Page 22 of Dead Sure
Ten nodded and did what Ronan asked, pulling his badge out of his pocket and clipping it to his waistband. He noticed the others had done the same. Fitz led them past the ER and into an open elevator. Ronan ushered Ten inside. When the doors opened, they were standing in front of the NICU. Ronan sent a text. Moments later, Elijah Logan opened the doors for them. Tennyson introduced the detectives to him.
“Jesus, Tennyson,” Logan said, leading them down the hall. “Have you seen a doctor yet?”
“We’re going to the ER after we’re finished here.” Ronan’s tone brooked no argument.
“That sounds like a good plan.” Logan opened the door to his office and ushered everyone inside. “I read about what you’ve been charged with, Tennyson. On the one hand, I’m stunned. On the other, I know how Autumn Miller operates, so I’m not surprised at all that she’s coming after you.”
Ten took a seat in a chair across from Logan’s desk. “I hate to say this, but you’re next. She’s planning to press sexual harassment charges against you and she’s going to sue you and the hospital for wrongful termination, among other things.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Logan shook his head in obvious disbelief. “I appreciate you warning me ahead of time.” He turned to Ronan. “You said you wanted to speak with me about Autumn Miller as an employee?”
“That’s right. Our department has been looking into her since her firing last week. The hospital’s statement claimed she’d beenterminated for negligence of duty and that a child nearly died as a result.”
“That’s right.” Logan grabbed a thick folder from the corner of his desk and handed it to Ronan. “Autumn’s entire personnel file is in here, along with a written statement from me detailing the stalking and harassment she’s put me through. I also downloaded my text stream with her and those messages are in there as well.” Logan passed the folder to Ronan.
“Holy shit,” he muttered as he flipped through the information. “Are you willing to testify against Autumn in a criminal trial?”
“Yes. This woman has been the bane of my existence for the last year. Before all of this started, I really liked Autumn. She was an incredible nurse.”
“What do you think changed?” Fitz asked.
“A friend of hers got engaged. Matilda, I think her name was.” Logan shook his head. “Ten told me yesterday that she’d been the one who’d referred Autumn to him.”
“That’s right.” Ten agreed. “The feeling I got from Autumn was that she felt her biological clock running out of time, which made her feel desperate.”
“That’s the impression I got as well. I hate to say this, but I liked Autumn, I really did. When I was going through my divorce I’d thought of asking her out, once the dust had settled, but then she started turning up everywhere I was and constantly flirted with me at work, in front of the parents of my patients. You mentioned yesterday that the future was fluid and that our decisions can alter what happens to us. I never understood what you meant until just now. When Autumn had her reading with you, there had been a chance for us to date and who knows whatwould have happened from there, but that possible future ended when she began to stalk and harass me.”
“Exactly,” Ten agreed.
“Is there anything else you all need from me?” Logan asked, his eyes on Ronan.
“No, we’re good for now.” Ronan handed the doctor his card. “Call if you need anything.”
“I will. Thank you.” Logan set the card on his desk. “I’ll take you to see the Hughes family, but I’m afraid only two of you can go in the room.”
“Jude and I will get this information back to the office right now, so Greeley can get to work on it.” Fitz said. “Call me when you’re done in the ER and I’ll come pick you up.”
“You got it,” Ronan said, as Jude and Fitz left the room.
“Before I take you to see the Hughes family, there are some things you need to know,” Dr. Logan began. “First off, they’re still traumatized by what happened last week, so please treat them with the gentlest of kid gloves. Secondly, alarms go off all the time. Some are more serious than others, please be aware of where you are and get out of the way if need be. Got it?”
Ten nodded. He followed Dr. Logan out of the room and down the hall. Several alarms sounded, but thankfully, none that sent the staff running.
Dr. Logan stopped in front of a room. He knocked softly and walked in. “Becky, Mason, I’d like to introduce you to Detective Ronan O’Mara and Tennyson Grimm.” He motioned them into the room.
Ten saw Becky sitting in a rocking chair holding her baby. He was wrapped in a blanket and wearing the smallest hat Ten had ever seen. “Hi, there.”
Becky’s eyes widened at the sight of Tennyson’s bruises. “What happened to you?”
“The short answer is Autumn Miller,” Ten said. “Which is why we’d like to speak with you and your husband today, if you have a little time for us?”
Both parents nodded.
“How is Jason doing today?” Ten asked, his eyes never leaving the tiny baby.
“He’s stable,” Becky said, before stopping to stare at Tennyson. “How do you know my baby’s name?”
“Tennyson is a psychic medium,” Dr. Logan said. “Because of HIPAA rules, I can’t divulge anything about your son’s care, but you can do so if you choose. I have rounds to make. Please make this fast, guys.” The doctor left the room, shutting the door behind him.
