Surviving Paradise (Full Draft Version)

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 40

Allisa frowned at the images on screen, and in frustration swiveled her chair away to where Sayer hovered.  “You are wrong.”

Sayer's hands were in the pocket's of the white lab coat, that he had not yet hung up, after finishing his patient rounds, and now they came out, as his arms folded defensively over his chest.  “Okay.  What has gotten into you these days?”

Another scowl contorted her face before she could stop it, but she did soften her tone.  “I'm sorry.  I know it's what you want to happen, but it just wouldn't work.  For all of the same reasons as then some, as the one before it.”  Peering at the projected molecular change, she assured herself of her rightness.

“Allisa, you don't have to sugar coat your opinions.  But you have been so contrary about everything for weeks.”  Shrugging out of the lab coat, he folded it over his arm as he lowered to the edge of his desk.  “Are you still mad about Cass and M.O.V.E?”

Allisa had barely spoken to him for a week after the ordeal, betrayed to find that he had kept something that major, a secret from her.  Even though she had realized it was for the safety of everyone involved, she had needed a cool down period.  That period of time was long over, but these days her own problems kept her on edge.

“No, it's just everything lately.”  Allisa rose, with the intention of returning his chair to him.  “You know, my parent's are moving in a few days.  And my brother is—something is just off about him.”  For the hundredth time, she wondered why he was lying about his last name, and why he would even want to stay in Paradise.  She didn't buy the sibling bonding story.  Alex had always managed to be nice when he wanted something, and now she knew the house, the future house of her and Will, had most likely been on her brother's agenda from day one.

“Anything you want to talk about?”  Sayer asked kindly, and when she shook her head, shooting him a small grateful smile, he inquired, “How is Ashton?”

Streaming hot coffee into her “Doctors Call The Shots” coffee mug, a spontaneous present from Will, she pondered the answer.  Seldom these days did they speak freely in the office, even during the daylight hours.  “He's adjusting fine.”

Sayer nodded that he understood, but instead of taking a seat, he offered, “Let's have breakfast.  My day started early, and I am starved.”

Seated in the cafeteria, in front of a window, with the sun's rays protecting the table from more than a tablecloth ever could, Sayer, true to his word, began to shovel his eggs into his mouth.  Slowing only after the over easy eggs had been eaten, he used a piece of toast to sop what was left, and waved his fork toward her plate.  “Pancakes okay?”

“As good as they can get here.”  She shrugged, longingly thinking of Will's pumpkin pancakes, topped with whipped cream, and cinnamon shavings, a few mornings ago.  “Look I know I haven't been focused lately, and I'm sorry.  I don't know if you have had a chance to look at my notes on those last samples, but I think I am on the brink of something huge.  THE something we have been waiting for.”

“I did see and your theory is brilliant.  But Allisa, the reason I wanted to talk...”  Tipping a packet of sugar into his coffee, he hesitated, obviously uncomfortable.  “I've seen the stuff that's gone missing the last couple of weeks.”

Mortified, Allisa dropped her fork, and it clattered against the plate.  “Sayer, I can explain--”

“I don't want to hear it.  It's easy to see what you are up to.”  It wouldn't be hard to figure out, given the odd variety of medical gear she had helped herself to.  The shame continued to heat her face, but he continued his speech, “And don't think I haven't thought of it.  But I would never risk the alternate outcome.”  Sadly, he peered into his mug, needlessly stirring at the sugar again.