A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 64

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Chapter 64

Right before he was done with work, Joseph was called to Walt’s residence. When he arrived, he saw that Walt had several dishes prepared, as well as a couple of bottles of good liquor. It seemed like Walt wanted to treat Joseph to dinner.

Joseph joked, “Dr. Loughlin, you make at least several million dollars a year, if not ten million. Why are you still so frugal? If you’re going to treat me to dinner, you should at least take me to a proper restaurant.”

Walt replied, “The dinner isn’t what’s important. I actually have something to talk to you about. Going to your house or mine wouldn’t be convenient, and restaurants are too crowded with too many ears around. This was the only choice.”

Walt poured Joseph a drink, and the two of them started to eat and chat.

At first, Walt didn’t mention his conversation with Bernard at all. Instead, he chatted casually about hospital matters and amusing incidents at work.

Only after they finished their dinner did he finally get to the point. “I want to transfer you to our hospital’s branch in Paxon County. You’ll serve there as the associate director.”

“What? Why?” Joseph was surprised. Paxon County was a few hundred miles away and one of the poorest counties around. Naturally, the facilities there were extremely underdeveloped. He could still save lives there, of course. But why him?

Looking at Walt’s hesitant expression and shifting gaze, Joseph felt a bad premonition.

Walt said, “Dr. Hart, this is the hospital’s decision.”

Joseph nodded slowly. “The hospital’s decision? Sure, I’m an employee of the hospital, so I should respect the hospital’s decisions. But I also deserve to know more.

“Why am I being sent there? How long will I stay? What happens after I return? What position will I be given then? You can’t possibly want to hide all that from me.”

Walt replied. “You’ll be there for three years. After that, when you come back, you’ll take over Travis’ position.”

Joseph exclaimed, “Three years? That long? Then I’m sorry, but this arrangement conflicts with my career plans. I can’t accept it. Even if it means I’ll never become the head of the department, I still won’t go. Find someone else instead. If you need a recommendation, I suggest Bill.”