Page 138 of Asystole

Logan’s hand finds mine, and he squeezes.

“Whatever happens, we’re in this together, and that’s all that matters.”

I nod once, and then we’re standing in front of the door.

Unable to move, Logan drops my hand and pushes the door open. I feel the loss immediately, but I know this isn’t the time nor the place for PDA.

Dr. Porter remains seated, but Dr. Kelley stands to greet us—because she has manners unlike the asshole leaning back in the chair as if this meeting were totally inconsequential.

I guess, to him, it is.

There’s another man in the room that I don’t recognize, but I feel Logan jolt with shock next to me, so I guess he does.

“Dr. Matthews, Mr. Kirkland, thank you for joining us,” Dr. Kelley says.

I clasp her hand and shake firmly, conveying a confidence I don’t feel.

“Please have a seat.”

Logan and I sit next to each other, but leave the seat directly next to Dr. Porter vacant. I swear he smirks.

Fucker.

“Okay, let’s dive right in, shall we?” she asks. “First, I want to congratulate you both on such a heroic feat while you were in the Caribbean. It briefly made headlines here. Dr. Matthews, getting epi into a vein in three-minute intervals while your helicopter is plummeting toward Earth is not something many physicians I know would be capable of.”

“Thank you.”

“And Mr. Kirkland, I believe it’s safe to say that your flying prowess saved everyone’s lives that day. Troubleshooting in the blink of an eye like that is remarkable.”

Logan nods, but stays quiet as Dr. Kelley continues.

“We’ve asked David Masterson to join us today. As the CEO of Boston Memorial and the one who let Logan go, he needs to be a part of the negotiations.”

“What negotiations?” Logan asks, making Dr. Porter join the conversation.

“I want you to come back and fly for us.”

“Why me? Surely there are lots of pilots willing to relocate to this area.”

“Because you show grit. You have a dislike of Administration’s bullshit,” Declan says, cutting his eyes toward David, “and you get the job done.”

“How is my decision tied to Chase’s options?” Logan asks.

Declan smiles and steeples his fingers.

“Well, the decision to allow Chase to jump ship in the middle of a rotation belongs to me, but considering your use of the term boyfriend during your interview, I assume Chase’s happiness is tied directly to you. Everything is about power, Mr. Kirkland. And right now, I have power over your future, but you have power over his, hence the negotiation.”

“This still doesn’t make sense,” Logan says. “Why me?”

Dropping his voice and leaning forward, Declan cuts his eyes at the two people across the table before continuing.

“You flew with my brother, Deacon, out in Montana. Four years ago, he called to tell me you were coming and asked me to keep an eye on you. I informed him of your recent termination, and he made me promise to get your job back. Said something about you finally finding happiness, and while I frankly don’t give a shit about that, I do give a shit about letting my baby brother down.”

“You’re Deacon’s brother?!” Logan screeches.

“I am,” Declan says stoically, but his eyes soften, and I swear to God it’s the first sign of emotion I’ve ever seen from the man.

“So that’s why you were so interested in me at New Year’s.”