The Good Doctor Read Online Free PDF Page B

she’d return to New York City and pick up her life where she’d left it. Long-distance relationships didn’t work. His life, family and future were here in Red Rock. Number three—Violet Fortune rocked his world a little too much. He liked to be in control. Last night, being around her had thrown him off balance. It was an odd feeling that hadn’t happened to him before, not even with his ex-fiancée Sandra.
    â€œHello,” came a breathless voice after the fourth ring.
    â€œViolet? It’s Peter Clark.”
    â€œOh, Peter. Hi.”
    He heard the rustle of bags. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
    â€œNo, this is fine. I was just setting down the groceries. I stopped at the store on the way back from the Double Crown.”
    â€œYou saw Ryan today?”
    â€œYes. I had brunch with him and Lily and the governor’s daughter. But we didn’t have a chance to talk. Lily’s so worried about him. She sees the stress he’s under. She and I went riding this afternoon and I’m afraid she’s imagining all kinds of things.”
    â€œHopefully, soon we can put both of their minds to rest. My colleague in Houston has made arrangements for Ryan’s MRI on Saturday. We have to be there by ten. Since our appointment with him for the results is later in the day, I’m wondering if we should stay in Houston overnight. Ryan might be tired. Can you talk to him about it and see how he feels? I can clear my schedule to drive back Sunday morning. One of my partners can cover for me.”
    â€œWith no questions asked?”
    â€œWith no questions asked.”
    A multitude of questions raced through his head concerning Violet. He wondered what her life had been like growing up with Lacey and Patrick Fortune and four brothers. As the only daughter, had she been a tomboy? Somehow he doubted that.
    â€œI’ll talk to Ryan,” Violet assured him. “He mentioned that he and Lily will be attending a fund-raiser for San Juan Hospital at the Madison Hotel on Friday night. He told me the money would be used for high-tech equipment in the pediatrics wing that’s a memorial to your mother.”
    â€œRyan and Lily have always been supportive of fund-raising attempts for the pediatrics wing. Lily was instrumental in helping me launch the first fund drive.”
    Despite the good cause, this was one event Peter didn’t want to be reminded of, thanks to his sisters and that god-awful bachelor auction. In spite of himself, he couldn’t help asking, “Will you be attending the fund-raiser with them?”
    â€œI’m thinking about it. My brother Miles is one of the bachelors being auctioned off.”
    â€œI wonder who bribed him,” Peter grumbled.
    â€œUh-oh,” she said with a laugh. “Does that mean somebody bribed you?”
    â€œNo, with me it was blackmail. My sisters warned me that if I didn’t volunteer, they’d list my name in the personal ads on the Internet.”
    When Violet began laughing again, he liked the sound of it. He didn’t feel at all as if she were laughing at him, but rather laughing with him.
    Finally, she said, “Thank you, Peter. That felt good. I haven’t had much to smile about lately.”
    â€œBecause you’re worried about Ryan?”
    â€œYes.” She paused then went on, “I came to Red Rock to get away from my practice for a little while.”
    â€œThat burnout we discussed?”
    There was more silence and he suddenly wondered if she’d confided in anyone about her real reasons for coming to Red Rock. Irrationally, he wanted her to confide in him.
    â€œYes.”
    When she didn’t go on, he said, “Burnout happens.”
    â€œI guess it does, but this time when I lost a patient, not only her husband questioned my judgment. I did, too.”
    â€œYou’re a perfectionist,” he said kindly, without criticism.
    â€œAren’t