week and couldn’t afford to shut down for two. Not only would she lose additional revenue, but also her wealthy clientele might decide to go elsewhere, never to return. No, she needed to go back to work.
She stepped into the corridor so that the others might not see her look of concern. Just thinking about Katie’s medical costs caused her to experience pangs of guilt, despite knowing that she’d go deep into debt to save her kids’ lives.
The sight of Ray walking down the corridor caused her adrenaline to spike. She told herself to stay calm and not lash out at him, especially when he had two cups of coffee in hand. The hospital was not the place to make a scene. She always knew when Ray was trying to suck up to her. So what had he done this time, aside from not contacting her for two whole days, then magically appearing on that bridge and showing her up?
“For you, babe,” he said, kissing her cheek.
She took the cup from him, trying not to meet his gaze and fall prey to his charms.
“This is also for you.” He handed her a wad of bills wrapped in a red elastic band.
“What’s this?”
“What’s it look like?”
“I mean, where did you get it?”
“I earned it. Profits from the business.”
“Selling seaweed? Is that where you’ve been these past few days?”
“Processed kelp and seaweed, actually. It’s all the rage these days. Supposed to have amazing health benefits.”
“Why didn’t you at least return my call?”
“There’s no cell service on some of those isolated flats. Think I wouldn’t have rushed right home had I known what happened to Katie?”
The nurse walked over as Isla slipped the wad into her pocketbook. Despite her many complaints about Ray, every once in a while he did come through—and he made sure she knew it. With the bills piling up, this would definitely help.
“You two can see your daughter now,” the nurse said.
“Would I be able to talk to her for a few minutes?” Karl stepped into the corridor just then and approached them.
“She’s pretty shaken up, but I suppose it’s up to her parents,” the nurse replied.
“Would you mind?” Karl asked, turning to Isla.
“Relax, Bjorny. My daughter’s in no condition to talk to you just yet,” Ray said.
Isla looked at Karl’s fine-boned face and wondered if he knew that his ex-wife had once posed for Ray, and possibly done more.
“I appreciate your concern, Ray, but her best friend is still missing, and time’s running out,” Karl said.
“Yes, Karl, you can talk to Katie. Just give me a minute with her first,” Isla said, noticing Drew walking into the corridor.
She was about to head to Katie’s room when she heard someone shouting behind her. She pivoted and saw Drew and another boy wrestling each other to the floor. Drew positioned himself on top of the other kid and started throwing punches before Karl and Ray broke them up.
“You’re a dead man, Julian. I can’t believe you have the balls to show your face in here after what you’ve done,” Drew barked.
“Dude, you seriously need to chill,” Julian said, picking himself up. “You’re not the boss man of this hospital.”
“You better get him out of here before I beat the shit out of him,” Drew said.
“No one’s beating anyone,” Karl said. He turned to Drew. “Get in the waiting room and stay there. Because if you cause any more problems, I’ll ban you from this hospital for good, even if you’re dying.”
“What about him?”
“You attacked first. Besides, he has every right to be here just as much as you.”
Drew headed back inside the waiting room after turning to snarl at Julian. To her mind, Julian didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the assault. He adjusted his wool cap and stared goofily at the cop, as if asking what he should do next.
“Julian, I take it,” Karl said.
“You witnessed him attack me, Officer. You going to do anything about it?”
“It’s the girl’s boyfriend, so let’s not be so dramatic.”
“Katie has a boyfriend?” Julian looked genuinely surprised.
“They’ve been going together since Katie was a freshman.”
“Had no idea. She just doesn’t seem like a girl who has a boyfriend.”
“How well do you know her?”
“She is a friend of Willow’s.”
“And you’re friends with Willow?”
“What do you think, bruh?”
“It’s Officer Bjornson to you.”
“Sure. Whatever, Officer Bjornson.” Julian snorted sarcastically. “Willow and I went to the same school, Chance Academy, before she transferred out. She also happens to live next door to me.”