He Bet My Life and Lost Me Instead novel · Chapter 4 of 32

Chapter 4: The Hold

"I'm not going anywhere with you," I said.

The guard with the clipboard took one step toward me.

"Ma'am, it'll be easier if you cooperate."

"Easier for who?"

"Nina," Dylan said, very softly. "Please don't fight them."

A hand came down on my arm.

"Take your hand off her," said a voice from the doorway.

Sam Novak stood there in his Chicago Fire Department jacket with a radio on his shoulder and Marco's phone number written on the back of his hand.

"Who's this?" the finance director demanded.

"Paramedic. I was at your retreat on Saturday." Sam walked in without being asked and held out his palm to the guard. "Let me see that paper."

The guard gave it to him. I don't think he knew what else to do.

Sam read it slowly.

"This is signed by a lawyer," he said. "A hold in Illinois needs a physician or a licensed clinician who has examined the patient. Examined her in person. Who examined her?"

Nobody spoke.

"Ms. Rhodes did a consult," the finance director said.

"Ms. Rhodes isn't a licensed clinician." Sam looked at Lydia. "Are you?"

Lydia's mouth opened, and closed.

"I hold certifications in trauma-informed care," she said.

"That's not a license."

The room shifted. Phones had come out along the walls. Marco had his own camera up again and was filming the clipboard, the guards, and Lydia's face.

"If either of you puts a hand on her," Sam told the guards, "I'll be filing it. I've got the building's name, the time and fifty witnesses."

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