Chapter 1 - THE MAN WHO REFUSED TO SLEEP
“Not while they're waiting for me to close my eyes.”
Mave stood beside Declan Hayes's bed, the physician's number glowing on the phone in her hand.
She had heard patients say strange things while feverish.
She had heard men twice Declan's size beg for their mothers.
She had watched decorated soldiers tremble when someone closed a hospital curtain.
But something about Declan's words made her stop.
“Who is waiting?” she asked.
His expression hardened.
“Nobody you need to know.”
“Then we have a problem.”
His eyes narrowed.
“What problem?”
“I can't treat what you're refusing to tell me.”
Declan gave a humorless laugh.
“You're a nurse. Not a detective.”
“Good. Then stop making me investigate why you're trying to die in a mansion worth more than a hospital.”
For a moment, he looked genuinely surprised.
Then his jaw tightened.
“Get out.”
Mave looked at the disconnected intravenous line.
Then at the bloodstained dressing beneath his shirt.
“No.”
Declan's voice dropped.
“Do you know what happens to people who tell me no?”
She met his stare.
“Usually, they probably get paid less than they deserve.”
Silence.
Outside the room, Tommy made a choking sound.
Declan's gaze shifted toward the doorway.
“Tommy.”
“Yes, boss?”
“Why is she still here?”
“Because she refuses to leave.”
Declan looked back at Mave.
“Then fire her.”
Mave picked up her bag.
“Fine.”
That stopped him.
She moved toward the door.
Declan watched her.
“Where are you going?”
“To find a patient who wants to live.”
His face changed.
Mave paused.
Then turned.
“Mr. Hayes, I don't care how much money you have. I don't care how many people are afraid of you. If you threaten me, I leave. If you need emergency treatment, I call for it. And if you want to refuse care, that's your right—but I'm not going to pretend your decisions don't have consequences.”
Declan stared at her.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then he looked away.
“Call the doctor.”
Mave slowly lowered her bag.
“Thank you.”
Declan closed his eyes.
“Don't thank me.”
She dialed.
“I'm not. I'm thanking whatever part of your brain finally decided to cooperate.”
For the first time in weeks, Tommy Hayes smiled.
The physician arrived forty minutes later.
Dr. Evelyn Brooks was a calm woman in her fifties who looked as though she had spent her career dealing with difficult men.
She examined Declan's wound, reviewed his temperature, and asked about his pain.
Declan answered reluctantly.
Mave stood nearby.
When the examination ended, Dr. Brooks looked concerned.
“Your fever needs investigation. We need blood tests, and I want you transferred for further evaluation if the findings suggest a serious infection.”
Declan immediately shook his head.
“No hospital.”
Mave folded her arms.
Dr. Brooks sighed.
“Declan—”
“No.”
Mave stepped forward.
“May I ask something?”
Declan glared.
“Apparently, nobody can stop you.”
She ignored him.
“Does he refuse hospitals because he's afraid someone will attack him there?”
The room went silent.
Tommy looked toward Declan.
Dr. Brooks slowly lowered her clipboard.
Declan stared at Mave.
His expression was unreadable.
Then he whispered, “You ask too many questions.”
Mave nodded.
“Probably.”
May you like
She stepped closer.
“But you haven't said I'm wrong.”
