by Terra Kelly
On Preslie’s last round before her shift ended she checked on Miles. The moment she peeked around the curtain, he gave a slight grin. “Well good afternoon, Mr. Callahan.” She stepped up beside him and checked all the machines and made sure his vitals were at the proper levels. “Would you like water or maybe some crackers?
He attempted to speak but paused and took in a deep breath. “Miles.”
She nodded. “Okay, Miles. What will it be, water and crackers?”
“Yes, that would be great. What time is it?”
Preslie paused for a moment. She had a tough time thinking with those bright blue eyes staring up at her. “Um…it…it’s 6:30 p.m. Are you feeling okay? Any abdominal pain?” Shit, those eyes would make thinking straight very difficult. “The doctor is on his way.”
He turned his head to read the dry erase board, “Preslie, right?” He sighed. “Everything hurts. Is there more morphine on the way?”
She touched his shoulder. “It’s okay. I’ll let the nurse coming on know you need more morphine.” She finished writing in his chart and headed out. As she reached the nurses’ station, another uniformed officer approached her.
Sergeant Cooper had finished his briefing and wanted to check on Callahan. “Excuse me. Which room is Miles Callahan in?”
She pointed toward room 325. “Right there sir and he just woke up.” Preslie was ready to put her feet up and enjoy a glass of wine. She grabbed her purse and pulled out her phone to check for any messages. The moment she saw the message, she knew her night had just gone south. As she headed to the parking garage, she called Vikki. “Um, you busy?”
Vikki was at home already relaxing, she sat up in her chair. “What’s wrong? You okay?” Preslie never sounded nervous, unless it dealt with her ex. “Sweetie, talk to me?”
“I think so. Well, I have no fucking clue. I received a text message from David." He was her ex and they had broke up about six months ago. He had this crazy notion they would get married and have the white picket fence together. Where that idea back-fired was when he decided it was okay to control her every move. She stopped it before it got too insane. Thankfully he never hit her but he came close once. “Can I stay with you tonight?"
“Get your ass over here.” Vikki hated David the moment Preslie started dating him. She could tell there was something off about him, but she couldn't tell her best friend how to live her life. They both lived close to the hospital but in opposite directions. If David was at her place, Preslie could avoid him. If David was at the hospital already...her insides twisted. “Are you walking out with anyone right now?”
“There are several people heading out. Why?” When she arrived this morning, there were only a few spots available in the parking garage. She found a spot behind a pillar and off to the side away from all the traffic. Two of her co-workers were heading in different directions toward their cars. “I will be there in a few," Preslie said and hung up the phone. She tucked it back in her purse and pulled out her keys. As she rounded the pillar the hair on the back of her neck stood straight up. She glanced around and noticed one person leaning against the trunk of her car with a shit-eating grin on his face. “David. What are you doing here?”
“Hey, baby,” he said and pushed off her car. “I missed you, so I thought I would surprise you.”
Preslie felt confused. “Missed me? We’re not dating anymore, David. Did you forget?” She knew she was walking a fine line with him. “I need to be somewhere. Is there something you need?”
David stepped closer. “Need? I need you, Preslie.” Then he placed his hands on her shoulders. “You know you miss me.” Then he moved them up and encircled them around her neck. “I thought you would come to your senses sooner. I’m tired of waiting.” He bent to kiss her lips.
Preslie grabbed his hands on either side of her neck and turned her face away. She tried to move out of his embrace but he tightened his hold. “David, what are you doing? Please, let me go.” She was afraid to struggle because he had a serious hold on her neck. She was feeling pain, and it was getting difficult to take in a full gulp of air. In a raspy tone, “David, you’re hurting me.” Her eyes were closed, and she was trying to take in deep breaths. Suddenly his hands left her neck, and she fell to the ground. Glancing up, she about fainted. It was that cop she said hi to just a few minutes ago on her floor.
“I believe the lady said you were hurting her. Do you have a hearing problem?” The cop put his arm around David’s neck and pulled him back away from Preslie. Then in one quick motion he had David’s hands behind his back and was placing cuffs on his wrists. “Ma’am, you okay? Is this someone you know?”
Preslie was kneeling on the ground massaging her neck. “Yes officer, he’s my ex-boyfriend.” She turned to David. “Why would you do that David, I don’t understand?”
He stayed silent. The officer shook him. “Care to answer the lady?”
David grinned. “You’ve always liked it rough, don’t lie to the officer.” He lifted his hands an inch. “I think I have rights here officer. Why are you arresting me?”
Preslie knew the officer didn’t have a good reason to arrest him. “It’s okay, it was a misunderstanding.” She hated lying but what else could she do? “I need to go.”
Cooper knew there was more to the story but he couldn’t argue. If she didn’t want to press charges he had to let the asshole go. “I’m letting you off with a warning. If I see you near her again, I will arrest you.” He took the cuffs off and waited as David walked away.
“Talk to you later, baby,” David said and continued to laugh as he got in his car.
“Are you okay?” Cooper asked and checked her neck. It was bright red with deep bruising emerging. “Do you want to file a complaint?”
She shook her head. “No, I want to go. Thank you for your help.” She turned and unlocked her car. Before she closed the door. “He didn’t mean it. He has never done anything like that before. Thank you again.”
Cooper stood there as she pulled away. One thing was for sure, that asshole was too smug and would definitely try to pull that stunt again. Cooper wrote his license plate number on his notepad and planned to make his team aware of the situation.
Two
Preslie was feeling nervous standing outside as she knocked on her best friend's door. She lifted her hand to knock again when Vikki opened it. She knew when Vikki noticed her bruised neck. “What the fuck happened?” She grabbed Preslie's hand and pulled her inside. Before shutting the door Vikki looked around, then closed and locked it. “Um…what’s going on?”
“David. He was waiting by my car. He was talking nonsense about missing me and tried to kiss me. Then he tightened his hands around my neck.” She followed Vikki into the kitchen. “Somehow I was lucky tonight. A cop that arrived at the end of my shift to visit the Callahan guy showed up just in time.” Preslie reached for the wine in Vikki's outstretched hand. “I have no idea what’s going on. For six months nothing, he hasn't called or emailed me once. Now he shows up and wants to be with me while also strangling me.” She took a big gulp of her wine. “I wonder if he's been watching me for a while?” She shivered at the thought. “I have lived in Toronto for almost fifteen years. I love it here. I don’t know what to do.”
Vikki wanted to scream, but she knew that wouldn’t help. Her friend was scared, and she had every right to be. “Did you file a complaint or press charges with the cop?”
“He offered, but I declined. David was making weird accusations about how I like it rough. It would just end up being a he-said-she-said issue.”
“I understand where you’re coming from, but you should've filed some kind of complaint, sweetie," Vikki said and sat down in the chair next to Preslie. “Let me see your neck.” Preslie always wore a shirt under her scrub top, she pulled her collar to the side. “Fuck, Preslie. It bruised quickly and there are a few cuts we need to clean out. Do you own any turtlenecks? Or better yet, a dickie?” They both burst out laughing at the mention of a
dickie.
“Who wears those things?” Presile shook her head in disgust. “You have a couple collared shirts and lots of cover up.” She placed her hand over Vikki’s. “I promise it will be okay. I may need a buddy to walk to my car, but otherwise I promise it’ll be okay.”
“Well, I plan to set the schedule so we always work together. You can stay here for awhile, I would love the company.” Preslie was shaking her head no, but Vikki put her palm up. “Nope, not up for discussion.”
“Fine. So now I have to be afraid for my life? This is bullshit.” She stood and headed over to the refrigerator. “Please tell me you have tons of wine? Tonight calls for a cheesy dinner with lots of vino.”
“Cheese, wine and me, you have a perfect night planned.” She wrapped her arms around Preslie's waist. “I promise we will figure this out.” Pulling her in for a big bear hug. “I love you, Pres.”
Preslie squeezed her best friend tight. “I love you to pieces, Viks.”
Across the street David sat in his car watching the door Preslie had just entered. She went over to her best friend’s house instead of going home. Smart woman.
A light delicate touch was placed on his arm. Then a featherweight brush across his face. At first Miles thought he was dreaming, then he opened his eyes. He looked up into midnight blue eyes and smiled. He made a small sound and the woman looked down. “Good morning, Mr. Callahan.” She continued to re-hook his I.V. bag and ensure the tubing was attached. “From the notes in your chart, it looks like you’re doing much better since the last time I saw you.”
Miles smiled. “Much.” He moved up and adjusted his body into a better sitting position. Looking at the dry erase board on the wall. “Preslie. We’ve met before?”
“Well, technically yes. Your first night here I was your charge nurse.” She gathered up the pieces of paper and little plastic wraps from the tubing. “I hear you are a fan of our banana cream pie. Would you like a slice?”
“For breakfast?” he asked and thought about how he was so ready to get out of this place. Angie would be here this morning with Gracie and Jack. He missed them.
“It’s 11:00 a.m., so technically it’s lunch time. Plus, you're an adult you can have dessert before your meal.” She walked over to the little waste basket to throw the trash out. Turning back toward him. “I think your doctor will be in soon. You may get to go home today. While we wait, I'll grab your lunch…and pie.”
She was wearing a white button down shirt under her scrub top. The collar was almost covering all her neck but there was about a half-inch exposed. A large purple spot caught his eye. “Are you okay?”
“Um…yeah, why?” she asked and grabbed the door handle.
“Sorry, that was rude of me to ask. I don’t even know you.” Rubbing the top of his head. “Maybe pie would be good.”
She knew her bruises were angry with a deep purple hue today. Miles may have noticed her neck. She placed her fingers on the collar of her shirt. "I will be back in a flash." It was hard to hide the wounds, cover up only went so far. When Preslie arrived back to work after a few days off, she was a little nervous to be around everyone. Vikki was amazing and let everyone on their floor aware of the situation. She had changed the schedule around, hired more security for their unit, and found a few co-workers that could car-pool with her. If David made an appearance, he would be in for a big surprise. There was a photo of him at the nurses’ desk and everyone had memorized his face.
“Pie is always the right answer, I'll make sure it’s on your tray. Is there anything else you need?” She was glad he dropped the subject. She was not in the mood to discuss her personal life with a patient.
Just then two light knocks were made on the door. Then two little heads peeked around the wood structure. There was a little girl who looked about five or six with long, wavy brown hair. The little boy who was shy and was three or four. Miles held out his arms. “Hey, come and give me a hug.”
Preslie smiled and excused herself. She walked around the frail woman that was his wife. “Let me know if you all need anything.” Then she headed back to the nurses’ desk.
“Boy have I missed you two.” He made a slight movement and flinched at the pain. “Sorry, Daddy still hurts.” He reached for Angie's hand. “Hi honey, I missed you, too.”
“Hi there, how are you feeling today?” Angie asked feeling uncomfortable in the hospital setting. “The nurse at the desk said you may get to go home today.”
Gracie and Jack jumped up and down and cheering. “The doctor will be in soon and hopefully will clear me to leave. I’m ready to be home.” He squeezed her hand. “You okay?”
Angie was always a skinny woman. She could eat her weight in food and still never gain a pound. Lately though, the numbers on the scale said differently. Her clothes were baggy and looked two sizes too big. She was ready to tell Miles she needed a divorce. Yet, the thought of telling him was eating her up inside. She put on that fake grin. “I’m fine. Why?”
“Nothing. I wanted to make sure you're feeling okay.” He pulled her hand closer and kissed each finger. “God, I miss you all.” He turned to Gracie. “Tell me how is school?” Then he poked her in the stomach and they both giggled.
Angie combed her hand through Gracie’s hair. “We’re good, I’m good. Just ready to have you back home with us.” She sighed. “The unusual schedule has thrown us all off. My appetite has been next to none.”
“Babe, you need to eat.”
“I know, I know.” Walking over to Gracie. “Hey sweetie, I’m going to run and grab some coffee. Tell Daddy how school’s going.” Angie turned and walked out of the room. Once she was in the hallway, she leaned up against the wall and rested her head back. This had to end soon, she needed to tell him.
“Well that can’t be good?” Vikki nudged Preslie and nodded toward where Angie stood. “I see tears and something else going on with her body lang...” She noticed Preslie had that look. “What?”
Preslie shook her head. “Girl, you need to stop living in your soap opera world.” She glanced at the wife and noticed she looked like something was wrong.
They both turned toward the Callahan room when a tall figure stepped in front of their view. Preslie cleared her throat. “Um, hi.”
“Well, it’s good to see you smiling. How are you? I thought I would stop by and check on you.” Cooper had let the team know of an issue brewing. They had the suspect’s license plate number and image in all their cars. If the victim did not want to press charges their hands were tied. “I see bruising that started, any injuries?”
“Yeah, a lot of bruising and several cuts.”
“Hi, I’m Vikki. You must be her knight in shining armor?” Vikki said and reached her hand forward. She nudged Preslie. “You didn’t elaborate on who helped you.”
“Nice to meet you, Vikki. I’m Andrew Cooper, most just call me Cooper.” He turned to Preslie. “I wanted to wait to talk to you. Do you have a moment?”
“Um, sure. We’re just waiting for the lunch trays to arrive.” She glanced over at Vikki giving her best friend a telepathic message. “What do you need to talk about?”
“Should we talk privately?”
Vikki waved her hand. “Nah, we all know and plan to kick David’s ass if he enters this building.” She stood and walked to the cabinet with his image tapped to the door. “We have the asshole’s picture tapped on several of the cabinet doors. I even hired more security. Plus, I’m making sure my girl’s safe.” She walked over and wrapped her arm around Preslie's shoulders.
“Well, I guess I don’t need to worry about your safety?" He teased and leaned on the counter. "I still wanted to give you an opportunity to file a formal complaint.”
“She will, right?” Vikki said and then looked at Preslie for confirmation.
“Viks, I can’t. It’s a matter of he-said-she-said and no one was around when it happened. Well, officer Cooper showed up at the end...but still. David would twist and turn the story. Something he�
�s always been good at. I’m sorry officer Cooper, I appreciate you taking the time to come down here.”
“Can I at least put something in your record? That way we have a starting point. He’ll have no idea you filed any kind of complaint.”
“Yes, please put something in her file. We need to make sure this never happens again.” She put her hand up to stop Preslie from talking, “Nope, you need to have something in writing. Look at your neck. Holy shit, Preslie. We are just trying to protect you.”
Preslie was scared, she had been from the moment it happened. Vikki was making the situation easier. “Okay, fine.” She put her hands up in surrender. She hoped nothing else would happen. When she was dating David, he seemed fine in the beginning, then he turned controlling. Thankfully they never had a physical argument. Although, there was a time in the end of the relationship where it was escalating to a physical argument. Somehow the Gods were on her side at that moment and she calmed him down. Then a few days later she broke it off because she couldn't take it anymore. He was pissed but never contacted her until six months later. All she could think about was, what changed? Why six months later? She had always questioned if David had a drug problem. He never showed signs of being high. The night he was almost physical with her, he showed a slight change in his demeanor. Either way, she was scared. Having Vikki was her saving grace. Her friend would go through hell or high water with her and she would do the same. Cooper tapped the counter once with the palm of his hand. “Okay, I'll put the incident in your file. I think it’s for the best.” He looked over toward Miles’ room. “How’s my partner doing today?”
“He’s doing much better. His family is visiting right now.”
“That’s great.” He turned to head to the Callahan room. “You made the right decision. I hope you’re right and he doesn’t bother you again.” He nodded and headed to room 325.