Page 47 of Hidden & Held
“Don’t ‘Hello Mother’ me, Phoenix Lane. Why didn’t you tell me you were in the hospital?”
I sigh, feeling the exhaustion weigh down my shoulders, making my head heavy. Suddenly, a pillow is placed behind me, allowing my head to rest more comfortably. Jackson steps back as if he hadn’t been there.
“I haven’t been here that long, and I know there was no point calling you until I got the official diagnosis, which is—”
“A displaced fracture of the lateral malleolus, clean line, prognosis good.”
“Mom, did you bribe the hospital staff to tell you if I’m ever in the hospital and divulge my medical information?”
“Of course,” she admits quickly, “It isn’t like my daughter would call me; I’m not even your emergency contact.” She tries to mask it, but I hear the slight quiver in her tone.
“You know it’s because we don’t live in the same town, and besides, you are most likely on shift, away from your phone.” I don’t mention the dozens of times growing up she was called and couldn’t be reached.
“Still, I should be notified by my daughter, not a brown-nosing intern.” I hold back a smile, peering up at the nervous kid.
“Understood, Mom. I need to get going—”
“I can be by Thursday, stay for one day before I go back for a limb-sparing oncologic resection, and look over your scans myself.”
“Thursday, um, is actually not good for me.”
“What do you mean, this is the day that fits my schedule the best?”
I don’t want to divulge my job situation to Mom. She never pressured me to become a doctor, always saying that whatever I do, I need to be the best at it. Success doesn’t really feel like quitting your job after an unfair suspension. However, I have never been able to lie effectively to my mother either.
“Well, I have a job interview that day.”
“Really? I thought you worked at the best firm in Cascadia. Are you thinking of moving back home then?” Her voice brightens.
“No,” I rush out, a little too quickly. “I am actually interviewing at the Durham Corporation.” I leave out that it is the Foundation, but I reason it is a technicality.
“Wow, impressive. That is one of the largest corporations in Oregon. I understand, you want to be prepared. I’ll let you know when my schedule clears up. Make sure to elevate your foot each night, and don’t push it. Talk soon.” And with that, the great doctor rushes out of the conversation as quickly as she arrived.
“Um, Ms. Lane,” the intern says, lingering slightly after I hand him his phone. “If you need anything else while you’re waiting, I’m just down the hall. I mean—for medical reasons. Obviously.” He clears his throat. “I’m Ben.”
“Thank you, Ben,” I say, not unkindly.
From behind me, Jackson shifts his weight. I don’t look at him. I don’t need to see his attempt at staking a claim.
Mack glances at me, knowing I stretched the truth because of my complicated relationship with my mother. Beside me, Jackson clears his throat.
“Durham Corp? You never expressed interest in working in-house before. It’s not really the type of law I expected you to work in.”
“Well, since someone created an inhospitable work environment, leading to my unfair suspension and unethical investigation into my personal life, I had to seek employment elsewhere.” Jackson at least has the good graces to look ashamed.
There is a beep, beep, beep coming from Mack. “Damn, I have to go. We filled up and two expecting mothers are about to duke it out for the last birthing suite.”
She looks between Jackson and me before saying, “I can call Jared. He is deep in his current project, but I can get him back to reality to take you home.”
Before I can speak, Jackson jumps in, “Not necessary. I’ll take her home and make sure she is taken care of.”
“No,” I state simply.
“No? Why not? It is the most logical plan, my dear Proprietress,” Jackson asks.
“No, my deviant dweller. I do not want your assistance.”
“Phi,” Mack jumps in, using her helpful health practitioner voice. “You don’t have to go with him; we can arrange another ride.” She glances at her watch. “But I do think it will be a couple of hours.
