Blurred Lines by KD Williamson (32 page)

“Kelli,” Nora murmured. She tried to move away, but Kelli wouldn’t let her. She needed to hold onto something. Why not her hips? They wouldn’t stop moving a second ago.

Finally, their gazes met. Nora’s eyes were cloudy, unfocused. Her lips were wet, red, and swollen. Kelli felt heat flare up inside her again. “We’re both in really big trouble, aren’t we?”

“Yes, we are.”

CHAPTER 19

The past two days seemed to drag on forever. In fact, Nora was sure that if Kelli hadn’t been present for most of it, she’d be right on the cusp of insanity or very close to it. Still, she slathered her croissant with marmalade as if it was an average day. Nora could feel Kelli’s gaze from across the table. She glanced upward.

Kelli peered at her over the rim of a coffee cup. She took a sip and set it on the table. “Stop.”

Nora put her knife down and brought the pastry to her lips. She chewed slowly, thoughtfully, and she was completely aware that her lack of response exasperated Kelli.

Kelli leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. She continued to stare. When Nora looked at her again, there was definitely irritation in her eyes, but there was affection as well.

She put her croissant back on the saucer and brought a napkin to her lips. “I didn’t do or say anything,” Nora finally responded.

“You don’t have to. I can tell you’re over there wallowing in your orange jelly.”

And there it was. Hiding herself and her emotions from Kelli just wasn’t possible anymore. “I don’t wallow, and it’s marmalade.”

Kelli rolled her eyes. “You’re worrying, then.”

“Yes, somewhat. I want this whole fiasco to hurry up and be over. Too much time has been spent on it already.”

“True, but the deposition is just a couple hours away. I can’t believe Fuller didn’t drop the suit. Suppose some people just need their asses handed to them. And you…you’re usually more patient, but you’ve been antsy the past couple days. I thought you were gonna come out of your skin. Please don’t do that. I like your skin.”

Nora smiled slightly. It was impossible not to do so around this woman.

“So, just hold your horses. Is worrying about it making time go by faster?”

Nora picked up her coffee and drained it. She added cream to her now empty cup and reached for the French press.

“That wasn’t rhetorical, but I’m sure you knew that,” Kelli growled playfully.

Nora bit the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning. “I’m aware, but I’m sure you know my answer. I didn’t see a need to respond.”

Kelli shook her head and laughed. “I don’t even know what to say to that.”

“Mmm,” Nora murmured. She loved the interplay between them. It was stimulating, and she was always left wanting more.

Kelli smirked. “I’m on to you.”

Nora felt heat flood her face. “Really?”

“Uh-huh, really. There’s something sexy about the way we talk to each other.”

Nora took a quick scan around the cafe before her gaze found Kelli’s again. “Yes, I have to agree.”

Kelli looked back at her teasingly. “Still worried?”

She was not. Kelli worked her special brand of magic. “Well—”

“No, it’s okay. I know the answer to that one too.” Kelli interrupted.

Nora didn’t hold back her smile.

* * *

“Don’t let the fact that she hasn’t withdrawn the suit bother you,” Tom said. “It’s not all that unusual. Sometimes there needs to be a clear loser before common sense prevails.”

“That’s pretty much what I told her a little while ago…in my own words of course,” Kelli agreed.

“Yes, the similarities are astounding,” Nora said dryly. She glanced at Kelli who looked back at her with a sparkle in her eyes.

Kelli shrugged and grinned. “Tomat-o, tomat-o.”

Nora pressed her lips together and wondered if Kelli ever turned off the charm.

Tom chuckled and stood. “Okay, I’m going to get you guys set up in here for the live feed. You can always just sit in, you know. Sometimes it’s more intimidating, especially near the end.”

“Nora can, but it’s probably better for their health if I don’t. Thanks,” Kelli said flatly.

“This is fine. It gives me a little distance. I think I need that at this point to start putting all of this behind me,” Nora said.

“Understood.” Tom turned his laptop toward them. “Adjust the volume at your convenience.” He nodded and exited his office.

The camera was already on. Rader sat on the other side of the table from Taylor. He glared at her, but she didn’t shrink from his gaze. She met it head on.

Kelli whistled. “That tension is thick. This should be interesting.”

Kelli was right. Nora could practically feel the volatility between them. “Very.”

Nora took a deep breath as Tom entered the conference room. She was ready to watch the pieces of her life slide back into place.

Tom smiled. “Morning, everyone.” He stopped and talked to Rader. “Good to see you’re feeling better, Dr. Rader.”

Rader cleared his throat and looked away.

“Let’s get started. Water, tea, or coffee, Dr. Fuller? You might need it.” Tom sat down.

“Get on with it, Tom.” Angela hissed.

Taylor nearly jumped out of her chair when Angela reached out to touch her. “It’s okay. Just relax. He’s just trying to intimidate you.”

Tom snorted while he puttered with the computer he brought in. “Okay, we’re ready.” He cleared his throat. “I’m sure you’ve been made aware of the videos shown to Dr. Rader, as well as his reaction to them. How do you explain that, Dr. Fuller? It seemed to me that he was guilty of something.”

“I—I didn’t believe it either, that he was over her, and she was the one chasing him. She’s a beautiful woman. I think those videos show that he still cares. I suspected it. He lied to me about it to keep from hurting me. He’s a good man like that.” Taylor’s voice was shaky and sounded vulnerable.

“I’m going to give you a few seconds to re-think your answer. I know you’re nervous,” Tom said.

“My god, she is so full of shit. That’s some horrible acting, and I mean like scripted reality show bad,” Kelli interjected. “Maybe she’s one of those people who thinks everyone else is stupid…when it’s really been her all along. Know what I mean?” She glanced at Nora.

“I’m not familiar with reality TV, but I do understand what you’re saying.”

“Really? How can you not know about reality TV?”

“Put it on the list,” Nora insisted.

“At least you know who Justin Bieber is now.”

Yes, unfortunately she did. “Kelli.”

“What?”

“Shhh!”

“Yeah, sorry,” Kelli whispered.

Nora smiled fondly and turned back to the laptop.

“I’m telling the truth.” Taylor stayed firm after a few seconds of silence.

“I don’t know if I believe that, Dr. Fuller. The man on the security footage seemed angry, bitter, and even vengeful. Watch.”

They were all subjected to the video once more.

With a click, Tom paused the digital feed at the altercation in the garage. “Look at his face, Dr. Fuller.”

Rader’s face was red and his mouth was open. His expression was contorted, and eerily evil looking.

“Now, which assessment sounds more feasible? Mine or yours?” Tom asked.

“Mine. She turned on him by coming after me. I’m sure it hurts him.”

“Okay, let’s connect the dots. He’s hurt, and he wants to hurt Dr. Whitmore in return. What better way to do it than to use her sexuality and her love of medicine against her? What better way than to paint her as the hospital whore and get her out of the operating room?”

Taylor chuckled, but she didn’t really sound amused. “That sounds like something from a movie.”

“It does, doesn’t it? So tell me, what usually happens in the movies when people create these kinds of schemes?”

Taylor shrugged.

“You need to answer, Dr. Fuller.” Tom pressed for a response.

“Not sure. I’m not a big movie watcher.”

“They get caught, Dr. Fuller. This is a civil suit. The settlement phase, if we get there, could be very lucrative for you. Dr. Rader gets to shame a spurned lover, and you get a pile of cash. It’s a win-win. Isn’t that correct, Dr. Fuller?” Tom asked.

“We’re not working together. This isn’t some lie that we cooked up. Dr. Whitmore made me feel like I was nothing!”

“Was this before or after you botched that surgery?” Tom continued.

“I wasn’t the only doctor in that room, but that doesn’t even matter. She just treats everyone like crap!”

“So maybe you wanted a little revenge for yourself as well, Dr. Fuller?” Tom asked.

“No, I just wanted to be a doctor.” Taylor started to cry.

Nora could not turn away. It was like watching a train wreck. She had to see the carnage even though the proceedings were chilling to watch. “I find it hard to believe that people that manipulative exist.”

Kelli snorted. “I wouldn’t have a job if they didn’t.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Nora leaned closer. She didn’t want to miss a thing.

“You’re stipulating that you and Dr. Rader are not in collusion?” Tom pushed on.

“Asked and answered in about twenty ways, Tom,” Angela retorted.

“Yes, that’s what I’m saying,” Taylor added anyway.

“Funny. I can—and I will—call Detective McCabe back to testify that you and Dr. Rader discussed nearly the entire ordeal at the foot of her bed when you thought she was sleeping,” Tom said.

Taylor laughed, but she sounded very nervous. “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I strongly object to this. You’re just fishing,” Angela said, her voice somewhere between speaking and shouting.

Tom ignored her and began tinkering with the computer again. “If that’s not enough to sway you, can you tell me what’s going on here?”

Everyone in the room was mesmerized by the video. Taylor came out of the Chief of Surgery’s office and scanned the area before walking quickly down the hallway and entering another room.

“I don’t understand. What’s the big deal?” Fuller asked.

“It’s somewhat suspicious behavior don’t you think? Especially after the yarn you spun to the Chief of Surgery that day.”

“Objection! You’re reaching! I renew my objection to these videos as well!”

“Noted.” Tom inclined his head.

“It’s…just a closet. I needed a break from everything. I mean…I just—”

Rader started pulling at his tie.

“Needed Dr. Rader?” Tom asked.

The footage continued. Taylor left the room first, and a few minutes later, Rader did the same.

Taylor stood and shouted. “Yes, he was the only one who supported me!”

“In a closet, Dr. Fuller? Why didn’t he sit in the waiting area? Why the need to hide? Does that seem like something innocent people would do?”

Taylor’s chest was heaving. Her gaze was centered on Rader, and her hands were clenched into fists.

“Sit down and answer the question, Dr. Fuller,” Tom insisted.

James Rader jumped to his feet. His face looked extremely pale as he stumbled toward the door.

Taylor’s expression was murderous. Her face was blotchy red, and she screeched like some wild animal before launching herself in his direction. “You don’t get to run from this you son of a bitch!”

Someone in the room gasped in surprise.

Nora decided that train wreck wasn’t a strong enough description for what she was seeing, but she didn’t take the time to think of one. As she continued to watch, Nora’s heart jumped to her throat and then plummeted to her stomach. Pure elation bubbled up from somewhere deep inside her. It was an odd sensation, but it was a feeling she could definitely learn to enjoy.

“Je-sus Christ,” Kelli muttered.

Nora reached out blindly. She wanted to share this moment, and Kelli just wasn’t close enough. Their fingers intertwined.

Taylor slapped Rader. Hard. The sound of skin connecting reverberated through the room. “I told you this wasn’t going to work! You’re going to fucking pay for this. My goddamn life is over thanks to you.” She continued to rant.

Tom reached for the phone, but his words were drowned out.

Rader pushed her away. He turned and lunged for the door. She jumped on his back and wrapped an arm around his throat. “Stupid…spineless…”

Rader coughed and sputtered. “Get off me. You went along with it. Don’t…don’t put this all on me.” He twirled around as he tried to dislodge her. A few seconds later, he backed her into the wall.

Security burst through the door. Two rather large men ripped them apart from each other. Taylor went for Rader again, but she was thwarted by the wall of muscle between them.

“We’re not done,” Taylor shouted in Rader’s direction. She flailed uselessly in the security guard’s arms.

Tom stood. “Thanks, guys.”

One of the men nodded.

Tom adjusted his tie and looked down at Angela Perkins. Her mouth was open, and her face was flushed. He smiled. “Well, should we take a break?”

Angela sneered at him and threw her pen on the table.

Nora rose from her chair. Her vision tunneled. All she could see was the computer screen. It was…over. An exhilarating sense of relief flooded her chest. She heard a sound and realized that the noise came from her own mouth. There it was again. A sob. Nora covered her mouth with the back of her hand. Then, Kelli was there. She pulled Nora into her arms.

“It’s over. You got your life back,” Kelli whispered.

“I know.” Nora pressed her face into Kelli’s neck, basking in her scent and warmth.

Kelli held on tighter.

CHAPTER 20

Nora stared at her cell phone. It danced on the coffee table as it continued to vibrate. The number that flashed was one she hadn’t seen in some time. There went that happy, bubbly feeling again. After the fourth ring, Nora answered.

“This is Dr. Whitmore.”

There was a distinct pause.

“Yes, it is.” The Chief of Surgery’s Southern drawl was as distinctive as ever.

Nora felt anticipation shoot through her. She stood to give it some room to grow. “Good morning, Dr. Gagne.”

“That it is, especially when things work out the way I like them. Yesterday was very satisfyin’, but today is a lot better. The Board has made its decision. I’m gonna cut to the chase, Dr. Whitmore. You have been reinstated and may return to the hospital whenever you see fit. Let’s put these unfortunate events firmly behind us. Wouldn’t you agree?”