Serpent Twins: The Fall

Eyes On Me

Kimberly’s POV:

I woke up with backache and stiffness all over my body. Then I realized that I was still laying on the cold hard floor with only towel. I got up slowly and rubbed my head, but there was nothing. I thought I was falling quite hard last night. Then I have just remembered seeing red eyes near the bathroom’s door. My eyes were instantly focused on the door, but no one, nothing. The electricity was already on as well as the music was still playing from the living room.

I sighed and searched for my phone in the bag on the loveseat, but it wasn’t there. I glanced to the wall clock, it was 06.38 a.m.

I hurriedly went to bathroom. After washing up my face and brushed my teeth, I found my phone on the kitchen’s counter. It was off. I got so many messages and missed call, but I managed to read and replied text from my boss, Dr. Paul Henry, the Chief of Surgery, who was personally asking me to come earlier for brief meeting at 07.30 a.m. with Dr. Jordan Williams, our Chief Clinical Officer.

Shoot.

It was already 06.56 a.m. and I was so hungry. I got myself an ivory long sleeve shirt with nude pencil midi skirt and put a light make up with a pink gloss. I glanced to untouched little muffin on the table and rolled my eyes.

What a birthday’s night.

I wasn’t fully aware when touching my lips, feeling the strange swollen.

øøøøø

I got out from the conference center on the first floor of the extended building in our hospital along with Dr. Walker, Henry, Bradley, and Avery. Apparently, we received positive appreciation from Dr. Williams because handling a high-profile person in proper manner. Since Mr. Dylan Knight has been moved to the VVIP suite in this building, Dr. Henry was appointed to proceed supervision on the recovery. Dr. Williams asked me before whether it would be alright for me considering that he already checked for my tight ongoing visit and surgery schedule, so I had no problem at all.

There were also some other C-level positions in the conference center, briefly reminded us that any information on Mr. Dylan Knight and deceased people couldn’t get out because it was under NYPD’s investigation now. Autopsy had been conducted for two deceased people during the meeting, as per requested by Mr. James Knight, the two bodies would be taken this morning for their funeral service and third body was still on going. I felt my body tense up, recalling to the glowing red eyes.

Did I see nonsense last night?

I felt my curiosity defeated my fear, so I promised to myself to recheck to whatever I saw last night to the morgue. Since Dr. Henry asked me to visit Mr. Knight along together with him for physical exam at noon, I decided to go to the morgue right after the meeting, after having confirmation of my visit and surgery schedule from Glenn.

øøøøø

Soon after arriving to the morgue on ground floor. There was a female sitting behind the desk inside the small glass-wall cubicle near the entrance smiling at me.

“Doctor Vanderwood, what a surprise,” she greeted me warmly.

I remembered her name is Cheryl, she is kind of famous for being cheerful and chatty, unmatched with her job as morgue attendant. She is in her mid-thirties with red hair, round face, and brown eyes.

“Call me Kimberly or Kimmy, Cheryl,” I smiled to her, “Who are in charge inside?” I gave her direct questioned as I didn’t have much time to chat.

“It’s Doctor Goldsmith and Jason, Kimmy. Do you want to meet one of them?” she asked, “Jason is the forensic pathologist from Harlem’s, he is so hot. I wish I’m not married yet!” she added and giggled.

I gave her cheeky smile to her, “Then, I will have to see him myself there,” I told her and winked.

But then Cheryl’s face fell into serious mimic, “Look, Kimmy, I don’t want to sound rude, but the cops might come again and they clearly prohibited anyone to interfere the investigation, I should probably not to warn you here, but those three bodies were big case, so if you want to meet them, please be quick. The two of OCME’s coroners have just left, so there are only Doctor Goldsmith and Jason in room number two, it’s on the left corner,” she pointed to left ward.

I smiled, “Thanks, I owe you, Cheryl,” and went to her pointed direction.

Good timing, as bumping into city’s coroners would be awkward. I hurriedly knocked on the second door to the left and opened it.

“Excuse me,” my voice was a bit echoed.

“Come on in,” I heard man’s voice.

I got in and the door winged back to close.

“Well, well. Who do we have here, Jason. Doctor Kimberly Vanderwood,” the old man who was facing at me while holding a bloody rib cutters pushed down his mask and place the cutters on the tray.

He’s a reputable forensic pathologist in our hospital, Dr. Aaron Goldsmith. Another one was younger and tall, it could be Jason, as Cheryl mentioned before, I have never met him before. Jason pushed down his mask too, he is one good looking man with hazel eyes and brown hair. He was just staring cold at me, not smiling. His lips were curved a little, probably feeling annoyed due to my intrusion. I felt an awkwardness.

“It’s Kimberly, Doctor Goldsmith. I’m sorry to disturb you,” I spoke.

“Well, call me Aaron, then. What can we do for you, Kimberly?” Dr. Goldsmith smiled, he was a grey bearded man, his eyes were beaming warm, “I would love to shake your hands, but your hand will be bloody stained too, I’m afraid,” he added to joke.

I smiled to them, feeling out of place, “I just want to see the third body from last night, if I may?”

Jason’s eyebrows were c****d, “Do you have authority to see?” he rudely asked, with low and intimidating tone.

Cute but rude, noted.

I sighed, admitting he was right and shook my head, but hearing Dr. Goldsmith chuckled.

“Don’t scare this beauty, Jason. It’s not common for us to see a living beauty like her here,” he scolded Jason lightly.

Jason didn’t budge, just staring at me with unreadable stare.

“Well, your wish is granted, Kimberly. I presented you the third body. The female had been taken few minutes ago. Another was in mortuary drawer behind us,” he waved to the body in front of them.

“May I look closer?” I asked and came over him and Jason.

“Sure do, Kimberly. Please have a look,” Dr. Goldsmith pointed to the body on the autopsy table, “Here’s Jackson Reid,” as if he introduced me.

I watched closer to the body’s face and was confused, “Are you sure this is the second man from Mr. Knight’s accident, Doc?” I asked.

“Well, yes,” Dr. Goldsmith answered.

But I didn’t recognize the man on the table. This man was probably in his forties with big muscular body. His opened chest had been cut opened wider.

“May I see his eye?” I carefully asked, knowing that forgot to bring any gloves.

Dr. Goldsmith gave me a space and opened one of the eye for me. Jackson Reid’s eye color was brown.

“Did you find a wooden pole or stake, Doc?” I asked him again while examining the heart area, it was empty hole, the cause of his penetrating trauma was nowhere to be seen.

I blinked my eyes in confusion under the weird gaze of Jason. He was sneering at me. I tried to ignore him. I was sure that this man wasn’t the man I saw last night, he was almost twice younger and far more handsome, although his paleness was disturbing.

“Well, not yet. Should I find one?” Dr. Goldsmith asked me back.

I shook my head weakly.

“May I see the other male, Doctor Goldsmith? The first male?” I politely requested.

I need to see the other one to confront my memory. I could feel he started to feel a bit tensed.

“Go help her, Jason,” he ordered.

Jason stared at me coldly and gave me gesture to follow him to the corpse drawers a crossed the table. He pulled one drawer on the second row next to him. He opened the body bag while staring at me from head to toe, he gave me a creep. I glanced to read Dayton Booth on the tag, feeling a cold chill down to my spine, but I tried to ignore the feeling. It wasn’t the man I saw last night too. I requested Jason to close the body bag and muttered thank you.

“I’m sorry to disturb you for nothing, Doctor Goldsmith. But I think it’s enough,” I turned back to Dr. Goldsmith.

He looked at me curiously and smiled, “These people coming without hearts and dried up, Kimberly. I’ve seen odd thing, but not like this, not at once. And suddenly you have interest to one of the body, I think I deserve an explanation of what were you looking for,” he continued.

“I’m afraid I don’t have, Doc. I’m sorry, I just thought I saw someone different from the third body, that’s all,” I honestly explained to him, “But I did remember that the second male was stabbed in his heart with wooden stake or pole,” I tried to recall.

“There’s no one with such description here, Kimberly. I’m afraid, you were seeing ghost,” he laughed.

I pretended to laugh to the joke, while Jason didn’t even laugh and kept staring at me in amused gaze onto my neck. I felt his gaze stinging my neck so I unconsciously touched my neck feeling a bit itch.

Did mosquito bite me there?

“Thank you for your time, Dr. Goldsmith, Jason,” I excused myself to them.

“It’s Aaron!” I heard Dr. Goldsmith shouting before I pushed the door out.

I shouted goodbye and headed to my office with mixed up feeling. Cheryl wasn’t in her post when I was out of the room, so I directly went to the elevator bank. When I was going up, I checked my reflection on mirrored wall and found two blurry pink dots right on my carotid artery. I remembered that the female body from last night's crash had some purple dots on her neck and wrists. I shuddered, feeling no pain, so I put aside the thought, thinking that I might have to call Bradley, to ask Avery since I didn’t have Avery’s phone number. At least I wanted to have my memory reconfirmed for the last time. I took my phone out my coat and made a call. Bradley took it on second beep.

“Hi, Kimmy,” he sounded sleepy.

I forgot he mostly did the night shift, yet he attended the morning meeting. I instantly felt guilty.

“Sorry, did I awake you?” I asked then hearing him chuckled.

“No, I’ve just arrived at home and had to take out the trash here. What’s up, Kimmy?” he asked.

“I forgot to ask something to Avery, do you mind sharing her number?” I directly asked him.

“Yes, sure. I’ll text it to you,” he replied.

“Thanks, Bradley. Send my regards to Katherine,” I mentioned his wife’s.

“No problem, Girl,” he answered and we hang up to each other.

A minute later I got Avery’s numbers and I decided to call her now, feeling bad for being unthoughtful since she obviously took the same late shift with Bradley, but I just couldn’t hold my curiosity any longer, so I dialed her number.

“It’s Avery speaking,” she picked up after the third beep.

“Oh, hi. It’s Kimmy, Avery. Sorry to bother you,” I answered.

“Oh, it’s okay. What can I do, Kimmy?” she asked in friendly tone.

“Umm, sorry, do you still remember the man you were pronounced dead last night in ER? It’s Jackson Reid, as we’ve been discussed in the morning meeting with Dr. Walker and CCO. Do you remember his feature? Were his eyes green? Was he around twenties?” I blurted out questions.

“Wow, Kimmy. Slow down!” she laughed, “You don’t have to say sorry again. Yes, I remember him fresh, but he has brown eyes and in his early forties, Kimmy. How did you get the wrong information anyway?” she asked back.

“Oh, no. I just want to recheck the missing person,” I lied to her, feeling so dumb blurting a lie at her, “Well, that’s all I need to know, Avery. Thank you.”

“It’s okay, Kimmy. Just text me sometimes if our schedule is matched for a hang out,” she laughed.

“Sure do, Avery. Let’s do it. I’ll see you again,” I wanted to invite her to my birthday dinner, but I think it’s pointless as she needs to work tonight.

“Good. See ya, Kimmy,” then we hung up.

I sighed, feeling unknown. The green eyes and glowing red ones flashed in my mind.

Could it be just my imagination?

When I was heading to my office, so many people wishing me a happy birthday. I got cakes and flowers and even gifts I put in my office, I don’t know how to bring them all later, but Glenn said he would help me carrying it. I called back to my mom in Milan whereas she was living with her new husband, Raul Diaz, a Spanish she was wedded five years ago. She scolded me for not calling back at her first thing in the morning and reminded her to get someone wedded, causing me rolling my eyes and ending up the call immediately.

After having salad at cafeteria along with Glenn and other coworkers, replied messages and invited some of my friends to have dinner tonight, I headed up to use the sky bridge to cross to another hospital building, then to the ninth floor whereas Mr. Dylan Knight has been transferred to largest commanding corner suite. There were already other medical specialties waiting for Dr. Henry to join us examining Mr. Knight.

I tried to put aside my disturbing thoughts and chatted with the on-duty nurses. They openly showed enthusiastic of seeing good looking patient and his family. They couldn’t stop praising the physical feature of Mr. Knight. I chuckled, but then stopped the chat, reminding ourselves that high profiled people demanded absolute privacy. But these young nurses’ reaction was understandable. I found myself praising Mr. Knight since he was appeared online and even on printed magazine all over the year. He was still unconscious when we have wrapped the examination, but the vital was good. It was a matter of time for him to wake up.

Dylan’s POV:

“Sir, I’ll be with Zachary,” my Personal Assistant, Emily Pearson, said to me soon after reaching out the five-star hotel lobby after having business dinner with Mr. Miyoshi and his staffs.

I shook my head, “I sent Zac on an errand, so we’ll take you home, Emily,” I told her.

“But I live at Washington Heights, Sir,” she furrowed her eyebrows.

“I know, it’s fine,” but I actually was thinking if I have to reconsider my decision, perhaps Dayton can drop me off first at my penthouse.

“Okay, thank you, Sir,” she smiled and fixed her glasses on the bridge of nose.

She is actually one attractive young woman, I was wondering why she didn’t wear contact lens, but I suppressed my curiosity since it was probably her choice anyway.

Okay, I need to clear out my head first after the long meeting and dinner, nobody was waiting at home anyway.

I saw there were four gentlemen standing not too far from me wearing suits, the front tallest one must be the boss, as others acted with full respect to him although they were quiet all the time.

Who is he? He looks rather young to put sour face like a snob hotshot.

When my eyes got to his glance, I gave him small smile and nod, but he didn’t return my friendly gesture.

Damned, kids nowadays are just rude.

I tried to divert attention somewhere when seeing two black cars coming for them, a black Maybach sedan and black Range Rover SUV. I checked to my wrist watch, wondering why it was taking longer for Dayton to bring the car here. We’ve been waiting for nearly five minutes here, it was unusual for him to be this late. When I was about to call him, my black Mercedes pulled over in front of us and my security staff, Dayton, came over to open the door for me. I let Emily getting in first, but she requested to sit at front seat. Once we were inside, Dayton looked at me with nervous stare.

“I’m sorry for my delay, Sir,” he apologized. His forehead was strangely sweating in cool temperature.

I nodded, “It’s alright. Let’s have Miss Pearson home first.”

I saw Dayton furrowed his eyebrow for a second, but he didn’t say anything and started to drive. I heard Emily confirming her address to him. I took my phone out from my pocket to check some emails for a minute when I felt Dayton kept stealing the look at me from rearview mirror.

“Do you have something to say, Dayton?” he was my security staff after all. I sensed something wasn’t right with him. He used to be very calm and focused person.

“No, Sir,” he replied, but then continued to say, “Actually yes, Sir.”

I c****d my brow, “Care to share?”

He seemed hesitate for a minute before starting to answer, “I’m sorry, Sir. I was late because I was encountered with something weird at basement…”

He didn’t manage to finish his sentence as the loud bang was heard and I felt the car was rolled over and collided. I didn’t wear seatbelt so my body was thrown off everywhere. Feeling unbearable pain on my stomach and shoulder, I was blackout right after.

øøøøø

When I opened my eyes, I was looking up to unfamiliar white ceiling and heard for my mom cries and came to kiss my forehead. I was in hospital, I just realized. Her eyes were red and swollen and her hair was a bit unruly. I wanted to hug her back when noticing my left hand was attached with an IV.

“Mom, please don’t cry,” my voice was hoarse, my throat was super dry, “Where am I?” I asked her, then more people started to circle me.

My dad, brother, and Billy, my security staff. There was also more people with white coats standing not too far, I squinted my eyes to adjust the bright light and saw a young woman, beautiful one with long light brunette hair staring at me with smile on her full pink lips. The bright daylight almost like lit up her face and hair. She is like an…

“Angel,” I muttered to myself.

She came to me closer and I could see her blue eyes shining so bright under the light. I was stunned, then realizing that I was lying on hospital bed with shitty condition.

“How are you, Mr. Knight?” she asked to me softly.

“I’m... fine,” I blurted out a bit stutter.

I heard Ryan cleared his throat. I intendedly ignored him.

The beautiful woman next to me was a bit blushed and chuckled softly, “Yes, we’re glad to hear that, Mr. Knight. I’m Dr. Kimberly Vanderwood. Do you remember what’s happened to you?” she spoke while staring at me with wide concern look.

She’s indeed beautiful.

“I might have an accident after having dinner and was on our way to take Emily home,” then I remembered, “What happened to Dayton? Emily?” I looked at my dad.

Dad approached and squeezed my hand, “They didn’t make it, Son. You’re barely too,” he said with sad face.

I felt a wave of shock hit my brain, so I closed my eyes. I still could remember Emily’s scream before passing out. I tried to touch my throat. Dr. Vanderwood understood my gesture and she quickly motioned the nurse to give me water, but mom did it instead. I sipped the water slowly.

“How could it be, Dad? I didn’t see anything coming. We didn’t see anything,” I said in grief after wetting my throat.

Dayton was with me for almost nine years, while Emily was around three years. They were dedicated and loyal employees.

“I’m sorry, Son,” my dad squeezed my hand again.

Then I just realized there were beeping echoed in the room following to my heartbeat. I glanced to the vital signs monitor next to my bed, trying to regain composure.

“Mr. Knight, we’ll leave him first and come back later for further examination, but please, he still need a rest, Sir?” I heard Dr. Vanderwood asking to my dad.

He nodded. Two nurses came to me to release vital sign monitor attached to my finger. Then with a small smile and nod to me, Dr. Vanderwood went out to the door along with several people behind her.

“Mr. Knight,” an older doctor gave me a warm nod to me.

“Thank you, Doctor Henry, we’ll be at your office in a minute,” I heard dad spoke.

I just realized that I ignored the presence of other doctors and nurses the whole time, like I didn’t even see them, but Dr. Vanderwood’s. Her absence reminded me back of my situation. I didn’t have a chance to thank her, as she seemed to be the one who was in charge of my treatment. I sighed heavily. Then I felt that I had seen her somewhere before, but I just couldn’t remember it now as back of my head was a bit throbbing in pain when I was trying to sit.

“Hey, you can’t move like that, Bro,” Ryan came to help me adjusting the bed.

I started to ask questions about the current date, family of Dayton and Emily, their funeral service, and the cause of the car crash. It was Saturday noon and the Dayton was taken to chapel for funeral service tomorrow afternoon, while dad informed that Emily was just flied to her home in Baltimore, as her parent wished to have her buried in her hometown. I asked why the funerals seemed too rush, but everyone was just silent, so I made a guess that their families don’t feel able to endure a traditional service due to emotional shock for sudden loss. I felt so helpless not being able to attend any of those funerals myself, but my parents would attend Dayton’s, while Ryan would go to Emily’s.

My father also informed the cop found my car on highway during their night patrol, probably only few minutes after the accident occurred, after a black Lincoln SUV hitting the side of my car causing me to have abdomen internal hemorrhage for the impact, but what they didn’t understand was that I had quite long cuts on my left shoulder, more like almost torn scratches, didn’t match with crash site. I felt like dad still had things to say, but he kept quiet after that. He and mom then left me out to meet Dr. Henry to have further explanation on earlier examination. There were only Ryan and Billy in the room.

“Go home, Bro. You need shower,” I joked to Ryan.

He looked sleepless while sitting on the couch a crossed my bed.

“Look who’s talking,” he snorted, “I saw how your eyes on her, Bro. She’s beautiful, isn’t?” he playfully teased me.

I knew he was talking about Kimberly, Dr. Kimberly Vanderwood, M.D.

“Who?” I pretended not knowing his intention, well not in front of Billy.

Billy cleared his throat and excused himself to get a coffee. After he was closing the door, Ryan came over me and smiled.

“I knew we both have good eyes, Bro. Too bad I already have Vanessa, otherwise I will pursue her myself. I mean this doctor has face and body like an angel, as you said, but she has brain and seems to me with a good personality too. Aren’t you tired with all blind dates mom had set up for you?” he spoke, staring my eyes, “She is the youngest surgeon here, completed her Ivy League degree and residency in eleven years before she was turning twenty-six today. She has the whole package, Man,” Ryan added, “You, Mr. Ivy League and her, Mrs. Ivy League,” he winked.

I sighed, if Ryan heard me saying angel, it meant everyone heard it, and she heard it too. That was embarrassing.

“For God’s sake, Ryan. I had just got my abdomen slit opened yesterday, two dead employees, and I had yet started to cancel all my meeting next week…” I sulked.

But honestly, I kept thinking about Kimberly, she was indeed probably the only blessing in disguise for my heartbreaking incident.

Ryan jabbed my right arm lightly, “I knew, Bro. Sorry, I couldn’t help it seeing how your eyes suddenly sparkling bright when seeing her.”

Before I responded back, he pushed an intercom button next to mine.

“Hello, can we meet Doctor Vanderwood here?”

I tried to grab his arm, but my crazy brother moved away without looking at me.

Fuck! I forgot I am not allowed to move yet.

A female nurse responded, her voice filled out the room, “Good afternoon, what can we do for you, Sir? Wait, Doctor Kimberly Vanderwood?”

“We have situation here. We’d like to see her,” he told the nurse.

I growled angry, trying to get up before the IV bag got my attention. The back of my head was suddenly throbbing in pain.

“What kind of situation, Sir? We’ll come shortly with attending doctor.”

“No, no. We just want Doctor Kimberly Vanderwood, not the other doctor. Just for a private conversation. We will be waiting whenever she can,” he insisted.

“We’ll have to report and make confirmation upon your request, Sir,” the nurse said.

Ryan muttered thank and cut the conversation off. I felt frustration on my brother, he was such a pain in the ass, a joker, ever since he was little.

“Goddammit, Ryan! You’re fuckingembarrassing me! Get the fuckingout of here and call her back to cancel” I angrily yelled.

I heard a knock, Ryan fleet to the door, he opened and went out for almost three minutes then coming back with sly grin.

He held his hands up and laughed, “Sorry, Bro. For your information, she’s no longer your doctor since Dr. Paul Henry have been assigned for you, but she will come visiting around four, the nurse promised that she will get you a priority visit,” he said and sat back to the couch.

Seriously? What the hell.

“You’re killing me, Man,” I sighed in defeated, “Fine, bring me water and wet towel!” I ordered him.

He was right, if I’m interested with Kimberly, then I should waste no time as my mom has been harassed me with new girlfriend after breaking up with Lauren seven month ago after being together for almost three years.

Ryan got up and went to the small fridge next to the sleeper sofa and brought me single sachet freshener tissue and glass of water.

“A wet tissue will do just fine, Bro. Head straight up, please,” he adjusted reclining bed.

“Okay, enough,” I told him to stop and took a sip of water he was holding.

He opened the package and wiped it all over my face. I wanted to reject but knowing that arguing with this little s**t was pointless. I closed my eyes and let him to finish.

“Was she in charge of me before? Why did they decide to change the doctor in charge?” I asked, thinking that as my surgeon she has to be responsible for my recovery as well.

“The nurse said that it’s common here as our suite floor is under direct supervision of the chief with different med team,” he said while pinching my forehead.

“Can I request to let her be in charge of me? I mean, she’s the one who knew exactly my condition,” I spoke, staring at Ryan.

“Nah, I won’t do that if I were you, you’re probably going to offend the superior one later and cause her trouble. Besides, the nurse said Doctor Vanderwood is already busy with her patients at the main building,” he uttered as I opened my eyes, “Don’t worry, if she has no boyfriend like those nurses told me, she will fall for you. Even if she has one, I’ll help you stealing her,” he smugly said.

He threw the used tissue into the trash bin and took a seat back on couch, and scrolled on his phone.

“Ryan,” I called him out, in serious tone.

He looked up to me, “Yes?” he carefully replied.

He knew my serious tone wasn’t one for joking.

“Does dad have unspoken things?” I asked.

Ryan shifted uncomfortably, he was relief when the door knocked once and Billy has returned, sitting on the couch next to my bed.

“So?” I asked him again with stern look.

Ryan sighed and took a glance to Billy, “Dad probably would cut off my trust fund for disobeying him,” he exaggerated, “But I think sooner or later you will know. It’s about Dayton and Emily,” he stopped and tensed.

I could feel that Billy was also tensed hearing the talk.

“What about them?” I asked.

Ryan rubbed his hair and spoke in low tone, “Both Dayton and Emily lost their hearts, but they weren't like losing so much blood, it’s more like they were almost drained.”

“Are you fuckinghigh, Ryan?” I scolded him.

This wasn’t thing to joke around and it started to exasperate me.

“Sir, if I may to speak, Master Ryan spoke the truth, Sir. I accompanied their families along with the cops during identification in the morgue,” Billy interfered.

I looked at him in shock.

“What? How come?” I asked him.

“Sorry, we don’t know yet, Sir. Your father had been argued with the cops because previously they needed to detain the bodies for more, but your father insisted that any autopsy should be done before nine o’clock this morning, since Miss Pearson was about to be brought to Baltimore and Dayton’s this afternoon. Senator Knight even involved with the arrangement to resume their autopsy and release the bodies this morning,” Billy told.

I was confused with his explanation, it didn’t make any sense.

It was a car crash for God’s sake.

“What about the other driver?” I asked him again.

Billy cleared his throat, “He was also found dead with same condition, Sir.”

“What?” this was getting weird.

“His name was Jackson Reid, driver of Patrick Madden, you know, the guy who owns television networks,” Ryan told me.

We were still sitting in dead silence for few minutes when my parents coming back along with concierge who brought us the afternoon tea service with delectable tea, some sandwiches, and even assorted sweets. Mom brought along some people with flower bouquets in various colors. They placed them by the big glass windows, partially blocking my grand views of Hudson River.

I sighed, “Mom, I don’t want visitors,” I reminded her.

I glanced at Ryan and he rolled his eyes.

That little s**t.

Mom smiled and nodded, “I knew it, Dear. But I couldn’t stop their thoughtful flowers, they were mostly from the ladies, rather than business associates,” she laughed, arranging some roses on the table.

Once the bouquets were all put, the room felt narrow and suffocating.

“Did you see my phone, Billy?” I asked.

“No, Sir. We couldn’t find anyone’s phones and your notebook was shattered. The cop gave your wallet to Master Ryan this morning with untouched bills and cards,” he replied.

“It’s in the safety deposit box there,” Ryan spoke while munching sandwich, pointed to the wardrobe.

So, whoever did it, wasn’t after for the small cash and traceable credit cards. I started to get panicked about changing passwords for critical applications like online banking, emails, and even Cloud storage. The only staff who knew those passwords was Emily. It’s Saturday, the store must still open.

“Ryan, please give Maya a call to buy me new phone and notebook, then contact the carrier to start the process of getting the same number transferred to the new device,” I asked him, “And contact the banks to get new secure keys as well,” I continued.

“Got it,” he replied and pulled out his phone to make a call.

“Please call Zac to bring the phone and notebook here after the IT transferred all data and important apps into the new devices,” I told him again as he was speaking to Maya, my junior PA.

“Dylan, you can’t work here. Leave it to Ryan and your dad,” Mom scolded me.

I grinned, but gave her a nod. A meeting on the company affairs with the board of directors will be held this Wednesday, even if my dad and Ryan will attend it, I still need to be there as well through the Skype.

øøøøø

I glanced to the clock on the wall and groaned in discomfort. It was 04:02 p.m.

“Ryan, you need to go back, you have to go to Baltimore early morning,” Dad spoke to Ryan.

“I will be leaving after meeting with someone,” he answered, staring at me.

I glared at him, angrily. He treated me like inexperienced kid, but he was just sitting and grinning. Mom intended to say something when there’s a light knock on the door. Billy got up and opened the door, he then went out after letting someone in. It should be Dr. Vanderwood, my heart suddenly was racing wildly. Thank God, they already took off that finger clip sensor from my index finger. I tried to swallow nonexistent saliva in my dry mouth.

“Doctor Vanderwood?” mom welcomed her warmly, embracing her into her arms.

Good sign, mom seems to like her.

Dr. Vanderwood put her eyes on me and politely nodded to dad and Ryan, and back at me, “I was being notified that Mr. Knight needed to meet me. I’m sorry I couldn’t go visiting right away since I had surgery,” she smiled sweetly.

I cleared my throat and glanced to Ryan, gave him a sign. Ryan got up and came to my parents, a bit dragging mom to the corner and whispered something. She looked at me and to Kimberly, and got his husband dragged out of the room along. Dr. Vanderwood stood there innocently.

“I will leave my son here, Doctor. He needs privacy as I need to talk with my youngest son,” she smiled to Kimberly, but glared to Ryan and left the room.

Ryan gave me a wink before closing the door. I felt my cheek burn a little, but I tried to calm myself and looked at Kimberly. She probably saw my brother’s wink as her cheek was also blushed in pink hue.

Real cute.

“How are you feeling now, Mr. Knight?” she asked calmly.

She looked like having her make up removed and her pony tail hair was a little wet, probably she washed her face, directly from OR to visit me. I felt bad for her.

“I’m good,” I sighed, gazing into her beautiful blue eyes.

Mine are blue too, but hers are more beautiful light ones. They were as clear as blue skies. We kept staring to each other until she broke the silence.

“How’s your stomach, Mr. Knight? Have you been releasing a good gas?” she smiled.

I laughed hard until my stomach feeling so tensed, “Not yet, Doc. But I do need a good fart,” I smiled back at her.

She laughed, she has a gummy laugh, I found it very cute. She looks younger.

“And please call me Dylan,” I added.

She nodded but not answering. I felt a slight disappointment because she didn’t offer to call her first name in return.

She looked at the IV bag and then stared at me with small smile, “And you may call me Kimberly.”

My heart was warm.

“Well, I think there is nothing to worry, you look pretty fine to me,” she said, “How’s your shoulder?” she continued.

“The painkiller still kicks in, so I feel numb, Kimberly,” I smiled.

“Well, then,” she said.

I could feel that she was about to end her visit, so I ended my craps.

“Have we ever met before, Kimberly?” I couldn’t remember of meeting her before, yet I felt like she’s not a complete stranger before today.

“No, we haven’t. But we’re in same charity ball held by Mayor Roth last year,” she said.

“I wish we met sooner,” I smiled.

She raised her eyebrow and gave me a cheeky smile, “I was with my ex-boyfriend at the time and so were you.”

“So, you did recognize me before,” I chuckled, “Do you have a boyfriend now, Kimberly?” I blurted out.

But then I cursed myself for being like a playboy wannabe here seducing the doctor I knew for nearly few hours.

Her face turned slightly red, “No.”

Thank God.

Her answer gave me more confidence.

“Well, if I make it alive and healthier, are you allowed yourself to date me? Lunch or dinner, perhaps?” I asked her.

She tucked her some hair strands to the back of her ear. She is just beautiful and so smol.

“Shouldn’t you ask for my hobby first?” she asked, lightly chuckled.

Nice, she has a sense of humor.

“Well, we can find out during the date, but since you already mentioned it. What’s your interest, Kimberly?” I asked.

“Books, movies, music, and animals. What’s yours, Dylan?” she asked me back.

“Football, gym, and movies. I think we have one thing in common. Good. But I love dogs too. Are you a dog or a cat person?” I joked.

“Doesn’t matter, I love animals. But if I have to choose, then I prefer a cat,” she smiled.

She has to meet our Giant Alaskan Malamutes at mom’s. She’s going to love them.

“So, we will have so much to talk about on our date, such as what kind of books, movies, and animals you like. Okay, exclude the animals, you have mentioned the cat,” I smiled.

“But I’ve never said yes to the date,” she stated, looking at my IV bag again.

She’s being playful, I like her more, “Kimberly, would you date me?”

“Maybe,” she answered sheepishly.

“How could you tease vulnerable person, Kimberly?” I shook my head twice.

“Okay, maybe yes,” she stared me with a smile.

Done.

My chest was swelling pride. I smiled at her widely and offered my right hand without the IV’s needle attached.

“I’m Dylan Knight, Kimberly. I haven’t had chance to thank you for saving me last night,” I sincerely said.

She took my hand with both hands and shook it lightly. Her hands are small and so delicate.

“A pleasure is mine, Dylan. Actually, it was the work of a team consisted of seven people in the OR, more from ER, and even more from medics to police,” she said and released my hand.

I smiled, noticing she was being humble.

“Okay, I got your point,” I chuckled, “Will you come visiting me tomorrow, Kimberly? I heard other doctors have been assigned for me,” I uttered in displeased.

“Don’t worry, Dylan. You’re in good hands,” she replied, “But I’m afraid I can’t come here like anytime I want as that will trigger improper gossip here which I’d like to avoid and I don’t want to spark conflict with other doctors as well, I hope you would understand, Dylan,” she explained and I fully understood, but I just felt unsatisfied.

I mean, if I’m just an old lady, I bet people wouldn’t even so care if Kimberly often visits me.

“When do you think I’ll be discharged?” I asked, I couldn’t stand not seeing her plump full lips, they are pink and kissable.

Her face was becoming redder and she cleared her throat, “If you keep yourself in positivity, I would say in a week?” she touched the nearest white rose bouquet, rubbing its petal making my mind instantly went dirty.

I looked somewhere else to discard the mind.

“Okay, I can wait for a week, then,” I nodded and smiled.

“But you will still need to restrain yourself from traveling for another week at minimum,” she reminded me with doctor’s tone.

I groaned, imagining my work load couldn’t wait for two weeks. I’ve been scheduled to go to Japan next week to seal the deal with Mr. Miyoshi.

“You may start to eat light now. Have you tried to eat?” she asked.

I shook my head, “Do you have a good memory, Kimberly?” I asked.

She nodded, “Yes.”

“Well, then please memorize my phone number as I will memorize yours,” I said excitedly.

At least I could FaceTime her while laying crippled here.

“Can you stay longer?” I muttered in hope.

She shook her head and smiled, “I wish I could, but I had appointment.”

“A date?” I sounded jealous.

But she laughed showing me her gummy, “Friday night out with friends”.

I relieved and smiled widely. I was wondering what kind of woman she was when having fun with friends, I hope not too wild. She emitted an innocent glow in her eyes behind her confidence, very appealing. I greatly wished to get to know her better sooner.

“Happy birthday, Kimberly. I wish you all the very best in life,” I gazed at her with a sincere smile.

She got her eyes widen, “You knew? Thank you, Dylan,” she widely smiled and sheepishly came closer as I motioned to her with my hands.

“Give me a hug, Birthday lady,” I asked her.

She hugged me lightly, carefully not pressing my body parts. I kissed her cheek. She smelled so good, fruity yum. I could only imagine taking her to romantic dinner and presented her unforgettable birthday gift, a marriage proposal.

What the hell I was thinking.

“Now, please give me your number, Kimberly.”

We exchanged our phone numbers and she excused herself out. My parents and Ryan came in after her and mom teased me teamed up with Ryan. Dad didn’t say a word, but the look of his face was approval. But he still looked like in deep thought, though. I knew the reason. Later, my grandfather Christopher and grandmother Rosemary came with my Uncle Benjamin along with his wife, Sarah, and the children, Taylor and Rose. My uncle has three kids, but the eldest, Shawn was in his senior year in California. Except Billy, everyone left me alone exactly at 07:00 p.m., as Billy refused to go home knowing that he was the only security guard left.

Zac delivered the new phone and notebook I requested earlier before my grandparents came, but I didn’t have a chance to touch them. Now even when I had so many thoughts in my mind, I just couldn’t stop thinking about Kimberly, so I asked Billy to place the overbed rolling table with MacBook and phone on it.

Dear Kimberly, thanks for your kind visit. Just visit me again anytime sooner. Have a nice birthday’s night out. Be safe. I put emoji of hand with index and middle fingers crossed to end my lines and hit the send.

I smiled, greatly hoped that she will read and reply. When I was checking on emails from my MacBook, a notification appeared on the upper right screen.

Thanks, Dylan. Just rest, relax, and heal there. She added praying hands’ emoji. My heart felt so warm, so I typed back at her.

You’re out already?I asked.

Yes. On dinner. Talk to you later. Please take a rest. Face with rolling eyes’ emoji.

Face with tears of joy. Good night, Kimberly. Call me hand.

Good night, Dylan. Smiling face with halo.

I re-read our chat and it kept smiling. I rarely used emoji, even when I was with Lauren. Kimberly was confident when she was on duty, but I found out that she’s more on the shy side when it came to personal. She came right into my life when I was in my most distressed state with me laying here and unsolved mysteries were still there, but my she lightened up my gloomy mood.