Sophie's Path by Catherine Lanigan Page A

an afternoon shift and decided to spend her free hours at the Alliance offices.
    Not even an arched brow and a “you’ve got to be kidding me” glance from Eleanor could daunt her, though. Sophie enthusiastically grabbed the receiver. “I’d better get to it.”
    Eleanor nodded knowingly. “I’ll bring you coffee. And shut the door for privacy.”
    Sophie’s first call was to Austin McCreary. She bumbled her way through her pitch and sounded like a grade schooler asking for a hall pass. Though she didn’t have any training or a script to follow, she hoped her passion for helping the people in the next room would shine through. Austin was gracious and donated five thousand dollars.
    â€œThis is very generous of you, Austin. We all want to thank you,” Sophie said.
    â€œActually, Sophie, once I get back from my honeymoon, I plan to help Eleanor even more. Aleah’s death has really shaken Katia and me up. It’s made us look around our little town and see that there’s some serious work to be done. Thank you for all the help you’re giving Eleanor.”
    â€œIt’s not much, really. Just a few hours here and there. She can’t do it all.”
    â€œIt’s like sticking your thumb in the dam, I’m sure,” he said. “Good luck.”
    Austin’s donation gave her the confidence to go to Mrs. Beabots, Helen Knowland, Debra La Pointe, Sarah and Luke Bosworth and Gina Barzonni. Not one turned her down.
    What surprised Sophie the most was the outpouring of affection toward her for helping the Alliance. She almost felt as if she’d been accepted by them, despite her long-standing reputation. Almost.
    * * *
    S OPHIE STRIPPED THE blue nitrile gloves from her hands and pulled off her surgical gown after the last ablation surgery of the day.
    â€œGood job today, Sophie,” Nate Barzonni said, pulling off his mask.
    â€œThank you, Doctor.” Sophie smiled, enjoying the feeling of accomplishment she got each time they completed a surgery. “I’ll check on the patient.”
    Nate stopped her. “I understand you made a phone call to my mother yesterday.”
    Sophie’s mind was still on the ablation. “Your mother?”
    â€œAbout the Alliance and the donation?”
    There was something in Nate’s voice she didn’t like. That sharp, stern edge she heard only when he was frustrated during a surgery. She remembered her conversation with Tanya and gulped. “Is there a problem?”
    â€œNot with my mother. When she told me what she donated to the Alliance, I thought it kind of her. What concerns me is that it was you who made the call.”
    â€œUm, why?” Sophie felt as if she’d fallen into frozen waters. Suddenly, the world had grown cold.
    How could she have believed word of Gina’s contribution wouldn’t get back to her son? True, Sophie still didn’t understand how the hospital could frown on anyone who was trying to make a positive difference in people’s lives. But Tanya’s warning had been serious. Sophie had been so caught up in the work she was doing, and the positive responses, she’d forgotten how small Indian Lake truly was. She’d forgotten to be cautious.
    How far would Nate go with this “inside information” about Sophie and the Alliance?
    â€œSophie, you have to know that Emory Wills dislikes any of his staff working for what he considers the opposition.”
    â€œOpposition?” Did the man think they were at war?
    â€œThe Alliance is not funded or endorsed by the hospital. Their methodology is very different from Indian Lake Hospital...”
    â€œThank God,” she interrupted. “Sorry.”
    Nate’s frown deepened. “I’m serious, Sophie. You’re the best cardiac nurse I’ve worked with. I don’t want to lose you.”
    â€œYou think I’d get fired for just helping Eleanor? I’m