The woman gave a weak nod.
“Any dizziness?”
Another nod.
“It’s preeclampsia. Get OB down here, we need an emergency section.” Sharon shook her head, tried to moan a protest. “I’m sorry, but you have a very serious condition,” Monica explained. “We need to get the baby out as quickly as possible.”
“He’s...not ready,” she said in a meek whisper. “It’s too early.”
“Thirty-two weeks is more than enough time. Don’t worry, Sharon, he’ll be fine.”
The woman’s head fell back onto the table.
“Sharon?” Monica tried the pain test again. This time, the patient didn’t respond. “Okay, this baby needs to come out now. Prepare for a section.”
The three nurses stopped. They all stared at her for a second before one asked, “Shouldn’t we wait for OB?”
“Not unless you want a dead mother and baby on your hands. OB can take over when they get here.”
A second nurse pushed over an instrument tray. Monica tore away the drape, unveiling an array of shiny chrome surgical tools. She had just made the horizontal five inch slit across the underside of the woman’s protruding belly when the room’s double doors burst open.
“What do we have?”
Monica didn’t raise her head. “Thirty-two weeks with preeclampsia. I’m performing an emergency C-section.”
“Who the hell are you?”
This time she did look up, the hostility in the voice surprising her. “I’m—”
The man dressed in green scrubs didn’t give her a chance to finish. Instead, to Monica’s growing astonishment, he pushed her out of the way. She stood still for a moment, suspended in shocked outrage.
He—whoever he was—barked out orders the nurses followed with unfailing precision. Monica couldn’t help but feel a twinge of admiration at how quickly the doctor had taken control of the situation. She tore the blood stained gown from her shoulders and turned so the nurse could drape another over her, but when she took a step forward, with the intention of assisting, the doctor shouted, “Stay back!”
Just who did he think he was talking to?
Monica watched as the masked doctor quickly, but gently pulled the bluish infant from the mother’s belly. He applied two clamps to the umbilical cord and snipped.
The baby was so small. The tiny ones always pulled at her heart.
A nurse took the infant and placed him in a plastic incubator that had been wheeled down from maternity.
“Get her to the OR,” the obnoxious doctor barked. He whirled around, facing Monica. His deep chocolate-colored eyes were blazing. “Are you out of your mind? What the hell did you think you were doing?”
“I was—”
He cut her off. “Do you think we allow nurses to perform surgical procedures?”
“Nurse?”
“Clean out your locker and get the hell out of this hospital. I’ll make sure you never work at another medical facility in the entire country.”
Monica tore the mask from her face, preparing for full combat. Her adversary took a visible step back.
“Dr. Holmes,” Patty said, “meet Dr. Monica Gardner, the new attending in emergency medicine. Dr. Gardner, this is Dr. Elijah Holmes, OB attending.”
He stood there staring at her. After a long moment, he stretched out his hand. “Dr. Gardner.”
Monica refused to take it. Instead, she crossed her arms over her chest and stared him down. “Exactly where do you get off coming into this emergency room with that kind of attitude?”
“Excuse me?”
“Asking me what do I think I’m doing? Telling me to clean out my locker?”
“I thought you were a nurse.”
“I’ve only been here one day, and even I know the nurses at Methodist Memorial wouldn’t put a patient’s life in jeopardy in that way.”
“I saw someone in nurses’ scrubs performing a Cesarean. What was I supposed to think?”
“I would assume, as a doctor, you’d have enough common sense not to automatically conclude that it was a nurse performing the procedure.”
“How could I—”
The doors burst open, interrupting his comeback.
“We need this room. We have a MI in full arrest.”
Monica forgot about the pigheaded doctor with gorgeous brown eyes and focused her attention on her next emergency.
Dr. Holmes would hear from her later.
Monica gripped the paper gown at her neck and tore it from her body. She shucked the latex gloves from her hands and deposited them, along with the gown, in the disposal bin outside curtain three.
There had been an influx of patients in the last two hours; so many that she’d hardly had the chance to catch a breath before another injury rolled through the doors. Sensing the fury had calmed, Monica ran to the bathroom—something else she hadn’t had time to do in the previous two hours.
When she emerged from the women’s restroom, she discovered Dr. Slessinger standing at one of the wall x-ray units reviewing a film with a resident Monica had met earlier in the day.
“Dr. Gardner,” he called out to her. He said something to the young doctor, who nodded, then Slessinger switched off the light on the x-ray machine and started toward her. “I’m happy I ran into you.”
Just when she thought she could have a few minutes to herself. Monica suppressed a sigh and pasted on a smile.
“How has your day gone so far?” the doctor asked. He had a cheerfulness about him she found endearing.
“It’s been busy, but I can handle it,” Monica answered.
“I knew you would jump in with both feet.” He patted her on the shoulder. “You’re going to fit right in.”
A warm glow settled over her. Praise was always a welcomed boost to her spirits, especially after a particularly long day. And even more so after being unfairly chewed out by Dr. Holmes earlier this morning. Honest mistake or not, Monica was still smarting from his high-handed reprimand.
Working in the same hospital, she knew she’d have to see him occasionally, but she hoped their encounters were few and far between.
Yeah, right! The little voice inside her head taunted.
“Do you have any objections, Dr. Gardner?”
What? Oh, great. Thinking about that heartthrob in scrubs, she’d completely missed whatever it was Dr. Slessinger had been talking about.
Great way to make an impression, Monica.
“I’m sorry, my mind was on a young boy I saw this morning with Cystic Fibrosis.”
Liar. Your mind was on a young doctor with gorgeous eyes.
“I wondered if you would be interested in sitting on our charity board. Dr. Millgram was an active member.”
“What would it entail?” Monica asked, already warming to the idea. Anything that kept her from sitting in her apartment pining away for Patrick.
“Over the years, the board has focused on raising money for our outreach programs. Because of our location, we have a unique opportunity to provide services to many who wouldn’t be able to afford it,” Slessinger explained.
That was a nice way of saying, although Methodist Memorial was a world-class facility, the neighborhood around it left much to be desired. Monica simply nodded.
“These days those programs are needed more than ever.”
“They definitely are,” Monica agreed.
A slew of nurses and paramedics wheeled a gurney down the hall, but before she could excuse herself to attend to the trauma, the other physician on call came from behind curtain one.
“I’ve got it, Dr. Gardner,” Dr. Ray Carvel said as he followed closely behind the gurney.
“I didn’t realize Dr. Carvel was here today,” Dr. Slessinger said.
“He’s on call,” Monica replied. “He came in a few hours ago when things got a little sticky. I think he just enjoys being here.”
“There are few as dedicated as he is. And speaking of dedication, Dr. Millgram gave new meaning to the
word. He devoted countless hours to making Methodist Memorial’s Charity Board the best of the area hospitals. I don’t want to pressure you,” he was quick to explain. “But it would be a tremendous help if you can spare a few hours a month. Are you up for this?” he asked, his eyes full of hope.
Could she really turn him down?
“I’d be happy to.” What else did she have to do in this city where she knew absolutely no one? “It sounds like a great program.”
Dr. Slessinger’s face brightened. “Oh, it is. Best in the city.”
“Why don’t we schedule a time when we can discuss exactly what I would be doing,” Monica suggested.
“I’ll go you one better. The monthly meeting is tomorrow. I’ll email you an invite.” He pointed to her. “You’re going to be an excellent addition to the team, Dr. Gardner.”
Monica smiled to herself. There was that warm glow again.
Chapter Four
Eli passed up his normal stop and instead, got off on the seventh floor, which housed the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The preemie he’d delivered in the ER this morning was in excellent condition. He shouldn’t have any complications from his eventful birth.
Unfortunately, Eli realized his complications from this morning’s run-in were just beginning. He had not made the best impression on the hospital’s newest employee.
He’d experienced a temporary case of brain paralysis when she’d pulled the mask from her face. It had taken Eli less than a second to realize the “nurse” performing the C-Section was the beauty from the elevator.
Eli had found himself thinking about that face more than once this week. Of course, he had no idea he would ever see her again. He’d pegged her as a random goddess put in his line of vision for a few minutes so he’d have someone to fantasize about in the shower.
But, he’d been wrong. Tremendously, unbelievably, painfully wrong.
She was fantasy-worthy, all right, but his running into her was not a random coincidence. In fact, they would have a multitude of chances to cross paths.
God, help him.
He had an appointment in twenty minutes, but first, Eli needed to see Otis. If anyone knew the scoop, it was Otis. Eli opted for the stairs back to OB. He found the janitor pushing a broom in the employee lounge.
“What’s up, Doctor H?” Otis asked, the fluorescent overhead lights reflecting off his gold tooth.
Eli poured a cup of coffee from the carafe marked DECAF and got straight to the point. “Otis, you hear anything about the new doctor in the ER?”
The janitor’s mouth cracked in a wide grin. “She’s a nice looking one, ain’t she?”
Extraordinary hazel eyes, a head of luscious, silk hair, and a fit, nicely shaped body definitely constituted nice looking in his book. Not to mention the confidence in which she carried herself. There was something undeniably sexy about a self-assured woman. But Eli refused to take the bait Otis dangled in front of him. He was sure it was none other than Otis who started half the rumors in this hospital. If he even hinted at what he really thought of Monica Gardner’s looks, the rumor mill would have them getting married by the end of the day. Lord knows, if Eli had had as many engagements as he’d heard about over the years, he’d have spent the majority of his paychecks on diamond rings.
“Actually, I mistook her for a nurse this morning and it didn’t go over too well. I didn’t realize they were getting a replacement for Millgram so soon.”
Otis rested his hand on the top of the broomstick and leaned forward.
Jackpot! Eli knew all the old man needed was a little prompting.
“The name is Monica Gardner. From what I hear, she’s from St. Louie. Came down and talked to the big boss last week and he hired her on the spot. She got herself a place in the Quarter. I don’t know which street, but I hear it’s not too far from the river.”
How did Otis always know so much?
Eli refused to question it further, as long as Otis provided what he wanted to know, he wouldn’t think about how the janitor filled up his bottomless well of information.
“So, you gonna ask her out?”
Eli sent him a shrewd look. “You know me better than that.”
It was common knowledge that Elijah Holmes did not date doctors. The reason behind it was no one’s business, just as long as they knew the rule.
“Dr. H, you need to start giving some of the female docs here a chance. I bet you get some action if you do.”
“I get enough action from the nurses.” Eli made a production of looking at his watch and pretended surprise at the time. “I need to get to my office. I’ve got an appointment in a few minutes.” He grabbed a pear from the fruit basket someone had left on the table as he headed out of the lounge.
“I’ll keep my ears open and let you know if I hear anything else about our new doc.”
Eli gave Otis a nod then shouldered his way out the door.
The Daniels were waiting outside his office when Elijah turned the corner. He’d been dreading this appointment all day. Since Katrina, he’d inherited a number of patients from doctors who had yet—or had no plans—to return to the city.
In all his years of practicing medicine, he had never encountered a case like Amanda and Jeffrey Daniels’. Eli still wasn’t convinced they were really married. The way the couple interacted, you’d think they were two strangers; strangers who didn’t necessarily like the person either had just met. To add to the bizarreness, Amanda Daniels was being treated for Bipolar disorder, but refused to inform her husband of her condition. Eli felt it was morally wrong to keep such an important fact from her spouse, but patient confidentially forced him to observe Amanda’s wishes.
He shook Jeffrey Daniels proffered hand, and smiled at the man’s wife as he held the door open for her.
Eli guided the couple into the office and motioned for them to take a seat in the two wingback chairs in front of his desk. Amanda Daniels nudged her chair to the right, shoving it a few inches away from the one her husband occupied.
Here we go again.
“Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, let’s see where we are.” Eli opened the manila folder and splayed it flat on his desk. “This marks the twenty-eighth week, Amanda, putting you in your last trimester. How are you feeling in general?”
“Okay, I guess. I had a little dizziness yesterday, but nothing like that last episode.”
“After you complained of the second dizzy spell, you know I had the lab to run a few more tests. Your anemia has gotten worse.”
Amanda Daniels took a deep, solemn breath. “What does this mean?”
“I think you already know,” Eli said apologetically. “I know you didn’t want this, but I have to recommend putting you on bed rest.”
Her face revealed nothing. “Is that really necessary, doctor?”
“She can’t leave the bed at all?” Jeffrey asked. Eli noticed Amanda’s disgusted eye roll. The tension between these two was as thick as seven A.M. fog in San Francisco. And it was uncomfortable to witness.
“No, it’s not that restrictive,” Eli clarified. “She can move around some, but nothing strenuous. You’re going to have to pamper her,” he said, interested in the response that statement would provoke.
Amanda’s face became hard as stone. Jeffrey glanced at his wife and took a deep breath. Eli wasn’t sure about the expression on the man’s face, but it looked a hell of a lot like hurt. Homeboy was definitely in the doghouse. And he had been there for a while.
Since their first meeting over four months ago, Amanda had never treated her husband with anything other than cold distaste. Eli wondered how the guy had managed to get her pregnant in the first place.
“Exactly how restrictive are we talking?” Amanda asked.
Eli walked over to the file cabinet behind his desk. He opened the second drawer and retrieved a set of stapled instructions. “Here are a few guidelines some of the doctors, myself included, came up with for the various stages of bed rest.”
Eli s
topped short, not sure whom to hand the packet to. Both husband and wife reached for it, and he was willing to bet this month’s paycheck Amanda Daniels wouldn’t invite her husband to share. Eli turned back to the file cabinet and pulled out another set. It seemed the easiest course of action to prevent the inevitable battle between these two. He didn’t need bloodstains on the carpet. He had enough problems to deal with today.
“As you can see, the restrictions aren’t all that inhibiting, but you’ll need to take it easy. I don’t want to see you back here any sooner then I’m supposed to,” he finished with a smile.
Amanda returned the smile with a weak one of her own. Her husband had not said a thing since Eli handed him the set of instructions. He stared at the papers as if trying to digest the words.
God, they were unnerving. Eli could only pray for the baby who would have to grow up in such a strained, tension-filled environment. He was tempted to send the two of them straight to the marriage counselor in Methodist Memorial’s Counseling Clinic.
Eli sat back in his chair and folded his hands over his desk. “Well...I think that’s all,” he said after the uncomfortable silence became unbearable.
“One thing, doc,” Jeffrey asked, his eyes still glued to the instructions. He pointed to a spot on the paper. “Under the ‘reduce activity section’ it says she should limit stair climbing.”
“Yes,” Elijah nodded. “Especially with such a severe case of anemia. Exercise is still important, but only a few steps can bring on dizziness. You’ll need to cut out the use of stairs as much as possible.”
“That’s going to be difficult, doctor. I live on the third floor of my apartment complex,” Amanda began.
“You can—” Jeffrey started.
“No,” Amanda hissed in a sharp, biting tone. Eli could practically see the ice dripping from the single word.
He’d had about enough of this as he could stomach. Eli had too much on his mind to worry about the Daniels and their frighteningly strange relationship.
Deliver Me Page 3