I threw several bills on the bar and told O’Malley to have a good night. Then I headed out of the pub just in time to see Reesa before she turned the corner. Breaking into a sprint, I caught up to her easily. “Ms. Florraz, I’d feel better if you weren’t walking the streets alone at this time of the night.”
She looked around and said, “It’s so beautiful and peaceful here. I can’t picture being in any danger.”
“That’s a very naïve statement. And as a tourist, someone should’ve reminded you that no matter how beautiful a place can appear, there is always a side that waits to prey on the innocent. With you being a foreigner and not just a woman, it puts you at greater risk. Maybe where you’re from, women aren’t faced with such concerns,” I said. It was harsh but hopefully a reality check for her. I’d rather you dislike me than end up as a patient at the hospital.
Instantly, the look on her face changed and she appeared to have realized the mistake she had made. Her eyes now seemed to be filled with panic as she looked around the dark, empty, street. I hadn’t meant to scare her, but if that’s what it took in order to keep her safe while she was here, then so be it.
“I guess I could call a taxi and have them bring me back to my hotel even though it’s only a few blocks from here,” she said.
“Or if you would still prefer to walk, you could allow me escort you there.” She turned to me, and I knew she was debating if that was any safer. I added, “Which ever you prefer, as long as you make it to the hotel safe.” I don’t need anything else to worry about tonight.
She nodded and I walked her a few blocks to the hotel. A man was standing outside, talking on his cell phone. His accent told me he was an American, unlike Reesa, and whoever he was barking orders at, was getting an ear full. Apparently, he was so angry, that he hadn’t even noticed us.
As we got even closer to him, there was something familiar. I’ve crossed paths with many Americans during my travels as well as when I attended medical conferences around the world. Right now, who he was didn’t matter. I’ve done what I said I would and was about to deliver Reesa safely to her hotel.
But when the man on the phone noticed us approaching, he ended his call and stormed over to us. “Where the hell did you disappear to, Reesa?”
My fist clench and was ready to intervene if this got out of hand. I didn’t like his tone and was about to tell him so when Reesa spoke up.
Calmly she said, “Logan, although I appreciate your assistance in locating a physician, you are not my bodyguard or my babysitter.”
Logan’s nostrils flared as he looked past Reesa and glared at me. “Who are you?”
Someone who cared enough to watch out for her.
If he was trying to intimidate me, it wasn’t working. I wasn’t about to extend my hand and greet him either. Meeting his gaze, I replied, “I’m Dr. Finn O’Connor.”
Reesa spun around and looked stunned. “You work at the hospital?” she asked.
“I do,” I said.
“Why didn’t you mention that when I told you I was looking for a doctor?” she asked.
“I am not in the habit of giving out free medical advice in a pub. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve early morning rounds and I have to get some rest.” I turned and strode toward home.
Before I was out of earshot, I heard Logan ask, “I take it you decided to meet with Dr. O’Connor without me.”
“It was an…informal interview,” she said.
I laughed to myself. Whatever job you’re hiring for, I’m not interested.
There was nothing normal about today and I couldn’t wait to get home and put an end to this day. But as I approached my apartment building it finally came to me. That was Logan Henderson!
It was maybe ten years ago, and Logan had been doing a presentation on the benefits of robotics and neurosurgery. It was still in the prototype stage back then. Since then it has been launch and saved countless lives.
Part of me wanted to turn around, go back to the hotel and ask him what he was doing in Ireland. All I knew was he and Reesa were looking for a doctor. Maybe one of them was sick. Or maybe someone they know. There were too many scenarios for me to even guess which it could be. Whatever it was, next time Logan and I crossed paths, I would ask.
It wasn’t Logan that I really wanted to see. Reesa was so much more interesting. But what is she doing with him? That question was one I wanted the answer to.