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For the love of Dr. Landry, Kelsey Roberts - White Collection

1.
Sitting in the office of his firm, Nick Landry finished dictating accounts
reports of consultations of the day.
Today, the chore seemed lightly: he had received his sister and Savannah
had the pleasure to announce that she was the child of his brother Seth. He
smiled: Savannah had made him promise to keep the secret, because
Jasper, the small town in Montana where they lived, the rumor spread
like wildfire, and there was no way to learn the Seth
Good news from the mouth of the attendant or the baker. She wanted was
quite normal, be the first to tell him.
Thus, their already large family was still growing. A few months earlier,
Sam, his older brother and his wife, Callie, had their second child,
beautiful little boy named Sheldon. As for Cade, his cousin, his wife
and he were the proud parents of a little Jack seven months old. A baby at
Birth somewhat eventful in that he was born with
almost three months in advance. Luckily, neonatal intensive care unit
Helena had done everything possible to get by, and now it
was like a charm.
Striving to return to the present, Nick glanced at his watch. He had
appointment this evening with a nurse's hair flaming red,

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particularly attractive. This was not the time to linger.
He grabbed a new folder and tried to decipher his handwriting - real

chicken scratch! No need to wonder why the Val also lectured

often about it. With good reason: if thirty-five years he wrote as bad,
in less than ten years it would be downright unreadable!
With a sigh, he put the file aside. Once again, it would have to
ask his assistant to bring her own notes.
As he thought of her, Valerie Greene image is imposed on him.
She worked with him for six years now, however, he felt
do almost anything to do with it, except of course she had a silhouette
to die for a saint and a lovely face, including exotic traits
denounced the Indian origins. In Montana, it was not exceptional,
there were many descendants of the original inhabitants of North America.
Val had apparently followed a brilliant medical student and had everything
abandoned after his internship. Why exactly? She believed Mystery ...
much to holistic medicine, as well as herbal medicine. According
what he understood, she had learned of the revenue from an early age within
his family. If the scientific effectiveness of its concoctions left the house
doubtful, he did not doubt for a moment however their perfect safety, as
he saw no problem with it prescribe them to patients as
further processing.
All this and much, much more made her an enigma. For example,
the fact that it is one of the few women around her, if not the only - and
That said without the slightest vanity - not to have set his sights on him at a
time or another!
Nick ran a hand distracted in his unruly hair.
He knew he was attractive atavism: Landry family men liked to
women, so, there was really nothing to be big head.
Besides, he was too lucid to be fooled. His physique, coupled with

prestige of his doctor function, it naturally attracted the favor of the

fairer sex without having to lift a finger. In return, he had to admit
he loved women and their company. Yes, he loved all women, all
except one! One's fault that he would probably end up unmarried and without
children. His own mother. Part of himself was still suffering terribly from
the fact that it has abandoned ... and the other part lived in fear of inflicting
same treatment to partners who crossed his path.
It was there his thoughts when Val poked his head through the half-open
door. Her large eyes, which shone shades of green, brown and gold, expressing
great concern.
Provided that this is not a serious emergency!
- A patient? he inquired.
She shook her head when entering the office.
- You should not turn off the ringtone of your phone, it does rebuked

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nicely, that tone that she was alone with him to use.
Maybe it was that why he liked to have him as assistant?
- The hospital is on a line, it will continued. You're in big trouble.
- A beautiful mess? Does he repeated with annoyed pout. What kind of trouble?
Actually, for the staff of the small hospital at the edge of the city, a nail
broken resembled a major emergency, and he had over the times he
had been disturbed for nothing.
Before his dubious mine, Val plunged his gaze straight into hers.
- The kind of trouble that could well end your career, decreed Does
it.

Less than ten minutes later, both crossed the whirlwind

glass doors emergency Jasper Community Hospital. They rushed immediately
nurses office.
- Kent Dawson? Does he asked, breathless from his run.
- Examination Room # 3.
Retracing their steps, they entered the box where waiting a scene
dramatic, pulse and respiratory rate were very patient
disturbing. In addition, it was covered with red spots and his tongue was very
swollen.
Upon entering the box, Nick took exhibited not aware of information
the screens of various control monitors.
- When did you start the epinephrine infusion? he asked, to
anycast.
- There are about twenty minutes, 'said the nurse on duty.
- Increase the speed!
As Kent throwing terrified glances around him, Val took her hand. As
Magically, he seemed to calm down a bit.
- Do not worry, Mr. Dawson, it does she whispered softly.
You make a big reaction, but Dr. Landry will get you back on
walk in a flash.
It was hoped, thought Nick as anaphylactic shock which suffered Kent
Dawson was probably the worst which he had faced throughout his
career.
Detecting the arrival of Dr. Benton in the box to the heady fragrance of the
perfume which
it is sprinkled generously, Nick suppressed a sigh of irritation.
It really was not in the mood to face the inevitably unpleasant exchange that

coming between him and Harold Benton. The animosity between them born on
the banks of
medical school was not attenuated with age. During their studies,
had always performed better than Benton. The latter conceived it
Despite more, to the point of him still stick rigorously, we wondered
why. Everyone had found his place in the final, and this stupid competition
teenager was no longer acceptable today.
Benton flipping the patient record.

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- Where were you the head, Landry? Does he suddenly threw a defiant tone.
Nick ignored him, preferring to focus on Kent Dawson himself, whose state
fortunately seemed to improve. Finally, the pulse and respiration covered
a more normal pace.
- It is in black and white that this gentleman is allergic to iodine, continued
Benton.
Reassured about the state of Kent, Nick took off the hands of Benton folder and
scanned the
quickly.
- I asked a gastrointestinal endoscopic assessment, not an angiogram
with contrast injection, it Does muttered, clenched jaws.
Benton finger tapped the location of the signature at the bottom of the sheet.
- You asked angiography, Dr. Landry, Cobby does it in a tone that
could not hide his satisfaction.
Frightened, Nick could not take his eyes of the document. It was indeed
his signature, not a shadow of a doubt ... How could he have committed a

serious mistake if it had endangered the life of his patient?

- And if you talk about it all out? Val offered.
An excellent suggestion, in fact, because it does not take the least to do
subject to prosecution for serious professional misconduct ...
Before they reached the hall, Benton exploded with rage.
- You could have killed that man! he yelled.
- No, because I did not prescribe angiography, Nick replied calmly.
A bad smile appeared on the lips of the speaker. Nick would have it
gladly given a good punch in the face, and he had great difficulty
world to help himself.
- I think there is a computer error, he said. I see no other
explanation.
- Well, in the future, you'll have relises your requirements, otherwise your
neglect and lax tone could well cause death.
Nick wrapped it in a scornful look.
- Go to hell ...
An hour later, Val and Nick were back to the office, an old house
Victorian whose ground floor was transformed into medical office
by Dr. Gibbs, the predecessor to Nick.
Val sighed. Since his boss had taken over the firm, he had
left as it is, and if she had not pushed hard, probably would do it
not equipped with a computer system. But fortunately, she obtained
successful!
Upon arrival, they reached the first floor apartment that was used to Nick.
This preceded it on the stairs, and as often, a desire to shiver ran
Val as she let her gaze wander over his athletic figure.
Thrill she immediately repressed by habit. Nick Landry, she was a

colleague, a friend, a confidant, in short, everything except a possible love.

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He saw it as at best a good asexual boyfriend at worst a nice animal
company ...
They came in what the other staff called him "
sanctuary "but which she rather took the bachelor or the nest
love. Nick was a womanizer and rarely octroyait rest in
that area. Besides, as he more or less already had an affair with
all women may be of interest to Jasper, he would soon need
extend his hunting ground to neighboring towns. It was hair pulling!
He was interested in principle to all who wore skirt, and she alone was
exception to the rule. Not once, outside of a few lunches or dinners
work, Nick had asked her out for a drink. Yet it was not
uglier nor more stupid than another, it even had a sense of
humor ... But she seemed completely transparent to him. - You want to drink
something? asked one ridding the kitchen table of a battery
newspapers put it on the floor.
- Yes thank you. What have you got to offer me?
In response, Nick opened the refrigerator in order to inspect the content,
which gave plenty of time to contemplate his racy valley profile, thick hair
brown, her tanned man who has always lived in the open air. And then there was
those eyes which she knew by heart the color: incredible blue-gray tint
which recalled a stormy summer sky ...
Nick handed him a bottle of beer she popped a dry and precise hit,
the tilting against the edge of the work surface.

- We really need one of these days, you teach me to do that! if it does exclaimed
laughing.
- You can always wait! Every woman has to have her little secrets.
- All except you, it does corrected after drinking a sip of lager. Although
You annoy me sometimes prodigiously, you're my closest friend. There is no
secrets between us, of course!
"Except that I am dying with desire for you, no, indeed!
In order to keep himself in countenance, she raised her bottle like toast and
took a sip from the bottle.
- I wonder how I could make such a terrible mistake,
Nick stared thoughtfully.
- I'm sure it's due to a computer problem.
- Computers or not, I am still signed the application form
examinations.
- Let's check anyway that the computer was in the belly ...
He nodded and preceded the in the living room, where there was a computer
connected to
computer network firm. Without having to exchange a single word, Val
settled authority before the screen. It was viscerally allergic to such
machines, and anyway, he would have lost three hours manipulations
diverse, where Val would barely two minutes with a few mouse clicks.

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They sat side by side, so close to one another that their thighs brushed against.
The
delicate floral and fruity scent that smelled of jet-black hair Val

Nick intoxicated, resulting in him delicious chills.

Hardly had he formulated this thought that it had the effect of the most vile satyr
Earth: instead of focusing on the job, he let his senses distract him.
Certainly, it would remain incorrigible to the end!
- Well, it's really weird, like Val whispered to herself.
He approached the screen and squinted.
- Not really ... These are columns of incomprehensible numbers, as
in all computers.
Val breathed a sigh sorry.
- Idiot! These are codes that I have gone myself. Just type the name
a patient, the code that corresponds to it, and the computer displays the matching
record
the appropriate treatment protocol. Then it is printed directly. It is even
possible to order products from the medical representatives
pharmaceutical laboratories.
- And then? Y Does he has a bad code?
- Not at all. It makes no sense ... Oh, look, Nick!
He read the request for review, which was displayed on the screen. He had indeed
prescribed
Full review gastrointestinal, not an angiogram.
- Well that's it! Does he exclaimed triumphantly.
- Wait ... Now read this.
Nick gaped. The same prescription was displayed, with one difference, and
size: it ended with a request for angiography.
- But why does it have to two requests for review for a single
patient? if it does astonished.
Val quickly tapped the keys on the keyboard, and then she turned to him, the

frowning.
- Apparently, the first request was canceled and replaced by the second
two days ago.
- Look, Val, think! How do you want me to go into the system to
to make such a change? I do not even know how to play solitaire with
that thing!
- Yet the change was made from the your desktop computer,
two days ago, at 19: 45 am sharp.
Nick thinks and let out a triumphant cry.
- There are two days 19 hours 45 precise, I was on my way to pick up a
lovely blonde with long legs at home. So you see, it can not
be me!
- How does she called this pin-up?
- Gretchen something ... The kind "Be beautiful and shut up."
- The qualities you like in a woman.
- Look, I have not asked her to marry, he defended himself.

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- Oh, I beg you, no sordid details! Besides, I think I can guess without
wrong what you asked.
- Relax, Val. I am a single man, sane and healthy,
not one of those crazy rapists or whatever ... And I've never done any
woman boat. I set the tone right away and they all know that with
me, they will only have a night stand. I'm not made for long
term. - It has a name: the phobia of commitment.
- Whatever. The bottom line is that I want proof that I have not changed the

prescription.
Val was a dubious pout.
- Yes, well, it will still let your sweetheart corroborate your words. Then
I will contact the technicians of IT so they repair this bug.
- A bug that could have cost the lives of Kent Dawson, Nick watched the dark
mine
and severe.
- Just like your sex life with unbridled unknown perfect you could
cost yours ...
- Sorry to contradict you, young lady, but I do not lead a sex life
unbridled. First, I take my precautions, then all my conquests
and consenting adults. We have a short report, and without satisfactory
next day.
- Only because you've struggled to keep women away. And if thou doest
so, it is because you have never solved your problems with your mother.
- Yes! And even that would not be the case, I'm not sure I
want you thickets your nose in this part of my life.
A little annoyed, Val shrugged with feigned casualness.
- Perfect! Continues to refuse any entry and you'll end up all alone, like a
pathetic old man reduced to drooling watching the girls go
under his nose ...
- I have no intention of "drooling watching the girls go," my
expensive, and I intend to remain the darling of the ladies to the end!
- Well, back on topic, if you will ... We now know that there
had two requests for review. How is it that you have signed the wrong?
Nick shrugged sign of ignorance.
- You do not remember having initialed you a superseding the form

precedent?
- I'm an absolute nullity computer, I am very careful to
medical forms I have to sign.
- So I'll ask the question: how is it that you have signed the wrong
request for review?
Nick sighed.
- It is true that my signature at the bottom of the damn form. I saw it
spread out in black ink.
- So it's you who signed.

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- I tell you not!
Val gave her a gentle smirk.
- A heartthrob who feels perfectly infallible eventually tired to
long even the most insanely loving ...
Nick darkens.
- Because you honestly believe that I did it? I have committed this huge
blunder?
- The error is human. It happens even to the best of us.
- Not to me.
- Look, the most important ultimately is that Mr. Dawson is pulled in
unharmed.
- Okay, this is essential, but it does not change the fact that I do not have
asked angiography. I am certain: Kent Dawson is my patient
for years, and I knew very well that his iodine allergy could be him
fatal.

Val patted the top of the thigh.

- And I know very well that you are still a mere human being,
as we all concluded it indulgently. It might be time to
finally get used to the idea. 2.
- You left your girlfriend in the car?
Nick threw a glance sorry to his brother Shane, leaning next to him in the
veranda of the large family home, then exhaled a sigh.
- I do not have a girlfriend.
Shane uttered an exclamation overly surprised.
- What, you have nothing to put you in the tooth on a Saturday night? Does he
commented,
sly. What happened to you? Are you sick?
- I do not know if I'm sick, but you, you are a nice idiot!
Shane laughed, and then he leaned over the coffee table and grabbed a bottle of
beer he popped a sharp blow against the edge of the railing.
- Who told you to do that? Nick was surprised.
- Val.
- You mean ... my Val?
Shane wrapped it in a suspicious look.
- I did not know it was your Val ...
Trying not to pay attention to the bad ball that tied him
stomach, Nick continued in a tone as natural as possible:
- You are together?
Shane shook his head, laughing.
- Val is a friend, that's all. We see from time to time to look
DVD set or ...
- Just you two?

- But what are you doing? You're not his father, as I know!
- I do not want her to suffer, that's it! defended himself with Nick

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bad faith that surprised himself.
Because it was necessary to call things by their name: he felt a terrible jealousy.
A
completely unexpected feeling, he could not understand in the least.
Shane smirked.
- Of course ...
- What course? What do you mean?
- I merely note the obvious: I think you're in love Val.
- I'll have treated an idiot, but I was wrong. In reality, you're completely
remained!
- You might as well try to deny, it will not move on to much! replied
Shane laughed uproariously. I saw the way you looked at her. I know you
and I know it ... You have a lot of similarities, I would say
you're made for each other.
- Are you kidding? It is far too ... homebody.
- There are worse fates for a man to be married to such a woman
Val.
Sacrilege and terrifying word that began with a m, Nick felt a thrill
panic.
- This is exactly where I'm going. Val needs a man who caresses
that same dream: marriage, children, a nice house to house his
small family ...

Shane shook his head and sighed.

- We see that you really do not know.
- How can you say that? Nick was indignant. We spend five days a week
together, sometimes even more!
- You work together, it is not at all the same thing. I bet you
are not even aware that she could beat you at poker. Or that it is
Vegan or she spends her Sundays to provide care for free
the reserve where she grew up ...
In fact, he did not know all this, and a deep perplexity came over to the idea that
Val knew so little. However, it would not give Shane satisfaction
see it accused the blow.
- I knew about the reserve, he lied. In your opinion, where it will retrieve the
equipment and medicines they need?
- She buys when the command for your firm, of course! You claim
be aware of, but I'm willing to bet you've never offered to
help.
- I did not know she needed help ... She could well ask
simply.
- Val prefer to be killed rather than asking you any
favor. He is a proud ... She does not beg, she expects that people
propose spontaneously.
- And how did you know all this, Mr. Know-it-all?

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- Because I accompanied two or three times to the reserve. I had brought from
food and animal vaccines. That answer that? Suddenly it

felt terribly shabby. And as confused, confused, perplexed, annoyed ... He

turned out that his assistant was a young woman more complex it
had imagined, and this discovery piqued his curiosity. At least that was the only
acceptable way to express what he felt in that moment.
When Val opened the door of the rustic cabin she called her home, her
slightly slanting eyes grew wide as they could.
- What are you doing here?
Nick hoisted his best smile.
- I wanted to go with you to the reserve, it will cast a tone as natural and
casual as possible.
The young woman ran a hand through his thick jet-black hair, in a gesture
an innocent sensuality that disturbed him beyond all measure.
Shane was right: he still had much to learn about Val ...
- Come in, I'll make you a coffee, she said, fading.
Nick entered the room and was dumb with surprise. Where he had imagined a
feminine inside, on the edge of sentimentality, was a warm,
sober and comfortable. All the furniture was of wood and the decor was
up of Indian handicrafts.
- It's very nice to you, it does commented admiringly when Val emerged from the
kitchen.
- The water is being heated. You give me five minutes? I go take
a shower and get dressed.
Without waiting for an answer, she climbed the wooden ladder that led to the
mezzanine overlooking the living room. A minute later, the sound characteristic
of
Shower head managed to Nick, who could not help but imagine the naked body
Val offered to the caress of water. Thought so disturbing that a long shiver

ran.
Furious at his reaction, he forced himself to clear his mind. Fortunately Val
came down from the loft just a few minutes later, wearing jeans
and an ordinary sweatshirt. She was wearing a tail-to-horse
put in the delicate oval value of his face and almond eyes, traces of
Indian blood in his veins.
He followed her into the kitchen, where he attabla while the young woman served
coffee.
- This is not the cream commented Does he, knitting his nose with caution
above the pot containing a white liquid.
- No, it's soy milk. All milk intake without animal fat ...
- Without flavor so.
- Do not criticize until you have tasted. You want to have breakfast with
me?
- It depends. It consists of what, exactly, breakfast?

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- Fresh, organic yogurt and bread rolls.
- With cream cheese?
- You dream?
- Okay, so I'll just fruit and yogurt.
- As you wish. But do not come and complain if you die of hunger in less
one hour.
While she was busy, Nick watched furtively. It was the first
Once he discovered it in a setting other than the firm to its environment
She moreover, and it looked as comfortable in the kitchen as a room

care.
- And if you explained why, exactly, you came knocking on my door at 7
hours on a Sunday morning? she asked, while posing a fruit plate
in front of him.
- Like I said ... I would go with you to the reserve.
- I go for years and it does anyone ever touched the mind so far.
Why the sudden interest?
- Val, I just to be nice to you. What shocks you so much?
- I'm not shocked ... I just say to myself afterwards that it would have been very
awkward if I had not been alone. Finally, this is a chance for you, my
appointment
you last night included in the pantheon of pathetic failures!
- What was wrong?
She sat opposite him and shrugged.
- Everything from A to Z.
- Tell ...
- Looks like Nancy!
Which in this case was not a compliment, because her nursing colleague was
an insatiable curiosity that sometimes bordered on indiscretion.
- You give all your secrets in Nancy? he inquired, casually.
- Never deliver all his secrets to anyone, matter of principle.
- It's funny ... In general, you tend to say whatever comes into your
the head.
- There is a huge difference between making intimate confidences and express
opinion.
Val had plunged his right eye in his, and suddenly Nick felt a little
lost almost distraught. Suddenly it seemed intolerable to stay

margin of not being able to see through the enigma that this woman had
always represented to him.
The irrepressible urge the tenailla to learn and even to know everything
of it down to the smallest detail. Incomprehensible reaction, the extent
where Val was a friend. Although ... She was also a young beautiful woman
and mysterious, and he only found out now in this day.
- Well, who built this house? he said, clearing his throat. - Me.
Before his expression dazed, Val sketched disdainful pout.

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- What? Does she threw on a defiantly. According to you, a woman is not
capable of
tinker?
- Not at all! I'm just surprised, admiring and ... very impressed.
As to me, I would have never considered myself a minute of build
even my house.
- That's because you're a Landry. Me on the other hand, I'm not after a
rich family of landowners. And with that I win, it was either
build myself my house, or rent a tiny apartment and dingy
in town. You know, anyway, it's not that complicated. And I do not have any
done alone. It helped.
- Who?
- The men of my tribe. But, I do not understand why it shocks you
at this point!
- Because I've never met a woman entrepreneur
building, laughed does it nicely.

The response was not long half a second.

- Given the kind of mijaures you are with, it's no wonder!
- How are you, the mijaures?
Val laughed.
- Sorry, I should have used the word "trophy", it would have been much more
appropriate! Do you remember the last of the Miss Rodeo Montana? That
which had the ambition, and I quote, "to study modeling."
- It was nice.
- I do not doubt for a second! I wonder where more is on
content of the conversations you could have with that kind of girl.
- Well, okay, it was quite superficial ... But take Peggy Mitchell, for
example. She was pretty and smart.
- And so shy that she had an affair with almost all of the
male population of Jasper, from what I'm told ...
Nick looked a parade in vain. To his dismay, Val was right.
Wounded in his pride, he decided against attack.
- You're not well placed to build thee judge. I remind you that you are out with
a married man!
- With a man I did not know he was married, she corrected himself calmly.
Obviously, as soon as I found out, I stopped everything.
- And what are you doing Cliff, then? And Hal Sommers?
- Cliff is the kind of man to whom you promise a hypothetical dinner in the only
goal he continues to harass you. And it works! As for Hal Sommers was a ...
error in judgment. Well, she does chained, we will not spend the morning
spend our respective conquests reviewed. There was much more to do and a long
journey awaits. You'll be able to build on the road hours to explain
the cause of your sudden altruism access ...

Nick got up and followed her into the entrance.

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- I am a doctor, he defended himself. Altruism is defined as second nature
at home.
In response, Val laughed.
- Come on ...
- Take my 4x4, it does suggested. Shane filled the back of provisions for
reserve.
- It is really sweet ...
A minute later, they both climbed aboard the 4x4, and Nick started.
- Oh, what an idiot! exclaimed Val snapping fingers. I completely
forgot to take glucose tablets and insulin doses!
- You only have to make a detour by the firm.
- Heard.
They set off and drove in silence, each lost in his thoughts.
The landscape of snow-capped mountains that surrounded them was
absolutely gorgeous, and Nick thought that he would never have been able to live
in a
big city, far from nature. As Val, too.
- Have you ever thought about from here to set you elsewhere? Does he asked.
- Not for a second. Although the winters are harsh and if I have trouble handling
the shovel
to remove snow in front of my house, I could not live anywhere else.
- I mania shovel expert!
Val gave him a smirk.

- You, a manual?
- Perfectly! You seem to forget that I grew up on a ranch. I assure you that
I've done more than my share of manual work.
- This is why you became a doctor?
- In part, yes. I also wanted to distinguish myself from my family.
- Me too. But it is easier when one is born with a silver spoon in
the mouth.
- What do you want? I apologize for the money?
- No, it was a simple observation.
- Val, how much cost you your medical studies?
- So expensive that I probably still have bills to pay after my death?
- And why have you abandoned?
- I have not abandoned my studies in the sense that it is ordinarily understood.
Simply, I have a concept of medicine that does not correspond to what
teaches at the Faculty. And I finally realized that I was not there to my
site.
- If you were suffering from appendicitis, I imagine you'd be glad to you
operated on by a surgeon.
- Yes of course. But when I have a simple cold, I find no need to feed me
drugs. I much prefer to treat me with herbs and teas that my
ancestors have always used. I strongly believe in the virtues of a good
lifestyle, and "scientific" medicine is for me a last

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recourse.
- With that, I'll join you completely.

They were silent again and finished the short trip to the office in the
silence.
Once Nick had parked the 4x4 in the parking lot, Val got out of a flexible bond.
- Wait here, I'll just be a minute.
The young woman had just entering the firm he heard a call
anxious.
- Nick, come quickly! 3.
The office door was wide open and Tara Bishop, the accountant,
standing in the doorway.
- Here you are at last! if it does exclaimed. I tried to reach you everywhere.
Look ...
She stepped aside and pointed Dora Simms. Curled up in a chair, the old lady
seemed to suffer martyrdom.
- I found it in this state, Tara explained. I had gone home to get a
copy of its order to see if I could arrange with the
pharmacist. Dora has a slate at home, and I intended to negotiate a
Spread refund. I actually started typing a note to
your intention ...
Nick interrupted this verbal barrage with a gesture of thanks and rushed
with the old lady that Val was in the process of helping to recover. The supporting
each by an arm, and brought it in treatment room.
- It will be okay? Tara asked, who had followed them. I might be better
Because of the drive directly to the hospital ...
Nick gave her a reassuring sign of head.
- There must be an osteoarthritis crisis triggered by an effort that Dora would
not have done. This stubborn refuses to understand that from the age, we must
accepting no longer be as alert as before.

- You see, as I brought her here, I took the opportunity to enter a word
your intention and ...
- Thank you. By the way, how did you get?
- I have the key to the cabinet. You gave me a double, you do not remember
right? This was just in case I would need to spend during the weekend and ...
- Oh, well, cut Nick. Well, now, let us Dora.
- Why, exactly, I pulled out the file.
Nick took the document and, while reading, approached the table where
the old lady was lying, aided by Val.
Reassured by auscultation, he asked the latter to program a radio.
- In my opinion, it is simply intercostal neuralgia, but better
take pictures as a precautionary measure.
- A radio? Dora repeated. It's expensive? Because you see, I pull the

Page 15
struggling and I really do not need unnecessary expenses.
What he already knew well. Like many of his patients, Dora Simms
had no supplementary health insurance. Many people in Jasper
were from modest backgrounds and were struggling to make ends meet. Pay
supplementary health insurance was therefore a luxury they could not
afford.
- Do not worry, Dora commented Val. We'll ask Tara
complete a medical social form.
Dora sniffed suspiciously.
- It is weird that Tara Bishop ... Of course, I'm glad it has passed

home at the right time and that has brought me here - God knows how many
time I could have stayed on the floor in agony ... But I do not like people
who do not look you in the eye.
Nick shook his head, laughing.
- It may simply afraid of you! You have a reputation for
not to be taken lightly, you know!
- And if we did, this radio? Val intervened.
Without waiting, she took Dora radiology room, when Nick started
use to read the back of her patient with more attention.
The last visit dates back to three months. He had prescribed the
monoamine oxidase, an enzyme used to treat depression. He
had also suggested to consider psychotherapy as Dora suffered
depression since her widowhood. But she preferred to settle for a
antidepressant treatment that would help pass the course, saying that the
time would eventually heal his wounds. And no doubt she was not wrong because
it had a much better morale today. As Val delayed a bit
bring radios, he went to the office where the drugs were kept
locked up and took some samples he brought into the office. In the meantime,
Val had returned and posted the photos on the bright display. He encamped
front of the screen and studied them, to ensure they did not contradict his
diagnosis.
- That's what I thought, he concluded, satisfied.
- What treatment are you going to prescribe?
Nick showed him the samples provided by pharmaceutical companies that
had in his hands.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Perfect. I'm going to record it all in the computer file, while

Dora gets dressed.

- I follow you.
A minute later, Valle was sitting at the computer screen, the
Secretariat.
- What is it? inquired Nick scrutinizing the screen.
- The small note Tara written for you. Look, it still does the same

Page 16
typing error. It's funny, we each have our tics ...
- I thought these machines were supposed to identify spelling errors.
- Spelling yes, but a computer can not detect that it is
the use of a word for another. Come on, ad dosages me ...
Nick complied, skeptical. Certainly, IT was an undeniable progress, but
it seemed just as quick and easy writing a prescription in hand and
give it to the patient.
- There you go! Val finds when he finished. You want me to send it by mail to
Pharmacist?
- It would be easier to place it in his shop?
- But, Nick, it's so much faster and ...
He raised his hands in surrender.
- Okay, I say no more! I'll give one dose to Dora, it
will help to keep the time that Guy Day prepares the order.
- Meanwhile, I'll fill support application forms
care by social assistance.
At this time, the computer issued a ringtone.
- What's happening? Nick worried.

- Nothing. This is the signal that the prescription is right and there is no counter
indication. The computer checks all alone through special software. Now I
can send it directly.
Nick rolled his eyes and turned away.
All this was certainly wonderful, but it was still not convinced ...
Two hours later, after making a detour to the pharmacy to Day
Dora gets his medicine there and then escorted the old lady at home,
Val and Nick finally reached the reserve.
For three hours, they hardly touched the ground. Between ear infections
treat various wounds and maceration to clean and heal and reminders
vaccines, they were not too two.
At lunch time, when the frantic pace finally calmed down, a young woman
speaker came to bring their packed lunches.
- Thank you, Leta said Val. So how do you feel?
- I wish I had given birth, the young woman sighed. The baby stops
not to move.
- He's gone for long.
- Birth is planned for when? Nick asked.
- In three weeks normally.
At this time, Leta was interrupted by the ringing of mobile phone Val.
It apologized and took the call. After a few seconds,
she hung up, livid.
- What's happening? Nick asked an anxious tone.
- It was the hospital. Dora is ... dead.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Harold Benton waiting at a halt. No need to be

Page 17
a genius to guess that under his wrathful air, he was jubilant ...
- Damn, what has happened? Nick muttered, clenched jaws by
rage and indignation at this blow.
- For you to tell me, Landry replied coldly Benton. Ms. Simms was
died of cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived on site.
- This is insane! I examined her this morning! His heart rate and
blood pressure were perfectly normal.
Val put a comforting hand on his arm.
- She may have suffered a ruptured aorta or pulmonary embolism, hasardat it.
- The first post-mortem examinations show no coronary problem,
Benton launched with an evil smile. We will soon conduct an autopsy, but I
can already announce that the results of the research of toxic products
in the blood is more than interesting.
- That is to say?
Benton eluded a gesture.
- Wait the final results of the lab. Until then, we'll have you explain to his
family how is it that thou hast received this morning to your office and you
hast not been able to make the correct diagnosis.
Nick had to dig deep in himself to keep from jumping to the throat
his colleague. Luckily, the reassuring touch of the hand on his arm Val
helped him to not give in to a bout of violence. Anyway, it was to himself
he wanted first.
How something so serious could he escape?
The terrible news came less than an hour later. Nick and Val fro

tirelessly the scene of the morning in the break room when doctors
Harold Benton burst like a tornado.
- I have the lab results! Does he threw waving forms. Analyses
showed a very high rate of phenelzine and meperidine!
Nick tore the leaves of Benton hands and ran feverishly.
- It is impossible! I commanded the Naproxen because I knew very well
she was on antidepressants!
- The lab called the pharmacy. The pharmacist is explicit: you prescribed the
meperidine. Clearly, an against-indicated drug that killed your patient ...
- This is wrong! I'm sure I do not have prescribed this treatment!
- The problem is that the lab and pharmacy fall agree on
opposite. Okay, enough, I'll make a report to the authorities
Medical and the Bar Council. And count on me to make you revoke before
until you have time to kill more innocent people!
Thereupon, Harold Benton turned and left the room. *
**
After he left, they exchanged a bewildered look. Val was the first to
recover.

Page 18
- Do not we pack ... After all, the lab may have been mistaken.
- Are you kidding? They always do two sets of analyzes by measuring
precaution.
- What is needed, she continued after a moment's reflection is successfully
take a blood sample and conduct ourselves in an analysis.
- I am sure that Benton has already given orders that prevents me

to approach the body of Dora.

- No doubt ... So it will find a way to do it outside of the hospital.
Why not at the funeral?
- You're crazy? That would be the safest way to go directly to jail!
- You have another solution? Anyway, we still have a little time
ahead ... Listen, Nick, it is important not to let you down. This is not your
fault.
- Easy to say! retorted it with humor. It is not you who is accused
of murdering two patients negligently and it's not your career
which may stop overnight! I'm in trouble, and until
neck!
Val tried to calm.
- You do not have the right to lay down their arms without a fight. And stop
revenge
talking about me like a dog. I remind you that I'm on your side.
He gave a little ironic laugh.
- Always ready ... As the scouts!
This time, it was too much! She planted herself in front of him and plunged a hard
look and
cold in his.
- Stop whining a little, if you please! As long as we address
above, we will succeed in solving this puzzle. There is always an explanation
logic!
A joyless smile floated on the doctor's lips.
- Oh yes? So you spend the state of non-licensed physician to the investigator
not graduate?
- I try to help a friend, that's all. In this case, it turns out that this friend is

like a real plague, but what do you want? I can not remake me!
- It is clear that this is not your career is at stake! I might be due
follow your example and give up my medical studies in the way. And
Dora would still be alive ...
She had to provide a superhuman effort to keep from shaking it.
- Denigrate my life choices may help you feel better, anyway, it does
we are of no use to understand what happened to Dora, defended
it.
Nick ran a trembling hand through his hair and breathed a long sigh.
- I'll have the whole hospital and Bar Council on the back ...
- Again, stop complaining, sit down and think. First
hypothesis: the laboratory analysis results are false.

Page 19
- I remind you again that there are always two sets of analyzes, grumbled
Nick, sitting still.
Val nodded, then sat down at his lap.
- Second hypothesis: Dora had not warned you she took another
treatment than those you had prescribed. It happens often enough, and you are
well placed to know that patients do not tell us any consultation. It
may have ingested a drug substance that has interacted with the
antidepressants ...
- All this does not explain the presence of a powerful narcotic in his blood
instead of the anti-inflammatory that I had prescribed.
- Right ...
A brief silence fell.

- There is a third possibility, Nick sighed, the dark mine. And it is the most
obvious ...
- No, Nick, you would never have prescribed a medication against-indicated in
patients
! You can not do commit this kind of error.
- And yet ... If we also take into account the case of Kent Dawson, one can
I consider two deaths on their hands. Benton will not interfere to establish
parallel and to manage to that obvious medical authorities.
- Wait a minute ... A doctor who is competent and dedicated during shows
years does not become the next day by careless character
capable of endangering the lives of his patients! You know as well as me.
- Maybe, but you admitted yourself that angiography demand for Kent
Dawson was within perhaps a simple human error. It happens that I am
just humans who signed the request for review, which nearly killed him. And
it's also me who cared Dora this morning, if you can call it like that ...
All this would pass for incompetence in the eyes of anyone.
Before Nick's hard to see everything in black, Val felt a sharp anger rising
in her.
- Listen, put in a little of yours! it will be won. I try to keep my composure
cold, to find the solution, and you, all you do is moan and feeling sorry for yourself
out!
- I asked you anything, Val!
This remark made him like a slap. She was silent a long
minute, time to recover from the humiliation that Nick had imposed, and
she jumped.
- Very good. I will not bother you anymore. Moreover, it is better that I go away
before

to impose too hurtful words - yet you deserve good to hear

!
She immediately turned around and opened the door on the fly and violently
slammed
behind her. 4.
Nick hesitated to pass the threshold. Val had opened the door to his first shot
bell, but discovering it there, she had posted mine so hard and closed
he was left speechless.

Page 20
- You do not still think me responsible for what happened in Kent and Dora
? Does he ventured after a long minute.
Without abandoning its hostile air, Val shook his head slowly.
- Committing such negligence is not like you, she said at last. If I thought
that you were able to, do you really think I would lose time to spend in
review all medical records?
While speaking, she was cleared so he could see the show. She had
turned on his computer, near which stood a pile of documents he recognized:
the records she had recovered firm.
- What are you doing exactly? Does he asked, stunned.
Val invited him, and brought him up to the computer and pulled up a chair near the
hers so that there take place. Then, having sat in turn, she slapped
the keyboard.
Dora The folder is flashed on the screen.
- Here is the entire history of the medical history of Dora, it does explained.
- You know, I do not need a computer to remind me. I know them

by heart.
Val breathed a short sigh and patted his keyboard again.
- Thou hast commanded him phenelzine there three months.
- Dora was depressed. During this consultation, I have also recommended
to make an appointment with a psychotherapist. She obviously me
unanswered ...
- You prescribed 40 mg three times a day, Val continued, unperturbed.
- Yes, so what? It is a mix that suited him.
- And now you have prescribed anti-inflammatories.
- I know well! Listen, Val, I can not follow you ...
The young woman slowly turned to him and plunged his eyes glitter
gold in his.
- If one assumes that Dora died of drug intoxication
due to the interaction of two products against-indicated, where it could well be-t
purchase of meperidine?
- A pharmacy ... Moreover, Benton told us himself that Day had confirmed
having delivered the drugs to Dora.
- So concludes Val, it may well be that the error has been committed to the
pharmacy when dispensing medications, not when you've written
the order.
Yielding to a spontaneous burst of joy, Nick imprisoned the face of the young
woman
his hands and dropped him a loud kiss on the forehead. Then his eyes
met the Valley and he froze. As in a daze, he brushed the
inch satin cheek and lips parted. Tenderly, he stroked
contour. When he looked up, his desire to be read in the light of Val
his body radiated a soft, strange warmth.

He never would have believed capable of triggering such a reaction at home,

Page 21
he would never have imagined that as chaste caress can be so erotic
Point ...
Naturally, he cocked his head, hearing the urge to grab
sensuous lips, thrilling ...
- No, stop, Val whispered.
He stared at her blankly.
Val then put his hand on his chest and pushed him gently but firmly.
She had never had to do something so difficult, it does mused. And
Yet she was sure of being right.
- Do not kiss me, he repeated it without knowing where she found the courage to
say those words.
Nick pulled away with a sudden movement.
- Excuse me, I thought that ...
- You thought and acted like a man, she just does cut, its coating
About an indulgent smile. You a bad pass and cross, like all
men in this kind of opportunity, you consider sex as a distraction
appropriate to your worries.
- No, I assure you that you're wrong.
- Oh no! she replied, laughing. I know men, just imagine! And
Above all, I know you, you ... I will not take the risk of ruining our friendship
just because you want to forget your troubles for a few hours.
He stopped and stared at length.
- If that's what you think of me, 'said he at last, that means you do me

not know that much. She looked up at the sky.

- I understand that you have low morale right now, Nick. But trying to
seduce me will not change anything.
This remark drew him an amused smile.
- I was not trying to seduce you, or to bribe you, young lady ... I was just
to achieve this.
At these words, Val felt her cheeks redden.
- I think you're presumptuous, it does mumbled. Anyway, I prefer
that we agree on the fact that it was just ... a moment of weakness.
- Do not account especially, Nick replied with a grin.
- I beg you ... we are friends and colleagues. I do not want to lose these links there.
- Who says we lose?
- But just think back to all your love life! if it does exclaimed with a
stupefaction. All your relationships, without exception, are tentative!
- And satisfactory to both parties.
- In my case, I am certain not find any satisfaction
a night stand.
- All my adventures are not without next day, Nick insisted. And what harm
There he will have to have a good time without worrying about tomorrow,
precisely?
I guess you know what it means carpe diem ...

Page 22
- About as well as you know what the word "commitment."
- You know you make me much trouble?
- And I will continue if you do not change the subject. Just keep to admit that I

am not interested and back on topic, if you will.

Nick then reached up and gently pushed a lock of hair falling
on his face. This simple rustle put her to the torture, and she had all the trouble
the world displaying a neutral and serene expression.
- Okay, we'll get right back to work, Nick murmured a
hoarsely. But you are interested, Val, do not say the opposite ...
She pushed his hand with a sudden gesture.
- Not at all. Well, she does chained, would it be possible now to have a
constructive discussion?
- As you wish.
- We absolutely must take a blood sample to Dora
analyze ourselves. We also need a copy of the rebate
drug pharmacy.
- Great idea ... And how do you plan to take to get it back?
She quickly checked his watch.
- For the blood sample is simple ... A trip to
Funeral will suffice.
- In the middle of the night? Nick said sarcastically. You honestly believe that open
the
doors just for us?
- Exactly! We are going to break in. Neither seen nor known.
- You're crazy! Why not wait until tomorrow morning all
Simply?
- Because we do not have a choice, Nick. You honestly think the brother
Dora let you approach the body? And do not forget that orders
Benton has given the hospital must also apply for the funeral home.
Nick thought for a second, then got up.

- You are right. On the way!

Against all odds, their nocturnal expedition took place without incident.
Except perhaps at some point, hearing the noise, they hid in
hastily in a tiny cut. Promiscuity which forced them to tighten
against each other in the dark and awoke the desire to Nick. Val could
ignore it, just as he could not ignore that, although it is defended in to
all her strength, she felt an equally strong desire. However, it
pulled together first. Once the way was free, they went a sample
blood on the body of Dora, then out again as they came to no
wolf. Then, they went directly to the office to fill out an application
analysis that would transmit to their usual laboratory the next day.
Of course, neither one nor the other wanted to mention the incident that had
brought them together
earlier, and that silence weighed terribly them, putting them in a
most embarrassing situation. She knew she would not have the courage to

Page 23
and continue a minute longer and, for their own good in both, it was
this discomfort quickly. So when Nick invited him to drink a beer with
her, she will took the opportunity offered to him.
She climbed the stairs after him which led to his apartment, then took up
on the sofa in the living room while he slipped away in the kitchen.
He came back a minute later with two bottles of lager decapsulated.
- Thanks, it does murmured as he handed him a sitting near her.
However, it did not touch it.
After long hesitation, she took her courage in both hands.

- Nick, it will began very uncomfortable, it is imperative that we dissipions

any misunderstanding. I ... I'm sorry for what happened earlier in
Funeral home, and I would rather we forget all that.
Unable to bear the look of his host, she waited, heart pounding at any
break for a few minutes it seemed endless.
- So you admit that you too, you experience the desire for me, finally commented
Nick. When we found ourselves against each other, I believed in effect
understand that ... - Well, I beg you to excuse me, does she suddenly cut. And
I ask you to forget that.
Nick was silent and still for a long moment, then inexorably, it
closer to her. The forcing him to turn to him, he imprisoned her face between
his hands.
- No, I beg you, stop implored does it in a hoarse voice that seemed
belong to another.
His vulnerability, his tone imploring seemed suddenly to bring the right.
He dropped his hands and stepped away, restoring a healthy distance between
them.
- Sorry ... The day was tough. It is you who are right, I would be the last of
last if I tried to take advantage of you.
She sketched a shy smile.
- Let's say we do not have it easier either ... Besides, I do not believe
you would have benefited me, but a moment of weakness on my part.
- Do not you veil the face, I beg you, he does retorted. This is not a time of
Passenger weakness.
- What?
- You know what I mean. You wanted me just now, and
instantly ...

Annoyed to be pierced through, she defended herself as she could.

- What sufficiency! it does outraged by extending him a good slap on the arm.
Nick was a gently mocking smile.
- I'm not good enough. I'm lucid and honest.
- I do not want you, is that clear?
- Of course yes ...
- Well, that's enough! I had my ineptitude account for tonight. Accompanies me
home, please.

Page 24
- I raccompagnerai you happy ... as soon as you confessed the truth.
Furious, Val encamped before him, arms folded, and glared at him.
- I do not want you, it does repeated, articulating each syllable.
- Attitudes, reactions, actions speak all the world of discourse,
he calmly replied with a smile. Just now, I could do this
I wanted you ...
She raised her arms to the sky, laughing a little too hard ..
- I do not believe my ears! Listen to me, Don Juan ... I feel no
desire for you. As for my reaction just now, you easily understand
it is due to my long celibacy. What do you want, I'm a Woman
other purely biological mechanisms victim on which I can not
Always maintain control. Sorry to disappoint you, she will added with a smile
pinched.
Nick shrugged.
- It's a little far-fetched as an explanation.
- In any case, this is my way of seeing things, and I stand.

Before his stubbornness, Nick capitulated and stood up in turn.

- One day or another will require that you get rendes obviously ...
- This is not the day before tomorrow!
The night was short and full of emotions. Before leaving for the office, Val
gulped three cups of coffee tightened on to restore some order in his
mind and feel completely awake.
When she arrived at the firm, Nick was already in his office. His voice it
managed muffled through the wall. He was on the phone.
She skirted the desert home and mechanically glanced at the clock
mural.
Guy Day would not open his pharmacy before a little less than an hour. If the
test results came back identical to the hospital laboratory, while
no doubt: it would confirm that the error had been committed to the
pharmacy.
She was to restock the cupboards of one of the treatment rooms
when Nick burst into the room.
- That's it, he will cast without preamble. I am suspended! I do not have the right
exercise in the hospital until further notice!
Val stopped and stared at him in amazement.
- How?
- What kind of dirty Benton warned management, regional health authorities
and Bar Council! Nick fumed.
Val vain thinking, she found no comforting words to be given.
Besides, she felt the injustice he was a victim like itself
was personally targeted.
- I'm sure we will have cleared up this mystery by the end of the day,
Does she ventured a tone sorely lacking conviction.

Page 25
Nick ran a trembling hand through his hair.
- And how? I stalled!
- It's true, apparently, but ...
She could not continue because the phone rang at that moment.
She took the call.
- This is Moe Mackey to the device ...
Val knew that patient long enough to know that nothing tone of
voice and his breath short, that something was wrong. - Whether it will happen,
Mr. Mackey? Does she asked, addressing an anxious glance at Nick.
When he described his symptoms - difficulty breathing and decreased
body temperature - it ordered him to be taken to the immediately
cabinet, then hung up.
Immediately, Nick and prepared the treatment room and branchrent
the electrocardiograph. Nancy Halloway, the nurse arrived just five minutes
According to Mr. Mackey, took over and made sure that the latter is comfortably
installed.
- It looks bad shape, she whispered in his ear Valley.
- He said he was vomiting.
- I was talking about Nick. I am aware of what happened yesterday.
Val was a bored face.
- News travels fast, it does sighed.
- It turns out that my younger classmate has the employee's sister
which keeps the cash at the pharmacy. It seems that Mr. Day was in all its forms
when he learned the death of Dora. He argues that stubbornly sent you an email

reported as urgent when he read the prescription written by Nick. It received

the warning about possible interactions of products
Dora was taking, and he returned the green light.
- It is impossible, Val replied, frowning. I was with him.
- You did not leave for a second, that's for sure?
- Just the time to help Dora, she replied after a moment's reflection. But
Anyway, as soon as the computer manipulations unusual, Nick
does not know what to do.
- Well, it is easy to check, says Nancy. Come!
Seconds later, they watched both the computer screen
hospitality.
- There you go ...
Val could not believe his eyes.
There was indeed a warning from the pharmacy and
Nick response.
But nobody could have access to these messages as they were
protected by a password. And outside of itself, only the Nick
knew ... 5.
Nick pulled a jerk the paper web and read carefully the route

Page 26
the electrocardiogram. A priori, nothing abnormal, which was almost eerie
insofar as the plot contradicted the evidence: Moe Mackey had all the
Symptoms of a heart attack.
Not knowing where to turn, he called Val via the intercom and asked
to join him in the hallway. Then he apologized to his patient and left the

consulting room.
Strangely, the young woman wore a worried expression and closed.
- What is wrong? he inquired, alarmed.
- Nothing. What did you mean?
In response, Nick handed her the paper strip on which appeared the route
ECG.
- In your opinion, there he does something that would have escaped me? whispered
in a tone
weary.
This simple question gave rise to a deep compassion in the eyes of Val.
- Do not start doubting each of your decisions ... For me, everything is
normal, it will added after reading the ECG.
- It is also my conclusion. Yet Mr. Mackey really did not look in his
plate ...
- You know people guessing. Trust yourself ... If it seems to you that some
goes wrong, do further investigations.
- These tests are expensive. Bored to prescribe, while the ECG is
normal.
Val looked up at the sky.
- That's exactly why I abandoned my medical studies! You know, there
Sometimes you have to ignore the hard science to rely on his intuition.
- And you think that prescribe a chest x-ray and examination of blood gases,
is to ignore science?
- No. In this case, it is to confirm your intuition thanks to her, although
ECG appears normal.
Nick thought for a second and then sent a knowing wink to the young
woman.

In a few words, she had brought him down to earth and restored confidence in
him.
A minute later, he asked his nurse to program the same day
X-ray examination and a blood test at the hospital to Mr. Mackey. After what,
he received his next patient, a family of five children who all had
symptoms of angina.
The Kessler family had just left his office when Val poked his head
through the crack in the door.
- Nick, can you come? We have a problem ...
He gave her a frightened look.
- Come with me to the floor, she continued, enigmatic.
It therefore followed suit, prey to a mad apprehension, and followed her upstairs.

Page 27
There, she went straight to his desk and turned on his computer.
- Still a computer lesson! if it does exclaimed angrily.
- Sit down and look ...
He complied reluctantly.
- I have messages?
- Opens the first ...
Puzzled, Nick pulled the paper from his wallet on which he had written the word
pass which gave access to their mail. Then he read the contents of the high email
voice.
- "Patient as phenelzine. Meperidine against inappropriate. Reconfirm
the issuing authority ... "But why Guy Has he said anything yesterday? It
deserved more than a mere computer message!

- Do not get excited, it's an added precaution. If a

Order seems inconsistent with the patient's file, the computer of the
Pharmacy identifies the problem and gives the alert. The physician must then
confirm its prescription.
- You mean it's a bug that killed Dora?
- Opens the second message.
Again, he proceeded to the maneuver.
- "Phenelzine treatment interrupted. Meperidine allowed. To deliver on-lefield ... "What is that these cabalistic signs at the end of the message?
- Your personal identification code, Val sighed.
- But, it's obviously a mistake! I did not write this message.
- And yet, I phoned the technicians who run the network
computing. After research, they assured me that there was absolutely no
problem in the program. Everything worked perfectly. On receiving the
wrong prescription, the pharmacy's computer gave the alert and asked
a confirmation that it has obtained ...
- How many times must I repeat to you that I did not send this confirmation,
damn it? He paused and breathed a sigh of frustration.
- Could it be that someone had fraudulently access my mail?
Does he suggested after a few moments of reflection.
- Again, the technicians said no, replied with Val
sorry mine.
- So I'm trapped, is it? It is the sacred word of the technique
and progress against mine!
- You know I'm on your side and that ...
The telephone bell prevented him from continuing. Val took the communication
lasted a few seconds. When she hung up, she was livid.

- Moe Mackey had a stroke in the X-ray room at the hospital, she does mouthed
in a barely audible breath.
Nick and Val had rushed to the hospital.
Enter the school premises did not go without difficulty because agents

Page 28
Security had received strict orders: Nick had no right to enter.
Nevertheless, he was in such a state of rage and frustration that nothing or
could not bar his way. After a few minutes, after
inspected several treatment rooms, they finally dnichrent one where Moe
whereabouts
Mackey. Harold Benton was at his bedside, doing everything to try
revive. When he saw Nick, he glared at him.
- Get out of here, Landry!
- This is out of question, Nick muttered, clenched jaws fury. Not
before I knew what happened ...
- Your patient was in a pitiful condition on arrival in radiology room. The
technicians took snapshots as fast as possible and we sent him for a
ECG.
- The one I practiced this morning in my office was perfectly normal!
- It seems that you did not know how to read, replied Benton, dismissive. A student
first year would have seen that which has escaped. I can not believe ...
Nick looked down at the screens and heart monitors
breathing.
- Pulmonary embolism, it does whispered, aghast.
- Too bad you have not been able to make this diagnosis a few hours

earlier. We might be able to save Mackey ...

At that moment a nurse entered the treatment room and handed the results
Review Dr. Benton.
- What do the blood gas? Nick uttered with great difficulty.
- Blood oxygen rate close to zero.
Nick stood petrified. During the next hour, he watched helplessly to the show
tragedy of life inexorably leaving the body Moe Mackey, despite
desperate efforts furnished Harold Benton and his team to save him.
A heavy silence hung.
In ordinary times at this hour, the firm rustled the rumor of comings and
comes of patients and staff, and the waiting room was packed. But since
this morning, everything had changed. One after the other, all patients had
canceled their appointment. Some had used false pretenses, other
had been more frank: in short, all they feared for their health and
had lost all confidence in Nick. It seemed that the rumor of the death of Moe
Mackey had spread overnight like wildfire up
the farthest reaches of Montana.
Plagued by a terrible sense of helplessness and failure, Nick sat two
long hours in his office brooding. Then his decision, he
went to the home where he brought Val, Nancy and Tara.
- I'm going to close the office, he will announced without preamble. Or more
accurately, I
going to appoint a Benton colleagues in my place.
Opening his eyes, the three women cried out in unison.
- Do not worry, you will be paid all the he does reassured with a smile

Page 29
forced. And if the firm should shut down, you will find all the
post at the hospital, in the service of Dr. Benton ...
- No, you can not close the cabinet! exclaimed Tara.
- Finally, Dr. Landry, you are not thinking! adds the nurse. Dr. Benton
did you ever made any flower, why should it be that ...
Nick stopped him with a gesture.
- Everything will be fine. Benton will be delighted to these new responsibilities. He
adores
the power. I assure you that I do not go away with a light heart, but I'm
forced to go to the obvious: no one will want to be Jasper
care if I stay here. I have no choice ...
Mechanically, he turned his attention to Val, who had not yet delivered the
single word. Disapproval he read in his eyes pierced his heart. It
could not express more violently disagreed by this obstinate silence.
However, as he had not the courage to quarrel with her, he did not add
a word, turned and went back to his office.
Val waited for Nancy and Tara are parties to rush in office
Nick. A mixture of anger and frustration boiled in his veins, and
knew she did not have the strength to keep it all for her a minute
more.
As soon as she reached the door, she went on the attack without giving time Nick
to open his mouth. - Really, it's you all over!
- I beg your pardon?
He might play the innocent, he could not hold his gaze! It
So had the advantage, so enjoy.

- Do not be silly! You know what I mean: it comes to your

annoying habit of taking your legs around your neck as soon as the slightest arises
problem, and especially to avoid conflict. However, let me remind you
two people died and that your career is at stake.
She had stung, maybe even hurt because he glared at her.
- I know two people died, replied coldly. And if it was
my power, I will bring them back to life immediately.
As he spoke, he got up to come to camp in front of her, probably in the
aim to impress. But she did not back an inch and held his gaze.
- I'm not asking you to raise the dead, of course. But I can not
to believe that you can sit back and do nothing to defend yourself or
discover the truth.
A muscle quivered on the jaw Nick clenched with fury.
- You're crossing the line, Val ...
- You're trying to intimidate me? You threatened to send me back, right? Well, at
If you would be you did not notice, I remind you that it is I who have gone
reviewed the records of all patients, one by one, I who set four
to go take a blood sample from a corpse to the funeral, I
yet who called IT technical services ...

Page 30
- And I already thanked for this! What do you want more?
Nick was downright yelled his last sentence, so that it was a movement
back. But she pulled herself together soon.
- I want you to stop moaning you and you try to understand what

happens! Does she cried in her turn. Benton is currently working behind the scenes
and
uses all these dramas against you! You know, and you have not the right to let
do!
- You honestly believe that I have any leeway with regard
Benton and his dirty work?
- Here we are! As soon as you feel that you lose control of a situation,
something escapes you, you resign. This is typical of you:
the slightest concern, you prefer to distance and wait rather than you
fight.
- This is wrong! I just go to the evidence and ...
- Allow the problems you have had with your mother govern all your life!
An oppressive silence fell. For a few seconds she felt
Nick was going to slap his fist in the face. And no doubt it succeeds in
help it in extremis, judging by the fury that darkened his
look ...
- Excuse me, she said, aware of being gone too far.
- Leave my problems with my mother govern my life, you say? Does he repeated
the
clenched jaws.
- Yes, she does nodded, lowering of a tone. Apparently, this happened in
your family led you to think that if problems arise, the best course to take
is that of inaction. "Wait and see come" ... This is a principle that you
sadly seem to apply to all areas of your life.
He stared at her in silence, then let out a mirthless laugh.
- You do not know what you mean ...
Val took a deep breath and tried to calm.

- Your ability to compartmentalize your emotions and your professional life,

example, makes you a good doctor. You keep your cool at all
circumstances, and you know to get you out of the most difficult situations with a
serenity
that commands respect. However, I think you do not have ...
- Require that you play psychoanalysts small-time, thank you, it will completed,
a challenge in his voice.
Hurt, she gave him a pained look.
- Oh, after all, going to hell! Does she dropped with a shrug.
I will not waste my time trying to help someone who has decided to
sinking costs.
- I did not ask you to help me.
- Very good.
- Perfect.
Angry and terribly sad, she turned and went out, slamming

Page 31
Nick violently door behind her desk.
Moments later, she slammed violently just as that of the firm,
then the door of his car, without feeling the slightest provided
relief.
Lord, why this Nick Landry's stubborn and he had the gift of
make off its hinges? How was she able to help now?
6.
To top the day certainly be among the worst of his life,
Val began to feel the first symptoms of a severe cold on the way

home. His fight with Nick had exhausted, also it does lay on the couch
hoping to relax and calm down.
She must have deep sleep several hours because when she awoke in
start, it was pitch dark. Unfortunately, his nap was not helped: it
head was enclosed in a painful vise, sore throat, and she had a
crazy bad breath. In addition, unpleasant nausea raised her stomach ...
As she tried to sit up, she was shaken by a violent coughing fit
who left panting without forces. Drained of all energy, she fell back on
sofa.
She might try not to panic, it was obvious she was going from bad to
worse. Now his vision was blurred to the point that she thought he had a
hallucination. A
briefly, a figure wearing a hooded sweat appeared at the
window, silhouetted in the darkness, to disappear immediately like a ghost.
Entering dizziness, she began to cough so hard that she lost half
knowledge. She was leaving and could do nothing. But suddenly it seemed
recognize the familiar voice of Nick. As in a dream, she heard through her
misty consciousness as people bustled around her.
The price of a superhuman effect, she finally managed to open his eyes and saw
Nick.
Leaning over her, staring at her with a crazy anxiety.
- I need oxygen, quickly! he yelled.
She tried to move, but a stabbing pain radiating through his body.
- Above all, be quiet, ordered Nick. Your pulse is normal.
A moment later, a paramedic brought an oxygen tank. Nick put a
mask on his face and ordered him to take long, deep
inspirations. Every breath of air, his atrocious migraine dissipated somewhat

more, and soon it also recovered normal vision. This allowed him to
found that a group of firefighters and paramedics had invaded his
salon. When she felt so weak, she sat up and sat down.
- What happened? Does she asked, in a voice choked by the mask he who
covered the lower part of the face.
- A gas leak, Nick dropped. This is good, it will added at the
Rescuers, you can board the ambulance ...
Val tore his mask with a sudden gesture.
- No, no ambulance, she does protested. I'm fine now.

Page 32
- You'll do what I tell you, Nick replied in a tone that brooked no
reply. It is imperative that we measure your blood levels monoxide
atoms and that you remain under observation for a few hours.
- I tell you that I feel better ... And besides, what is that
this gas leak story?
Seth's brother Nick and Sheriff of Jasper, had joined them.
- You're lucky that Nick has passed unexpectedly, he does commented,
tenderly wrapping a friendly look. It was less a ...
- But, how could it have been a gas leak? I did that
electrical appliances!
- The leak came from the auxiliary heater that is in your kitchen, explained
Nick. You know, the one you stole the firm, he will added with a smile
amused.
She shook her head vigorously.
- I've never been, and I know what he did here.

- Look, Val, it does not matter ... We are used it more. And any
so I agree that you collect ...
- But, I repeat that I did not bring that damn backup heating here
! defended her.
Nick brushed her cheek with a caress.
- We'll talk later. Poisoning by carbon monoxide
often lead to memory disorders passengers. Come on ...
Assisted by his brother, he dragged out in the open.
- I assure you I do not know how this heater was left at home,
Does she continued feverishly searching his memory. I came home, I
prepared a cup of tea and I lay on the couch with my cat ... Oh,
my cat! Where is he?
- Do not worry, it's safe.
- Ah ... Then I fell asleep and when I woke up, I saw ... Is what you
looked out the window? Does she asked, frowning.
- Yes. As you did not answer, I took a look in the living room. And I've
view, lifeless on the couch.
- That was the second time, launched a male voice.
Everyone turned toward the man who had just spoken. It was Mr.
Erickson, nearest neighbor Valley, came to give his version of events. - How to
that, the second time? Nick was surprised.
- Yes. In the early evening, I saw your 4x4 parked in front of Miss Greene.
- Impossible! Are you sure it was mine?
- Sure! I recognized the horizontal stripes that adorn the body.
While Mr. Erickson spoke, the officer who accompanied Seth
wrote down his words carefully in a small notebook.
- I saw your Cherokee, and almost immediately there was all that fuss,

pursued the neighbor.

Page 33
- It was not my 4x4! Nick insisted.
- Regardless, Seth intervened. We will check that later. If you emmenais
Val in the cabinet?
- Yes, you're right. Val, get in the ambulance and commend the damn mask
oxygen, understand?
- More ...
- There is no "but" that takes. I will follow the ambulance 4x4. A completely
time.
An hour later, fully recovered, Valle was sitting on the sofa in the living room
Nick.
- You made me such a fright commented it by sitting next to her.
- Listen, it will hesitantly began, first of all, I would like
clarify something: I have not reported the auxiliary heating cabinet at
i. It is true that I get everything I can so as to benefit
residents of the reserve, but I never took anything for my
personal use.
Nick waved his remark a shrug.
- It does not matter.
- If, on the contrary! I do not want you to think that I will fly!
Nick put his hand on his knee. To contact, she froze.
- You know, I'm still angry against you, it does watched, clutching at
first excuse came not to be distracted by the delicious thrill that the
went through a whole.

He pretended to be offended.
- What an injustice! I remind you that I just save your life!
- And I thank you. Nevertheless, I am still angry. Moreover, it
must ...
She stopped outright furious against herself and plagued by a terrible
embarrassment.
The words had passed his lips without having had time to hold them. And he
was too late. Judging by the penetrating gaze which enveloped Nick, he had
well aware of the disorder he aroused in her.
- It must be so? Does he repeated in a slightly hoarse voice. And for what reason?
- Because ... Because you may well have saved my life, my grievances to yourself
have not changed.
Nick sketched a knowing smile. Obviously, he was jubilant to see entangle
in its contradictions and get overwhelmed by emotion. He did not hesitate
Besides pushing its advantage is dangerously close to her.
Now, their lips were more than a few centimeters.
The heart pounding, Val drew deep within itself to
dominate the overwhelming desire rising in her.
- Stop, I beg you, she whispered weakly.
A fierce gleam in the eyes of Nick, who, to his relief,

Page 34
complied. He got up, retrieved the documents placed on his desk and he
handed. Val acknowledged the header of Pharmacy at first glance.
- Who brought them to you? she asked, browsing the good delivery
drugs.

Nick sat down next to her.

- No one. I went to look for myself, as a great. I asked
Guy print a copy.
- You would take you finally in hand? Does she quipped. Congratulations! And
then?
- Well, it has unfortunately confirmed what we already knew. I have
also contacted the laboratory analysis which we have entrusted
blood sample from Dora. No doubt about it: Dora is
died of drug intoxication due to the interaction of products
incompatible.
Val breathed a sigh of frustration.
- So I was hoping that we would get a new track, or the
invalidate those lab results from hospital.
Nick shook his head sadly.
- I admit that too. Knowing that I could have prevented the death of Dora me ...
- At least we know for sure what she died, cut Val.
Nick remained pensive a minute.
- That's right. However, we do not know why.
- The combination of antidepressants and anti-inflammatory results in a well
respiratory distress? Val ventured.
- I'm not talking about the cause of death, but why Dora
dead. Why her, why now?
Val frowned, increasingly perplexed.
- I'm not you ...
- She was murdered.
Val remained speechless amazement.
- Come on, you did not kill intentionally, she replied when she

regained his voice.

- Me no. I know I did not kill her. But someone murdered, is
certain. I do not know how and by what means that someone managed to access
our computer system. In any case, he or she has managed to Dora
taking a drug that was not intended for it.
Val began a long minute to be convinced of the logic of this reasoning. Finally, let's see, who might have a grudge to Dora to commit a murder?
In addition, it would have taken that person know that she needed to take
analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
- I must admit that that question is still extremely vague, sighed
Nick. However, I see no other possible explanation for the death of Dora.
- It's still really far-fetched ... but the hypothesis of a
intention to kill perhaps should not be discounted too quickly.

Page 35
- Your enthusiasm is nice to see, commented Nick chuckled joyless.
A little ashamed, she took his hand and exerted gentle pressure on his fingers.
- I assure you that I do not try to shower your hopes. I'm trying to
keep a cool head and show me realistic.
- It is imperative that I discover the truth, as he said to himself, with
vulnerable and painful expression. And I need help. Your help, Val ...
She smiled at him tenderly.
- That's what friends are for, she replied in a tone as light as possible,
anxious to lighten the mood.
Then Nick laid eyes on her and stared at length, in silence. Under his
penetrating gaze, she suddenly felt as laid bare. Feeling

terrifying and wonderful at the same time.

- I need you, he does repeated hoarsely.
Heart pounding, she saw him slowly bring his lips to hers.
She should get up, do something, anything to break the magic
for the moment, but a desire of such intensity had overwhelmed his reason
no longer obeyed. Only his sense dictated their law ... When Nick's lips
brushed hers, everything changed in a flash. Of themselves, his arms
lovingly knotted around her partner's neck and she offered any
his soul kiss, first shy and tender, who became greedy and quickly
passionate.
At the edge of vertigo, she suddenly felt that Nick departed. Disoriented, she
sought his eyes.
- Excuse me, it does murmured. I do not ...
- Me neither, it does stammered in a trembling voice, trying with difficulty to
regain consciousness. Funny how we can be overwhelmed by ...
Embarrassed, she left her sentence unfinished.
Nick does not believe his own senses.
Val should have reacted quickly, getting angry, maybe even slap at
Instead, she had enjoyed it just as much as the delicious kiss ... It was
do not understand it, and above it was unfair. How after that find
strength to help again? And yet, he had no choice ...
Reluctantly, and at the cost of superhuman effort, he restored a safe distance
between
them.
- We should not have, does he watched shyly.
Val, his confusion and disorder now seemed fun, gave him a
gently mocking smile.

- It seems to me you have already said.

- It's funny ... You do not accuse me of using sex to forget my
worries ... Not even to have crossed the line ...
At these words, she burst into a hearty laugh.
He did not know where he got his serenity - perhaps its obvious trouble him but in any case, he felt not at all embarrassed.

Page 36
- You aggravated your case, Nick, it does joked.
- Honestly, I do not understand one second the meaning of this remark.
She laughed heartily.
- There really is not enough to make a state case, it does teased. These
days have been full of excitement for all of us. Myself,
I almost died a while ago. I guess that's why
we kissed. We very well know where we were.
Creased its casualness, he gave him a disapproving look and annoyed.
- Maybe, but it does not explain the intensity of your reaction ....
- That is to say?
- There is a big difference between a simple kiss ... and passion that we
animated at the moment.
- You flatter me, she does quipped. So you felt passion? It's funny, it's
Air surprise you ... You never would have thought that kissing a woman like me
could upset you that much, right?
- No, it's not at all what I meant! Does he protested, plagued by more
extreme confusion. I just do not think you ... That I ...
- Well me, Val cut by dipping his right eye in his, I was

sure that if we embraced one day, it would be for me an experience

shattering.
Dry throat, completely distraught, he said nothing.
- Well, if we returned to your theory about the murder of Dora? suddenly launched
Val.
- Uh ... Yes, if you want.
- Assuming that Dora was killed intentionally, what about Dawson and Kent
Moe Mackey? You think someone could blame them at the point of attacking
to their lives?
- Why not? I am certain to have written the right prescription for
Kent.
- But it is your signature at the bottom of the order. - This is indeed the
problem ... I am required to sign every day an incredible amount of
papers of all kinds. Maybe I signed this order in the
stride, without paying real attention.
- Maybe ... But this does not explain how, if Dora Kent
had enemies, they would have been able to access their medical records and
know what drugs put their lives in danger.
- Someone may be broken into the office, it does ventured.
One suggestion Val swept a backhand.
- Impossible. And the alarm system? The firm is almost better guarded than
Fort Knox. And above all, you're almost always on site. If by chance you are
not there, there is necessarily Nancy, Tara or me. To prevent you from committing
the odd
your life, I will assume that you spread me immediately suspicious of the list.
This leaves Nancy and Tara ... What would the interest either to harm

Page 37
your patients?
- Because Nancy was already working for Dr. Gibbs when I took the
cabinet, I guess we can remove also the list.
- Tara also ... It is completely harmless, it is obvious!
- Yes, it is true that she did not really have the profile of a serial killer.
Furthermore, it
loved Dora. As for Kent, she knew almost as
view. Nevertheless, chained Does it after a short break, I can not help but
to think that we wanted to kill Dora and Kent.
- And what do you Moe Mackey?
- He's different. Pulmonary embolism does not prevent, unfortunately.
- That's right. But the fact remains that his first electrocardiogram should have
alert us.
- And yet, you like me found it was perfectly normal. According to
me, Moe's death is a tragic accident. However, it is clear that
we wanted to murder Dora and Kent. So it would first that we may live
little investigation to find out if they had any enemies, or people likely to
blame them. I can ask Seth to check the records of the
police if there was no complaint or any dispute.
- Good idea! From our side, we dbrouillons to get their hands on the file
Kent in the hospital.
- What for? This was my signature.
- The prescription was written here, Val thought aloud. We have one
copy of the file in the cabinet, Kent won a copy to the hospital, and
the hospital received directly via the Internet. It would have we recover the

triplicate to compare the signatures.

- Great! Does he exulted. Not only beautiful you are, but you're also extremely
Intelligent ... 7.
Val had no time to dwell on the discomfort aroused in her that
compliment, because Seth burst into the room, out of breath from the mounted
stairs four at.
- We have a big problem, it does launched without preamble.
She exchanged a worried look with Nick then turned back to Seth.
- Gas heating, clarified the latter in response to their unspoken question.
- No need to stop Val, I'm not a complaint, commented Nick.
A joke that literally fell flat.
- Heating was tampered with, Massena Seth. I'll spare you the details, but
someone intentionally removed the safety valve. These are the results of
initial findings, other studies are ongoing police laboratory
scientist. We try to address among other fingerprints. But the
is not the worst ...
- Finally, who could have done that and why? Val asked, dumbfounded.
- I do not know. But I repeat that there is worse, unfortunately.
Seth paused, hesitating. He was obviously something very serious to their

Page 38
advertise and could not find his words.
- What can you imagine worse than the fact that someone has made an attempt to
Val life? Nick interjected.
Seth shrugged and sighed.
- Whether you're the main suspect, said he finally dipping his right eye

in that of his brother. The officer who accompanied me was back in

testimony of Mr. Erickson to the federal authorities. Which seem to
think that you introduced this faulty heating purposely in order to Val
eliminate it.
- This is ridiculous! Val cried in a trembling voice. Finally, let no one
can believe for a second that Nick would want to hurt me, to me or to anyone
or, for that matter ...
Seth ran a trembling hand through his hair.
- I do not believe anything either, of course. But it turns out that the management
of
hospital accuses Nick of intentionally endangered the lives of its
patients. Two of them died. Moreover, federal police
asked Nancy Halloway and Tara Bishop. The nurse said that you
were violently disputed this morning.
- And then? It happens to us almost every day! Val protested.
- Maybe, but if Nick has escaped custody, it is only because
Tara Bishop refused to corroborate About Nancy Halloway.
- Custody? Nick articulated with effort. No, I do not believe for a moment that
my nurse think I would want to hurt Val.
- She does not think so, indeed. I spoke with her, she wants
terribly. She made it clear that there was nothing extraordinary and that
investigators had misquoted. Good thing Tara Bishop did not
abounded in its direction, otherwise ...
- I'll send her flowers to thank her. Maybe we should get in
contact with federal order to dispel this misunderstanding ...
- Absolutely not! Benton has gone before us and, believe me, he hath described as
the worst

crooks and murderers. What have you done to him so hates you so much
?
Nick shrugged.
- No big deal. I had to make him shade in medical school,
it was already not so much friends. The problem is that it did not
calmed down since.
- And you had an affair with his wife, Val intervened.
Seth shook his head with a sad look.
- But it was there for ages! Nick protested. At the time, it was not
Benton married. He should understand that this is ancient history.
- In any case, she did not appreciate getting thank her, she added, will
concentrating on Nick.
- She was a nurse? inquired the latter, as for himself.

Page 39
- Yes. She worked at the hospital until last year. In fact, it is
party at the time of the birth of her second child.
- How is she ever does call? Sandy? Sara?
- Susan. You think, all the same it would be behind this story
?
- You say that she did not like to "to thank" Seth intervened.
How does she took the thing exactly?
- Very, very wrong.
- It was there for years, Nick watched this conversation seemed
embarrass the highest point. I'm sure she has forgotten everything.
- It is not at all certain that you have forgotten, you, Val insisted. It could very

well want to take revenge.

Seth intima their silence with a gesture.
- Wait a minute ... You have reviewed the people likely
to be something to do with the death of Dora?
- Dora Kent, Val corrected. Although it has fortunately escaped in.
In a few words, she put Seth aware of their deductions. Seth noted with
each carefully the information it gave him.
- No one else has access to the office? inquired when he was silent.
- Not that we know, 'said Nick. In any case, one thing is certain: someone
has managed to find the key to our computer system, access to
patient medical records, modify the requirements and divert
messages.
- As for me, Seth continued after a moment's reflection, I will consult
font files and check if I can establish any link between Dora and
Kent.
Nick thanked him with a smile.
- Even though you would discover a link between them, intervened Val, this
does not clarify the mystery gas heating.
A deep embarrassment here is Nick traits.
- Maybe the person who wanted to Dora Kent wants you to me ...
support and stay with me.
- I'm not the only one. What are you doing for your brothers, Nancy and Tara?
Why
I choose to target?
- Well, perhaps our relationship it seems a little strange or ...
incomprehensible Does he ventured hesitantly.
In any case, it was felt that it.

He regretted enormously from having yielded to the urge to kiss Val for besides
that
blurred maps, this made it even more difficult situation. But he had
really no need to further complications right now ...
Lest Val does not read him like an open book, he walked her his
brother, made excuse to give himself time to recover.
- I'll prepare the guest room, it will announced his return in the lounge.

Page 40
- Okay, it does nodded in a whisper.
Curiously, she was disappointed air. Or he imagined she felt the
disappointment because in feeling himself? In fact, he had tried to
convinced that offering to sleep in the guest room, he preserved
the privacy of the young woman. Noble pretext which, if he showed honest it
could not believe for a second. It was actually to protect itself and
reactions that would probably not be controlled. Certainly, his brothers
were right: it was a terrible womanizer.
How sad ... Previously, it had never asked him any problems,
but today for the first time in his life, he felt a less-than-nothing
immature, superficial and without any interest. Above all, he was completely
lost and helpless.
It was not without difficulty, but Val had managed to convince Nick to wait
a coffee while she would try to go get copies of
prescriptions in patient records stored in the hospital. Luckily, she
managed to go smoothly to the secretariat archives and, above all, to avoid
Harold Benton.

Now that she was facing Mike, the young attendant archives, it was
use the greatest finesse. And the need to charm him he seemed reluctant.
After all, desperate times call for desperate measures!
- Hello, Mike, she said with her most radiant smile.
- Hello, miss Greene.
- Tell me, I have a favor to ask you. I would need to call one
Dr. Landry patients who recently underwent tests here at the hospital, but
seems to have changed number. So I thought, maybe, the hospital
had its new coordinates ...
- How does he call?
- Kent Dawson.
On behalf of Dawson, Mike's smile froze.
- Sorry, I received strict instructions: I do not have the right to entrust the
Dr. Landry any information without first referring to Dr. Benton.
- But I'm not Dr. Landry, does she protested in a tone flirtatious.
- Unfortunately, I fear that Dr. Benton did not hear this
ear.
- He will not know anything. I will keep the secret, promise sworn ... Please, you
m'teriez of a sticky foot.
The young man hesitated a moment, then he capitulated with a sigh.
- It's good because it's you.
He rose and disappeared into the back room and came back a minute later with the
Folder Kent Dawson.
Val had a hard time keeping a neutral expression when, in reality, it
triumphed inwardly.
- Is Dr. Landry became completely crazy? Mike inquired.

Page 41
- Of course not! What question!
- Because it is rumored that runs throughout the hospital. It even appears that
Federal police officer interrogating the staff.
Val sketched a knowing smile.
- In this case, it would be better that I do not dwell too.
- Oh, do not worry, he already visited. He wanted a copy of
files Kent Dawson, Dora Simms and Moe Mackey.
- Why Moe Mackey? she asked, alarmed.
- I do not know. Besides, it's silly, Dr. Benton had photocopied the
three folders.
Attention had to play on velvet ...
- Ah ... Maybe could I, too, copy the same files? Does forward
it carefully.
Mike looked at her for a moment in silence, then he shrugged.
As he returned to the archive room, Val took the Kent file
and began to leaf through it. She soon found the prescription
allegedly written and signed by the hand of Nick. But as she repelled
leaves that preceded it, a disturbing detail caught his attention: it had the
inch stained black. At this time, Mike came back with the records of Dora and
Moe.
- Is it copies? Does he asked her, intrigued.
- No, it is the original. Why?
Without answering, she licked her thumb she applied to the signing of Nick.
Then she watched her thumb: the signature was drawn on her skin, as
a decal.

- Listen, Mike, rather than risk making me pinching being photocopied

these files and thereby to get you into trouble, I'll take them and
photocopy outside. Agree?
Prey to a feverish excitement, she slipped the files into her purse without
wait for the response, Mike took leave, promising to return with them to the
faster and left the archives.
Walking along the corridors at a normal pace asked him a superhuman effort,
she was so eager to share his discovery with Nick. Once she
crossed the grounds of the hospital, she could not resist one more second and
rushed ran towards the cafe where the doctor was waiting.
As she emerged into the cafe street and was about to cross, she heard
a long screech. She had just enough time to understand it
was hit by a car, then it was the black hole.
She must have lost consciousness for a few seconds. When she opened
eyes, she saw the crazy face of Nick's concern over her.
- I must have scared the driver, it does murmured. How is he?
- It was Tara. She's fine, do not worry. I would say that it seems much
more upset than you. Finally, she had enough presence of mind to call
relief.

Page 42
- Not, I'm fine, it does protested, trying to recover.
But Nick put his hands on her shoulders and stopped.
- Keep quiet, it does commanded in a tone that brooked no reply. You
go to the hospital, and that's all. Gentlemen ... it will added at the
rescuers.

Within moments, the paramedics transferred it in the ambulance.

Nick, the air still worried, watching and directing operations.
On his arrival at the hospital, he led himself in radiology, pushing the
mat on which she lay.
- Look, it's silly, I feel very good. I have nowhere evil and I
move the fingers and toes.
- If you do not shut up in the second, I'll make you do a little trip
stretcher which you will remember long time, threatened Nick smiled.
- Look at my fingers, I'll show you something ...
Nick was a mocking laugh.
- Any inappropriate gesture will obviously be recorded in your record.
- Speaking of records ...
- Landry, what are you doing here? roared Harold Benton, which had arisen close
of them, red with anger, as they entered radiology room.
- I take Val spend radios. You can consult the register of admissions,
it has just been hit by a car.
- Miss Greene will receive the best care, like any other patient.
As for you, you're gonna get out of here right away. I remind you that you are
suspended
until further notice.
- Dr. Landry is my doctor, Val intervened with authority. I want him to rest
my side.
- Miss Greene, you are ...
- A patient who may be suffering from a fracture of the spine or
head trauma, and as such should spend radios urgently.
Making us lose precious time, you put my life in danger, doctor
Benton.

Val suppressed a smile. She had riveted his nail, and obviously, Benton
boiling with rage and impotence. A small victory she was not a little
proud!
- This type has no right to prescribe anything other than aspirin, he concludes
with disdain, addressing the radiology technician.
Then he turned away.
Fortunately, the shots did not show the presence of any fracture, and Val was able
to
rid of the collar encircling his neck. However, it was not
out of the woods because she was to be treated a long scratch
she had the arm. Nothing serious and nothing above that Nick could have
deal, but a nurse reminded them, not without embarrassment, that he
had the right to practice any medical procedure. Also, when Val was installed

Page 43
in a box, it will called internal to treat the wound.
- There you go! finds it after cleaning and put a scratch
dressing. No need for stitches, it is a chance!
Val thanked him with a smile.
- I can go home, then?
At these words, the features of the young doctor darkened.
- I'd rather you stay here for observation that night. You have been
victim of a violent shock, even if you seem fit, it would be
careful.
- Finally, this is ridiculous! Does she protested, seeking support in the eyes of
Nick.

Not a chance because Nick was agreed.

- Dr. Martin is right, does it cut off in a firm tone. At least twenty-four
hours, you have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning and you got yourself
hit by a car. One night under observation in hospital is needed, especially
you have lost consciousness for a few minutes ...
- Species traitor! Does she fumed.
- Traitor me? Do not you claimed earlier to Dr. Benton I was
your doctor? A patient should always go along with the advice of his doctor ...
- Well, I leave you, Dr. Martin interjected, laughing. While you
argue, I'll try to find a room for Miss Greene.
Two hours later, Val, at the height of impotence, began to find
long time. Something was bothering: confused in the chain of
events, she could not remember what had happened to his precious
handbag. What was certain was that she no longer had it with her.
The nurse had checked his constant had just left her bedside
when, finally, Nick entered her room. He had put those two hours advantage
to go get his directions of toiletries and effects
personal.
After laying the bag by the bed, he sat on a chair and smiled.
- How's your arm?
- Very good. I bet I will not even scar. Listen to me ... I think
what happened to Kent Dawson.
- Oh yes? What did you find exactly?
- Imagine that all the requirements sent via Internet are printed on
special paper with black ink, which normally does not stain.
Nick frowned, looking puzzled.
- And then?

- So, I need my purse, and I just do not know where it is located,

she replied, her eyes wandering anxiously around her. Prescription
who was in Kent file seemed normal at first, but it
was not an original. And it was not your signature that was at
bottom of the sheet. I think someone has scanned and reproduced by computer.

Page 44
The documents are in my bag. Do you know where they have laid him?
- Your purse? You mean that old worn leather wallet inform? It me
seems to have seen, indeed.
- Spare me those disgusted air and help me to find it rather so that we
can examine the records of Dora and Moe.
- Why have you recovered Moe file? His case has no relation to those
Dora and Kent.
- Probably, but better check.
- Well, I'll call Seth. The police who came to the scene of
the accident at the time had to report it to the police station, your famous bag
hand ...
Suiting the action to the word, Nick picked up the telephone handset placed on the
bedside table and dialed his brother's number. The conversation did not last long
more than a minute and Nick spoke only a few words. When he hung up, he
wore a somber and concerned.
- Well? Val grew impatient.
- Seth discovered that there was a link between Kent and Dora.
8.
Val called Nick at dawn to come and get it to the hospital. She was hanging

more impatient and had hardly slept, tormented by two large

concerns: the desire to retrieve her purse at the earliest, and that
to finally learn the nature of the famous link between Kent and Dora with Seth
had spoken the day before on the phone.
She paced half an hour in the hospital lobby when Nick
finally appeared.
- Well, it's not too early!
- Val, it is six fifty, he does grumbled.
- Exactly! The world belongs to those who get up early. Come on ...
On the authority it dragged out. A minute later, installed on the 4x4
Nick, they borrowed the direction of the police station.
Seth greeted them with a smile. A delicious smell of hot coffee
embalmed his office where they locked themselves all three.
After having served a mug of coffee each, Seth grabbed a thick file and
handed to them.
- The case dates back a dozen years, it does explained. Unfortunately,
I have no recollection of the trial.
Val and Nick approached their chairs in order to play together
documents.
- Kent and Dora were part of the same panel? Nick wondered aloud.
- Yes, in Turner.
- Ah, that tells me something, Val intervened. It was indeed the first man
condemned in this county for raping his own wife, is not it?
Seth nodded and gave them a second folder.

Page 45

- I found the complete summary of the case, the names of witnesses and
jurors. All the people who were involved in some way in this trial are
unfortunately died.
- And Turner? Val inquired. He is still in prison?
- No. He served a sentence of twelve farm and he was released there about three
months.
- Do we know where he is, what he has become since his release from prison? Nick
asked.
- Audits are ongoing. But besides that he served his sentence, under the
laws of this county, there has now prescribed for his crime. Clearly, it is free
to come and go at will.
- And the minutes of the trial?
- They are filed in court. I called there yesterday to ask
one search. They are at your disposal, you can see the results as
today. But the archives of the Secretariat does not open until 8:00.
- Great! exclaimed Nick. Thank you ... Do you mind if we waited here?
- Of course.
- And you did not discover anything about Moe Mackey? Val asked. It has
nothing to do with this case?
- A priori, no, but I'll look more closely.
- Okay. In fact, it will found my purse? A large leather bag ...
I had it with me when I had my accident. It is imperative that I
found. There all my life in this bag.
Seth gave him a puzzled look.
- Your purse? No, I do not think we have reported, but I will
go check ...
When Seth had left the room, Val turned to Nick, frowning.

- I'm in big trouble, she said in a worried voice. The three cases that
we need are in my bag.
- I am sure we will find it. If unfortunately it was lost, we
can always get a new copy of the files.
- This is where the rub ... I took the originals. Mike and I are
agreed on the fact that it was better that I die that I rather
surprise being photocopied.
Nick breathed a deep sigh.
- What a great idea ... You see, I was sure that I should go with you.
- Oh, I beg you. I had bad luck, that's all.
At this moment, Seth came into the office, a large envelope kraft paper to
hand. The envelope contained the photographs taken by the police to the scene of
the accident. After examining them carefully, he shook his head.
- I see nothing that looks like the bag that you have described to me.
Concerned, Val took photos and watched them in turn.
- Me neither, does she sighed. It's very boring ...
- It remains you to call your bank to make opposition to your checkbook and

Page 46
to your credit card.
- Yes, I also have to block my mobile phone, will cut it thoughtfully.
Do you think it is possible to contact witnesses of the accident?
- I'll take care if you want. On your side, you can also ask
rescuers if they have not recovered. That happens in confusion. I know
they have a lot of found objects.
- Heard. Anyway, thank you again for yesterday.

- Oh, you know, when I arrived on the scene, there was nothing to do. Look,
while I think I would need your testimony. It's not in a hurry,
but do not wait too long either. Tara Bishop will certainly need to,
if she does not want to fly the rates of the insurance company.
- But it was not his fault, I assure you ...
- Yes I know. Anyway, witnesses saw you appear like a ball of
canon and practically throw you under its wheels. She could not avoid you. This is
a sign you in you'm unscathed ...
- Well, Nick stepped rising, the court archives secretariat should be
open now. If we go there? *
**
They took leave of Seth and immediately went on foot to the court that was in
two steps of the police station.
Clearly, the secretary was expecting their visit because she immediately took them
in a small room where they would not be disturbed. The records sought by
Seth were placed prominently on a table. They had only to consult,
tedious but unfortunately inevitable.
- Who would have thought that such accumulated paperwork for a two-day trial
only? Val sighed, closing the first folder.
- Lawyers and attorneys love to use twenty words where five would suffice,
Nick grumbled.
- No doctors perhaps?
- Of course not! Doctors need to be concise and precise,
precisely.
She gave him a smirk.
- Concise and precise? Use "laceration" to "scratch" and "body
abroad "to" thorn "is what you call conciseness?

- At least it reassures patients. They say that all these years of study
We were not used to anything.
- Personally, I always thought it was better to know how to use
properly scalpel instead of using a jargon for
common man.
- Really, you care medicine and the medical profession in many low esteem.
It makes you wonder why you chose to have a career.
- At the beginning, I was fascinated. I thought it was a discipline both
heroic and mysterious. Then I found that largely were put

Page 47
focus on technology and science rather than to focus on the patient
as a person.
- All the doctors are not butchers heart without you describe.
- I know well. Simply, I realized that I would never be my
place among them, so I decided to take a different path.
- It's a shame to have dropped so close.
- I admit that I hesitated ... But besides that I was already in debt
to the neck, I was almost certain not to be made for this medicine
it is practiced today. It was better for me on a personal level and
financial, work with a doctor rather than a doctor
myself.
- I understand. Besides, I find your very interesting contribution. You open
to other perspectives patients and you allow them to explore a bit
alternative medicines. As long as it remains within reasonable limits ...
She raised her eyebrows with an ironic expression.

- You have the art of the compliment, tell me. Finally, Nick, I'm not stupid. I have
never advised a patient with cancer to go berry picking
in the forest to heal instead of following chemotherapy needed.
- This is not what I said. In fact, I tend to agree with your theories
Abuse of antibiotics and the need to have a healthy diet
preventive, curative and even in some cases of diabetes. And to be frank,
in my eyes, you're a real gem. All physicians should have a
assistant like you.
- Totally agree! Well, if we we hand at work?
Nick nodded, and they both dived immediately into reading the minutes
Turner trial.
- Do you realize that Carl Turner never denied raping his wife?
Val commented after a quarter of an hour. He just repeated over and over again
she was consenting. It's a bit silly, no?
- In these circumstances, it would be illogical that he fed some resentment that
either to the jurors who convicted, especially for twelve years,
Nick adds. To which the accused, this could include,
obviously ...
- That's right. You do not have the impression, reading the files, it is no bad guy
not very smart?
-. If this is hard to imagine crude thick in the process of hatching a careful and
complicated that ask him sharp medical knowledge ...
- As well as computer skills, completed Val.
The defeat mine, Nick breathed a sigh shot.
- Conclusion, we are on the wrong track. It remains a point
common between all these cases.
- Which one?

- Me.

Page 48
- What are you talking about? You had any interest in trying to murder
Dora or Kent?
- No, of course ... Well, no need to waste our time here, we learn
nothing interesting. I invite you to lunch? We could go to the restaurant.
- And why not at home? I have a copy of all my papers to the office, I
could take the opportunity to call the bank and my telephone operator.
- As you wish. *
**
While Nick was preparing a meal upstairs, Val had settled in his office
to pass the phone calls necessary for the cancellation of his package
mobile phone, credit card and check book.
All by waiting on the line, the time standard of the various
institutions she had to contact the return of voicemail
music on hold, she mechanically turned on the computer and opened files
Dora Simms, Kent Dawson and Moe Mackey.
If Nick was the only link between these three people, then comparing their
records it would perhaps highlight elements that it
have escaped so far, and why not, to direct a new track ...
However, after a half hour of waiting interspersed with discussions with
interlocutors she manages to have the phone in the meantime, he had to
well to face the facts: if there was a medical common point between
Dora, Kent and Moe, it was not apparent to him. Everything seemed normal
desperately,

there was not even anything in common between their medical history,
pathologies or their birth dates. Nothing at all, she had not the slightest
little clue to their teeth ...
Plagued by a terrible frustration, she decided to change the method: it created
a dummy file name, and then, much like you throw a bottle into the sea,
she entered the same medical data as Kent Dawson and a tapa
identical to the prescription ordered by Nick. Then she went to the
adjacent room to retrieve the copy she had printed. Again, a
deep disappointment awaited him: everything perfectly consistent, there was no
any mistakes. The computer system was not involved.
- Damn, she muttered angrily crumpling the sheet before throwing
in the wastebasket.
- What's happening? Nick asked after her.
Startled at the sound of her voice, she turned away abruptly.
Their eyes riveted to each other, and suddenly the atmosphere is electrified. In a
Flash, Valle found himself a prisoner of Nick's arms.
Lump in his throat, she thought her heart would leap out of his chest. The time
seemed to stand still ... the fierce light that burned the eyes of Nick
not left no doubt: at that moment, he felt a desire equally
violate it.
She had a word to say, she knew, to avoid catastrophe. It was his

Page 49
last chance. If she consented to this embrace, he would have to comply with
Nick conditions and expect nothing in return a short-lived adventure.
Take it or leave it ... However, the decision to accept or reject

incumbent upon him, but he would have required it to be able to think. Gold
burning desire she had of him suddenly engulfed in a torrent and
lost all sense of caution.
Sliding a trembling hand in the thick brown hair Nick, she forced
to look up at her.
Nick took impetuously offered her lips. The hugging passionately, he
devoured his face eager kisses, which plunged into a whirlwind of the
exquisite sensations. As in a daze, she felt that Nick was lifting
land to take her to the treatment room. There he laid her on the bed and
lay down beside her.
Neither one nor the other thought of one moment to the incongruity of the place, as
they
felt the compelling, visceral need, to satisfy their desire. But in the heat
their embrace, they rolled to the side and ran into the electrocardiograph that
fell to the ground in a crash.
Panting, they froze their astonished eyes riveted to each other.
Nick was the first to return to reality.
- Hell, he does mumbled, sitting up to watch the disaster.
The device, which cost a fortune, lay at their feet, to pieces.
Rising, he picked up the paper roll that had unwound on the floor. The
plastic cover was shattered, exposing the needle ink jet
was used to register the layout of pulsations. Walking mechanically his eyes on
debris while he wrapped the paper strip on itself, he stopped
suddenly.
- Look! if it does exclaimed, pointing the needle.
In one movement, both bent to observe the needle more
closely.

Their discovery left them speechless. Someone had removed the small bracket on
which was supposed to rest the needle inkjet. To measure correctly
the electrical activity of the heart muscle, the needle was inserted into a support
that sustained while allowing it to respond to pulses. Its oscillations
thus inscribed on the paper web. But someone had crudely
fixed by means of a piece of tape.
- Branch the device, Nick ordered in a flat voice.
Val complied. Miraculously, the electrocardiograph set off. Since its
electrodes were placed on the chest of a patient, he could not detect
no cardiac activity and a straight line should have appeared on paper.
Gold, swayed needle to draw a classic layout, one of a patient
would not pose a heart condition.
- It is a normal electrocardiogram, commented Val scared.
- And perfectly identical to that of Moe Mackey, Nick completed.

Page 50
At this time, the characteristic ring that emitted when the printer
delivered a copy sounds. Val sent a puzzled look to Nick, then
rushed into the next room.
- Nick, come quickly!
He soon joined. Standing near the printer, Val observed that the sheet
had in hand with a look of total incomprehension.
As he approached, she looked up at him.
- It's getting worse, it does murmured.
9.
- You want me to make you an angiogram? Nick was surprised.

Val shook her head.

- It makes no sense.
- Unless you have cardiac problems ...
- This is not what I wanted to say, she does clarified by plunging his eyes into
that of Nick. There is a serious malfunction in our computer system.
- Perhaps, but in any case it is not the computer system that has tampered
the electrocardiograph. It might be better if I called Seth, it does suggested
while Val typed at full speed on the keyboard of the computer.
Someone inevitably introduced into the cabinet.
- Yes, call him ... I'll just be a minute.
Step by step, she began computer simulations to which it had
process earlier and waited for the prescription so the printer.
Meanwhile, Nick called his brother and then waited for the results of
operations by walking up and down in the office.
- This requirement is perfect, commented Val when the paper was
printed.
The second copy was just as normal as the first.
- This is to tear his hair, she does grumbled reading and rereading the two
sheets. We are in big trouble ...
As she finished her sentence, Seth appeared on the desk of the threshold. He had to
enter
his words because he wrapped them both an alarmed look.
- If you clairais my lantern? Does it launched.
It was Nick who undertook to explain what they had discovered about
the electrocardiograph. For its part, Val continued typing feverishly on
the keyboard.
- Did you know the signs of a break? Seth inquired after asking for

phone that sends a team of forensic science.

- I forgot allergies! Val exclaimed a victorious tone.
The brothers stared at her without understanding as she entered her
fictional record any allergies Kent Dawson suffered. Then she pulled the
touch that enclenchait automatic checking.
- Well, I'm going to inspect the exterior, Seth announced.
As soon as they were alone, Nick approached her.

Page 51
- What are you going to prove by ordering these tests?
She paused, time to put some order into the bubbling
ideas she had in mind, then she looked up at Nick.
- I simply created a fictitious file in my name where I came from
medical data identical to those of Kent Dawson. And computer launched
printing an application entirely appropriate examinations.
- Which proves that I did not err ...
- All right. A few minutes later, I started printing a second
document.
- A duplicate?
- No, rather a test to verify that the computer did have "understood" that
saw history of allergy I had entered, there was a risk of shock
anaphylactic, and would signal. Now, look what came out, she added, it does
showing the document. The computer does not report any problems. This
why Kent Dawson narrowly escaped death closely.
- But then it's obviously someone in the office ...
- Not necessarily. Anyone with a little talent can take computer

remote control your computer using a kind of virus which

called "Trojan horse". It is then very easy to send a
order or erroneous application of examinations at the pharmacy or hospital.
- Nevertheless, the attacker must still imitate my signature.
- With a scanner, is simple. Then just do a copy and paste,
and voila.
Nick was silent for a long minute.
- Is there a way to detect the presence of one of these famous virus?
- Probably, but here we reach the limits of my powers in
material. Seth could perhaps call a specialist to the rescue ...
At that moment, Seth joined them. He had spent the outskirts of the firm
comb and did not notice anything special.
So she told him what she had found and submitted his hypothesis.
When she had finished, Seth contacted the police lab again
Scientific and asked the help of an IT specialist.
- I like much when criminals use more traditional weapons
He sighed wearily.
- Assuming that the police lab technicians are able to unravel the son
this mess, we finally know who is behind all this dark
history, commented Nick.
- I would not want to play the birds of ill omen, but I doubt it,
Val intervened.
- Why?
- This is not the work of a schoolboy prankster but that of a real criminal. The
stalking will not be easy and inevitably take time.
- Val is right, adds Seth. The FBI has hundreds of agents on business

Page 52
like which, for now, give nothing or not much. They arrived on
usually explain how things happened, but identification
criminals take infinite time. In my view, as this puzzle is not
resolved, you should keep a low profile.
- But I no longer exercises! Nick protested indignantly. What you want me to do
moreover? If only I knew for what purpose someone so much trouble for
harm me ...
- Let's start with what we have established with certainty, suggested Val. We know
that
your computer has been reprogrammed or manipulated remotely ...
- So do believe I'm mad or incompetent the day
next to the point of endangering the lives of my patients, Nick completed.
- Who could hate you so much? Seth asked.
Nick looked up at the sky.
- No, let's see ...
- And yet we try to harm you severely, obviously, watched Val. The
person is necessarily animated by a fierce hatred or need
vengeance. I'm even willing to bet that it is also she who tampered
the electrocardiograph.
- Obviously, I guess you did not see anyone approaching this
camera ... Seth intervened.
Nick and Val pondered a minute.
- I do not remember anything out of the ordinary, said Nick. Besides, I
do not even know when we practiced for an electrocardiogram
last time - before that of Moe Mackey, of course ... Anyway, we

not take the electrocardiograph locked.

- And what about the gas heater?
Nick stared at his brother with wide eyes.
- Do you think that the same person would have tampered with the
electrocardiograph and
gas fire that almost killed Val?
Apparently frightened by the idea that one could attempt on his life, he could not
help her in his arms as if to protect her, though he was a
bit late ...
- If someone is able to tinker a electrocardiograph to make
defective, I guess it is just as easy, if not more, to do the same
with a single gas heating, Seth commented. Think ... You
really suspect person?
- Honestly, no, Val replied with a shudder of dread. I do not see how
anyone could hate me to the point of wanting to kill me.
As she finished her sentence, they saw through the window a white van
forensic science park in front of the cabinet. Seth went immediately to the
meeting of his colleagues.
- Assuming that someone is trying to eliminate you or ruin your
career, why pick on me? asked Val, who dared

Page 53
leave the shelter of Nick's arms.
- Maybe because you're by my side, ventured it. Or because
think we are together ...
- Those who know us well never would imagine that! The

Nick instead of helping to evacuate their entourage from the list of suspects
potential, the remark Val him the penalty.
For her, it was obvious that they had nothing to do together. Now, although
he even dares to admit clearly, himself was no longer quite this
notice since he had kissed her ... But, of course, the time was not to
delays, and only one thing mattered: Val be safe.
- We need you to leave Jasper, it does dropped out of the blue. You go you
refuge in a place where no one can hurt you ... Why not in
Indian Reserve?
Against all odds, she snuggled even closer.
- Close to you, I feel safer than anywhere else.
Flattered and a little annoyed at the same time, it gently away from him and
imprisoned her
face in his hands. Then he looked into his.
Read fierce determination in the eyes of Val, but he felt
equally determined to protect her in spite of herself.
- No, you're not safe with me, he said, articulating each syllable. I
going to put you on a plane bound for the most destination
far as possible and you will come back only when I have solved this whole thing
and found the culprit. I have two deaths on his conscience, I refuse to have
a third ...
He spoke in a tone that brooked no reply, though it seemed that
more was needed to stagger Val. Moreover, it was almost like
that his words had only managed to consolidate a bit more resolution of the young
woman.
- Even if I could, I would not leave, she said simply.
Annoyance wave rose in him.

- But, I do not understand you! Nothing holds you here.

Visibly irritated she too broke free from his embrace of a movement
shoulders.
- Nothing, indeed, aside from the fact that I built my whole life here. You, you feel
although no ties of any kind, it is not my case. I can not conceive
the existence of that way.
- If you allude to your Sunday consultations to the reserve, do not worry,
I'll take care.
- Unless the killer lurking right now decides to use
again you to kill an innocent ... In which case, you will go straight to prison.
She was right, and that's why a rage suddenly seized him with
a violence he had never experienced.
In that moment, the criminal can be preparing a new package and he

Page 54
was only a puppet in his hands! He would have screamed in rage and helplessness.
He did not have time to dwell on those dark thoughts because Seth joined them
Finally.
- This is what will happen, it will announced. First, I'll take your
fingerprints both, then those of all people
could normally handle the electrocardiograph to exclude
from the start of the list of potential suspects.
In the same movement, Val and Nick nodded a nod.
- Who devotes the first? Seth continued.
- Val, launched Nick before she had time to open his mouth. Then you me
will do the pleasure of lock it up in a cell, the time we

claircissions this mystery. Since miss refuses to shelter ...

- This is more like it should be put in cage! Val retorted. This is the target of him
criminal, not me.
- False. Since this crazy has already tried to kill you, it may very well again.
- Timeout! Seth intervened with authority. I understand that you are all
two on the nerves, but please, try to calm down a bit you ... Especially
that for the time you put the cart before the horse.
- That is to say? Nick asked.
- Well, until proven otherwise, the only person who had free access to
the electrocardiograph and who knows the your email and password
allergic history of Kent Dawson, it's you ... Besides a witness
saw your 4x4 near Val the night she almost died asphyxiated.
- This is a complete idiot! Val was furious. You know that Nick ...
- Of course I know, Seth cut with a sigh. Nevertheless I
obliged to prove he is innocent.
- Anyway, I do not intend to keep his arms crossed, intervened with Nick
anger.
- This is perfect. So, trying to work, give me even just a shadow
a track. I'm ready to move heaven and earth for you, but it is absolutely necessary
that you put yours there. And above all, you stop both lost a
valuable time bickering like two kids ...
A little ashamed, Val approached Nick and put her hand on his shoulder.
- Seth is right. Reflect calmly and resume everything from the beginning.
Nick was silent for a long minute, the dark mine. Then suddenly her
face brightened.
- I may be an idea, it will announced pulling his pocket keyring
of his pants. 10.

- This is a really bad idea.

- You do not have to come with me. Besides, I'd rather go alone.
Val ignored the remark Nick and settled authority in the passenger seat of the 4x4.
- You have already enough problems like that with Benton! she continued
as Nick was starting. Harassing his wife will bring you nothing but trouble

Page 55
additional.
- I'm willing to take that risk.
Soon they reached the residential area inhabited Harold Benton and
woman. They were only small, charming pavilions surrounded by gardens with
lawns
immaculate, a quiet and uneventful, typical of the middle class
American easy.
Nick pulled up and down both car and went up the paved driveway
leading to the front door. By the time Nick was about to press the
stamp, Val suggested to him one last time to turn back. In vain.
- Susan is a nurse, so she had the knowledge to change
my prescriptions. In addition, she hates me ...
With that, he rang the bell of a resolute gesture.
Seconds later, Susan Benton opened the door, her latest
in the arms.
Lump in his throat, Val swallowed hard. Obviously, the sight of Nick
not at all delighted their hostess, however, there was not the most important
his eyes.
She had forgotten how Susan Benton was lovely. Barefoot, beautiful

auburn hair up to the devil, the young woman was wearing a simple jeans and a Tshirt, casual dress that gave her a charm.
She had to swallow the fierce jealousy that had suddenly seized her.
- Nick, Val, Susan muttered with a forced smile. I presume you are
Harold came to see, but it is in the hospital ...
- It's you I came to see, Nick retorted by entering authority, without fear
doubt that Susan slammed the door in their face.
Stunned, Val followed suit.
They met again a minute later in a warm and welcoming lounge where
reigned joyful toy disorder and child affairs.
- Been to Chelsea? Susan asked, pointing to his daughter playing in
a corner of the room. And here Colton, she added, will teasing her son that she
held against his left hip.
- It is beautiful, complimented Val. I have six months late, but ... all my
Congratulations!
A maternal pride smile lit up the face of Susan, who seemed to relax a
little.
- Thank you. Well, what can I do for you?
- I guess your husband put you aware of what happens to me now?
Nick shot point-blank.
He had spoken with harshness and coldness that could only steer
Susan, as Val he hastened to delay it.
- Nick is in an extremely difficult situation, she said. It is about to
lose everything.
- I guess ... I offer you something to drink? Coffee, tea?

Page 56
- Listen, we do not come with the intention to chat in your
lounge, Nick replied dryly.
Val glared at him, then turned back to Susan to whom she addressed a
smile of thanks.
- A tea, it will be fine, thank you.
Susan inserted a tape into the drive to occupy Chelsea, then
Nick and Val invited to follow her into the kitchen. After repelling the leaves
drawing and colored pencils that littered the table, she asked them to sit
and served tea. Then she sat down at her lap and her son cala the crook of his arm
left.
- Sorry for all this mess, does she sighed. Usually I manage to do
leave me broke, but I confess that today I have a hard time ...
- Susan, Nick cut, which provided visible efforts to keep calm, I
need to talk to you about this. It's very urgent.
- Why me?
- We believe that ...
- You think, Val corrected.
Nick slipped a quick sidelong glance and continued with a sigh:
- I think that the person who is taking my patients actually looking at me
hurt.
Susan stared at him with wide eyes in disbelief, and then she laughed.
- And you really believe that it could be me? Nick, see ... You must do
really more to know where you are for thinking of me. Why I seek to
harm you? Nick coughed and cleared his throat, to the delight of Val, who
reveled to see him sink into a situation more embarrassing.

- Well, first you're a nurse. Then we ... Finally, we

separate ...
- There has years of this, Susan completed. Look, I understand you're going
through
a particularly difficult test but besides the fact that I'm not a
murderous psychopath you see me playing the comedy of happiness
marital and warping backstage conspiracy to get back at you, just
because you let me down?
Stated thus, it was indeed completely farfetched. Moreover, all
at Susan said she was really a wife and a mother filled.
- But your husband is ...
- Jealous. It's a shame because it has no reason to be. I never
thought to be as happy someday.
Susan was not lying, that was certain, thought Val in looking round
her. She had everything to be happy: a husband, children, a nice house ...
It is hard to imagine champing at the bit about a former lover as she
breathed happiness.
- Good for you, 'said Nick. However, I have a feeling that Harold
is determined to throw me as food to wild animals.

Page 57
- Be a little lenient with him, it's just that it feels threatened. In reality, it
is not haughty and contemptuous man you think. It is true that sometimes has
opinions a little trenches, but this is not a defect so bad. About its
determination, that's what I like about him: no indecision, no
half measures. I'm sure he will be the first to introduce you to apologize

when you're white.

- I doubt it, Nick muttered.
- Give him a chance and try to understand him ... He was educated in
medicine in your shadow, you were always before him. And he married one of
your
former mistresses. In his mind, it was as if he was not entitled to time
crumbs thing as you want to let him.
- I do not see you at all like that! Nick defended.
Susan laughed again.
- And me either, I assure you! I do not consider myself as a waste
abandoned by the beautiful and seductive Nick Landry. Of course, that's what I felt
for some time after our break, but I'm handing it to me. Harold
from a modest background, he had to work hard to get where it is
today. You on the other hand, you came from a wealthy family, everything was
relatively easy ... Besides, Harold thinks you're smarter than him. Obviously,
he is wrong, it will added with a mischievous smile. He had the intelligence to
me to marry him ...
- And do you two beautiful children, adds Val. Well, it would be rude
us to bother you any longer, she does chained rising table.
Nick?
With a sheepish expression, Nick stood up in turn.
- Thank you, Susan, said simply before taking leave.
A few minutes later, they went into the 4x4 and walked away towards
the city center.
- Well, are you happy? Val threw a mocking tone. It is smart!
- Okay, I should have listened to you, Nick sighed. No doubt: Susan
grant me the slightest importance for years, just like me

elsewhere.
Despite herself, Val felt reassured by that remark. Much more
reassured that she would care to admit ...
- This is normal, it does chained. She lives a fairy tale.
Nick slipped him a sidelong glance.
- Looks like you the desires ...
Oh, so it was so obvious that? Yes, she envied, what wrong with that?
How many women do not dream them to start a family and live happily
in household? In that concerned, the whole problem was that she loved
a man that such existence discouraged to the point of not wanting to hear
mention the word "marriage" ...
Obvious that, even formulated in silence, gave him the impression that she had

Page 58
receiving a stomach punch. How such an idea was it well
have crossed his mind? Unfortunately, it was too late.
- Val?
- You were saying? she stammered, still under the shock of this revelation.
- I asked you what you wanted to do now.
- Go home.
*
**
- You're very silent, watched Nick later by entering her home. This is
curious, you seem completely elsewhere ...
No, it was not also the opposite. He never seemed to be as it
presents itself in perfect harmony with his desires and what it was.

A serene determination animated. Tonight she would get what she

always dreamed of since she knew Nick, even regret it later ...
Without a word, she carefully closed the door and walked right over him.
Nick, usually so sure of it, seemed confused and stepped back into the
salon. He soon found himself cornered, literally against the wall.
Val had captured his gaze and never left. At that moment, it was she who
was leading the game, and she had no intention to hand.
- Val, articulated Does he cleared his throat, now is really a misnomer.
We can not ...
Plagued by a visible discomfort, left his sentence unfinished.
She continued to secure it in silence. Then, in a flash, Nick seized her by the
shoulders and leaned in turn against the wall. Now, he dominated all his
height.
- Val, stop playing with fire, it does whispered hoarsely. I do not
understand ... You did not utter three words since we left
at Susan, and now you have this strange attitude ...
Intoxicated by the woody fragrance of his cologne, she gave the delicious
thrill of desire that ran on his skin.
- I do not play.
Nick let out a muffled complaint.
- We both know that this is not the time. Yet, even
I have remorse tomorrow morning, I already have a feeling it's too late to
back ...
Slowly, he hugged her waist and put his lips to hers the
touch. This gentle caress suddenly turned into a hungry kiss and
enthusiast who carried Val happiness.
- Oh, my God, Nick gasped in departing from it, what are we going to do?

With a tender smile, she imprisoned her face in her hands.

- We kissed.
- Val, you know my aversion to commitment ... Why this change in
your attitude?

Page 59
It was a brief shrug.
- I've changed my mind, that's all, 'said she, suddenly invaded by a feeling
of inner loneliness and sadness. We both know that it is
a mistake, so what?
- Soft understatement ... My conscience will torment me the rest of my days, I
am certain. Yet tonight, I can not help but love you. Val,
I want you for so long ... Do not ask me to behave in
gentleman while inviting me to give in to my baser instincts.
Again, he captured his lips, this time with an almost animal passion
which made him fear.
- Wait, she does implored, feeling his courage to leave.
Nick learned nothing she did not already know it, and yet she fed
still jostling her love for him would change.
A naive and stupid reaction: men hoped that women
would change forever, while women were embarking on a relationship with
intend to change men. Or how repeated failures to
infinity ... She knew not to be content with a single passionate night in
Nick arm. Better perhaps to stop everything until he had a few
lucidity snippets?
Putting his hand on his chest, she gently pushed.

- We may be a little too fast ...

He stared at her blankly.
- Why do you say that?
- That's not my style. I did not used to have adventures just for
pleasure ...
- Val, it's not to make love just like that ... If you ask me
to stop, I will.
- Excuse me. I sincerely believed what I wanted ...
Tenderness then read it in his eyes tied her emotion throat.
- You are an incredible mix of strength and fragility, it does murmured dropping
soft kisses on his face. No woman will ever moved me so much and I
assure you that I feel has nothing to do with recent events
upset my existence.
- We're friends, that's what counts most.
- You can tell you all the stories of the world, Val, but between us there
This is not friendship. I love your laugh, I love how your eyes ablaze
when you're angry ... And I guess I liked the way you hold me
Remote systematically past six years.
How to find the strength to resist after such words? We had to run away, right
on, now ... So she tried to escape the grasp of Nick.
- No, Val, I beg you ... I know it will be wonderful between us and I have no
the courage to be content with the crumbs you want to give me.
- It's not what you think it does protested. Simply, I know you do not want

Page 60
not you complicate your life and ...

He ordered him to silence another kiss.

- Trust me.
- But Nick, I'm afraid to commit a serious mistake, fear of suffering. Us
do not have the same ideas and ...
- Stop dissect all, it prevents you from living, right? he replied
tenderly hugging. We'll talk about this later.
Moved to tears by his gentleness and tenderness, she threw caution to the paroverboard and gave himself unreservedly to his embrace.
Nick was right. He had to live instead of thinking constantly ...
Suddenly he lifted soil. Snuggled against him, face nestled trough
his strong shoulder, she felt like the most precious of treasures and that one
sensation was worth it then cry all the tears in her body. So
worse, she was willing to take the risk. Heart pounding, she let Nick take her
to his room and lay on the bed with infinite care.
After lying beside her, he looked into his.
- You can still say no, you know ...
Unable to utter a word, she shook her head and pulled her closer
to offer him her lips.
They lived a moment of pure magic mixture of tenderness and passion
consuming, almost animal. When finally fell against one another,
panting and filled, Val knew she had just experienced heaven on earth. But
gradually as the mad beating of his heart subsided, lucidity him
returned, and with it, a terrible sense of guilt.
Of course, she had never felt such happiness. However, know that it
happiness necessarily made her escape him already sad and bitter. Lest
spoil the moment, she kept her fears for her and waited for Nick to sleep
to find himself alone with his dark thoughts.

As she tried to slip quietly out of bed and heat of

arms of her partner, the ringing of the phone broke the silence.
11.
- I do not have my license on me, Val moaned. It is in my
portfolio, my wallet's in my purse.
- Do not worry, I'll take you there, Nick offered by dressing in a hurry. And
if you have to give birth Leta, I might be able to make myself useful. It is always
convenient to have a doctor with you.
- Spare me your sarcasm, will you? Val replied testily.
- It's not worth spending your nerves on me because you have remorse.
Furious, she looked him with disdain.
- It's not that! defended her, aware of its bad faith. And
First, I do what I want ... That's supposed to happen this way when
is absolutely no question of commitment?
- You could say no at any time, so do not make me trial

Page 61
of intent, I pray thee.
Val suppressed a groan of helplessness and tried to calm.
In fact, she appeared unfair and had no right to attack and Nick.
- Excuse me.
- We can talk if you want ...
- No, thank you. Anyway, we do not have time. You're ready?
- In a second.
Unable to stand by and watch him get dressed, she slipped away and went to wait
Outside, near the 4x4. A few minutes later, they would put on their way to

reserve. A long trip during which it would furnish potential

awkward silences ... Also it does Val saw to steer the conversation on the
as neutral subject that is, in this case the imminent delivery of Leta.
- You have your cell phone? inquired to her.
- In the glove box.
Seizing the unit immediately, she dialed the number and asked for Leta
news of the young woman.
The work was well advanced, the poor seemed to suffer martyrdom. However,
it was almost certain that her moans were also due in part to
fear of giving birth to her first child.
- How many minutes apart the contractions are they? Val asked.
- I have one about every ten minutes.
- Perfect. Continue to breathe calmly as possible. We should arrive
in less than half an hour.
- Half an hour!
- Do not worry, the baby will not be born before. You still have some time ...
Trying to think of pleasant things. Ah! Leta, can you pass me your mother? I
will give him a mobile number in case she needed to join.
After dictating Nick's cell phone number to the mother of the young
woman, she hung up.
- I guess there is no need to suggest that he go to the hospital commented that
last.
- First, Leta has no supplementary health insurance, then it
wants at all costs to give birth naturally at home. A decision it
bitterly regret in my opinion, if she knew the benefits of
epidural ...
- Did I hear right? Nick laughed gently. It is the champion of

natural medicine that comes to praise a nasty chemical?

Val laughed.
- I've been to enough births to conclude that in such cases, medicine
Classical is good.
Nick smiled at him.
- Yet epidurals deprives women of the wonderful feeling to
her child in the world ...

Page 62
- In this case, the wonderful feeling sometimes you speak of a succession
intolerable pain ... For me, there is not a heartbeat.
- Honestly, I can not believe my ears. It is you, Val I
know that talking about? One that wants to take the problems head-on body instead
to flee?
- Itself! I acknowledge even have shown a perfect unconsciousness on
some subjects. It suits you like that?
- When your turn comes, I'm sure you tireras in you hands down.
When his turn would come? But turn would never come, it was indeed the
problem! In its future loomed neither marriage nor motherhood. Moreover,
she had no future!
She was there when his thoughts Nick cursed and pressed
hard on the brake pedal. 4x4 made a violent lurch before
stop on the side of the road.
Heart pounding, Val scanned the road lit only by the headlights.
A few meters away was a bike folded in half. The driver was lying on
earth, inert, curled up on itself. God knew how this accident

had occurred. Anyway, it was a chance that they are been there!
- Give me the flashlight found in the glove compartment! Nick ordered
opening the door. Call an ambulance, I'll take care of him.
After getting his medical kit, he rushed to the bedside of the wounded. From
Meanwhile, Val dialed emergency and she joined Nick and helped
install the biker in recovery position. Luckily, it did not
lost consciousness. His helmet had also saved him head trauma
and a violation of cervical.
- I have a bad leg, he complained.
- Open fracture, diagnosed Nick. I do not see much. Val, do
you can approach the 4x4 and enlighten us with the headlights?
- I am going!
In less than a minute, it maneuvered so as to illuminate at best where
was lying injured. As she descended the vehicle, Nick rejoined the
tense features.
- He suffered martyrdom, and I can not even inject morphine,
Does he commented.
Plagued by a terrible sense of helplessness and frustration, Nick slammed
fist hood 4x4.
He possessed the skills to ease this hurt, but he was
in a position where he was reduced to sit and wait: there
could run the risk of injecting this man a product without being certain that
Whether many of morphine he needed. But it was not excluded that the
who sought to harm him had put his hand on his medical kit and
replaced products that were there by others.
If he was finishing this wounded trying to treat him, he did not call. Better

Page 63
so worth waiting for the arrival of the ambulance, even if this meant that the
Biker continue to suffer.
With a sigh, he returned to it and tried to reassure him.
- Above all, do not move. An ambulance arrives.
- I terribly ill, complained man clenched jaws.
- Rescuers you administer an analgesic. Try to stick it in
Meanwhile ...
- But you have nothing to give? You are a doctor yet!
To his relief, Nick sensed at the same time yelling
characteristic of a two-tone siren. The ambulance arrived and this poor man
would finally receive analgesics that would calm his pain.
Meanwhile, Val had joined them.
- I just got a call on your mobile, it does explained. The
Leta contractions are further apart than seven minutes.
Nick handed him his keys.
- Come on, hurry up!
- But I do not have my license on me!
- There are more important, right? Go ahead!
Val hesitated a second, then grabbed the keys. A moment later, she started to
steering wheel 4x4. When the vehicle tail lights disappeared in the
night, the ambulance arrived at the scene.
Nick briefa quickly and asked paramedics to administer them
urgently analgesic to hurt. Then he helped them to transfer it
the ambulance.
The ride to the hospital took them less than twenty minutes. Seth, who

had been warned by rescuers, waiting in the lobby of

emergencies.
- I had yet asked you to make you discreet! Does he threw out of the blue at
Nick.
- Val and I found it on the road, defended Nick. Would you have preferred that I
make me guilty of failing to assist a person in danger?
- And Val, where is it?
- In giving birth a young woman of Indian Reserve. Well, it does added
extending his medical kit to his brother. I always keep in the 4x4 case
where ... But just now, I did not dare use them products that are
in. Will you have it inspected by your services?
- Great idea. Let us analyze the products here in the lab. No need to wait
forensics.
Seth was silent and looked at Nick, frowning.
- You too, you had an accident? he inquired.
- No. Why?
- You buttoned your shirt wrong.
Nick looked down at his chest and, prey to sudden confusion, stifled a

Page 64
curse.
- I dressed in the dark, muttered between his teeth. - I'm not
sure you need to hear the details of this story, Seth quipped.
- Oh, come on! Look, I have a question to ask you.
- Go ahead ...

- If Val had thrown herself into your arms, it will began hesitantly, would you have
...
makes love with her?
- I would remind you that I am married and very happily married.
- Do not be silly! Nick was furious. I'm not talking now but before,
at the time when you were single.
- Val would never have thrown in my arms.
- Seth, dammit! I'm serious, and I ask you a real board!
Seth looked at him in silence for a long minute, then exhaled a sigh.
- I have no desire to tackle this thorny subject, but since you insist, I will
still give you my opinion. Sorry my friend, but in my opinion you have everything
wasted. You know what kind of woman is Val, as you know very well
she has feelings for you.
- No, I do not know anything! Nick defended.
- Of course yes. You do not want to admit, that's a fact, but you're perfectly
aware. So you knew and you did it anyway ...
- It was her idea, not mine!
- Oh yes? And I guess she did to you tied and put a knife to her throat? ...
Look, Nick, from the time I thought you had at least learned this principle
Base: when one is a gentleman, you do not have sex with a woman whose
knows that she is in love if we do not love in return.
- Who told you I have no feelings for Val?
At these words, the deepest astonishment was depicted on Seth's traits.
- You love it? he asked, incredulously.
Nick shrugged.
- Yes, probably, he will reluctantly admitted.
- So, it's even worse. You really did anything.

- Why?
- Second basic principle: never make love to a woman you
like if we did not intend to commit a minimum.
- Well? Then again, who told you that I do not consider a long relationship ...
term?
Seth rolled his eyes in exasperation.
- Third and final rule: never admit to his older brother that we love one
woman until we are is not confessed to himself.
- Really, thank you! You do not help me a second!
- It's not up to me to solve this kind of dilemma. This is your story, Nick, your
life ... You're a big boy doing yourself alone.
As he finished his sentence, the alarm beeper hooked to his belt sounded.

Page 65
Seth read the message, and then gave him a triumphant look.
- Come with me to the police station. Apparently, the study of fingerprints
Digital has paid off ... A feverish atmosphere reigned in the little house
Leta. All parents near and far, of the young woman and her husband
had given the word and had come with the sole purpose of being there at the time
of
delivery.
Upon arrival, Val was greeted like a head of state. Nevertheless avoided
linger and hurried to the bedside of Leta. The young woman was in her
bedroom, surrounded by her husband, mother and five other women in the
community.
- Sorry to come so late, apologized Does she opened the package she had

made.
She prepared the various instruments she needed and she put a pair
latex gloves and stood facing Leta, whom she asked to meet the
legs.
- Ready? Does she asked, smiling.
Leta nodded a nod.
- I can not stand, it does gasped. It's been seven hours it lasts ...
- It's almost finished, reassured Val.
And in fact, in the half hour that followed, Leta gave birth to a beautiful little
boy healthy.
- That's the wonder! Val announced in a voice choked with emotion. Bravo,
Leta. We are proud of you.
Leaving the women in the room to take care of the young mother,
Val Ausculta the newborn.
It was like a dream, his mother too, everything was for the best in the
best of all possible worlds ...
- How are you going to call? she inquired looking around on Leta
and her husband.
- Austin, said the young woman. This is my maiden name and I want to
my son keeps. Besides, it's tradition.
- A nice tradition! Val commented, smiling.
At that moment, the phone rang. Leta's mother slipped to take
Communication and almost immediately called.
- This is for you.
Val joined her in the hall and grabbed the handset.
- Hello?
- Well, she does reserve account an inhabitant? Nick asked at the end of

wire.
- Yes, a beautiful little boy named Austin. He was born there about half
hour. He's fine, his mother too.
- Bravo, Val! Congratulations!
- Thank you ...

Page 66
- Look, I'm Seth in the office, Nick went on. We expect a
minute now the study report on the gas heating and the result of
fingerprinting.
- I agree with you right away.
- No, no, stay where you are and rest. Anyway, the day will soon
up, better take the opportunity to get some sleep. You'll come back tomorrow to
Jasper
morning - well, just now.
- Heard. And you, how are you? You new?
- Not exactly. Let's say I have a hypothesis ... It remains for me to
ask Seth to verify it. 12.
- I told you to stay the night there! Nick exclaimed angrily saw Val
Seth cross the office threshold.
- Lovely home, Val replied, smiling. I would not be back, if you do
had not shown you too evasive, does she went on, more serious.
- I was not evasive, I just knew that Seth would not get
the information we needed in the minute ...
- Well, what is it?
- There was no trace of fingerprints on the gas heater. However, we

would necessarily have had to return because, as long as he remained in office, this
device is literally passed from hand to hand. So this proves that we have the
intentionally erased ...
- Right ... And your mysterious case then?
- I am told that the person who gave so much trouble to harm me had to
rent a 4x4 identical to mine in order to shift suspicion on me. Seth
currently conducting audits of all rental companies
cars in the area.
- Congratulations! What else?
Nick allowed himself a brief hesitation.
- Then ... should we talk, do not you think?
- Nick, I'm exhausted. It can not wait?
- Unfortunately not, he replied by dipping a look full of determination
in the Valley. Come with me, it's closer to home.
And without giving him time to protest, he dragged after him.
He too felt exhausted, but it was a much more nervous fatigue
physics. The rich emotions experienced in recent hours with Val had
plunged into such confusion that he was afraid of losing his sanity. This
why open-heart discussion was needed urgently.
Ten minutes later, as Val coiled on the living room sofa, home
him, he sat next to her and forced her to recover.
- I understand you're very tired, so I will be brief.
Val gave him a puzzled look and waited.
- I thought a lot, it will began hesitantly.
- Nick, it will cut with a weary sigh, he must really think we talked about
everything

Page 67
this now? You have only to make me deliver a bouquet of flowers and that will be
played.
Emu, he brushed her cheek with a gentle caress.
- What did you think I meant to tell you?
- Finally, Nick, it's me, Val, remember? I know you, and last night, I
perfectly knew what I was doing.
His casualness the disconcerted. After the first moment of surprise, he conceived
also vexed and a keen annoyance.
She expected nothing from him and made no secret. An attitude he had
always sought in women and, in this moment, the disappointed
terribly.
- Listen, I see much clearer now it nevertheless continued. And
I would like to share with you my findings ....
- In my case, I would prefer that we do as if nothing
happened. It would be much easier, right?
- Too late ... I talked to Seth.
A mixture of amazement and indignation was depicted on the features of the young
woman.
- How?
- I needed to talk to someone if he does justified sheepishly.
- You know the meaning of "privacy" and "privacy"?
At these words, the moral Nick still lowered a notch.
- Calm down ... I have given no details, if that's what you're worried about. I
needed
pour me with someone, and I chose my brother. It's all the same

not a crime?
- I would have preferred, however, you keep it for you.
- But why?
- First, because my love life is my business, then because it
is not difficult to guess what Seth answered you.
- Oh yes?
- Yes! I bet he advised you to swear to me that you love me madly up
the end of time ...
- It would disgust you so much? he replied, wounded.
- You do not understand. I do not want a connection with you, that's all, and again
less than a relationship.
- But you have always claimed that ...
She ordered him silence with a gesture.
- I always said I wanted to know true love, to live a
fairy tale, and that's the truth. However, the fact that you to run
Seth tell what happened between proves that thou art not at all
ready for that.
- Oh, but I did not intend to ask you to marry today,
you know!
- I doubt me, and anyway I have not asked you either!

Page 68
What makes you think that I would want, anyway?
- I believe ... that you're in love with me.
Stunned and angry for having been drilled to date, Val took a few moments to
regroup and find a parade.

- I have no power over my feelings, that's a fact, it does articulated with

effort. But I'll get over it. Anyway, I at least I am honest and
in agreement with what I feel.
- What about me? I'm not trying to show me honest, perhaps?
- You're not honest, you feel guilty, it's different!
- Of course I feel guilty! It does not trouble yourself to risk
destroy our friendship?
With an exasperated sigh, she rose and stared.
- Yes, of course, and that is why I would have preferred that we never do
love, despite the feelings I have for you. Anyway, they have nothing to
see in this story and I repeat to you that I'll get over it. However, I do
can never marry you and live with the idea that you have chosen me
just because your brother made you feel guilty about me. Even if you
seem presumptuous, I think I'm worth a lot better than that. I enjoy
much that you have attempted to clarify things between us, she added, after Will
a short break. But the only way to show me respect and myself
nice, since it's apparently your intention is to leave me alone
now.
Val had nice attempt to distract, it had failed to clear its
Memory painful expression of Nick when he had filed with
it.
After nodding vaguely for two hours, she woke up in the mood
foul and sadder than ever. And since she kept turning like
a lion in a cage, unable to find anything interesting or
constructive to take.
She was making yet another back-and-forth between the kitchen unnecessary and

living room when the phone rang. Entering the forlorn hope that maybe a question
of
Nick, she rushed to the handset. Great disappointment came over when
recognized the voice of Seth.
- How are you? inquired the latter.
- Okay, she lied. What do you want?
- Whether the name Hartley told you something.
She thought for a moment.
- In theory, yes ... Wait, I'll turn on my computer.
She put the telephone handset plugged his computer and in less than a
minute, she was looking for the file appeared on his screen.
- Teresa Hartley, it will announced by taking the phone. This was a patient
Nick.
- Ah, we may finally hold a track! Do you know where I can find?

Page 69
- What does it so interesting, that Ms. Hartley?
- She rented a 4x4 Cherokee identical to that of Nick the afternoon the day you
you almost suffocate you because gas heating.
- Sorry to disappoint you, but Teresa Hartley died there about two years.
I vividly remember her now, it was a very nice lady. It
died from complications due to diabetes. In fact, she was following
not properly diet, lacked a visit to two
cabinet and almost never checked his insulin levels when she should at
Instead, monitor closely.
- Was she married?

- Widow. Full folder is in the cabinet. You want me to jump Lalow?

- If you do not mind. I have a lot to do, and Nick went to the hospital to
activate a little movement. Lab technicians still have not analyzed
the products contained his medical kit.
- No problem, I'll go right away.
As soon as she hung up, she put on a jacket hastily and went out. Less than a
quarter
an hour later, she introduced her key in the front door of the cabinet. From
she had turned on the computer, she sought Teresa Hartley folder.
However, entering a doubt as to the reliability of the computer system, she took
precaution to fetch the paper version of this file in the archive.
After having removed the dust with the back of her hand, she opened it and
plunged
in reading the plurality of documents inside.
Except for insulin-dependent diabetes which she suffered, Ms. Hartley was
never consulted extensively. His record dates back to a few years before Nick
resumes the cabinet, as evidenced date of the first
consultation and writing of the previous doctor about the various accounts
reports and prescriptions. Details that also helped to define
the precise date on which Nick had taken over from his predecessor in the
treatment of this patient.
She was there his thoughts when the engine noise of a car that
parked in the street caught his attention. She got up and looked out the window,
Nick believer to appear. But to his surprise, it was Tara Bishop.
As she sat down again, slipped an envelope of the record and fell to the ground.
Tara

came just when she bent to pick it up.

- Hello, Tara, she said, casting a glance at the address typed.
- Hello. You are alone? I have not seen the car of Dr. Landry.
- Nick is in the hospital and I do not think he comes back before two hours.
You know, she does added after a hesitation, I want a lot of myself
practically thrown under your wheels the other day. I hope this did not you
attracted too much trouble with the police and your insurance company.
Tara swept his remark with a gesture.
- Never mind ... In fact, it may not be very careful not to close

Page 70
the key to door by days.
Val did not feel particularly at risk, but since it seemed
reassure Tara, she let her close the door behind without a word.
After all, it had reason to be cautious.
- I think Nick has left on his desk stack of bills, it does commented
turning her attention to the envelope.
After removing a piece of paper folded into four addressed to Nick and
dating about a year before the death of Teresa, she unfolded it and read it silently:
"Dear Dr. Landry,
I am writing about my stepmother, Teresa Hartley. Being divorced his daughter
I no longer have any obligation, neither legal nor moral, adjust costs
her care and consultations. I beg you to go from today
my ex-wife, you will find the address below.
Sincerely,
Ira M. Bishop ".

Plagued by intense amazement, Val looked up at Tara, and his heart

skipped a beat.
The book held her at gunpoint with a gun. *
**
Nick re-read the results of analyzes of the products of his medical kit for
yet again and shook his head in disbelief.
- Hell, he does whispered, frightened. Fortunately, I have given him anything.
Instead of relieving, I would have finished this poor biker in minutes
sentence.
- Due to a simple difference in dosage? Seth inquired.
- The difference between 0.5 mg and 50 mg of morphine is almost identical to that
between a water pistol and a long-range missile.
- Ah, indeed ...
- Well, now he should gather all possible information
about Teresa Hartley.
- I could charge me with one of my men, but for that we need
return to the police station.
- Let's go.
Fifteen minutes later, while Seth consulted archives, Nick moved
before his brother's desk and dialed the office number. His call toppled
automatically on the courier who told her that Val had taken
no communication.
No doubt she was absorbed in the meticulous study of Teresa folder
Hartley. And know it not only would not give up until its
Research would have given anything, but she was also the only one that can find
meaning to seemingly insignificant details.
Not knowing how to handle it mechanically watched the pictures taken at the

the accident Valley. One of them was a closeup of the pavement stained

Page 71
few drops of blood. Seeing this, his heart clenched painfully in his
chest, and the image of Val lying inert earth imposed on him with such
violence a retrospective panic shiver ran it.
To say that he could have lost forever that day ... If it happened, it would have died
him too. Because it was a terrible simplicity Val he loved with all his soul and
never imagined one second life without it. He loved her with a pure and true love,
contrary to what she believed, guilt had nothing to do with it.
In short, he was in an impossible situation ...
With a sigh, he took photos and continued to examine them. Suddenly one
of them caught his attention. He peered intently for a long minute
when he felt his blood freeze in his veins.
- Seth! Does he called.
- I have news, told his brother of a victorious tone.
- Me too! Look at the tire brands ... They should run from the place
which was parked the car that hit Val. Yet they only appear
a few meters away, as if ... In fact, Val has not thrown under the wheels
Tara! if it does exclaimed, raising a frightened look on Seth.
- And it does not surprise me after what I just found: Teresa Hartley
had an only daughter named Tara.
- I just called the office, Val does not respond, Nick moaned, seized with fear
panic.
- Try on his mobile ...
He dialed the number and then feverishly, holding her breath, waited for

a few seconds that seemed like an eternity.

- Hello?
- Val?
- Sorry, Dr. Landry. It can not tell you for now, because it is
bound hand and foot.
- Tara, please, listen ...
- No, it is you who will listen to me! Call me in an hour.
- Why in an hour?
- Because by then, the products that I have given to Val started
take effect. And you will have plenty of time to listen live to die ...
13.
- You have lost your mind! cried Val squirming on the passenger seat of the
car in the hope of getting rid of the ties that hindered.
A chance, because Tara had done an excellent job.
- No, I have not lost my mind, however, the young woman replied in a voice
dangerously calm. I have thought and organized everything into the
detail. And you'll agree with me to recognize that I
have been more than patient, right?
- I do not understand what you say! Why patient? And what
with me? You count me to serve as bait to lure Nick? If this is the

Page 72
Anyway, I assure you that you made a very bad choice.
- No, you're perfect in that role. Especially that by
your nose in my business, you have almost derailed my plan. That you
learn.

She stopped and entered a bumpy dirt road. Val, who had his hands
impeded, was tossed on the seat like a rag doll.
- Anyway, you're not a bait Tara resumed. I have no
intend to attract Nick anywhere.
- But why you blame me?
- That's up to you as the apple of his eyes and I want it
suffers.
- You want him to suffer? But why?
- I want him to endure what I have endured. My mother died because of his
negligence. And it was necessary that I learn to live with that. Today, the time
came to make him his own coin. Now he will have to live with
Dora Simms death and that of Moe Mackey on his conscience. Too bad Dr.
Benton intervened in time, otherwise it would also have been responsible for the
Kent Dawson.
- Your mother was suffering from a disease that is sometimes fatal, Tara!
The hands of the conductive tightened on the steering wheel.
- No, that's wrong! Diabetes, it is treatable!
They had arrived in a desert place, lost in the middle of nowhere, Val
had yet recognized. The emerald mine was abandoned Weller
close. Only an old wooden shack stood in the middle of the desert.
Nobody ever came here, so there was little chance that a miracle
occurs. Tara would not be disturbed and could quietly put his
execution plan. Nick had to call back in half an hour, and by then ... Until then,
she might have already lost their lives.
- Normally, I should have a search warrant in hand, Seth said
as Nick and he joined their efforts to break down the door of the apartment
Tara.

- No time, Nick muttered, clenched jaws.

Luckily, the door opened after the third attempt.
They then found a small neat and tidy inside, that of a young
ordinary woman, if we excepted the living room wall: their amazement, they
found it entirely covered with pictures of Nick index of the deep
madness Tara.
There were shots of all kinds, sometimes going back several years
back and took in all circumstances: the firm, in the street, for
vacation in Mexico ... It seemed that Tara had followed him everywhere, watching
his every
actions.
At this sight, he felt a thrill of horror through it.
This woman was raving mad, his madness went so far that it would not hesitate a

Page 73
Val second murder, as she did not hesitate to remove
innocent sole purpose to satisfy his rancor. But what she wanted revenge?
Mystery ...
After the first shock, Seth and he began to search the apartment in
hoping to find a clue that would tell them where Tara was well able to take
Val.
He attacked a third drawer when he finally made a discovery.
- Look, he said to Seth exhibiting a membership card of the Mensa society
name of Tara Hartley.
This international club founded in 1946 in Oxford brought together people who,
after

passed an assessment test, were classified as 2% of the world population

with the highest IQs.
- Disturbed Spirit and intelligence unparalleled commented Seth. An explosive
mixture
very dangerous.
- How much time do it before the next call?
- Half an hour ... Look, I've found this map of the area.
They unfolded it and observed it carefully. Fifty localities or
isolated places were surrounded in pencil. Impossible to determine which
Tara could have chosen, because it had obviously left no index
can guide them on any track.
- Damn it! Nick fumed. How are we going to do?
- Since it has already managed to rent a car under the identity of his mother, I will
raise the alarm and ask if a Mrs. Hartley would not
manifested in the vehicle rental companies, airports, finally all
this kind of places.
- Wait a minute! exclaimed Nick, whose eyes had stopped on the
handbag Valley.
He took it and emptied the contents on the table.
- No wallet! This time, she had to impersonate Valley.
- It would be difficult, they do not look alike at all.
- Listen, this girl is capable of anything. She was smart enough to falsify
documents, imitate my signature organize serial killings ... Making
go to Val is a breeze for her!
Seth nodded nodded and took his mobile phone.
- Well, it's done ... I gave the warning and helicopters armada the quadrille

region. You've got to remember in a quarter of an hour he does consulting his

added
watch. We are left to hope that it will sell the wick and despite herself
we provide a clue.
- You dream? She would never commit such a big mistake! No, I'm
Certainly the answer from this card. She wants me to have remorse
until the end of my life, I have the feeling that I had the solution in front
and only a few minutes, I could have saved Val ...
- Maybe, but give yourself the evidence, Nick. We get nothing of this

Page 74
card.
Nick breathed a sigh of intense frustration. His brother was right,
unfortunately.
- When I get it online, I will try to make the longest talk
possible, to save time, he concludes, the dark mine. Anyway, there is
nothing else to do ...
Tara Val had forced to sit on a chair in the middle of the unique piece
old abandoned cabin, including an unpleasant smell of mold and dust
empuantissait the atmosphere. Now the gun put to his feet, Tara preparing
injection. Val could have tried to seize the weapon, or at least the
push, but it was too far away from her.
- There you go! Tara announced a victorious tone showing the syringe. A pretty
small injection benzodiazepine ... This is a wonderful product, the
benzodiazepine. It reduces the side effects of chemotherapy and serves
also to relax patients before surgery.

- I know, Val replied in a voice she tried to make peace

not to betray the panic that had invaded.
- You know, I do very well bites. I have done so much to my poor
mother ...
As she finished her sentence, the cell phone rang.
Tara looked at his watch and took the call.
- You're early, it does launched without preamble. But it does not matter ...
I will adapt my program.
She paused and frowned. Obviously, the words of Nick displeased him at
highest point and even starting to make him lose his cool.
Putting his hand conch on the phone, she turned to Val.
- That idiot threatens me ... Given the circumstances, I would have thought it
show a little more subtle and respectful. Finally, too bad for him ... You have
five minutes, not one more, she concludes with Nick address before hanging up.
That's when the hum of a helicopter was heard in the distance.
An unexpected event, but not impressed in the least Tara.
- This is the signal, it does commented with a smirk as he approached Valley,
the syringe by hand. I need to hurry me ... Sweet dreams, Val.
Seth and Nick drove at full speed toward the abandoned mine Weller.
A helicopter had told them the presence of a car parked near a
wooden hut. It was so far the only track roughly valid they
obtained and they did not hesitate for a second. Seth had ordered
the helicopter not too close so as not to frighten Tara. In the
panic, she could commit the irreparable. However, the reference to the
pilot was to stay nearby, just in case.
As soon as they reached the outskirts of the cabin, Seth pulled and cut the engine,
Tara not to attract attention. Nick then called the woman on the

portable.
We had to play tight because it was not suspect for a moment that they had

Page 75
discovered his hiding and were only a few feet away.
- This time, you're right on time, it does commented when she took the
communication.
- I did my best. Tara, I know that it is you who pull the strings
but we need you to explain a few things ...
- Sorry, it is not part of my plan.
- And what is it that famous plan?
While he strove to save time by forcing the mad to talk, Seth
and advanced him stealthily towards the hut. Soon they were no longer
only a meter away from the door.
- I do not have to explain. However, I can pass you Val. It
begins to lose consciousness, but you still have time to tell him
goodbye ...
Nick threw a glance anxious to Seth and motioned for him to follow. In silence,
they
approached the window and risked a look inside.
Nick thought he fainted seeing Val curled up on a chair. Tara had a
gun in his right hand and his left hand, she held the phone to Val
so she could talk to him. But the young woman seemed to have all the trouble
to remain conscious.
- Hold on, Val, it does murmured. Hold on! What did she injected?
- From benzo ...

Immediately, Tara retrieved the phone with a sudden gesture.

- But I had forbidden him to tell you what I injected him. What
idiot! Finally, it is not very serious ... Anyway, assuming you
manage to find us, I have a backup plan. Not as original and thorough
the latter, but who cares. After all, the idea of the reverse drive was
not very original. Simply, the opportunity was too good, I could not
not to be missed.
- In fact, I found that it was really the work of an amateur, Nick replied.
Now Seth and he had again approached the door and prepared
in press. They were going to play on the surprise, it was their one and only
luck.
- You make me the trouble, you know ... I guess it's fair,
since I am about to perform a nice little hole in the temple of your
the most precious treasure. Are you ready to hear this? At least you'll know
it is to lose a loved one ...
Nick thought hastily.
- You'll kill an innocent because your mother was not following its
treatment?
He was right on target because he felt that Tara getting angry on the phone. It
would be less vigilant and that was exactly what he wanted.
- It was up to you to make sure it is properly cared! You have
Order of the track overnight, because my ex-husband decided not
more pay for medical expenses. Now you are the less proud! You see where
you are unhappy for a few dollars consultation?
- You are wrong at all in all, Tara. Your mother was canceling a consultation
two. And you're about to kill the one person who has visited at
encourage her to seek treatment and to regularly check their insulin levels.

Besides, you also could have you look after her. Why
resigned from that?

Page 76
- Stop, you do not know what you mean! Tara screamed. I had every right
to breathe a little, right? I spent the first eighteen years of my life
take care of her. And I married any fool the sole purpose
to escape all these responsibilities! Okay, enough! I will show you where
find the remains of your girlfriend!
Nick exchanged a quick glance with Seth, and it was decided in a flash.
Seth opened the door on the fly, gun in hand, and both burst
like a tornado in the cabin.
Stunned, Tara began a fraction of a second to recover, which allowed Seth
pounce on it and neutralize it while Nick rushed to Val.
- Quick, will bring the helicopter! he yelled, mad with anxiety. I can not feel her
pulse
! An urgent need to take her to the hospital!
Epilogue
Val opened her eyes and saw Harold Benton. Standing at the foot of his bed, he
smiled shyly.
- You did a great job, it does stammered a slightly slurred.
He shook his head with an embarrassed expression.
- I did not do anything at all. This is Nick who saved your life. You were about
verge of respiratory arrest, and he made you mouth-to-mouth all the
time-long journey so far.
Val smiled back.

- I was not talking about me, but Kent Dawson. If you have not diagnosed
his allergy to iodine in time, he would have died too.
Dr. Benton shrugged.
- Sometimes I think I'm a good doctor.
- Do not doubt for a moment. You are also a man who has a lot of
luck.
- Oh yes?
- Yes. Your wife loves you, you have two beautiful children, you can be
proud of your professional success ... You have everything to be happy.
A slight reddening cheeks flushed the doctor.
- It's true, it does murmured.
- I caught you, Dr. Benton! Nick launched at this time since the threshold
room in a tone falsely severe. Do not bother my patient, please.
- You are not at all. She was just trying to remember some
truths I was a little forgotten, and that made me a very foolish. Well, I leave you.
See you later.
Nick stood aside to let Harold Benton out, then he approached Valley and
kissed him on the lips. After dropping a small package on the table
bedside, he pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down.
- When I think you almost killed me on Does she teased. It was less a ...
Finally, thanks to my detective gifts, my intuition and my mind
deduction, I guess Tara Bishop is now out of harm's way ...
Nick wrapped in a mocking look.
- You do not suffer too ankles, I hope?
- No, it's okay, she replied, laughing.
- You forget one detail: I still flew to your aid at the risk of my life,
such a valiant knight flying to the rescue of his beautiful princess.

- Oh! Big thank you, my lord. Nevertheless, I would have preferred never
having to go through this kind of events.

Page 77
Nick gave him a tender smile.
- Do not spoil the happy ending of my fairytale, please.
- What a fairy tale? Val asked, lump in his throat. We know all
two that you do not give into the fairy tale ...
- Well, I've changed! Here, he added he handed him the package he had
brought. This is the Knight of the gift to his princess.
Curiosity crazy Val tore the package with febrile gestures.
- I thought the princesses had to appear serene and reserved
all circumstances, Nick watched mockingly.
- Well, you were wrong. Oh, a necklace! ... It's beautiful. It's funny,
Most people would have brought a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates.
- I'm not like everyone else. Val, listen to me.
Troubled by his sudden gravity, she looked up at him. As she was about
talk, he ordered him the silence of a finger on his lips.
- Listen to me, I beg you ... There is neither guilt nor gratitude, or anything
of this kind. The truth is that I love you. I knew deep within myself
when I saw you run over to Tara, but I have some time to myself
admit.
- But you do not want ...
- Let me just tell you what I want, will cut it tenderly.
He stopped, time to pull out of his pocket a green dark velvet.
- I want to share my life with you, he went diving in his right eye

his. I want to have children with you and grow old with you.
- I need you to be sure it does protested.
- I am sure of myself and my feelings. Here's the evidence, he added, will
lifting the lid of the casket. Val, in recent times, you and I have been through
more events that many people will never experience in a lifetime
whole. I do not want to end up like Tara ... And before you was what threatened
happen to me.
Silent, she contemplated the solitary gleaming softly on the dark velvet.
For fear of yielding to emotion, she preferred to get away with a pirouette.
- You mean you would become a murderous psychopath?
- No. I mean, I'd let my regrets destroy me, just
because I was afraid to take my responsibilities and also the love I have for
you. I now know for sure that if I let you go, I will regret
all my life. And I have no desire to miss happiness.
Joy drunk, Val nevertheless continued to languish again a few seconds,
per game.
- Rest a little problem.
- Which one?
- I never told you I loved you.
- That's right, he said, worried. So what?
Unable to as long torment, she threw herself on his neck, laughing.
- So I love you, Nick. Oh yes, I love you ...
He laughed too and looked at her tenderly.
- That's a real happy ending fairy tale.
- Almost. It is necessary that the knight embraces his princess.
Nick cocked his head and put his lips to his.
- Wishing my princess is our command.

Page 78
- END -