When Dr. Johnson nods, Aiden continues. “While I was hoping that we would be able to sit down and talk about this, I believe that there's some information that you are not aware of, and I would like for May to be able to fill you in.”
Dr. Johnson gestures to the two seats, and we both sit down as he goes back to his desk. Aiden looks at me and nods, encouraging me to tell the story.
I lean forward, and Aiden grabs my hand again to hold it, giving me the courage that I need. “I know that we've spoken about this, Dr. Johnson, but I don't think that I was able to tell you everything that happened, and I think it's important that I do. Dr. Lassiter has asked me out a few times, and every time I tell him no, I make sure that I never encourage him. I tried to make sure that we're never alone together. However, he has gone out of his way to make sure that we are alone together. One time he even cornered me in the supplies closet.”
Aiden’s hand tightens on mine, and I don't have to look at him to know that he's pissed right now, but now that I’ve started, I’m going to get it all out. “Dr. Lassiter has touched me on my rear. His hand has brushed across my breast, and he’s kissed my neck before. I’ve confronted him about it every time, and he's always tried to blow it off like it was some kind of accident or something. He shows up at different places that I go if I’m in a store or a boutique, even the pet store. Anywhere I go, it's obvious that he's following me. When I told him repeatedly that I'm not interested, he gets mad and tells me that there's going to come a time where I'm not going to have a choice. That it's going to be him or no one.” I suck in a deep breath. I’ve tried to be strong, but it feels so damn good to get it all out. “So now I'm to the point where I fear for my life, Dr. Johnson, and I know that this is not a good environment for me to work in.”
I can tell that I've stunned Dr. Johnson, and he is completely surprised by this. He sits back in his chair. “I had no idea that you were going through all of this, May.”
Aiden interrupts him. “So I’m sure now we are at the point where you’re going to do something about this, right, Mr. Johnson? Because I would hate to have to take this higher, but I will because there's nothing that I'm going to let happen to May.”
Dr. Johnson nods his head. “Of course. I'm going to take care of this. Dr. Lassiter actually had a death in his family and called in to say that he was going to be in Florida for the next few days. As soon as he gets back, I'm going to make sure that I bring him in and address this before the board. I promise you that you will not be working the same shifts with him until we are able to work this out and everything is investigated.”
I nod because I know that I can't ask for more than that. They probably won’t take my word over his, but I'm hoping that other nurses will step forward also. I stand up and shake Mr. Johnson's hand. “I appreciate it.”
Aiden follows behind me and turns to Dr. Johnson. “I'm trusting that while she's here at the hospital, she is going to be protected.”
Dr. Johnson agrees, and we walk out of the room. Just talking about it, I feel like there's been a great weight lifted off my shoulders.
I point to the elevator. “I work on the third floor.”
He punches the button on the elevator and puts his arm around my shoulder. “I know which floor you work on.”
I expect him to go once I get on the elevator, but he follows behind me. We ride up, hand in hand. “I'm not going to let anything happen to you, May.”
I nod because I know that what he's saying is true. That's just who he is. When the doors open, I get out, and he walks with me down to the nurse’s station. Once we get there, it seems all the other nurses stop suddenly and are all staring at him, and I sort of can't blame them. Aiden is definitely something to look at, but he has only eyes for me. It's like he doesn't even see anybody else around us. “So I'll be back when your shift is over.”
I shake my head. “My car is here. I can drive myself home, you don't have to come back.”