. At first, Craig hoped that he may not need to step in, that perhaps they’d reach the right conclusion on their own. As soon as the questioning started, however, it was clear that Bruce made his mind up long ago. Craig frantically tried to pull the door open, then realized it was a “push” and not a “pull.” It made for a dramatic entrance, at least.

  “Mr. Watson, thank you again for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit our hospital.”

  “Unfortunately, Bruce, I’d have preferred to not have to make either of these visits. Though I suppose no one ever wants to go to hospital, do they?”

  Bruce laughed heartily. “Absolutely, that is so insightful.”

  Craig couldn’t help but frown. “Right, well Bruce, I trust that you will resolve the issue of Kali’s recent suspension.”

  “Of course, sir, I will do everything in my power to – ”

  “I suspect that she was unpaid during this rather long wait for a hearing?”

  “I’m not sure, sir,” he stammered, “perhaps unpaid or utilizing her time off to – ”

  Craig had no patience for him. “Now that she’s been found to be sort of a hero, I understand that all of her wages and time off will be repaid to her?”

  “Absolutely sir, I will see to it myself.”

  “Excellent Bruce. I didn’t catch your last name?”

  “Carmen – I have a bit of
English ancestry myself, in fact.”

  Craig was not interested in the man’s history. He wanted Bruce to know that he knew how to play his little game, too, and would come looking for him if anything went amiss. “Bruce Carmen. A name I won’t forget. Thanks Bruce, have a nice day.”

  Craig went into the hallway in search of Kali. She was just finishing up her phone call.

  “Alright mom, I’ll let him know. Yes…okay, sure. I will.” She mouthed a sorry to him.

  He shook his head and whispered, “No problem.”

  Craig was happy to have an excuse to stand close to her and take in the lovely scent of her perfume. She looked as radiant as ever, except maybe a bit more weary after the interrogation. She looked so small and defenseless in front of that panel. What a joke that was. He wanted to flip the table and throw Bruce out of the window. Luckily it didn’t come to that. The headlines would’ve been confusing. “Bad Boy Billionaire Terrorizes American Hospital, Throws Administrator into Bushes.”

  Kali tucked her phone into her purse. “My mom says ‘hi’ and sends a thousand thank you’s.”

  “It was the least I could do,” he said. “I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. I didn’t know about the hearing until – ”

  “I didn’t want to bother you with it,” she said.

  He sighed. “I’m glad I could help. And I’m glad that Ashley told my mum about it.”

  They stood awkwardly for a moment. Craig was so focused on what to say during her hearing that he hadn’t had time to think of what to say after. There were so many things that he wanted to tell her – he didn’t know where to start.

  “Did you want to get some breakfast?” she asked.

  “That would be lovely.”

  They walked out to the parking lot and Kali asked him if he had a car there as well.

  “No, actually, I took a cab straight from the airport. Do you mind giving me a ride?”

 

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