Tantrum

Ch. 22 Revenge

*** Spencer's POV ***

Ben suggested I bring this whole situation to the attention of my new employer to head things off at the pass, so to speak. They are less than thrilled, especially since I run the risk of having my license revoked. They thanked me for being transparent, and suggested that we hold off on starting until I am cleared. They aren't rescinding my job offer as much as they are placing it on hold.

I walk out of there feeling defeated. One of the HR personnel must have alerted Mandy because there she is as I exit. She holds out a coffee cup. But I am in a mood. I walk past without acknowledging her.

"Spencer! What's going on?" She calls after me.

All I can think about suddenly is Gwen's accusation. "You should know." I hiss spitefully.

She stomps in front of me. "Excuse me? I'm clueless here and your moodiness isn't helping any. Want to try that again?"

"Did you file an ethics complaint with the licensing board against me?" I demand to know.

Her eyes go wide and her mouth forms into a perfect "o." That is proof enough that it isn't her. She's genuinely shocked. My anger evaporates instantly and leaves behind my exasperation at this whole situation.

"Come with me. I can't be gone long but you need to tell me everything." She shoves the coffee into my hand, grabs my arm, and practically drags me to her ward. She sits me on a bench and I release. All of it. This whole mysterious accusation, our speculation on suspects, the hospital's safe but devastating response. I tell her that I fear Gwen blaming me if somehow this evaluation goes sideways. I tell her I'd feel that I am to blame.

She tries to soothe me, rubbing my back and trying to relax my clenched fist but I can't relax. I know there would be repercussions of getting too close again. While this isn't life or death, the thought of losing Gwen, the boys, hell even Moe, from my life is too much.

A timid voice interrupts my spiraling thoughts. Mandy's patient needs her. She says something to dismiss the child and then she touches my clenched cheek. I catch a familiar sound and glance up in time to see...Heath and Gwen?!

They are moving away quickly like they don't want to be seen. Were they here to confront Mandy? I bolt to my feet, running after them. "Wait, you two."

Heath stops and turns while Gwen keeps booking it down the hall. I expect him to look sheepish but instead he looks enraged. He puffs his chest out and has the audacity to stick his hand out flat against my chest.

"Let her go, Spencer. She can't take much more." He warns.

I smack his hand away and try to push past him. "Gwen! STOP!"

"Your little gal pal there is the reason for this mess." Heath rushes out, stopping me in my tracks.

"Excuse me?" I question, cocking my head.

"Mandy. She's behind all this. We confirmed it." Heath insists.

"How?" I demand.

"Well it sure as hell wasn't me, for starters." Heath snarls.

"Mommy that man just said a bad word." A child whispers loudly to a glaring parent.

"Gentlemen, might we take this elsewhere? You can use my office." Mandy offers, giving the family a reassuring smile.