Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 74123 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74123 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“Good afternoon, Sir. Are you here for the Caldwell viewing?”
His heart pounded. The director’s words somehow made this seem even more real. Deep down, Ethan had hoped this was all some crazy nightmare he’d wake up from but instead, here he was about to view the body of a woman whose life was tragically cut short. A woman, he couldn’t save.
“This way, Sir. I’m happy you could come by. The Caldwell viewing is this way.”
He was lead into a room that was eerily empty. Ethan wasn’t sure what he’d been expecting but he thought he’d see some family members or at least that deadbeat husband of hers. Yet the room was full of empty chairs. At the end of the aisle was an open casket.
There was only one large arrangement of flowers and he had a good idea that it was the one sent from their office. With each step that drew him closer to the casket, it became harder to breathe.
Ethan swayed on his feet as he viewed the body. He’d seen plenty of dead bodies in his profession, and there were a few unfortunate times when he’d witnessed someone die, so seeing Amina so still and lifeless somehow managed to shake him to his core.
It didn’t look like her. Whoever had prepared her body for viewing had been heavy-handed on the makeup giving her the pallor of someone who had been deathly ill before they passed away. She appeared so much thinner than when he’d last seen her, almost to the point of emaciation. And for some reason she was wearing a cheap looking wig.
What had that bastard done to her? What kind of hell did she suffer in the last few years of her life to be in such a state?
Tears stung his eyes as anger welled in his chest. He clenched his fists at his sides. “I’m so sorry…Amina. I’m so sorry I failed you. I wish I could have helped you. If…if I had another chance, I would make sure that bastard would never hurt you again.”
It was only when he tasted the saltiness of something wet in the corner of his mouth did he realize that a tear escaped his eye.
“Dr. Han?” A soft voice called to him.
Embarrassed, he hastily wiped his face before turning around to see a small blonde woman.
“Paisley?”
He hadn’t seen her in a while since she’d abruptly left the office sighting her inability to handle the work load although he was certain that wasn’t the case. Unfortunately it wasn’t until after she had left did he learn that Carole, one of his nurses was creating a toxic environment for the other staff in the office.
By the time he figured it out, he and Frank collectively decided to let her go and then found themselves dealing with a lawsuit for unlawful termination.
It had been such a headache to deal with.
Paisley smiled briefly. “Yes, long time no see.”
“It’s good to see you, I wish we could have reunited under better circumstances.”
She nodded. “Yes, me too. I’m still in contact with Jennie at the office and she let me know about Amina. I had to come.” She glimpsed over his shoulder to look into the casket and let out a loud gasp.
“Ohmygod!” She covered her mouth.
“I know. It’s upsetting.” Ethan patted Paisley on the shoulder.
Tears welled in her bright blue eyes. “She looks so frail. I don’t understand how this can happen. Was…was she sick? Do you know how she passed? Jennie didn’t offer me many details.”
Ethan and Frank had informed the staff of Amina’s passing but didn’t disclose the reason to protect her dignity. “The last few years have been rough for her but I know she would have been touched that you could be here today,” he said, sidestepping her question.
Paisley moved closer to the casket and briefly placed her hand along the edge. “Amina was so sweet. She always took the time to answer my questions and she was patient with me. I know this is stupid but whenever we had donuts, she would usually save my favorite one. We even went out to lunch a few times. I would like to think we were friends but…”
“But what?”
“Well, when everyone at the office got an invite to her wedding, I was pleased to go. But then I saw her groom for the first time. I got an icky feeling about him. He seemed nice enough but I just couldn’t put my finger on it, ya know?”
Ethan knew exactly what she meant but he could only nod, wanting her to continue. It was interesting to get someone else’s perspective of what he’d also observed.
“Shortly after she got married, Amina changed. She always closed her office door and she stopped doing the little stuff. I would ask her if she wanted to hang out but she’d decline. She always seemed so skittish. And…” she leaned in closer as if they weren’t the only two people in the room. “I think he might have been hurting her but I couldn’t be sure. But she was a whole different person. I kind of wish I would have stuck it out at that job, but well…”