“Hey, baby,” Mark says, sliding down beside me.

I let out a little smile. “Hi.”

“Do you need anything?” he asks.

“A hug and some painkillers,” I admit.

“I can do that,” he states, pulling me close to him.

“Thank you.”  I feel secure in Mark’s arms, like I belong.

“I’ll get you those painkillers,” he says, standing up.  I don’t want him to leave me to get them, but I need something for the pain.  It’s almost unbearable.

I glare back out the window, watching the police cars.  There are four of them now, remaining idle and it’s annoying me.  I suddenly see an older gentleman with grey hair and bright green eyes walking up to the house. He’s carrying a black briefcase. 

I don’t hear a knock on the door as Mark quickly appears in front of me with a box of painkillers.

“Megan, this is Dr. Kirk,” Mark tells me.

I turn to him as he speaks. “Hi, Miss Madden.”

“Call me Megan,” I state. This is the man that I saw walking towards the door. He has taken off his black suit jacket since he walked inside the house, revealing a blue and white striped shirt paired with black trousers.

“I hear you had a little accident,” he says.

“I’m fine. I collapsed, that’s all. I haven’t eaten all day. What do you expect?” I respond swiftly, shrugging my shoulders at him.  I’m not trying to be rude, but really, I don’t need a doctor.  I just need to eat something.  Why does everyone think they know what is best for me?  If Annabella or Natasha asks me one more time if I want a cup of tea, I will scream.  I know they are trying to help, but I’m fine.   

“Can I check your shoulder? Mark is concerned. Then, I will leave you alone, if that’s what you wish,” Dr. Kirk replies, trying to reason with me.  If this will mean I will be left alone, then great. 

“Fine,” I say in a petulant voice.

“Do you want to take a seat over there?” he asks, pointing over to the wooden bar stools.

“Okay,” I reply, taking a seat to comply. I was happier by the kitchen window where I could see everything, but I will do anything to shut him up.  His voice is annoying me today. I must be tired because everything is getting on my nerves today.

He places his hand on my left shoulder, lifting the injured area and checking for movement before turning his attention to my right one. It hurts badly. I just hope it’s nothing serious. As he assesses the damage, I can’t help but wiggle around in the chair. I’m unable to follow his simple instructions because my shoulder hurts like hell.

“Megan, I need to have a look under your top,” he says, slowly lifting my top at the hem.  What the hell does he think he is doing?  Did I say it was okay?  Oh, man. I can’t wait until he fucks off. “You have dislocated your shoulder.”

“What is the treatment?” Mark chimes in, concerned.

“We need to reset it,” Dr. Kirk states, moving around the stool so he is facing me.

“Okay, then do it.” I clench my teeth.

“We can’t do it here. I need to make sure that it aligns correctly. You need to go to the hospital,” he says, taking a seat in front of me on another wooden stool and reaching into his briefcase.  He pulls out a notepad and pen.

“Not until my daughter is back,” I snap.  There is no way in hell that I am leaving until I have Lucy back.  Her safety is all that matters.

“Megan.”

“Yes.” I look up at him.

“It needs to be done safely. It’s going to hurt.”

“I know. Just do it,” I beg.  I gave birth, so I’m sure I can cope with this.

“I’ll be back in a minute,” he says, walking over to the other side of the room with Mark.

“Here is your tea.” Natasha hands me a cup.  Here we go again.  More tea that I don’t want.  Can’t someone use their brain? 

“Thanks. Any news?” I enquire.

“Not yet. The police are with John. Once I know more I will tell you,” Natasha states.

“Thank you,” I reply.

I hear footsteps behind me. “Hi, Megan. I’m back,” Dr. Kirk says.

“And…”


“I’ll set it here, but there are some rules that Mark has agreed to,” he confesses, looking at him.

I turn around abruptly. “What rules?” It’s my body and my choice.  Why does Mark have to agree to Dr. Kirk’s rules?  Do I not exist?

“One, you have to do this in my room. Two, you have to trust both of us. Three, you need to take plenty of painkillers after Dr. Kirk finishes. I will send Connor to get them for you. And, finally, once Lucy is home, you have to go to the hospital and have it x-rayed,” Mark states in an authoritative voice.

“Fine.”