Page 59 of Mine To Possess
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AMELIA
Viktor turns to me.
“Amelia, would you call Jerome please? Have him organize cars for Justine and Lacey and come over when he’s done that,” Viktor says. “Dr Singh, I’m ready when you are.”
I move away from Viktor and the doctor and find Jerome in Viktor’s contacts list. He answers the call quickly.
“Everything ok, boss?”
“Umm it’s Amelia,” I say. “I’m…”
“Yes, I know who you are,” he interrupts. His tone is all business, but it’s not unfriendly. “Is everything ok?”
That’s a big question, isn’t it? How would Viktor answer it? I think for a moment.
“There’s been a… er… situation at the house. It’s all under control now, but he has asked me to call you. He needs two cars arranged to take two of the maids home, and he has asked for you to come over.”
“Consider it done. The cars will be with you within fifteen minutes, and I’ll be there just after that,” he replies crisply.
“Thank you,” I say, but I’m talking to the dial tone.
Viktor laughs softly when he sees me frowning at the phone.
“It’s nothing personal,” he says. “Jerome isn’t much of a talker, but he’s a doer. What did he say?”
“He said the cars for Lacey and Justine will be here within fifteen minutes and he’ll be here just after that,” I relay.
“You three need to go into another room to wait,” Doctor Singh says.
Lacey and Justine don’t hesitate. They instantly head for the hallway, thanking Viktor again and saying goodbye to him. I don’t follow them.
“Why? What’s wrong?” I demand.
Doctor Singh looks at Viktor who nods his head. Blood is running freely from his shoulder now that the doctor has removed the tea towels to examine the wound and his face is whiter than ever.
“The bullet is embedded in Viktor’s shoulder. I can get it out easily enough, but I don’t carry any sort of anesthetic and it will hurt like hell. You don’t need to see that,” the doctor says.
“You know how once Viktor has made up his mind about something, it’s easier just to do things his way and save time?”
Dr. Singh nods, looking a little confused.
“I’m very much the same myself. I’m not going anywhere, Dr. Singh, and I don’t expect you to waste time arguing with me about it.”
“Amelia…” Viktor starts.
“That goes for you as well,” I say, giving him a determined look.
He sighs and nods for Doctor Singh to go on. The doctor digs in his bag and comes out with a syringe filled with clear liquid, a small pair of tweezers, and a metal bowl. He reaches down and removes his belt. I stare curiously, but I don’t ask questions. I know the doctor isn’t overly happy about me being here and I don’t want him to remember that and ask me to leave or waste time explaining or arguing with me. He hands Viktor the belt. Viktor takes it with no confusion on his face, so the belt thing is obviously normal to him at least.
“Right, I’m going to flush the wound out with a saline solution first,” Doctor Singh says.
He picks up the syringe and opens it up, and then he squirts the liquid into the wound, washing away the blood. I get a glimpse of the bullet embedded in Viktor’s flesh and I feel my stomach roll. Maybe I should have just left the room, but I can’t let Viktor go through this alone. I focus on Viktor’s face. His head is back, the tendons in his neck straining against his skin. Beads of sweat have formed on his face and if it’s possible, he’s even whiter than before.
The doctor picks up the tweezers and looks at Viktor.
“Ready?” he asks.