The Last World by CP Bialois Page B

Winfield wasn’t sure, but he thought the nurse addressed him instead of the young lady so he smiled his appreciation once more. He wasn’t used to being around people. It was so much easier at the base.
     

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 10
     
    Some things about the medical profession bothered Doctor Doug long before he became a doctor — prescription fees, specialist fees, and the hospitals turning away people because of a lack of coverage just to name a few. Of all those, the one he hated most was the latter. When he joined the medical field, he wanted to be the voice of reason and to supply medical aid for everyone. To him, it was a person’s birthright, not a privilege, but he came to learn that such a thing was against human nature. In many ways, people were still the base animals they always were and many didn’t want to relinquish what they had.
    The realism of his discovery shook him to his core, but he maintained his course. At first, he offered people financial help with their bills if needed until the rising cost of living, a new wife, and a child on the way meant he couldn’t afford to be so philanthropic. This forced him to watch those he couldn’t help struggle with the ir diseases and rising medical costs. In many ways, the diseases they were dying from was far less debilitating than their debt. Such beliefs often brought him into contrast with his ex-wife, which is one of the many reasons their marriage was one of convenience. Being raised as a Catholic made divorce reprehensible, but in the end, he was certain God would forgive him—at least he hoped so.
    Living under such an intense doctrine had helped to make him miserable in his early years while he was a free spirit. When his wife left and he had Janice to himself , he decided he wouldn’t be as strict with her as his parents had been with him. After all, it was them, not Catholicism, that drove him to rebel. He was happy with his life and as Janice grew, he could afford to help his patients more. His daughter would want for nothing and so long as he could help it and neither would his patients.
    To be honest, he hadn’t considered the expenses his current patient was running up. He assumed the boy’s insurance would cover some, if not all, of the costs. As soon as he saw Fulton Drake approach the nurses station that thought fell into the pit of his stomach as fast as a brick. He didn’t want him near his patient , but without any medical or legal ground to stand on he was forced to allow it.
    While the pair talked, Doug waited outside the room with his arms crossed with Franklin ’s chart held tight to his chest. While something about the boy unnerved him, he still felt protective. Whether it was because he was a father or an overprotective doctor, he wasn’t sure. Doug remained there through the entire meeting like a sentinel on watch duty, in case he was needed. When Fulton finished and stepped out of the room, Doug hurried to catch up with him.
    “Mr. Drake, a word please?”
    Fulton considered ignoring Doug, as there was nothing more to be gained, but out of professional courtesy, he stopped and turned to face him with his face the jovial mask it always was when doing business. “Yes, Doctor. I’m sorry, but could you make this quick? I have another appointment.”
    Doug fought to keep his face neutral ; the man before him stood for everything he loathed. “Thank you, I’ll be as quick as I can.” For both our sakes. Fulton stood before Doug with his hands clasped in front of him while holding his briefcase. His shoulders slumped with the gesture and made him appear disarming. “It’s about Franklin Bowen…”
    “Yes, thank you for giving me some time with him. It’s important to get these things tak en care of as quickly as possible.”
    Fulton clearly interrupted him to maintain control and force things to hurry along, which infuriated Doug. Still, he remained calm. ”I’m glad to help, and I assume his medical bills will