Page 64 of Hiding In the Dark (The Righteous 4)
“Are you okay?” she asked, but the door opened and the doctor came in before Kes could answer. He nodded and put the worst fake smile on that she’d ever seen.
“Ms. Hartley, thank you for coming in so quickly,” he said. A thick folder that was daunting all on its own was placed on his desk as he lowered himself into a large black chair. Dr. Pierce didn’t acknowledge Kes, so she opened her mouth to introduce him, but the doctor cut her off as he stared at her paperwork.
“I want to repeat your tests and lab work. Are you able to stay for an MRI? I have an opening today.”
“I’m confused. I thought I wasn’t supposed to be back for a few months. Is something wrong?” Kes grabbed her hand, and although she was happy he was there, his sweaty palm and nervous energy were not helping.
“I want to switch your medication to a newer one that is having better results, especially for someone of your age. My only concern is how late you were diagnosed. You may already have too much damage to make a switch worthwhile.”
“You mean this new medication may stop all the progression?”
“No, but it should slow it down significantly.”
“You mean there is no way to cure her?” Kes suddenly asked, and Dr. Pierce looked at him like he hadn’t even realized someone else was in the room.
“Unfortunately, no. We do not yet have a cure for MS, but we have made some good strides in giving those with the disease a long and functional life.” Dr. Pierce closed the folder and laid his hands on the top cover as he addressed Kes directly.
“You don’t have a cure, or you don’t want to give her a cure?”
Her mouth fell open as she looked over at Kes, who’d gone from nervous to looking like he was going to kill. His jaw was twitching, his eyes focused on the doctor, reminding her of a dog snarling with its hackles up.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you mean?”
Kes made a scoffing sound like he didn’t believe what he was hearing. “Don’t give me that. You know exactly what I’m talking about—the more tests you run, the more medication you pump into her system, the fatter your paycheck gets. So I’ll ask you again, you can’t give her a cure, or you don’t want to?” Dr. Pierce sat back in his chair, his eyes wide at the accusation.
Kes slid to the front of the seat, and she had the same feeling in her chest that she did last night with him and Arek right before they pounced on each other.
“Hey, Kes. It’s okay.” He didn’t acknowledge she’d spoken even when she gave his hand a squeeze.
“The answer is that there is no cure. Many products will slow the disease, and the sooner Ms. Hartley is on a regiment that is best for her system, the more quality time she will have.”
“What kind of time are we talking here?” Kes asked, his eyes narrowing, and she could feel a tremble radiating down to her arm. She’d never seen him like this, and she didn’t know what to do to make him relax.
“I cannot give you an exact timeline. Everyone responds differently, and….”
Dr. Pierce didn’t get another word out before Kes leaped from his chair. With a mighty roar, he jerked his hand away from hers and jumped to his feet. Ashley could only watch on in terror. A feral sound ripped from his throat as his hands gripped the front of the desk, and with strength she couldn’t begin to fathom, he flipped the solid wooden piece upside down. The doctor barely made it up and out of his seat in time to cower against the wall like a frightened animal—his paperwork, laptop, and other items crashed to the floor.
“That’s not good enough!” Kes pointed a finger at the doctor, the rage emanating off his body almost tangible. “Do you know who I am? I’ll have you fired, and I’ll bankrupt this place if you don’t do your fucking job and find her a cure.”
Kes went to step over the desk, his hands balled into fists, and Ashley quickly ran around the mess and jumped in front of him. “Stop it, Kes. Right now,” she bit out angrily.
He blinked and looked down at her as her hand pressed against his chest. “Ashley, he’s not doing his job.”
“That’s enough, I mean it.” Keeping a hand on Kes, she turned to look at the doctor. “I’m so sorry, Dr. Pierce. Please excuse Kes. He’s a war veteran and suffers from extreme PTSD when he’s stressed. This condition of mine is very distressing for him. I will pay for any damages, of course.”
The door banged against the wall as it was thrown open, making them all jump. Two large security guards filled the doorway, and Dr. Pierce’s secretary was in the hall behind them. Dr. Pierce held up his hand as they took a step into the room. “It’s fine. I will be right out,” he said, taking a deep breath.
“I can stay for the MRI, and I have a few more questions for you, but can you please give Kes and me a few moments alone?”
“Yes, of course.” Dr. Pierce kept his eyes on Kes as he stepped around them, but all the building tension had evaporated like a balloon popping, the air dissipating in the sky. As soon as the door was closed, she turned on Kes.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Kes’s mouth fell open. “Don’t give me that shocked expression. Does this look like a normal reaction to you?” She held her hand out toward the mess.
“But Ashley, you heard him, he’s….”
“Don’t even say it. I don’t know what you have going on in your head, but I’m going to make something very clear. This disease, for better or worse, is mine to deal with. This is my body, and I can’t run away from it or flip a table because I’m pissed off. Trust me—I’d fucking love to if I thought it would help. This man is my best chance at having any kind of a future, but more than that, I shouldn’t have to deal with your emotions on top of mine.” She bent down, picked up a picture of the doctor and his wife off of the floor, and stared at the cracked glass. “If you really want to help me, then you need to keep your shit together or you’re not welcome to come with me for support. I don’t need this crap, Kes. I don’t need to worry what bomb is going to set you off and make you go all Tasmanian Devil tearing everything apart. I’m barely keeping my own shit together. I can’t hold you up, too. At least, not here.” A tear slipped down her cheek, and she wiped it away to glare at Kes. “I know you have your own demons that you’re fighting and I’ll always be there to support you, but not in this space. This space is my space to deal with my issue, my disease. Are we clear?”
“Ash, I’m sorry, I….”
