Beyond Broken Read Free Page A

actually knew, not drop dead gorgeous drug-addicted strangers with eyes that made me want to run in the opposite direction.
    “Here we are.” Regina entered and glanced to me. Probably making sure I wasn’t in tears or trying to run away like the earlier nurse. I gave her a small smile and she nodded, turning her gaze to Mr. Bentley. Immediately her expression was concerned and confused. I followed her gaze. He was watching me, a mix of curiosity and something deeper clouding his expression. I glanced away quickly and stood, making room for Regina.
    “That will be all, Miss Holton. Please wait for me in the hall.”
    “Of course.” I nodded and left, hoping I hadn’t crossed a line I wasn’t even aware existed.
    When Regina met me a few minutes later, she was studying me intently.
    “Miss Holton, what exactly did you say to Mr. Bentley?”
    My hands started to sweat. I knew I should have kept my mouth shut!
    “Just that the pain he was enduring now would benefit him later with a reminder of what a drug addiction can do.”
    “I see.” She watched me with an unreadable expression while her lips pursed. After a moment of studying me, she walked into the hall. With a deep breath, I followed.
    As the day progressed, I kept waiting for her to question me further or warn me against being so blunt. But she didn’t. I learned the location of the supply closet as well as the dining hall and recreation center. Regina gave me a tour of the grounds and bought me coffee from the in-house Starbucks while introducing me to nurses and doctors we passed along the way. Each person I met was kind, a bit reserved, but more than welcoming. It would be a while before I kept all the faces and names straight, but hopefully not too long. The one person I didn’t met was Dr. Solomon, the one I was to intern under. By mid-afternoon, Regina apologized for his absence but didn’t give me any details, simply stating that I’d meet him tomorrow.
    By the time I left, I was slightly overwhelmed and completely thrilled. I started my day shift in the morning, and I was already counting the hours. I had my dream come true, and I wasn’t going to waste it.

Chapter Two
     
    I walked into the main reception area for Willow and Oak and turned left toward the lockers. My heart hammered in my chest. Just as I finished changing, Regina came into the locker room.
    “Miss Holton?”
    “Yes?” I stood from the bench.
    “Rather than the usual intern assignment, you’ve been given the opportunity to work with a specific patient. Per his request. If you’ll follow me I’ll show you where you’ll be working.” She offered me a small smile and left, pausing for me to catch up. I followed her down the same hallway as we visited yesterday.
    “Mr. Bentley requested your exclusive care.” She paused and regarded me, as if thinking intently over what she was about to say next. “We try to accommodate our guests, but this is highly irregular. Please understand that you will be moderated closely and there is no room for error. That the management would take such a risk on you, with as new as you are, speaks highly of your credentials. Personally…” She paused her walk and turned toward me, her gaze intense. “I’m not sure why they are allowing an intern to take on such responsibility. Tread lightly. Mr. Bentley is not our easiest patient.” Folding her hands in front of her, she rocked back on her heels, piercing me with a solid gaze that left me nervous.
    “I understand.” I swallowed, and my hands began to sweat. So much for easing into the job.
    “Good. Why don’t you go in and check his vitals. You’ll still be under Doctor Solomon. He’ll be in shortly to introduce himself. Don’t forget that if you run into trouble, each room is equipped with several alarms you can initiate for assistance should your patient become unmanageable.” She handed me my key card and walked away, her shoes treading noiselessly on the polished floor.
    I