Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
The place is empty other than half a dozen men dressed in hazmat gear, which isn’t all that alarming but makes everything real. This is happening. It’s not some lark. It’s not a bad dream. The clinic where I’ve helped the community for years is closing, leaving them without help and me without a steady paycheck. I shake off the sadness because the nausea is still making its presence known, and I head to my desk to clear out the few personal items I keep in there.
“Sophie, what are you doing here?”
I turn to Nova’s voice and try for a smile. “I didn’t know how long the place would be open, so I figured I’d come get my things since I don’t really have a reason to be here anymore.”
To prove my point, I hold up the monogrammed stethoscope my parents gave me when I graduated with my nursing degree. It’s a sentimental item that means the world to me, and I know it’s a good reason for being here.
Nova smiles at the gold coils with the rose gold chest piece and ear frame. It’s cute and girly, and most of all, it’s mine. “I would’ve made sure you got your things.”
“I know, but it’s clear you have other things on your mind.” There’s a hint of a question in my words, so I voice them out loud. “How long do you anticipate the place will be closed? And why?”
“Maggie and I need to leave town for a while.” The words come out easily, but there’s a heaviness to his shoulders, to his very being, telling me there’s more to the story. “I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of, Sophie. If not for you, I wouldn’t have Maggie right now. You’ve been at my side from the beginning, and I want you to know how much that means to me. I won’t leave you high and dry.”
His unexpectedly sweet words bring tears to my eyes, and I swipe at them before looking away. “Thanks for saying that. It means a lot.” Nova and I have been friends all these years, which matters to me. “What about your father and his cancer?”
“I’ll keep an eye on him and Mom from afar, but I have to go. I need to do what’s best for Maggie and my kid, not to mention the MC. Maggie is pregnant, and her safety is my top priority.”
“Wow. Of course.” But the Reckless Souls don’t know peace. There’s barely been a moment of quiet since I learned about them, which makes his quick departure alarming. I think of the person who tried to run me off the road, and I frown. “Is there anything I need to worry about?”
“No.” His answer is strong and firm. “But it wouldn’t be hurt to be more careful for a while.”
I nod absently. All the years I’ve worked for Nova, and his MC life has never spilled into my personal life. Then again, before Tank, I’d never crossed the line between his biker life and my private life. “Yeah, sure. Of course.”
“This might not be forever, Sophie, but I can’t risk putting our patients in danger with our enemies out for blood.”
“So this is MC stuff. I get it,” I say, even though I don’t get it. At all. It’s what’s made me a good and loyal employee over the years, never asking too many questions about Reckless Souls business. My lips pull into what I hope is a smile, but Nova’s frown says I don’t quite make it.
“You’ll be all right, Sophie.” He flashes a sympathetic smile, and that, for some reason, only makes me feel worse. “I have Tank’s information if you still want it. He’s in solitary right now, and we’re trying to get him out, but maybe a friendly face when he gets out will help?”
I want to scoff bitterly and tell him this isn’t the consolation prize I wanted, but I nod. He quickly scribbles on a prescription pad, tears it off, and hands it to me.
“Thanks,” I whisper as I slide the paper into my purse. “Good luck, Dr. Bishop. And congratulations to you and Maggie both. Please, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”
He smiles, and this time, it’s genuine, reaching all the way to his worried eyes. “Thanks, Sophie. If anyone can land on her feet, it’s you.”
I’m not sure that’s true, but I give him the smile he’s expecting. I’m not rich, and neither are my parents. We all get by with a little extra each month, but I can’t afford to be without work for weeks or months without reprieve. “Yep. Thanks.”
“Hey, don’t worry. Seriously, the MC will make sure you’re well taken care of until this is settled and you land on your feet. You’ve always been there for us, and we will return the favor.”