That’s not all I need.
She nodded as if it made perfect sense. “I get that a lot. Well, the media room is just down there.” She pointed further down the corridor. “I can get a wheelchair and settle you if you like? Lots of DVDs to keep a night owl entertained.”
I cocked my head, pretending to contemplate the idea. “Sounds tempting. But you know what I’d really like to do?”
She pursed her lips. “What?”
“Is there a convenience store in the building? Somewhere I can buy a phone? Something that can connect to the internet as well as basic calling?”
She frowned. “There’s a small shop on the bottom floor by the café, but I can’t let you go down there, Mr. Ambrose. It’s four floors and late. Besides, I doubt it will be open at this time of night.”
My heart squeezed with dejection.
Nila.
I have to speak to her.
I couldn’t wait any longer. Grabbing the nurse’s hand, I flicked a glance at her nametag. Injecting as much charm into my voice as possible, I murmured, “Edith, I really need that phone. Any way you can help me out?”
She tugged in my hold, blinking. “Um, it’s against hospital policy to assist with patient requests outside of medical requirement.”
I chuckled, wincing as my muscles heralded another wash of agony. “I’m not asking you to grab me a burger or something bad for my health.”
She laughed softly.
“Surely, popping downstairs and grabbing me a phone would be okay?” I ducked to look deeper into her gaze. “I’d be forever in your debt.”
Debt…
Shit, I hated that word.
Nila would never be in debt again for as long as she lived. I would eradicate that word for motherfucking eternity the minute this was all over. No rhyme or reason existed for why my family did what they did to the Weavers. What’d started as vengeance swiftly became entertainment.
Boredom.
That was the cause. It had to be.
My ancestors were never equipped to deal with vast wealth having nothing better to do than pluck the wings from innocent butterflies and hurt those less fortunate.
There was such a thing as too much time and decadence, turning someone into a heartless monster.
Edith bit the inside of her cheek. “I don’t know.” Looking down the corridor toward my room, she said, “I’ll tell you what, head back to bed. You can discuss it with the morning manager and see what they can do.”
My stomach clenched.
It has to be tonight.
“No. I can’t run that risk. You’re here now. One request, then I’ll leave you alone. What do you say?”
Fuck this backless gown and lack of worldly possessions.
I was so used to towering over people in rich linen and tailored cotton, pulling out a wallet bursting with money. Money always got what you wanted. Cash always enticed someone to say yes.
It truly was a double-edged sword.
“If you go now, I’ll pay you triple what the phone is worth.”
Her entire body stiffened.
Shit, shouldn’t have said that.
“I don’t accept bribes, Mr. Ambrose.”
Pain shot through my system, drenching me in sweat again. I couldn’t be vertical much longer. My shoulders rolled in defeat. “Please, Edith. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t very important.” Going against all instinct, I let down my walls and begged, “Please. I need to speak with someone. They think—they think I died. I can’t let them continue worrying about me. It isn’t fair.” Hissing through my teeth as a hot wave of discomfort took me hostage, I muttered, “You wouldn’t do that to a loved one, would you? Let them sit at home and fear the worst?”
Her face fell. “No, I guess you’re right.”
Thank God.
Suddenly, she moved back around the desk and grabbed a purple handbag. Rummaging inside, she passed me an older model cell-phone. “Here. Text them now. My shift is almost over. I’ll get you the phone tomorrow when I come back into work.”
It wasn’t ideal, but beggars couldn’t be choosers.