Page 20 of Red King
I don’t know if I like Dr. du Pont’s thinking. It’s a little old-fashioned and a lot flawed. There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m just an employee. A lowly nurse. I don’t have much say. Cathy and Marcel also seem okay with all of it.
I’m not.
Not even close.
“Can you excuse me for a short while, Dr. du Pont?” I say as I pack the last of the bandages into the top stainless-steel drawer.
“Of course, Paisley. We have everything under control here.” He looks around the medical facility. “All the stock has been packed away. Orders are in for items we are short on. The Tributes are here, but I doubt anyone will need us at this stage. They seem to be coping well, given the circumstances.”
“They’re upset, but I suppose they are coping.”But only just.
“There hasn’t been any need for sedation. I know you’re worried, dear, but this situation isn’t for us to judge. We have a job to do, and that’s where our focus should lie.”
No need for sedation.If that’s his idea of coping well, we might not end up seeing eye to eye in the long run.
“I guess so,” I tell him. “I’m going to make my rounds just in case someone needs me.”
“They were informed of our presence,” Dr. du Pont tells me. “They know where the clinic is if they need us. The Tributes were taken on a tour of the facilities, as were we.”
“I know.” I nod. “I’m going to take a walk around, anyway.”
“You won’t divulge…” He looks around us like someone might be listening. “That piece of information we were told to keep quiet about.”
I have to work not to roll my eyes.
“Of course not,” I settle on. “I just wish they would properly address the women, who are clearly afraid. I know I keep harping on about it, but I can’t help it.”
“They will. Again, it’s not for us to get involved. We’re here to ensure that all health concerns are addressed.”
Meanwhile, the poor Tributes are left wondering.
“I’ll go and see if anyone needs us,” I repeat, feeling the walls close in.
He nods and smiles. “You need to be back before—” He starts to look at his watch.
Again, I have to work not to roll my eyes. I have a feeling that Dr. du Pont, as sweet as he is, is going to wear on me.
“I know, I know.” Any inkling of good humor I had evaporates in an instant. “Will do, Doctor.” I smile back because I think he means well.
“Okay, then. I will see you out front.” He turns and starts toward his office.
I take a deep breath and slip out into the hallway. My steps echo softly against the tiled floor as I walk. I pass a few closed doors, wondering if the rooms are occupied.
As I approach the next one, I hear sobbing from inside, muffled by the door. I pause, wondering if I should knock and attempt to console the person inside but decide against it. I continue on, instead.
What have I got myself into?
There are angry shouts between women behind the next door. They’re upset at being here. Upset that they are being forced to stay and meet with dragon men. I don’t need to hear their words to know it’s what they are complaining about. I would feel the same. I pass more doors. There’s more crying. I grow more and more pissed off with every step I take.
Once I reach the end of the hallway, I push open a door that leads to a small garden. The fresh air hits me as I walk out, standing under the branches of a great oak tree. I take a moment to collect my thoughts before taking in my surroundings.
There are three women huddled together, talking on the far side of the courtyard.
I go over to them, smoothing a hand down my scrubs. My silver name tag is shiny on my pocket. It states my name and position here on the island.
“Are you ladies doing okay?” I ask as I get nearer. It’s such a stupid question because of course they’re not okay. That much is clear. None of them are happy to be here. They’re all in shock at learning about dragon shifters. About learning their fate here on the island.
One of them shakes her head, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes.
