Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Doctor Singh arrives with only a minute to spare before the deadline I gave myself. He comes in looking a little harried, carrying a black bag which he puts on the sofa. He moves towards Viktor who shakes his head.
“Her first,” he says pointing to Lacey.
“I’m not bleeding anywhere near as much as you are,” Lacey protests.
“Maybe not, but I’m paying the bill for the doctor so what I say goes.”
“It’ll be easier to just do it than to argue with him,” I say to Doctor Singh.
It seems Viktor and I know each other well enough to know when our minds are made up and an argument is pointless. Dr. Singh doesn’t look convinced it’s a good idea, but that’s ok, because I don’t think it’s a good idea either, I just know the quickest way to get Viktor seen to is to have the doctor deal with Lacey now instead of having an argument about it first and then still having to deal with Lacey before Viktor will let him deal with him.
The whole time the doctor tends to Lacey, I whisper to Viktor, trying my best to keep him conscious. His voice is a little weak, but he answers me, and I even get him to laugh a little, although I don’t try that one again when I see him wincing and feel the warm rush of blood from his shoulder wound again.
In a few minutes Doctor Singh gets up from the ground and with Justine’s help gets Lacey to her feet.
“What’s the prognosis, Doc? Is an amputation in the cards?” Viktor asks with a wink at Lacey who smiles and shakes her head.
“It was really just a flesh wound,” Doctor Singh says. “I’ve cleaned it up and put a dressing on it and prescribed a mild antibiotic just to prevent any infection from setting in. I’ve also prescribed a mild sedative for the shock.”
Viktor nods and then looks at Lacey and Justine in turn. “I trust you ladies understand this won’t be getting reported to the police. And I would very much appreciate it if you both kept this incident to yourselves,” he says.
They both nod almost dismissively and I realize that while this might be the first time an armed gunman has broken into the house, it’s probably not the first time they’ve had some variation of this conversation with Viktor.
“And obviously I don’t expect to see either of you at work tomorrow,” Viktor says. I open my mouth to interrupt him, and he laughs and shakes his head. “And despite what Amelia here thinks, you both understand that means you’re to take some time off with full pay, not be sacked right?”
They both nod again and I relax. I’ve got to stop thinking the worst of Viktor. Of course, he isn’t going to sack them.
“Lacey, how long will you need for your leg to recover?” Viktor asks.
“It’s really not that bad. A day or two at the most,” she says.
Doctor Singh nods, confirming this.
“Right. So how does a month each sound?” he asks.
“It’s too much,” Lacey says instantly.
“Yeah. I’ll be in tomorrow. I didn’t even get hurt,” Justine says.
Viktor sighs and shakes his head. “I can’t believe I have to make this an order, but neither of you are to come to work for the next month. You’ll both receive full pay, and if I see either of you at work before that time is up, then I might have to sack you,” he says.
“Thank you,” Lacey says, looking sheepish.
“It’s really not necessary, but it’s very much appreciated,” Justine adds.
“You’ll both also find a large compensation payment dropping into your accounts in the next couple of days, and if either of you even think about arguing with me over that one, then I’ll double it,” he adds.
Both women thank him profusely. Their loyalty to Viktor is clear to see, and I know they would have argued if Viktor had made any other threat but that one. That was the one that guaranteed to make them thank him and agree to the payment.
Working for Viktor might come with a small element of danger – I mean where else would a maid get shot on the job? – but it also comes with a ton of loyalty from him in return. He clearly cares about each and every member of his staff. I love that about him.
I love how loyalty isn’t a one-way street with him.
32
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?”