Will & Patrick Fight Their Feelings (#4) Read Free

without any guilt trips. Frankly, I’ve gone on far too many in my life and the scenery is getting old.”
    “Fair enough.”
    Will turns to his computer, effectively dismissing Owen, but Owen doesn’t stand. “I just want you to really ask if you’re being truthful with yourself.” His voice is hesitant and Will has to take a deep breath to keep from snapping his response.
    “I am. And I’m being up front with Patrick.”
    Owen rises from his seat and smiles tentatively. “That’s the best you can do. I’ve got a busy day ahead. I should get to work.” He pauses by the door. “Oh, and check your inbox. Congratulations.”
    Will waits until Owen closes the door behind him before reaching into his desk drawer for the sobriety chip Owen gave him the prior month. He squeezes it in his fist and then tosses it back.
    He knows he’s like a new colt on wobbly legs, but he wants to stretch them. He’s ready to see how fast he can run without a bit and bridle holding him back.
    The conversation with Owen has leached the joy from his morning. He finally turns to his screen and clicks open the email with the subject line: CONGRATULATIONS!

Chapter Twenty-Four
 
    “Patrick!” Don’s voice is cheerful.
    Patrick turns away from the nurse who’s just finished up reporting to him on a patient. She scurries away as Don approaches.
    “Good news. Just spoke with Dr. Claiborne and she feels that Shane Hammond is stable enough for you to see if he’s a candidate for your procedure.”
    “Perfect timing. If Topol and Lerma come on board, it will free up my schedule.”
    “Even better, the equipment you requested for arrived last week. I’ve taken the liberty of asking for the key members of your surgical team from Atlanta to be allowed to assist. Shockingly, your old chief, Dr. Schaeffer, said yes.”
    “He just wants to get some of the credit for my brilliance in helping this Darwin Award runner up. Since I need the help, he can have it.”
    “It’s true being on your team is a coup for them. Makes them look almost as good as you.”
    “No promises, Don, but these babies,” he wriggles his fingers, “might just save that idiot’s life.”
    Don leans forward and whispers, “Here’s hoping he doesn’t launch another rocket off his head in celebration.”
    “Don’t jinx it.” Patrick snatches a patient file from the approaching nurse. She’s new on the floor and he doesn’t recognize her. “What’s your name?” Not that it matters; he’ll forget it again in five minutes.
    “Kenzie?”
    “Are you sure? You don’t sound sure.”
    “Yes, I’m sure, doctor. It’s Kenzie.”
    He’s so proud of himself for not saying that’s a name for a kitten not a human. Will is rubbing off on his people skills. He skims the file quickly. “Well, Kenzie, I said to hydrate Mr. Brooks, not destroy his kidneys.”
    “I—I’m sorry?”
    Patrick flicks a nod at Don and stalks off down the hall with Kenzie already near tears at his heels.
    Emotions. All over him. Gross.
    Don calls after them, “Dr. McCloud! Don’t forget we still need to convince Mr. Hammond’s wife to permit the surgery!”
    Patrick rolls his eyes. “I’ll leave that in your capable hands. Unless you want her to reject our proposal.”
    Don’s laughter follows him around the corner. Shane Hammond’s pregnant wife is deeply religious and a mess of grief. He’s seen her praying in the halls and by Shane’s bedside. When she’s not praying, she’s sobbing, and in Patrick’s opinion, she’s in no state to be making decisions for anyone. But the law is the law, and there’s nothing to be done about that. Don’s a better choice to talk to her. Patrick will just insult her and make her cry. Then she won’t let him attempt to save her husband’s life and will probably sue the hospital for emotional distress to boot. It’s better if he stays far away from the woman.
    After dressing down Kenzie for nearly killing Mr. Brooks, Patrick leaves her