Free Mine at Last by Celeste O. Norfleet Page B

staff works in real situations. I have a feeling that’s not going to work anymore.” She looked over at the check-in desk, noticing the nurse and security guard watching them intently. The broad smile on their faces and the whispers between them told her coming here to observe wasn’t going to be as easy as before.
    Dominik followed her line of vision. “Yeah, I guess you have at that. So, what happens now?”
    “Now I go to work as planned. The documents and files requested from Cura have been pulled. Monday morning I get to go through them to find out if this hospital is a viable institution worth pursuing financially.”
    He shook his head. “That’s pretty cold. In other words, you’re here to find out if this place is a viable commodity. Of course it’s viable. We’re a hospital. We service the public. The Cura Medical Group doesn’t have a clue about what’s involved in running this place. It’s all about the bottom line for them and for you. You’re the typical corporate raider—cold, emotionless, compassionless, with a massive chip on your shoulder. There’s no way you’re gonna judge this hospital fairly. You see numbers and spreadsheets, not people.”
    “You make a lot of speeches, but as usual you forgot the facts. Someone needs to look at the bottom line. Obviously no one here has. That’s why the place is a mess,” she said. “In medical terms, this place is hemorrhaging money. My job is to find the weaknesses and develop workable solutions.”
    “Even if it means closing it down,” he said. She didn’t respond. Dominik shook his head. “Question—what about the people who do need us? Do you know how many people need this medical center to be open? How many walk through these doors every day? Do you have a clue how many patients we’ve treated and saved here?”
    “I know one patient you didn’t,” she snapped quickly. It was pure emotion and it instantly stopped them both.
    He looked at her. His eyes narrowed. “What exactly does that mean?” he asked pointedly.
    She shook her head. The kiss was bad enough, but to imply that she knew someone who died at the medical center was a huge mistake. Of course he picked up on it. “This is getting to be a habit, isn’t it?”
    “What?”
    “You and I arguing constantly, like oil and water.”
    “Yeah, I guess so. Do you want to answer my question now? What exactly does that comment mean?”
    Shauna took a deep breath and looked away. The intensity of his stare made her insides sizzle and burn. “Meaning, I do know. I know exactly how many patients come here every day. It’s my job to know. Cura did the audit and I read the report.”
    “No, that was a personal comment,” he quickly surmised.
    “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said, stepping back. “At this point of my review, I’ll be focusing on the E.R. department. Because Dr. Bowman’s records are spotty, to say the least, I’ll need your assistance to wade through them and get a basic understanding of his procedures. If you can...”
    He shook his head. “Who died here?” he asked.
    She ignored his questions. “I’ll probably have some questions for you. Dr. Gilman said that you’d be my contact, so to speak.”
    He nodded. “No problem. It will be my pleasure. I’ll be available anytime you want me. Did you want me tonight?” he asked. His voice softened seductively.
    She looked at him. The question was innocent enough, but she knew it was loaded with sexual innuendo. And she had a feeling he knew it, even though his expression was innocent. “No, not right now. So, I’ll see you Monday morning.” She turned to walk out.
    “Wait, I’m headed out, too. I’ll walk you to your car. Safety first.”
    “That’s not necessary,” she said, knowing he was going to anyway. She was right. He didn’t respond. He just stepped up to walk by her side. As they passed the check-in desk, both the nurse and security guard said good-night.
    Shauna had