He smashed the button to unlock the door so fast he hurt his finger. What was Ashley doing here? His heart did that little leap it always seemed to do at the sound of her voice. Could she maybe be coming to talk about them reconciling? Probably shouldnt get his hopes up. Instead, he did a quick survey of the apartment. It wasnt going to get a spread in Home & Garden, but it wasnt a pit.

It felt like forever, but eventually Ashley knocked on the door.

He opened it and let her in. To what do I owe the pleasure?

She grimaced. Its not going to be much of a pleasure for either of us.

Uh oh. Not a reconciliation then. He gestured to the couch with his head. Do you want to sit down?

I think that would be best.

Coffee? Glass of water?

She shook her head. Its not a social call, Morgan.

Hed gathered that. So what is it?

She sat down on the couch and crossed her legs at the ankle. Always the lady. Theres going to be a hearing regarding your recent actions.

He frowned. Which ones?

Theres more than what we talked about before? Her eyebrows went up, then she held up her hand to stop him from answering. I dont want to know any more than I already know, Morgan. I was able to run some interference when you first started going through patient files and using that information to help the FBI. I only had one Get Out of Jail Free card for you, though. The fact that you continued to do that even after I warned you . . . She sighed and shook her head. Long story short, theres going to be a hearing.

Okay. He understood that. At least, theyd hear his side. What kind of hearing?

One that will decide your future with the hospital and possibly your future in medicine. She leaned forward, long blonde hair falling over her shoulder. Morgan, you could lose your license.

He reared back. No. Thats . . . thats too extreme.

She shrugged. Maybe. Its the worst-case scenario, for sure, but its still a possibility.

Okay. Things didnt always end up at the worst-case level. Whats the best case?

The hospital suspends you for a period of time without pay.

Morgan leaned back in his recliner chair. Ashley had warned him. Shed done her best to cover for him. I guess well cross whatever bridge they throw up when we get to it.

She gazed at him, confusion plain on her face. I didnt expect you to take this so calmly. Medicine has been your life for so long. I thought youd be devastated.

Oddly, he wasnt. He tried to figure out why. A week or two ago, I might have been. Although I think that would have been disingenuous. He leaned in now, too. Trying to put his feelings into words. I loved medicine. I loved becoming a doctor.