not make me regret covering for you, understand?"
Tina gave a slight nod as Conner agreed with the doctor, assuring him he'd keep a very close eye on her from now on. A warmth spread through her at his words, a warmth that soon dissipated at the doctor's next words.
"Robyn is causing a stink as I'm sure you're both aware she would. She claims to have a Medical Power of Attorney for you, Tina. I refused to do anything until she produces it, but once she does, my hands are tied. I spoke to your father earlier this morning and he's currently doing everything he can to get back to you. But it's not going to be anytime soon. He has to get out of his contract, then arrange transport off the rig." He paused to rub the bridge of his nose. "Kit verbally abused and threatened Robyn with physical violence. I understand her reasoning, but Kit can't pull that crap—especially on hospital grounds. Conner, will you talk to her?"
"Sure, Clint. Not sure it will do any good. Kit's protective of us all. You know her well enough to know she wouldn't ever start something here in the hospital unless she absolutely had to."
"Yeah, I know. But Robyn could report her to the police, and get her charged. I'd hate to see Kit earn a record over this. Now, from what Adele has told me, Tina hasn't been getting the rehab required for her leg to recuperate. Is that right?"
"She won't help me. Refuses." Tina's voice was still slurred, but both men seemed to be able to understand her broken speech.
"Okay. I'll have the hospital physio come in to assess you. She'll show you and Conner what you need to do. Now, even though we didn't report the suicide, you have been diagnosed with depression. Unfortunately, it means Robyn can activate the Medical Power of Attorney, if she does in fact have one. She's claiming the depression is affecting your ability to make sound decisions, Tina. I'll do my best to keep you here till your dad gets back, but I can't guarantee it, especially if Robyn finds that document. I'll be sending our psychiatrist in to talk to you too. She'll need to assess what we can do to help you. She may also be able to help us get around that damn Power of Attorney."
A knock on the doorframe drew all their attention.
"Ahh, Nina, perfect timing. Conner, Tina, this is Nina, our physio. I'll leave you three to get started. Either of you need anything, just get the nurses to buzz me, okay?"
"Shall do, Clint. And thanks for all your help. Appreciate it."
"No trouble, Conner. Let's just hope we can get things sorted in time."
With that, Clint left the room. Tina's mind clouded a little. All these people who barely knew her were willing to do so much to help her. Before she could become too overwhelmed, Nina caught her attention.
"Okay guys, so I'm Nina and I'm here to help you get back on your feet, Tina. I've tracked down your medical records and know what was suggested. It all sounds good to me, so I'll spend some time going through it all and make sure you both know how to do each exercise properly. Sound good?"
Tears welled in Tina's eyes. It sounded better than good. Conner gripped her hand in his before he responded.
"That would be great, Nina."
Tina's head whirled with everything that was suddenly happening. For over an hour Nina explained and demonstrated exercises. Some she could do on her own, but some she'd need assistance with. Conner was enthusiastic, wanting to help her however he could. Watching him listening intently before laying his hands on her leg to aid her, made her smile. Her muscles were beginning to ache from all the movement but her heart felt lighter. She struggled to keep the wince of pain from her face as Conner arranged her leg onto the mattress.
"I think we'll call it a day. I'll get the nurse to give you another shot of morphine to help with the pain. If you need me to go through anything again, just get the nurses to buzz me for you. I'll be back to check in on you in a few days, in any case."
Nina left and
James Patterson, Maxine Paetro