Chapter 1
Eleanor Charles
"You're late again " Karen yells for the third time this week . And yes, it's Wednesday. To be fair the bus was delayed again ,didn't voice it out though. I'd like my head attached to my neck thank you very much.
"Sorry Kate" I mutter as I hurry to the changing room. For the record, her actual name is Kate, just call her Karen in my head cause she acts like one. Besides, Kate and Karen-same difference.
I quickly change into my dark blue scrubs , fastening my badge to my right pocket and stuffing a few pens into it . I slip on my plain black crocs .
Heading to the emergency bay, I step beside my best friend Susan. " You good?" she asked as we wait for the incoming trauma. " I could hear her screaming your ear off". " Meh" I brushed off " I'll live." "You're not still thinking about leaving are you?" she brought up again. " Come on Suz , we talked about this. I can't stay anymore." Not after everything I've been through. "Besides my resignation letter has been collecting dust in my drafts " I continued trying to lighten the mood. She rolled her eyes a lopsided smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"We're not done-" she carried on but was cut off by the sound of the ambulance siren arriving at the bay. " Thank God" I muttered exasperated.
The rear doors swing open, revealing the paramedics giving a rapid handover to us. "Thirty-five-year-old male, Santiago Jimènez. Gunshot wound to the left chest and abdomen . Found unconscious approximately forty-five minutes ago outside an abandoned warehouse. Estimated blood loss at the scene was around 500 millilitres. Blood pressure 70/52, heart rate 132, respiratory rate 30, oxygen saturation 92% on oxygen. TXA and fentanyl given en route.
" Copy that " Dr Nate , our head of trauma responded as we wheel the patient inside on a gurney to the emergency room.
"Poor guy" I muttered .
We move as quickly as possible trying to stop the bleeding and making sure he's stable for surgery.
The patient wakes up and starts shouting in pain.
" Give him another dose of morphine " Dr Nate orders. I do as I'm told immediately.
He becomes agitated and disoriented.
" Hey hey Santiago, you're in the hospital and we're going to take care of you. I just need you to please hold still" I say trying to calm him down.
He doesn't listen to me and continues to struggle.
"His pulling at everything . Give him a shot of diazepam " Dr Nate orders.
"But, doctor-" I start, hesitating .
" Now Charles!". He cuts me off , this time shouting.
" Doctor, I don't think that's a good idea. His respiratory status is already concerning " I say, tightening my grip on the syringe.
He gives me a scolding look " I don't remember asking for your opinion, Charles."
" I'm just concerned about-"
" You're off this case" he says, cutting me off.
"You can't do that" I retort.
" I just did." He snatches the syringe from my hand and draws up the diazepam himself and quickly administers it.
"Let's move people" Dr Nate says.
Once he's stable enough, we rush him to surgery.
"Who would do this?" I voiced out loud as I monitor my patient in the ICU after the surgery.
"Did surgery go okay?" Susan asked stepping into the room. I take a deep breath trying to calm myself. "He's not out of the woods yet" I replied .
"Are the police here yet?" I turned to Susan. "Yeah, speaking to Dr douchebag right now" She answered. " whoever did this deserves to rot in prison. " I angrily said dismissing the issue with Dr Nate. "Yeah, but it's very possible he might not be innocent. I mean he was obviously in a gun fight." She said while i scoffed. " So you're judging him because of his tattoos?" I questioned. " You're putting words in my mouth babes" she retorted. " Besides he really does look dangerous." " Says the girl that gets offended when people call her mean based on her looks". I shoot back. " Whatever" Susan says irritably as she walks out of the room. Casting a glance at the man lying on the bed with tubes connected everywhere , I feel heartbroken.
"Excuse me" I turn swiftly to the deep voice calling out , stunned. This gorgeous, tall man is propped against the door, wearing a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Tattoos adorn his body , winding from his fingers and wrist up toward his neck and disappearing beneath the rest of his clothing. His broad chest stretched beneath the fabric, the top buttons left undone. Wide shoulders that practically fill the door emanating confidence.
I look at his eyes and -oh my gosh. His eyes. They are the greyest eyes I've ever seen, with specks of blue.
And those eyes are hyperfocused on me right now. I clear my throat and pretend I haven't been ogling this man for quite some time now. To be fair, he was staring too. I guess.
"Do you need something?" I asked after what felt like forever.
"Yes actually, I came to see my brother " he replied with a hint of a Spanish accent , inclining his head towards the patient on the bed".
Realisation dawned on me. " Oh". My heart sinks. I can't imagine seeing your loved one in this state
" Is he okay?. " He asked.
"We're doing everything we can for him and hoping for the best". I said gently.
I watch him look at his brother. A flash of anger crosses his eyes then quickly disappears slipping a mask of indifference.
That was...intense. A chill runs down my spine , goosebumps decorating my skin.
"I didn't get your name" I stated quietly.
"I never told you my name" he replied still looking intensely at his brother.
I chuckled awkwardly. " uhm- for official documentation "
He turns to me with a hidden smile " Alejandro Jimènez ."
