Chapter 12 - A Direct Question
|
"Your sister," Enzo said, his voice deep and quiet in the vast, empty foyer. "She is injured?"
Adeline swallowed hard, clutching the notebook tightly against her chest. "She was in a car accident two years ago. Her spine was crushed."
"And she needs surgery?"
"Yes," Adeline replied, looking him directly in the eyes. "If she doesn't get the operation before autumn ends, she will never walk again."
Enzo studied her pale, exhausted face, noting the faint dark circles beneath her eyes and the rough skin on her hands.
"Is that why you take private night shifts after working twelve hours at the hospital?" Enzo asked. "Is that why you look like you haven't slept in a week?"
Adeline squared her shoulders, refusing to show weakness. "I do whatever I have to do to take care of my family, Mr. Marquetti. Is there an issue with the quality of my medical care for your grandfather?"
"No," Enzo said softly. "He has taken a liking to you. He calls you his 'terrible nurse'."
A tiny, genuine smile flickered across Adeline's lips before she quickly suppressed it. "He's a tough man, but he has a good heart."
She turned toward the staircase, but paused, looking back at the imposing man standing in the center of the grand foyer.
"Mr. Marquetti?"
"Yes?"
"Do you know what people outside these gates say about your family?" Adeline asked quietly.
Enzo’s eyes narrowed slightly. "I can imagine."
"I don't care about any of it," Adeline said honestly. "I know you pay your bills on time, and I know you love your grandfather, even if neither of you likes to talk about it. The rest of your world is none of my business."
She turned and headed upstairs to begin her shift.
May you like
Enzo stood alone in the foyer for a long moment. Then, he pulled out his phone and made a single call.
"Marco," Enzo commanded. "Look into St. Bridget Hospital. I want everything on a nineteen-year-old girl named Nell Whitaker, her orthopedic surgeon, and her pending bills."
