Deliver Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

catch a breath before another injury rolled
through the doors. Sensing the fury had calmed, Monica ran to the
bathroom—something else she hadn’t had time to do in the previous two
hours.
    When she emerged from the women’s restroom, she discovered Dr. Slessinger
standing at one of the wall x-ray units reviewing a film with a resident Monica
had met earlier in the day.
    “Dr. Gardner,” he called out to her. He said something to the young
doctor, who nodded, then Slessinger switched off the light on the x-ray machine
and started toward her. “I’m happy I ran into you.”
    Just when she thought she could have a few minutes to herself. Monica
suppressed a sigh and pasted on a smile.
    “How has your day gone so far?” the doctor asked. He had a cheerfulness
about him she found endearing.
    “It’s been busy, but I can handle it,” Monica answered.
    “I knew you would jump in with both feet.” He patted her on the shoulder.
“You’re going to fit right in.”
    A warm glow settled over her. Praise was always a welcomed boost to her
spirits, especially after a particularly long day.   And even more so after being unfairly
chewed out by Dr. Holmes earlier this morning. Honest mistake or not, Monica
was still smarting from his high-handed reprimand.
    Working in the same hospital, she knew she’d have to see him
occasionally, but she hoped their encounters were few and far between.
    Yeah, right !   The little voice inside her head
taunted.
    “Do you have any objections, Dr. Gardner?”
    What? Oh, great. Thinking about that heartthrob in scrubs, she’d
completely missed whatever it was Dr. Slessinger had been talking about.
    Great way to make an
impression, Monica .
    “I’m sorry, my mind was on a young boy I saw this morning with Cystic
Fibrosis.”
    Liar .   Your mind was on a young doctor with
gorgeous eyes.
    “I wondered if you would be interested in sitting on our charity board.
Dr. Millgram was an active member.”
    “What would it entail?” Monica asked, already warming to the idea.
Anything that kept her from sitting in her apartment pining away for Patrick.
    “Over the years, the board has focused on raising money for our outreach
programs. Because of our location, we have a unique opportunity to provide
services to many who wouldn’t be able to afford it,” Slessinger explained.
    That was a nice way of saying, although Methodist Memorial was a
world-class facility, the neighborhood around it left much to be desired.
Monica simply nodded.
    “These days those programs are needed more than ever.”
    “They definitely are,” Monica agreed.
    A slew of nurses and paramedics wheeled a gurney down the hall, but
before she could excuse herself to attend to the trauma, the other physician on
call came from behind curtain one.
    “I’ve got it, Dr. Gardner,” Dr. Ray Carvel said as he followed closely
behind the gurney.
    “I didn’t realize Dr. Carvel was here today,” Dr. Slessinger said.
    “He’s on call,” Monica replied. “He came in a few hours ago when things
got a little sticky. I think he just enjoys being here.”
    “There are few as dedicated as he is. And speaking of dedication, Dr.
Millgram gave new meaning to the word.   He devoted countless hours to making Methodist Memorial’s Charity Board
the best of the area hospitals. I don’t want to pressure you,” he was quick to
explain. “But it would be a tremendous help if you can spare a few hours a
month. Are you up for this?” he asked, his eyes full of hope.
    Could she really turn him down?
    “I’d be happy to.” What else did she have to do in this city where she
knew absolutely no one? “It sounds like a great program.”
    Dr. Slessinger’s face brightened. “Oh, it is. Best in the city.”
    “Why don’t we schedule a time when we can discuss exactly what I would be
doing,” Monica suggested.
    “I’ll go you one better. The monthly meeting is tomorrow. I’ll email you
an invite.” He pointed to her. “You’re