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this hospital for about a year, but he knew what my strengths were. He knew that it did not include the clinical/medical side. “Well, it’s the hormone that produces breast milk. Usually, high levels are in pregnant and nursing women. Any reason you are giving me a pop quiz on random medical facts?”

Nodding, I flicked my tongue against my bottom

lip. I was still trying not to panic. A huge trauma response was trying to happen to my brain and body. My muscles bunched, all of them prepped to run. “I have a point to all this, I promise. What does it mean when a non-pregnant individual has high prolactin levels?”

“You look for underlying causes that would lead to

elevated prolactin.” He shrugged, like it was an obvious answer.

“Well, that’s what we would hope for, at least. I

know I seem crazy, but please ask her these questions.” I handed him my notes. “When her labs come back, page me. I’ll tell you my theory.”

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“Aife.” His voice was slightly stern. It was obvious

to me that Dr. Bowie was not used to being ordered around without some sort of explanation. I didn’t want to color his interpretation though. There was also a good possibility that I was entirely wrong.

“Dr. Bowie, I’m just asking for a little leeway. In all

likelihood, I’m completely wrong. But if there’s even a .1 percent chance that I’m right, I want the evidence to back me up.”

“She’ll likely need to follow up outpatient once we

treat the migraine.”

I nodded. It wouldn’t be treated if my theory was

right. Nothing fixed those migraines. I would know; I had first-hand experience.

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CHAPTER 12: PRESS CONFERENCE

TALON

My wrist throbbed once I removed the ice. Aife had

been texting me every four hours to remind me about my medications. She truly was incredible. There was an undeniable connection there, and I desperately wanted to explore it. Last night, she threw up a barrier though. It felt like she was placing road blocks intentionally, like she didn’t want to get hurt again. I could understand that after Melody, but hers felt more resistant than I expected. She was so easy to talk to, and I expected true connection would be just as easy. Aife seemingly wanted to keep me at arm’s length; she was clearly afraid to let people in. Every

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time I thought I got close, she slammed a door in my face. What happened to her? Did Davis know?

Pulling my phone out, I went to shoot him a text

when I noticed Coach was calling me. Shit. “Yes, sir?”

“What’s the verdict?” He was a no-nonsense type of

man, always straight to the point.