Saving Forever - Part 4 (4 page)

Chapter 4

Elijah reached for her hand as they stood waiting in the courtroom. Charity glanced to her left and tried not to let her gaze linger. She couldn’t help it. Laura stood whispering to her lawyer, her hand perched perfectly on his elbow in a rather intimate manner. She wore a long grey skirt and blouse today, a Kleenex or handkerchief tucked into her sleeve.
Still trying to play the role as the victim.
Bile rose up the back of Charity’s throat. The woman was probably trying, if she hadn’t already succeeded, in sleeping with her attorney.

The judge came through his chamber door and when he sat down, everyone else in the room was allowed to sit.

He slipped his glasses on and the silence in the room was only broken by the odd sheet of paper he shuffled and stacked in front of him. He cleared his throat and Charity felt Elijah tense up beside her. She couldn’t imagine what was going through her father’s head at the moment as he sat on the other side of Elijah, beside their attorney.

The judge folded his hands and leaned forward, his eyes intent and serious. “This is a hearing, not a trial. It was brought in front of me, without a jury, to decide if there were grounds to bring this to trial.” He paused a moment before continuing, “During sexual harassment suits, unsavory allegations come to light, and in many cases companies – or hospitals in this case – will settle quickly to avoid bad publicity. This hearing should not have become a public fiasco, but it did. As much as I tried to close the doors to it publically, I apologize in not succeeding.” He took his reading glasses off and folded his hands again. “In some instances, cases must go to trial to reach a verdict. Juries can then choose to send a message to corporate defendants by handing down multi-million dollar verdicts, or in some cases to lone plaintiffs.”

Laura’s dramatic inhale echoed across the room. She leaned over to her lawyer and whispered in his ear.

The judge glanced at her before putting his reading glasses on and picked up a sheet of paper. “They can also decide in favor of the defendant.”

Charity’s heartbeat echoed inside her ears. They were going to trial. This nightmare was going to be dragged out even longer. Every inch of their lives, her father’s, the hospital was going to be put on wicked display for the media to attack like a pack of vultures. She bit her lip.

“I’ve listened to both sides of the parties invoiced in the hearing,” the judge continued, oblivious to the thoughts running inside Charity’s head. “I do not find this hearing needs to go to trial.”

Charity blinked, unsure she had heard him correctly. Did that mean…? She glanced at Elijah from the corner of her eye, but the doctor face he wore revealed nothing.

“Dr. Elijah Bennet is held in high regard at the hospital, by his staff, his patients and those around him. Dr. Scott Thompson has treated this hospital like his own child. The board has already put new practices and by-laws into place to prevent this sort of misunderstanding from happening again. I, and the city, can appreciate the efforts being put forth.”

Elijah squeezed Charity’s hand and she caught a glimmer of a smile trying to peek through his unreadable face.

The judge turned his attention to the accuser and her lawyer. “You cited,” he began, shuffling through a few pages in front of him and slipping his reading glasses up his nose again, “that Dr. Bennet chased you down, he would make unprofessional comments while working with you, while alone and with other staff in the room.” He set the paper down. “The list of allegations goes on and on. However, I am confused because you have not shown one piece of evidence to prove any of this. The incident where Dr. Thompson saw the two of you seems to have been a set up by you. Patients, staff and others have all said the same thing, Dr. Bennet and his fiancé, Charity Thompson, have been the victim of your shenanigans.”

Laura stood and jabbed a finger at the judge. “You’re in with them! You dirty piece of sh—”

Her lawyer pulled her back into her chair before she could finish.

The judge banged his gavel. “One more outburst like that and I’ll find you in contempt of court.” He inhaled and waited a moment before speaking again. “It is my findings that the charges against the hospital, the allegations against Dr. Bennet are all false. There is no evidence to show otherwise. Taking this hearing to trial will only waste the tax payers and this city time and money.” He stared down the bridge of his nose at Laura and her lawyer. “You shot Ms. Charity Thompson. She chose not to take you to court. I suggest you be reminded of that as you fulfill the requirements of that settlement. There is still a restraining order in place.” He lifted his gavel and cleared his throat. “I find the defendant, Scott Thompson Hospital, and also Dr. Bennet, cleared of all the charges.” He banged the gavel down in one final thud. “Hearing adjourned.”

The bench Charity sat on shook as all of them jumped up. Their attorney quickly shook hands with each of them. “I’d like to get this out to the press right away. This is the one time, I’m glad they are hanging outside like a pack of vultures.” He grinned and shook Dr. Thompson’s hand one more time.

Elijah turned and hugged her tight.

Her stitches pulled but she didn’t care. This ordeal was finally over. It felt surreal. “It’s done.”

“Thank goodness. I can’t believe it!”

“Let’s just hope she’s out of our lives.”

“Forever.”

Her father cleared his throat. “She will be. I plan on making sure of that.” He glared past Charity to the woman who now stood hissing at her lawyer, grabbing her things and slapping her hand against the table.

It was her turn to deal with the backlash of the media. Charity didn’t have an ounce of sympathy for her. Not anymore. She hoped the woman got the help she needed. She had to, or she wouldn’t ever be able to practice as a nurse again. That was part of the agreement they had signed after the shooting.

Charity shook her head. She didn’t want to waste another moment thinking about her. “It’s nearly lunch, should we go and celebrate?”

Her father shook his head. “I need to get back to the hospital. Maybe we can do dinner tonight?”

Elijah clapped him on the shoulder. “I know the feeling. I just want to get back to work and focus on our jobs. What a relief!”

Charity felt like a little kid trying to interrupt their conversation. It was silly. She straightened and gathered her purse. “You guys go back to the hospital. You should be there. My flight leaves in a few hours. I need to pack—”

“Flight?” Her father’s eyebrows mashed together and worry lines formed across his forehead.

“Remember? For the ribbon cutting event in Atlanta. I said I would be there for it.”

“The hearing just finished. Couldn’t you wait till Monday?”

She smiled. “I don’t think I can ask a hospital to postpone opening a new oncology floor because my dad wants me home for the weekend.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Her father folded his arms across his chest.

“Then what did you mean?” Charity hated being frank but sometimes it was the only way things worked with her dad.

“I just…” He waved his hand. “Never mind.” He gave Elijah a curt nod, his mouth in a tight line. “She’s your problem now.”

“Excuse me?” Charity wanted to stomp her foot, but kept her boot glued to the floor.

“I’m kidding!” Her father chuckled. “Sorry. I only meant it as a joke. We both know we’re
your
problem, Charity, and I’m glad you still love us for it.” He glanced at her side. “If Elijah feels your injury is healed enough to fly, I’m not going to say anything. I can appreciate your dedication to the job and also to your family. Thank you for staying here throughout the hearing. You didn’t have to, but I’m so glad you did.” He stepped around Elijah and gave her an awkward hug. “Thank you.” He kissed the top of her head.

Charity didn’t know what to say. She was too stunned by the sudden public display of affection her father never showed her.

He stepped back, a look of surprise on his face as well. “Guess I’m happy this waste of time in court is over.” He sobered and checked his watch again. “Time to get some proper PR done now and let the papers write the correct version.” He grinned again. “Looking forward to Gerritt’s comments.”

Charity and Elijah watched Dr. Thompson whistle as he strolled out of the courtroom.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this… excited.” Elijah shook his head.

“I know,” Charity replied. “Talk about blow the roof off with the enthusiasm.”

Elijah laughed as he put his arm around her. “He’s a good guy, you know. I’m just glad this damn thing is over.”

Charity leaned into him. “Me, too.”

Chapter 5

Charity didn’t want to leave Elijah, but she had to get back to Atlanta. She had been gone long enough and she knew once she got working again she would love it. She was glad Elijah had gone to the hospital instead of with her back to his place. He teased her in the car that they should both play hooky and hide out under the covers all afternoon and night, avoid phones and doorbells, or anything until hunger or something worse drove them out of bed.

When she dropped him off at the hospital she had nearly opened her window and called out to him to come back. She didn’t like the sight of his retreating figure, it tore at her heart strings. It took every ounce of courage to pull away from the curb with just a smile and a wave when he turned around to look at her before stepping through the sliding doors.

Her father had insisted she take her mother’s BMW. The car had sat in the garage the past six years. The day Elijah had taken her home from the hospital, the grey four-door had been sitting in the drive, clean and shiny, almost like new. When she called her father, he would barely talk about it, only saying that it was ridiculous to have the car in the garage and have her renting something to take her to physio. He refused to say anything else.

Her mom had bought the car about nine months before she got really sick. Less than a thousand miles, the thing ran like brand new. Her father had brought it in yearly, but other than that, Charity doubted he had driven it. Sometimes she swore she could smell her mother’s perfume while she drove it.

She left the car in Elijah’s garage and had taken a taxi to the airport. She justified it by saying it was cheaper than doing park and fly, but what she wouldn’t admit to Elijah was that she didn’t want anything to happen to the car. If someone broke into it or hit it, she would be devastated.

Now in a taxi in Atlanta, she leaned back and closed her eyes enjoying the last few rays of sunlight shining through the window. If they were seriously planning on getting married in a month or less she had to start dress shopping. She had no idea what kind of wedding dress to buy. She had bought a bridal magazine at the airport and had skimmed a few pages. She figured she would look through it tonight and check more dresses out online at the same time.

Her phone vibrated against her hand. She yawned and swiped the screen on.

How you doin’? Have you landed yet?

Elijah.

She smiled.
Good. Missin’ u. In cab to my place. How r u?

A moment later the phone vibrated again.

Bored. Hospital is crazy busy but I hate you being there and I’m stuck here. I think I’m going to have to take a job in Atlanta.

She giggled.
I can check if there’s a janitorial opening at the hospital.

Not cool… but I’ll take it. I just have to ask your dad if it’s okay.

She laughed at the picture in her head regarding that conversation. The taxi driver looked at her from the rearview mirror.

Elijah sent another message.
How long are you staying? I forgot to ask. Slightly sidetracked with the judge’s response.

She leaned over the seat and spoke to the driver, “I’m about a block up on the right.” She gave him her address and reread Elijah’s message. She replied:
Hopefully next Friday. Or Saturday at the latest. My return is open. I don’t know how far behind I am, and now I have to tell Malcolm I’ll be away two weeks to tie the knot with you, and I’m just back, I figured I should be here as much as possible.

The driver pulled in front of her place. She paid and tipped the man after he helped get her suitcase. She hadn’t packed much because she’d been worried the weight might be too much after flying and she didn’t want to injure her side.

She made her way into her house. It felt strange, like it didn’t belong to her anymore even though all her things were exactly where she had left them. The place needed a slight dusting but other than that, it was clean. She sat on the lounge sofa in the nearly empty living room, dropping her suitcase beside her. She gingerly laid back.

It took everything to control the tears trying to escape. She wouldn’t admit it to Elijah, her father or anyone, but she worried she would make a wrong movement and rip the holes by her heart apart. It was silly. She knew it, but it didn’t stop the worry from gnawing inside her.

Her body wasn’t tired. In fact, it felt great. The skin where her staples were was healing and itched to let her know that too was getting better. If she turned on the music and let the beat fill her, she could dance, maybe not as long or as crazy but she could do it. Her abs had stayed strong and quickly recovered. She knew it, but she still worried.

She shook her head. It felt like everything had changed inside of her… and she didn’t want anyone to know. She kept hoping it would switch back to normal. It just seemed to be taking so long.

Her phone vibrated against her leg. She’d stuffed it in her pocket when she went to pay the taxi. She pulled it out, realizing she’d missed a few messages from Elijah.

A week? That long? This sucks.

Sorry, that’s not fair.

You still there? Sorry. I know you have to work. It just sucks I’m behind here otherwise I’d come down to see you. The house is going to be empty without you.

Gotta head into surgery. Call me later. Or I’ll call you.

She smiled.
Ahhh, he misses me, and he thought I was mad when I didn’t reply. He’s so stinkin’ cute!

She typed him back.
I’ll make it up to you when I get back. Just got into my place. Sorry I missed your messages. Call me when you have a break.

She had the feeling he wouldn’t bother going home tonight. He would probably be at the hospital and catch a few winks in between surgeries. She stood and brought her suitcase to her room, unpacked it and set clothes out on her bed. She might as well have a quick shower and head over to the hospital here for a few hours. Malcolm’s secretary had taken care of her mail and messages while she’d been away. Charity needed to get up to speed on where the fundraising was at, how much they had raised and what had been happening in her absence. She had set up a hospital lottery that worked with the state. Another company ran it so she hadn’t needed to be here for that. Now she wanted to see how it was doing.

In the bathroom, she paused before stepping into the shower. Turning to the right, she lifted her left arm and leaned toward the mirror. The bumpy pink line scar from the surgery ended at a round spot where the bullet had entered. She lifted her breast with one hand and ran her fingers over the skin with the other. The scar had no feeling. Her fingers felt the soft unevenness but her scar had no recollection of what happened to it or what was happening now. Maybe she should get a tattoo overtop of it. Elijah had one there; TRUST. Maybe she could get something to match it. Maybe…

She showered quickly and dressed, stuffing her hair into a bun so it would be no bother.
Focus on work. That’s exactly what you need.

Once at the hospital, she slipped off the elevator and was thankful her door was right beside it. That gave her a moment to drop her bag off and check her office. A stack of mail lay organized on the table in the meeting room that led to her office. She grabbed the phone book and went through the yellow pages till she found a good ad for a florist and ordered flowers for Amanda, Malcolm’s secretary, to thank her for taking care of it while she was gone. It was really appreciated.

That sorted, she headed down the hall to Malcolm’s office. Amanda stood by her filing cabinets behind her desk. The tiny petite lady had her silver hair in a neat bun today, her reading glasses perched on the edge of her nose. She smiled when she noticed Charity. “You’re back!”

“I am.” She smiled back.

“How are you feeling, dear?”

“I’m good. Thank you.” She glanced at Malcolm’s door. “Is Dr. Parker in his office?”

She nodded. “Let me just check if he’s on the phone for you.” She zipped around to her desk and paged him. “Go on in. Glad to have you back,” Amanda said as she turned her attention to the phone now ringing. “Duty calls.”

Charity mouthed another “thank you” but had no idea if Amanda had noticed. She knocked on Malcolm’s door and opened it when she heard his low voice call out, “Come in.”

He stood by his desk putting on a white lab coat. “You’re back.” His brows crushed together as he gave her a once over. “How are you feeling?”

She could feel him assess her with his doctor eyes and waited for the okay. Elijah and her father did it to her daily now, she might as well get used to it. “I’m good. Nearly fully mended.”

“That’s quite the fiasco.” He glanced down her left side. “Did you get engaged?”

Charity lifted her hand and stared at her ring in surprise. Hadn’t she mentioned it to him already? Now she wasn’t sure. “I did.” She chuckled. “Apparently getting shot is a great way to hook a man.”

“Doctor Bennet?”

“I hope so, or he’s going to be pretty ticked I’m wearing someone else’s ring.” She didn’t know why she was joking around about it. She turned serious. “Elijah and I are pretty excited. Between everything else that’s been going on, it’s something good.”

“I believe it is.”

“Speaking of the ring…” She figured now was the perfect opportunity to bring up the wedding. “We’re planning something small. Just a few family and friends in New Zealand.”

“That sounds like a great idea.” He nodded vigorously.

“In about three weeks.” She bit her lip, not sure how he would react.

“Three weeks? He’s not wasting any time, is he?”

“It was more my idea.” She smiled, unsure why she felt nervous talking about it.

“Congratulations on the engagement
and
wedding.” Malcolm walked over and hugged her gently. “I take it you need a bit of time away?”

“Ten days… maybe a bit more?” She couldn’t look him in the eye. “I plan on working my butt off before then and as soon as I’m back. I feel bad asking for time off after everything.”

“It’s fine. You’re already ahead of schedule. I think we can afford it.” He stepped back. “I think it’s a great idea. I’d like to—”

She noticed a gold band on his left finger. “Are you wearing a wedding ring?”

He chuckled. “Apparently you and I have been up to the same thing. Well, I didn’t get shot at.” His right fingers curled around the ring. “My wife and I decided to give it another go. We’ve been seeing each other since the Valentine’s fundraiser and decided a couple of weeks ago to move back in. She started wearing her rings again so I figured I should too.”

“Congratulations.” She was happy for him.

“Second time’s a charm, right?”

She laughed. “I think the saying is, ‘third time’s a charm’, but who’s counting?”

“I’m just happy she wants to give it another go. I’ve cut back on my hours and am now taking every other weekend off. It seems to be working so far.” He smiled. “I might be a bit of a copycat and whisk her away somewhere exotic.” He looked up, as if imagining the picture off in his mind. He blinked and gave his head a quick shake. “She’ll be at the ribbon cutting for the new wing tomorrow.”

“I look forward to seeing her again,” Charity said politely. Then she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight, ignoring the pull by her scar. “I’m so happy for you.” She really was. The excitement of fresh love seemed something the both of them completely understood. It was a rare gift.

Malcolm returned the hug and then stepped back, clapping his hands and then rubbing them together. “Okay. We should probably get some work done! I promised the wife I’d be home on time tonight. Do you want to see the finished wing? The floor looks amazing! The new CAT scan machines are being hooked up today so they should be up and running by tomorrow.”

“Let’s go see it!” She’d left her iPad in her bag in her office. “I should take a few pictures.”

He waved his hand. “I hired a high school photography student to take pictures every day to show the floor’s development. The kid needed the volunteer hours and has been loving it. He made a slideshow for tomorrow and a video. The video’s amazing! It shows a panoramic picture in the same spot every day for the past month.”

“Wow.” She made a mental note of that. “I might have to steal that idea for future use.”

“Go for it.” Malcolm held the door open for her and nodded at Amanda as they passed her. He walked beside Charity chatting as they made their way to the elevator.

“We can take the stairs. It’s only three floors.”

“I know,” he said. “But you should be taking it easy.” He pressed the elevator button. “We don’t want to put any stress on the wound.” He glanced down her left side. “Do you need someone here to check on it? Dr. Mallone is an excellent plastic surgeon if you don’t want there to be a scar.”

She smiled, thankful the elevator door opened and eager to change the subject. “Thanks. I’ll let you know if I need him.” A couple stepped onto the elevator with them and pressed the floor above theirs. They rode in silence to the fifth floor.

Malcolm waited for Charity to step off first. The floor smelled of fresh paint, new tiling, and cleaning supplies. The waiting room in front of the elevator was a bright yellow with comfortable black leather chairs, an iPad docking station that looked like a bar with stools and tablets built into the counter. A large flat screen television hung on the wall along with paintings.