“I have a very important meeting at work today,” Shane interrupted. “I cannot afford to be late. Jacqueline will have Jackson and the nurses help her. Don’t worry.” The last sentence was directed toward Natalie.
Jacqueline was unhappy with the sudden turn of events but did not attempt to convince Shane to stay.
It would be asking for trouble if she had insisted that he stayed despite his announcement of having a meeting to attend.
“I understand.” Jacqueline forced a smile. “Safe trip, both of you.”
Shane and Natalie made their way out of the ward and departed.
As they walked along the corridor, Natalie caught sight of the dark circles beneath Shane’s eyes and felt a twinge of pain in her heart. “Did you get any rest last night?”
“I did not sleep a wink.” Shane rubbed his eyes wearily.
“Why not?” Natalie frowned.
“I’ve been going through some documents,” Shane answered as he lowered his hand.
“Was that what you were doing all night?” Natalie pouted.
Shane nodded without comment.
Natalie did not know what else to say. As soon as they had exited the building, she snatched the car keys out of Shane’s hand when he fished them out of his pocket. “You shouldn’t drive if you hadn’t slept all night. You’re endangering other road users, you know? Let me drive today. It’s always me catching a ride with you to work, let me do it for a change.”
She led the way to his car.
Shane chuckled softly and followed her, with the thermal food jar and bag of clothes in his hands.
Natalie dropped Shane off at his office before heading off to her own. As her own car was parked at the hospital, she made a mental note to arrange for someone to bring it to the office for her later that day.
Along the way, Natalie shot a glance at the figure on the passenger seat. “Mrs. Wilson had made you something in the thermal food jar. You haven’t had your breakfast, have you? Why don’t you eat something along the way.”
Shane had not eaten since the night before and was feeling ravenous. At her suggestion, he dug in without another word.
To ensure that Shane had sufficient time to eat, Natalie deliberately drove slower than she normally would. The journey to Thompson Group which would have normally taken an hour from the hospital was stretched to an hour and twenty minutes.
“We’re here,” Natalie announced as the car slowed to a halt.
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