She sighed. Okay, Morgan. I get it. I do. It cant happen again, though.

Absolutely not.

Im serious, Morgan. I think Ill be able to cover for you this time, but I wont be able to do it a second time. Im not willing to lose my job over this even if youre willing to risk your job and your license.

He started. His license? Surely, it wouldnt go that far.

And I think you should extend your leave of absence. I think it might be better if no one saw your face around here for a week or two.

Heard and understood, he said.

Okay. Im going to go to try to clean this mess up as best as I can.

Thanks, Ash.

Im sending you a list of notaries nearby, too, Morgan. Please sign the papers and return them.

Morgan rested his forehead on his drawn-up knees. I will.

Thanks, Morgan. She paused, but didnt hang up. He could hear her breathing. And Morgan? Take care of yourself please. I know how you can get. Be careful.

He was about to open his mouth and say that he had an FBI agent practically attached to his hip so he was pretty well protected, but he knew that wasnt precisely what she meant. Ill do my best, Ash. I really want to help solve this, though. Its got something to do with the hospital. I know it.

She made a little noise in the back of her throat. Its not like your motives are ever bad, Morgan. I know that. Anyone who has worked with you knows that. You sometimes go too far, though. You push the envelope until it bursts.

It touched him that she still cared. Ill be careful, he promised.

See that you are, Morgan. Then she was gone.

Morgan set the phone down next to him. Outside, the day was gray. The rain had returned. There was a flash of light, followed a few seconds later by huge boom. Great. A thunderstorm. He hoped they got every shred of evidence there was at Briannas crime scene. If they hadnt, whatever was left would be washed away.

He fell back against the pillows. How much worse could it get?

A hell of a lot worse. If someone besides Ashley had figured out that he had gone through patient records and shared sensitive information with the FBI, he could lose his license, whether it was for a good reason or not. Then where would he be? Who would he be?

His job hadnt been giving him the satisfaction it had for years. It wasnt enough anymore, but to lose it? To never be able to practice medicine again? To face the world with all that stripped away? He couldnt begin to imagine it. Even the idea made him shudder.