Liam's Revenge

Chapter 5 - The Explosion

My introduction stumbles out, forced and brittle. "Um, Enzo, this is Liam Cavanaugh, my old... Acquaintance," I say, mentally chastising myself for using that stupid word.

Well, anyway, I couldn't think of anything better on the spot.

Then I turn to Liam next. "Liam, this is Enzo. Enzo Volpe. My... partner."

Liam's gaze gives away nothing on how he might feel on the inside, even if I'm positive he must be hurting. I hate it that it's me that is making him go through all that pain. 

But the more I hurt him now, the faster he will leave my life. Leave me to rebuilding it. 

The two shake hands, a silent power struggle playing out in the firm grip and unwavering stares.

Enzo's voice breaks the momentary tense silence as his baby blues scan my disheveled look. "Chiara."

Liam snorts, presumably at Enzo's use of my fake name, but Enzo carries on as if nothing has happened. "Are you alright, regina? Your friend and the other nurses in the trauma room mentioned you were a little shaken. That you couldn't assist during that man's surgery?" Enzo says, his eyes holding mine.

"I'm fine now, I promise," I assure him, a touch too quickly.

Before Enzo can respond, Liam speaks up. "And would ye perhaps be able to tell me how that man is, doctor? How's Patrick?" he asks, his voice clipped.

"Patrick is Liam's brother," I say.

A flicker of something unreadable crosses Enzo's face. "The gunshot wound was minor," he replies. "Surgery was routine. In and out in half an hour." He takes a deep breath. "As an immediate family, you can go see him now, signor Cavanaugh."

Liam nods, turns and strides down the hallway without another word, but not before casting a long, longing look at me.

When he finally leaves me alone with Enzo, I blurt out, my voice trembling.

"Can we take a day off?"

"A day off?"

"Yes, please. I... Today has been a whole lot. First Patrick arrives at the ER, wounded and then his brother Liam appears, after I haven't seen either of them for so long. It's just a... A bit much for me. I fear I won't be able to focus at work, Enzo. I need to disconnect. I need time to process everything that happened today."

He pulls me into a tender hug and a relief washes over me as I lean into him, seeking solace in his familiar warmth.

With a gentle nod, he offers, "Of course, Alex. Let's go home. I'll text Dr. Mancini."

Enzo Volpe always finds a way to look after me, to take care of my needs. He makes me feel better about everything, better about myself, and today is no different.

"Thank you." And I mean it. I need him and I appreciate him so much right now. I wouldn't be able to get through this shock if it weren't for Enzo.

A panicked thought invades my mind and I blurt out: "While you text Dr. Mancini, let me text Rigena. She must be so worried about that little stunt I pulled. In all these years we've been working together, I don't think she's seen me do anything quite like that."

"Of course." Enzo nods. "Whatever you need."

My fingers tremble as I pull out my phone, scrolling to Rigena's contact. I tap out a quick Whatsapp message.

"Hey. Just texting you to let you know I'm okay.

Had a good reason for leaving the trauma room. Tell you everything soon, but for now... I need a huge favor. Can Sofia stay with you for a few days?"