Page 60 of Wasted

“Victoria, good morning.” Racquelle’s voice came across the line, a peculiar tight tone modifying her normal pitch.

“Good morning. Is something wrong?”

“No, not wrong. But I called to convey a request from the higher-ups.”

Higher-ups? Only the board members had greater authority than Racquelle. Why would they have a request for Victoria? Unless…

Her throat pinched. They wouldn’t…Would they?

“They’d like you to take some time off until things are resolved with the police.”

Anxiety and the horrible feeling of guilt tangled with the frustration of injustice in her stomach. She hadn’t done anything wrong, nothing to deserve a disciplinary leave. “I understand.” The safe and respectful response emerged from her lips automatically, even as her mind screamed a different reaction. A defense.

She was innocent. The police had only wanted to question her. They hadn’t charged her with anything or arrested her. She had a perfect record of following all regulations and serving patients without a single complaint. She was, as Racquelle had once told her, their best and most reliable PT.

But arguing wouldn’t help her situation with Racquelle or the board.

“I’m sorry, Victoria. But I look forward to welcoming you back when this all blows over.”

“Of course.” Victoria swallowed the large lump in her throat. “Thank you.”

“You take care.”

“You, too.”

The line clicked, and Victoria set the phone on the counter. She stared at the screen as the Call Ended message appeared.

She only hoped her job hadn’t ended, as well. What had she gotten herself into? She wouldn’t have thought Racquelle or the board members of CareFull would distance from her when she’d only been questioned. That shouldn’t affect how they saw her. Many people were interviewed for murder investigations.

Though having the police come to the CareFull office and escort her away had surely not helped.

Regardless, God was in control of all these events. He had a good purpose in everything that happened and would happen.

The reminder relieved some of the tension clenching her stomach. She took in a breath. “Okay, Lord. What do you have planned for me to do today if not help my patients?”

Sydney. Her pregnancy checkup appointment was this morning. Sydney had wanted Victoria to be there for it, but she’d had to decline due to work.

“Well, thank you, Lord. Perhaps Sydney needs me more today than my patients.” Victoria crated Max as quickly as she could and left the house.

During the drive to the Life Center, the events of the past few days cycled through her mind, bringing back the unease she’d felt last night. Her gaze drifted to the rearview mirror.

Was that…a motorcycle behind her? Who drove a motorcycle in twenty-degree weather? She knew of only one person.

Cillian.

Still being protective? Or did he have a different reason for tailing her?

Warmth filled her torso as she glanced in the mirror again. She shouldn’t be pleased to see him. Especially not after last night. Though her father was wrong to call Cillian trouble to his face, even if he did have the ability to lead her into making wrong choices.

That was her own weakness. One she would keep under control today, regardless of Cillian’s reason for following her.

She could interact with him without letting herself be influenced and persuaded. And without letting her feelings go in the direction they seemed so inclined to.

Her resolve was fixed by the time she turned into the parking lot at Life and found a stall near the entrance.

Cillian pulled his motorcycle into the empty spot beside her.

Those butterflies that refused to give up residence in her stomach launched into flight at the sight of his tall figure, clothed in jeans and black leather jacket. He swung one long leg over the motorcycle to dismount and pulled off his helmet, running fingers through his thick black hair.