Dissident by Cecilia London Read Free Book Online Page B

in medical school.
    Bill pinched the bridge of his nose. “According to INSCOM, she’s wanted for questioning on federal charges related to seditious conspiracy.”
    She shook her head. Maureen wasn’t exactly fully engaged in the political process, but reality was still her good friend. “That’s ludicrous. And you take them seriously?”
    “You should take them seriously too, Maureen. We’re all potential targets. Especially if we appear to be aiding the enemy.”
    “But you told me to keep her safe.”
    “You should. Just be aware that as someone who has close contact with one of the government’s most wanted, there’s a good chance that they’ll be keeping an eye on you too. Looking for signs of weakness. Of collaboration.” He paused. “Our young Lieutenant Mitchell was noticeably absent from the meeting I just had with the folks at Fort Belvoir.”
    Maureen shivered, thinking of the babyfaced officer. He had seemed far too sympathetic and reflective during their previous meeting, even though his questions had been routine. Maybe all her paranoia hadn’t been for naught. “I really need to call Aimee,” she said. “She must be freaking out.”
    “Tell her to stay in Texas.”
    “Are you kidding? She’s coming home.”
    Bill’s voice had a hint of warning. “No. Have her stay there. It’s safer.”
    Maureen pressed her palm to her forehead. “I don’t want to think about this. How are we even having this discussion?”
    “It doesn’t matter how we got here. We’re having it. And you’re living it. Keep your child safe. Your parents are in Texas, right?”
    “Yeah. My in-laws are there too.”
    “You have some vacation time you need to use. Perhaps a family reunion is in order. I hear Galveston is beautiful this time of year.”
    “My job is here.”
    “Yes, it is. But you could really use some time to yourself. You’ve been under a lot of stress lately. A leave of absence isn’t unreasonable.”
    “I’m fine. I have an obligation to the patients in this facility. I’m not leaving them. Not right now.”
    “I’m telling you to think about it. Long and hard.” Bill flipped the TV off. “I’ve got to go talk to some other folks about this. A fractured nation is going to make our lives more complicated both in a personal and professional sense.”
    Maureen turned toward the door, then spun to face the older man. “Be careful, Bill,” she said softly.
    “You too. Keep an eye on our patient.”
    Maureen sighed. “I will.”
    *              *              *              *              *
    Dr. Savage noticed none of the other members of the medical staff made eye contact with her as she walked down the hall. She tried to relax her expression. After the terrible phone call she’d had with her daughter, she knew she appeared cold and unapproachable. She couldn’t have that. Her staff needed to know she was there for them, especially since they had little guidance from anywhere else.
    Maureen walked up to the Nurse’s Station. “Hi, Sarah. How’s Ms. Gerard today?” she asked, grabbing her chart.
    “Fine,” the nurse responded. “I just checked on her a bit ago. Vitals are good. Meds are steady. I thought I heard her mumbling something but I couldn’t make out what it was.”
    “Has she woken up?”
    “No, ma’am. Some odd restlessness, but she has not regained consciousness.”
    “Good. I’m going to peek in on her if that’s okay.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    The room was sparse and poorly lit. Maureen would have liked to put the woman in a more comfortable space but they’d been instructed to put her in one of the less well apportioned rooms. They still had all the medical equipment they needed, for now. Who knew when that would change?
    The patient’s heartbeat and blood pressure were steady, according to the machines near the bed. Maureen sat down next to her and held her hand.
    “I’m sorry this is happening to