In The Safety Of A Lie - COMPLETED!

Chapter 20

A knock on the door startled Joey out of his thoughts. He had watched Ev fall asleep, but he couldn't take a nap. There was no way that he would let her out of his sight and risk her getting hurt — no matter how safe the room seemed. He looked over at the door as a man in a long white coat came in.

"Hi, I'm Doctor Wiley. Miss Jones's baby doctor." He flashed a perfect smile and reached his hand out to a now standing Joey.

Joey returned the handshake. "Joey Markes. I'm the baby daddy."

"Ah, she was able to track you down I see." He moved away from Joey and grabbed the chart on the end of the bed.

"Track me down?" Joey questioned the words, watching the doctor closely.

Doctor Wiley briefly looked up at him before returning his focus back at the chart. "Yeah, she was in a bit of a panic when she found out the news of her impending pregnancy. It was implied that she didn't think that you'd be in the picture."

The already present guilt flooded back upon him heavier. "I wouldn't have let her do this alone. I just didn't know."

"I'm not trying to condemn you for anything, Mr. Markes." Doctor Wiley put down the chart and moved on to double check everything else being done to help Ev. "In fact, I'm glad to see you with her now."

"How soon can she get out of here?" Joey couldn't stop himself from asking. The heaviness of the guilt made him realize that he really did owe it to her to fight to get her out of here sooner. It was the least he could do for her.

"I'm not her doctor for this." He looked up at Joey.

"Can she switch over to having you? I mean, you are her doctor for the baby." Joey's words were hopeful as he watched him carefully, trying to read in between the lines.

"I honestly am not sure. There's paperwork that would have to be signed and this really isn't my area of expertise." He fidgeted around the idea.

"I don't want to step on anyone's toes, Doctor Wiley, but you are her doctor. If anything can be done to make her more comfortable by keeping it that way, we both would be very appreciative."

"I can see what I can do." Doctor Wiley said slowly, clearly weighing out the decision.

"She just wants to get out of here. How soon could that happen?" Joey tried to relieve some of the pressure that he had just put on the doctor.

"Realistically, she could leave today." He wagered a chance to say.

"Really?" Joey stepped toward him. His hearing was perked up to hear every possible word uttered.

"Her artery was nicked, it wasn't completely severed. It was enough for her to lose a lot of blood and risk her life, but there's no reason why she should have to stay overnight. Obviously, if she becomes lightheaded or if the bleeding starts up again and doesn't slow down, then you'd have to get her back here as quickly as possible." Doctor Wiley glanced over at Evelina, before returning his gaze back upon Joey. "Was it a suicide attempt? There's a recommended seventy-two hour hold and she might not be able to get around that."

"Look at the injuries, Doc." Joey locked eyes with the man and refused to back down. He knew he could be threatening if he needed to be. There was no point in not attempting that now. "There is no way in hell that she could cut both of her wrists that deep on her own. There's not even close to a chance of that being a suicide attempt."

Doctor Wiley didn't back his gaze away either. He could see by how the man's stance was that he was trying to intimidate him. He might be a doctor, but he never backed down from a threat either. He decided to be the better man however, and walked away toward Ev. He examined her bandages, careful not to disturb her sleep. He walked back over to the end of the bed and reexamined the charts. "You're absolutely correct. A seventy-two hour hold won't be necessary, but I should alert the police about her situation. They'll have questions for her."

Joey snatched Doctor Wiley's arm before he had a chance to leave the room. "I have to protect her."

Doctor Wiley was unnerved by the sudden grasp of his arm. He stood tall next to Joey. His shoulders were squared and his jaw set hard. "And you're not doing a very good job of it."

"No, you don't understand. You can't call the cops. I'm doing my best to keep her safe, but if you alert the cops about this..." Joey paused, sincerity laced his voice. He could only pray that the doctor would listen to him and not take any actions. "I don't know if I'll be able to keep protecting her. I know you have your protocols, but I'm asking you to not do this."

Doctor Wiley kept his eyes locked on the man. He wet his lips casually, clearly weighing out the situation. He looked over at Evelina. "You know, as a doctor, I can't give out any client information to anyone without their permission unless I deem it absolutely necessary." He pulled his gaze back up to Joey; his voice remained strong and unwavering. "I think it best that you explain to me what's going on."

"If I could tell you, I would, but this situation is best if I don't tell you anything. And that's mainly for all of our safety." Joey said calmly. "All you need to know is that she did not do this to herself. She is a victim. Let me protect her by taking her home."

Doctor Wiley looked back down at Ev. He was once again clearly weighing out the situation. A deep breath escaped his mouth. "I know the doctor that's handling her case. I'll see what kind of pull I have with him and see if I can get her released to you."

Joey released the breath that he hadn't realized that he had been holding. "Thank you, Doctor."

The doctor nodded his head curtly and began to leave.

"Umm, Doc..." Joey paused. He wasn't about ready to let the man leave without a little reassurance.

Doctor Wiley paused at the door. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone anything."

Joey nodded his approval. "Thanks, Doc."