Fallen by Leslie Tentler

While the leak may resolve on its own with bed rest—”
    “As I said, she can get that at home .”
    Her chin lifted. “We’re keeping her here for twenty-four hours, for observation and intravenous administration of a painkiller. If the bleeding gets worse or doesn’t clear up on its own within that timeframe, there may be a need to cauterize the area laparoscopically. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to further risk her health by taking her out of here.”
    Brandt glared at her. Elise sniffled softly and rubbed a hand over her eyes.
    “She’s staying.” Touching her shoulder, Lydia gentled her voice. “I want you to call me if you need anything at all, all right?”
    She didn’t expect a response nor did she receive one. Still, she laid her business card on the nightstand and with a last hard look at Brandt, walked out. She wanted him to know someone was watching. Her back rigid, she had just pushed the elevator button when she heard his voice.
    “Dr. Costa.”
    Lydia turned. Brandt stalked toward her. “You’re the one who called the police.”
    “This is the second time I’ve treated your wife in three months. Her injuries—”
    “Are of her own causing.” He waved a dismissive hand, a gold Rolex glinting on his broad wrist, and sighed heavily. “I know how all this must look. But Elise is alone while I’m at work, and what she didn’t tell you is that she drinks too much and takes pills. She has blackouts and doesn’t remember half the things she does.”
    No alcohol or drugs had shown up in Elise’s blood panel. Lydia felt anger bubble inside her.
    He consulted his watch, frowning. “I’m missing an important meeting because of this. The housekeeper called and said Elise wasn’t feeling well and had taken a cab from the house. I had to call the taxi service to find out she’d come here , of all places.”
    Lydia understood what he meant. A public hospital. She clenched her jaw as her composure broke. “Those injuries weren’t caused by a fall, and you know it.”
    Brandt stilled, his eyes narrowing.
    “Do you understand why she came to Mercy, not one of the private hospitals? She didn’t want you to know she’d gone for treatment.” Lydia pointed at the closed hospital room door. “She attempted to file as an indigent . You tell me why a wife would be hiding the fact that she needs medical care from her spouse. You came looking for her because you were worried someone would notify the police about her injuries.”
    His tone grew indignant. “I don’t like what you’re implying—”
    “I’m not implying anything. You’re abusing her, and she’s too afraid of you to do anything to stop it.”
    The usually bustling corridor was empty for once. Scowling, Brandt took a step closer, invading her space and towering over her. Lydia felt her mouth go dry. Despite the expensive clothes, he suddenly looked more like a menacing street hood. His lips curled back in cold amusement as his eyes flicked up and down her body.
    “Shame. All that pretty ruined by dumpy hospital scrubs and a snotty attitude.”
    Her face grew hot. “I’m a doctor in this hospital—”
    His voice lowered further. “I don’t give a damn who you are. You should learn to mind your own business.”
    “And you should be in the back of a patrol car.”
    Lydia felt a hard tremor, but she refused to back down. Rage swam in Brandt’s eyes. She understood Elise’s fear—clearly—in that moment. The elevator bell rang and the doors opened. She turned and stepped onto it. He didn’t follow, but his punishing stare remained on her until the doors closed again. Only when the elevator began its descent did Lydia allow herself to breathe. She could hear her blood rushing in her ears.
    She wanted, needed, a drink. Her frayed nerves screamed for one. But her shift wasn’t over until six, a long time away.
    Had she done the right thing by reporting the injuries to the police? Uncertain, Lydia rubbed a hand over her eyes. Her