21 The Safe Lady

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• He Slept With My Sister, When I Was Giving Birth   62 Taking Charge

  CatherineI strode through the pack house corridors. That visiting doctor needed to be dealt with properly, and I needed to formalize my authority over Susan's medical care.I found Damon's office and didn't bother knocking. He was reviewing pack business with Cole, papers spread across his desk."We need to discuss Susan's medical situation," I announced, settling into the chair across from his desk without waiting for an invitation.Damon looked up, slightly annoyed at the interruption. "I thought you were handling that with Dr. Graham.""I've dismissed Dr. Graham. Her treatment approach is completely inadequate for Susan's condition."Cole glanced between us. "Dismissed her? Don't you think that's—""What I think," I cut him off, "is that my daughter was being treated with amateur hour herbalism when she needs proper medical intervention."Damon set down his pen. "Dr. Graham seemed competent. Susan's condition has improved since she started treatment.""Improved?" I leaned forward.

• He Slept With My Sister, When I Was Giving Birth   61 Something She Taught Me

  EvelynI walked through the corridor in a daze, my medical bag feeling heavier with each step. The weight of it seemed to pull at my shoulder, dragging me down.I found an empty consultation room and slipped inside, locking the door behind me. I needed a moment to process what had just happened.Catherine had dismissed my treatment as "kitchen remedies" and "completely inadequate." She'd acted like I was some amateur playing with herbs I didn't understand.But that made no sense.I set my bag down on the small table and stared at it. Every technique I'd used, every herbal compound in Susan's treatment, had come directly from Catherine's own research. My mother had been the one to teach me that these genetic conditions responded better to natural compounds than synthetic alternatives when properly calibrated."Natural compounds bond more effectively with the genetic markers," she'd explained during one of our rare mother-daughter sessions when I was studying. "Synthetic alternatives cr

• He Slept With My Sister, When I Was Giving Birth   60 Medical Takeover

  CatherineDr. Graham finished describing the herbal compounds she'd been giving Susan, detailing their dosages and intended effects. The more she talked, the more irritated I became."Let me stop you right there." I held up my hand. "This is completely inadequate."Dr. Graham's eyebrows rose. "I'm sorry?"I stood and paced to the window, unable to contain my frustration. "You're treating a potentially fatal genetic condition with kitchen remedies.""With respect, Dr. Winters, these compounds have been carefully formulated—""Carefully formulated?" I turned back to face her. "By whom? What's your research background on this particular genetic disorder?"Dr. Graham's mouth opened, then closed. "I've studied the condition extensively.""Have you published any papers on it? Conducted any clinical trials? Worked with other patients who've had this exact genetic variant?""I... no, but—""Then you have no business treating my daughter."Susan shifted in her bed, and I caught a glimpse of so

• He Slept With My Sister, When I Was Giving Birth   59 Catherine's Confusion

  CatherineI stood in the hallway, staring at the door numbers. 245, 246, 247. This was Susan's room. I was sure of it. The nurse had told me three times now.But something felt wrong. Why couldn't I remember walking here the first time?I raised my hand to knock, then stopped. Had I already knocked? Had I already seen Susan today? The memories felt fuzzy, overlapping in ways that didn't make sense."Dr. Winters?"I turned. The same young nurse from the desk was approaching me, her face creased with worry."Are you sure you're feeling alright? You've been standing here for ten minutes."Ten minutes? That couldn't be right. I'd just walked over here."I'm fine," I said, forcing my voice to sound authoritative. "Just reviewing my notes before seeing my patient.""Your daughter, you mean?"My daughter. Yes. Susan. I was here to see Susan."Of course." I smoothed down my jacket. "Thank you for your concern, but I'm perfectly capable of managing my own medical consultations."The nurse nodd

• He Slept With My Sister, When I Was Giving Birth   58 Finishing What We Started

  MargaretSusan's face went through a series of changes - surprise, then calculation, then something that looked almost like relief. She set down the water glass she'd been holding and studied my face carefully."What makes you ask that?""Don't answer my question with a question." My frustration boiled over. "I know that look, Susan. You're deciding how much to tell me."I moved closer to the bed, keeping my voice low. "Yesterday, when I questioned that doctor about Ava, she reacted like I'd threatened her own child. Why would a stranger get worked up over a child that isn't hers?"Susan said nothing."So I'll ask again. Does Dr. Graham look like Evelyn to you?"Susan was quiet for a long moment, her fingers picking at the hospital blanket. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper."It's her, Margaret. Evelyn is back."The confirmation stopped me cold, even though I'd suspected it. I sank into the bedside chair, my mind racing. "How long have you known?""Since the

• He Slept With My Sister, When I Was Giving Birth   57 Growing Suspicions

  MargaretTwenty-four hours of confinement, and I was still replaying yesterday's humiliation in the courtyard. The slap burned worse than any physical wound. Not the pain - that had faded within minutes. It was the shock of it. The way that visiting doctor had looked at me with pure hatred before her hand connected with my cheek.I picked at my evening meal, anger burning in my chest. Guards at my door like I was some common criminal. All because I'd told Ava the truth about her parentage. Someone had to, eventually.A knock at the door stopped my thoughts. "Come in."A young pack member entered with fresh linens, practically bouncing with excitement. "Miss Margaret! Did you hear the news?"I paused with my fork halfway to my mouth. "What news?""Dr. Winters is back!""Catherine's back?""Yes! Luna Susan's mother. She got here this afternoon.""I know who Catherine is. And?" My voice was flat with disgust."Oh my god, she looks amazing. Like, really sophisticated? And her silver hair,