My Mother's Killer Came to Me for Surgery

“Dr. Lowe, please wait! The former hospital director's daughter insists on meeting you, no matter what!”

Jason stepped directly in front of my car, looking as though he was prepared to throw himself in front of it if necessary.

“Vanessa Hart?”

“You know her?”

Of course I did.

She was Ethan's wife and Simon’s only daughter.

Twenty years ago, she was still a student, yet she had already walked around the hospital as if she owned the place because of her father's status.

“No. I've just heard the name.”

Jason let out a sigh.

“The patient's son, Ethan Lancaster, is Vanessa Hart's husband. He's also one of the leading neurosurgeons in Kingsford... one of the senior neurosurgeons in our department.”

He carefully chose his words, speaking to me with obvious caution.

“Dr. Lowe, I'm sure you have your reasons. But if this situation blows up, it won't be good for either of us. How about staying a little longer and at least meeting with the family before making a final decision?”

“There's nothing left to discuss.”

“Dr. Lowe!”

Jason was getting desperate. He hurried to my window.

“Dr. Lowe, hear me out. Vanessa and Dr. Lancaster come from a very influential family. Whatever concerns you have, whatever conditions you want to set, I'm sure they'll do everything they can to accommodate them.

“But if I let you leave without a word today, both of us are going to end up with a lot of trouble.

“Do me a favor. Just meet with the Harts and Dr. Lancaster, even if it's only once.”

"Dr. Stevens, if I decline the case, you can escalate the referral and have another specialist assigned. Wouldn't that be faster?"

He gave a bitter smile.

"You're the surgeon everyone recommended. If you refuse the case, the surgeons after you will think twice before accepting it."

I was about to reassure him when my phone rang.

“Hello, is this Suzy Lowe?”

It was a woman's voice I didn't recognize, but I knew exactly who it was without needing an introduction.

“I'm the patient's daughter-in-law, Vanessa Hart. I heard you've declined my father-in-law's surgery. I'd like to meet with you in person and talk about it. Would tomorrow morning work for you?”

I did my best to suppress the emotions rising inside me.

When I didn't respond immediately, she continued.

“I don't know what's on your mind, but taking one look at the case and leaving without any explanation doesn't seem very professional. Why don't we meet?”

“I'll be submitting a written explanation promptly.”

“Wouldn't meeting face-to-face be faster than filing paperwork? Or is there something you don't want to discuss in person?”

Vanessa's tone began to sharpen with a hint of irritation. She clearly thought I was putting on airs.

“Fine. Then I'll come to the hospital again tomorrow.”

My voice returned to its usual calm.

Maybe it was finally time to settle some old accounts.

“Alright. My husband, Dr. Lancaster, and I will come together tomorrow.”

“No problem.”

When Jason heard me agree, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

“Dr. Lowe, then I'll see you tomorrow!”

He gave a slight bow before turning and walking away.

I sat back down and glanced at Ian.

“Cancel the ticket.”

I wasn't leaving anymore.