Chapter 5 - The Woman He Couldn't Stop Thinking About|
Adrian DeLuca had survived gunfire, betrayal, and the kind of violence that left most men permanently afraid.
But nothing had prepared him for Clara Bennett.
She was the first woman in years who had looked him directly in the eyes and told him he was being an idiot.
Not because she wanted something.
Not because she wanted to impress him.
Because he had been bleeding in an alley and refusing medical treatment.
He found that strangely unforgettable.
Three days after the shooting, Adrian sat in a private hospital room reviewing documents.
Rocco stood near the window.
"Boss, the investigators found more irregularities."
Adrian looked up.
"How many?"
"Enough to justify expanding the review."
"Names?"
"Marcus Vale. Brittany Collins. Two pharmacy employees. And a vendor connected to the hospital's supply contracts."
Adrian's expression hardened.
"Any evidence Clara was involved?"
"Nothing substantiated. Her original report appears to have flagged the irregularities before the allegations against her were entered."
Adrian nodded slowly.
"Good."
Rocco hesitated.
"Boss?"
"What?"
"Why does she matter so much?"
Adrian looked toward the rain outside.
For several seconds, he didn't answer.
Then he said quietly:
"She didn't know who I was."
Rocco frowned.
"So?"
"So she treated me like a human being."
Rocco studied him.
"Most people do."
Adrian laughed once.
"No, Rocco. Most people treat me like a bank account, a threat, or an opportunity."
He looked down at his bandaged arm.
"Clara treated me like someone whose life mattered."
Rocco said nothing.
Adrian continued.
"She stood in freezing rain while you pointed a gun at her. She didn't ask who I was. She didn't ask what I could give her."
He paused.
"She asked whether I could breathe."
Rocco looked uncomfortable.
"I did apologize for the gun."
"You should apologize again."
Rocco sighed.
"Yes, boss."
A knock interrupted them.
Daniel Reeves entered.
"Mr. DeLuca, Clara Bennett is here."
Adrian straightened.
"Send her in."
Daniel hesitated.
"She's accompanied by her attorney."
Adrian smiled faintly.
"Good."
Clara entered wearing a simple navy dress and a dark coat.
Her brown hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders.
She carried a folder against her chest.
She looked exhausted.
Beautiful.
And very, very suspicious.
Adrian immediately stood.
She frowned.
"Should you be standing?"
He looked down at his arm.
"Probably not."
"Then sit."
Rocco coughed to hide a laugh.
Adrian obeyed.
Clara looked at him.
"Apparently surviving a gunshot hasn't improved your ability to follow instructions."
His mouth curved.
"Apparently not."
Her attorney, a woman named Rebecca Mills, took the chair beside her.
Daniel sat opposite.
The meeting began professionally.
Rebecca reviewed Clara's termination notice.
Daniel outlined the independent investigation.
Clara listened carefully.
Then she asked:
"Will the hospital preserve the medication records and audit logs?"
"Yes," Daniel replied.
"Will I have a chance to challenge the allegations?"
"Yes."
"And will the hospital refrain from making unsupported claims about my license?"
Daniel nodded.
"Appropriate corrective steps will be considered as the facts are established."
Clara exhaled.
For the first time in days, some of the tension left her shoulders.
Then she turned toward Adrian.
"Why did you buy the hospital?"
He looked at her.
"Because the opportunity was already under consideration, and recent events made the problems impossible to ignore."
Clara studied him.
"Did you do it because of me?"
He hesitated.
"Partly."
She frowned.
"Adrian."
He liked the way she said his name.
No title.
No fear.
Just Adrian.
"I won't lie to you," he said. "What happened to you influenced my decision."
Clara crossed her arms.
"I didn't ask you to save me."
"I know."
"I don't want to owe you anything."
"You don't."
She stared.
"Men like you always expect something."
His expression changed.
"Men like me?"
"Rich men. Powerful men. Men who believe money gives them permission to rearrange other people's lives."
Adrian was silent.
Clara's voice softened.
"I spent two years with someone who made me feel lucky to be tolerated."
Adrian watched her carefully.
"Marcus."
She looked away.
"Yes."
Rocco's expression darkened.
Adrian raised a hand before he could speak.
Then Adrian looked at Clara.
"You deserve to be treated with respect."
Her eyes filled unexpectedly.
She looked down.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Clara cleared her throat.
"Thank you for addressing the investigation."
Adrian nodded.
"You're welcome."
She stood.
"My attorney will handle the employment matter."
He nodded again.
"Of course."
Clara turned toward the door.
Then stopped.
"Adrian?"
"Yes?"
"Don't buy anything else because of me."
He smiled.
"I'll try to restrain myself."
She shook her head.
But for the first time, she smiled back.
Adrian watched her leave.
Then his phone rang.
Unknown number.
He answered.
A distorted voice spoke.
"Buying the hospital was a mistake, DeLuca."
Adrian's smile disappeared.
"Who is this?"
The voice continued:
"Marcus was supposed to get rid of the nurse quietly."
Adrian went completely still.
May you like
Then the caller whispered:
"Now you've made Clara Bennett the next target."
