Chapter 125
Leanne dumped the entire bouquet into the trash can on She tossed out the ones Donna had been keeping at the There was no note, no florist’s card attached to the flow nurse who had handed them over to Amy.
aut questioned the
The nurse couldn’t remember what the person looked like, just that they seemed pretty average. She had assumed it was a delivery from a florist and hadn’t paid much attention, When Donna realized a creep had sent the flowers, she furiously sprayed disinfectant around the office, “What if he’s put something weird on the flowers?
Dr. Chase couldn’t help but chime in with a taunt, “Maybe he smeared his own love juice on them for you to cuddle up with and sniff.”
Donna retorted, spraying disinfectant in his direction, “With that dirty mouth of yours, you could do with a good clean.”
Dr. Chase quickly shielded himself with a folder and made a clumsy retreat from the office.
All in all, Leanne was clueless about the identity of this mysterious stalker
“Maybe we should call the cops, Amy suggested, her voice laced with worry.
“Are you out of your mind? Think about it. The department head and the chief would never let you. They’d rather downplay the whole thing, keep it hush-hush to avoid scandal.”
Amy was young and idealistic, but Donna, the seasoned cynic, knew the harsh realities of their environment all too well.
“Believe me, if you call the cops today, by tomorrow the whole hospital will be buzzing with rumors about Leanne being harassed by a pervert. She’s already under the microscope, gossiping about her connections, and whispers about her divorce. Throw this into the mix, and with her looks, imagine the vile talk. They won’t sympathize or defend
you. They’d just label you a tramp, and they would think it must be her own loose behavior. Why else would she attract such attention?”
Women were utterly alone in these situations.
“Besides, it’s just a few bouquets. There’s been no other action, no direct threat to her safety. Even if the police do show up, they’ll just tell you to be cautious.”
Deflated, Amy slumped down, “So we’re just supposed to do nothing?”
“Don’t get too worked up. This creep hasn’t even shown his face, and he’s probably just a coward, only daring enough to send a card from the shadows. He won’t come out in the
Chapter 125
open.
After thinking for a moment, Donna added, “Leanne, de could give you a ride to and from work? If not, you ca
bit,”
But Donna had her hands full with two kids at home
ends who
nd stay for a
barely a year old, and
her parents had come over to help. Their three bedroartment was already crowded
enough.
“Thanks for the offer, Donna, but I don’t want to impose: It just have a friend come over and stay with me for a few days.”
“That works too. Just make sure you’re not alone when you leave work, Donnal counseled, “We still don’t know who we’re dealing with, so it’s best to be careful
Joy was even more outraged when she found out, “Damn that sicko. Why isn’t trash like that picked up by sanitation already? Once I find out who he is, I’m going to cut his penis
off.”
“Don’t leave work yet. Wait for me at the hospital, and I’ll come to pick you up.”
Leanne was texting Joy back as she walked.
Suddenly, a figure stepped in front of her. She moved aside, but so did the figure.
She tried the other side, and again the person mirrored her.
Realizing this wasn’t a coincidence, Leanne stopped typing and looked up.
rek stood there with the familiarity of an old friend, “Who are you texting with such
cus?”
“I don’t think I know you well enough to say,” Leanne replied, trying to walk past him.
“Just one dinner with me, and we’d get to know each other,” Derek countered, stepping in front of her again, “I heard you and Curtis finally signed off on things.”
He looked down slightly, “Does that mean I can pursue you now?”
Leanne paused, putting two and two together, Did you send the flowers?”
“What flowers?” Derek’s expression was a perfectly calibrated blend of confusion, with no obvious tell-tale signs.
Leanne scrutinized him, looking for a clue in his face, but came up er
empty.
you want me to send you flowers, just say so. No need to beat around the bush. What’s your preference? Roses? Tulips? Or are you the type who likes sunflowers?”