Page 42 of Healed Heart

I shake my head at the thought.Henry is kind-hearted and gentle—usually.But then again, we all have our breaking points.

And Henry, when he reaches his, can be lethal.

ChapterSixteen

Jason

The fluorescent lights buzz above me, casting everything in a harsh, artificial glow.The hospital.I both love and hate this place.

Ralph’s room is located near the end of a corridor, away from the noises of the nurses’ station.I grasp the cool metal handle and push the door open.

Ralph looks small and pitiful in the large hospital bed, bandages wrapped around his arms and covering some of his face.His eyes are closed as if he’s sleeping.Or maybe he’s intentionally ignoring my presence.

“Ralph,” I say, my voice echoing slightly in the quiet room.

No response.

The thought of him taunting Angie stirs a raw anger in me.I quickly push it down.A man in my profession should never find joy in another’s suffering.

“Ralph,” I repeat, louder this time.“I know you’re awake.”

His eyes flutter open.There’s a flicker of recognition, and then something darker, something like dread.

“Dr.Lansing,” he rasps out, wincing slightly as if the effort to speak is too much for him.“What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” I respond coolly, crossing my arms.

“What can I say?I love the food here.”

I roll my eyes.

He glares at me.“Take a look.Why the fuck do youthinkI’m here?”

I pull up a chair and sit beside his bed.“Why’d you do it?”My voice is steady and controlled, as cold as the stainless-steel fixtures in the room.

“Do what?”he asks.

His feigned innocence makes me want to finish the job someone started.

“Threaten Angie?”I grit out.“We both know you’re the one who emailed HR.”

Ralph swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat.He tries to speak but only coughs, the sound echoing harshly in the room.

“I didn’t,” he croaks after a moment.

“Save your lies for someone who gives a damn,” I snap, leaning forward so my face is inches from his.“You hurt Angie, and you’re going to pay for it.”

Ralph’s eyes widen, a flicker of raw terror flashing across them.He starts to shake his head, attempting denial yet again.But I’m not here for lies or excuses.

I stand, my chair scraping against the cold linoleum floor.The sound reverberates through the room.

“You know what’s funny, Ralph?I’ve never been a violent man.But for you, I find myself considering becoming one.”

His lips part as if he wants to say something, but nothing comes out.The fear in his eyes is palpable now, and I can’t help but feel a small measure of satisfaction.

“But,” I continue, “for Angie’s sake, I won’t stoop to your level.”

My fists are clenched at my sides, knuckles white with the effort of control.But Angie wouldn’t want this, wouldn’t want me to become a monster like him.She already doubts me, and I won’t give her further reason to.