Page 67 of Help Wanted

“A pretty expensive one who allows people to fall from trees.”

It didn’t seem he was going to let it go anytime soon. “Do you know how he fell out of the tree?”

“I’m aware of how gravity works Mrs. Walker. I’m guessing he fell down.” Oh, this guy was clever. If he wasn’t so angry she might find him amusing.

“He went to the maintenance building and got a ladder. It was a step ladder, but he propped it against the tree and climbed up high enough to reach the limb. He actually put the nest back in the tree. He only fell on his way down when the ladder slipped away from the tree.” She took a deep breath before adding. “And it’s Dr. Walker, not Mrs.” She would like to think she corrected him because she’d worked hard for the two letters in front and the three others behind her name, but if she were honest she just didn’t want him to think she was married.

“Did someone videotape the scene instead of stopping it?”

“No. No. He told me every detail. He is capable of more than you think.”

“Excuse me, but didn’t you just say you’ve only been here two weeks?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve been taking care of him for the last nine years. Don’t tell me what I think.”

“Fair enough. But when Hunter would have first come out of recovery he was undoubtedly worse than he is now. I understand he was placed here straight out of the hospital.”

“I’d just got home from Iraq. I was dealing with some other things. I couldn’t take care of him myself.”

“I’m not judging. I just wanted to know if you’ve considered other options since he’s improved.”

The man blinked at her, and she braced herself for some rude comment aimed to unhinge her. Instead he let out a breath and tilted his head.

“I have to get back to work. If you could just say what it is you need to say, I’d appreciate it.”

“Fine.” She could do that. “Your brother is capable of more than you might realize. With occupational therapy and job placement, he could potentially become employed and learn to care for himself in an assisted living or group home situation. I understand it may be difficult for you to envision him being self-sufficient, but I want you to know it is possible and I’d like your permission to explore his potential.”

“You want to put him to work?” It figured that was all he’d picked up from her statement.

“I want him to live the best life he can.”

“You’re saying I’m doing a bad job?”

“No. No! Definitely not. I’ve looked at his charts. You visit all the time and you take him home with you every weekend. I know he’s not just being parked.”

Brady’s eyes went wide at the same time she realized her mistake.

“Parked?”

“It’s a term we use to describe someone who could be in a personal home, but a family member doesn’t want to be bothered.” She appreciated his look of disgust at the thought.

“I have to travel for work. I needed a job that paid well and had good insurance so I could afford the best home for him. The downside of that is I’m not around a lot or I’d have him with me more often.”

“With some training, he might be able to stay by himself.” Brady shook his head, but she cut him off before he could contest. “Hunter is a twenty-year-old man. He has a long life ahead of him. Is this place all you want for him?”

“I appreciate the optimism, but he likes it here and we’re doing fine.”

Time to get tough.

“I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this Mr. Martin, but you’ve given me no choice.” She straightened her shoulders, ready to fight fire with fire. She didn’t want to be the wicked bitch of Elmhurst, but he needed a good shaking. “You mentioned needing good insurance. Even the best insurance doesn’t pay for all of Hunter’s care.”

“Trust me, I’m aware of how much the insurance doesn’t pay.”

“Part of our process is patient evaluations for the insurance companies. Until now, Hunter has been reported as a long-term care candidate and your insurance pays the biggest portion of his care. If I change his status the insurance will decline to pay.”

“Are you kidding me? Your incompetent staff let my brother fall out of a tree, and now you’re threatening me? Is this some tactic to keep me from suing your asses?” He got up and walked to the door. She noticed a slight limp when he rushed out to where his brother was chatting with the nurses. Hunter’s leg was not propped up. “Come on, Hunter. We’re going.”