“Val, I can’t protect you. You’re damn lucky she hasn’t pressed charges against you. It’s only a matter of time before Dr. Blythe hears about this, if he doesn’t know already.”

She continued to listen but didn’t say anymore. What could she say? With a threat of a lawsuit, Gavin wasn’t about to go near Molly Dolan. It was only after he had assured her she wouldn’t be bothered again, and Val would be dealt with, that Molly backed off on her threats. Gavin made it clear that this woman was to be left alone.

“What do you think?” Val turned to Gwen for comfort after ending the call. “I guess I’m swimming with the sharks now.”

“If you’re going to swim with the sharks, you really ought to make sure you don’t chum the water,” Gwen said, and then put her arm around Val’s shoulder. “Dr. Blythe’s going to fire you.”

“I know.”

“Well, I probably won’t be far behind.”

After Gwen left, Val walked into her bathroom. Her arm throbbed in pain. The bitten spot was red and swollen and a bruise was already forming. Luckily the skin wasn’t broken. Inspecting the bite, Val had an idea and knew what she needed to do. Time was ticking. She was due to report for work in the next hour. Dr. Blythe would be waiting for her. She reached into her cupboard and pulled out a box of Q-tips. Softening the tips under the tap water, she swabbed the bitten area for salivary DNA.

When Val arrived at the medical examiner’s office Howie grabbed her as soon as she walked in. “I wanted to get you before Candace did. She’s looking for you. She’s eager to let you know Blythe wants to see you in his office as soon as you get here.” He started to say more but Val didn’t need him to soften the blow: she knew what was coming.

She thanked Howie, hugging him for his sincerity, deciding not to prolong the inevitable. She looked at her small office space and thought it wouldn’t take long to pack her belongings. After her meeting with Dr. Blythe, Val knew she’d be out on the street. Holding her head up as high as she could, she went to his office.

“Dr. Blythe, you wanted to see me.”

“Valentina, come in. Please shut the door behind you.” As she approached his desk, he pointed to a chair. “Sit.”

The event seemed surreal. She was moving in slow motion. Val only hoped that she wouldn’t be escorted out by security. She wanted to leave with what little was left of her dignity.