Goddess of the Rose Read Online Free PDF Page B

raise, too. Jill would hate to lose her to one of their competitor hospitals, and that new heart hospital had just opened on 91st Street. They were probably recruiting heavily for experienced employees. She made a mental note to look into the raise and bring Mikki one of those cruise line catalogs first thing Monday morning.
    â€œWhy don’t you knock off early today? It’s been a long week.”
    Mikki smiled in surprise. “Thanks! I do have a big date to get ready for.”
    Jill grinned at her assistant. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed.” Then she looked around to be sure no one could overhear her before quipping, “You know, a hard man is good to find.”
    Mikki giggled. “This one’s a professor.”
    â€œWell, here’s hoping that his”—Jill paused, omitting the word and waggling her eyebrows suggestively—“is as big as his brain. See you Monday.” Then she departed, swinging her hips jauntily in time with her characteristically saucy stride.
    Mikki was still smiling as she turned off the computer. It was as she clicked the mouse that she noticed the laminated insurance card.
    â€œAh, damnit! I didn’t give Sevillana back her card.”
    Mikki grabbed the card and rushed through the door to the inner area of the emergency room. The nurses’ station was located in the middle of the large center arena. Mikki recognized the unit secretary who sat behind the tall counter. As usual, the petite brunette was busy typing orders into the computer.
    â€œHey, Brandi, what room is Sevillana Kalyca in?”
    â€œSeven.” The harried secretary didn’t even glance up at her. “That’s a name that is hard to forget.”
    â€œThanks.” Mikki headed to the door marked 7. “Hope it quiets down for you tonight.”
    â€œFat chance,” Brandi muttered.
    Mikki knocked on the closed door.
    â€œYou may enter.” The old woman’s distinctive voice called.
    Mikki opened the door and peeked hesitantly into the room. Sevillana beckoned her in with her good hand. Her left hand was propped up on an aluminum arm that pulled out of the side of the examination bed. Someone had draped the shiny surface with a blue cloth. Mikki could see the laceration that slashed across the meaty part of her palm. It was slowly seeping blood.
    â€œCome on in, my dear. The nurse has gone to collect some instruments with which to fix this.” She nodded at her hand. “Apparently, I need stitches.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Mikki said automatically. “I hope it doesn’t hurt too much.”
    â€œIt is a small thing, Mikado.” Sevillana gestured to the chair beside the bed. “Please, sit. It was kind of you to look in on me.”
    â€œI brought you this.” Mikki handed her the insurance card, feeling chagrined that she hadn’t really come to check on her.
    â€œThank you. I would never have remembered where I left it.” Sevillana took the card and smiled warmly at Mikki.
    Mikki sat. She tried to keep from staring at the old woman’s wound, but like a horrible accident passed on a highway, her gaze kept being drawn back to it. And there was something else about Sevillana’s palm. Mikki squinted, trying to get a better look at it.
    â€œBlood is fascinating. Do you not think it so?” Sevillana’s voice was hypnotic.
    â€œThe color always reminds me of roses,” Mikki said softly. She forced her eyes from Sevillana’s injured hand to her face. “I don’t mean to sound like I’m a blood-crazed ghoul. It’s just that freshly blooming roses and new blood share such a unique color. I don’t understand why that should have a negative connotation,” she finished defensively.
    Sevillana’s amazing blue eyes pierced her. “You are wise for one who is so young. For me, it took many years to understand that there is no negative connotation in what you