Chapter 8: Rule Two

Tom walked Eli to the corner and talked fast.

"It isn't only me he asked. Six of us got a blank sheet with Dr. Kelleher's name on top."

"Six of you?" Eli said.

"Six. I've written nothing on mine."

"Why not?"

"Because Dr. Kelleher taught me to put in a chest tube when I was terrified, and he never once made me feel stupid."

Tom shrugged, a little embarrassed.

"Also Kessling calls me Thomas. I hate it."

Eli almost laughed.

"What happens if the others write something down?"

"Then Kessling has a file," Tom said. "And a file is a hearing."

He peeled off at the crosswalk, and Eli stood there with his heart working hard and his bag cutting into his shoulder.

Rule one said nights.

Rule two said never at the hospital.

He went to the hospital anyway.

Gabe had left his phone charger in Eli's jacket, and Eli could not think of a better excuse.

The fourth floor was quiet at noon.

He found Gabe in the east stairwell, coming down from a consult with a folder tucked under his arm.

Gabe stopped on the landing above him.

"What are you doing here?"

"Delivering your charger."

"You could have texted."

"I could have." Eli held it up. "It seemed less fun."

Gabe came down the remaining steps and took the charger out of his hand.

His fingers closed around Eli's wrist and did not let go.

"Rule two," Gabe said, very low.

"I know the rule."

"Then why are you in my hospital?"

"Because you're in it." Eli smiled up at him. "Rule two, Doctor. Are you going to throw me out?"

Gabe's eyes dropped to his mouth.

"Don't do that."

"Do what?"

"Throw it back at me."

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