Side by Side

Seven years ago, a life was lost on my operating table. The official inquiry concluded it was due to a botched rescue.
The patients family splashed the hospitals sign with red paint, then camped outside day and night, demanding my life for the one Id taken. My own father, ashamed of the disgrace Id brought upon our family, forbade me from wearing mourning black at his funeral.
I was stripped of my license for gross negligence and spent the next seven years in prison.
When I was released, I moved north, to a remote forestry station in the mountains, and became a warden. Life was quiet, the past a scar I tried not to touch.
But the arrival of my ex-husband, Vincent Vance, tore that scar wide open.
He was a star now, the celebrated Chief of Medicine at a prestigious hospital, his reputation immaculate. A blizzard was raging outside my small cabin when a convoy of medical vehicles pulled up. A voice, sharp as breaking ice, cut through the storm.
Dr. Ross, you know, Chief Vance never forgot you. He still wears his wedding ring!
I looked out at him, standing amidst the swirling snow yet untouched by it, and my stomach churned with a cold, familiar sickness.
Because the man they called a saint, the unforgettable Chief Vance, was the one who had falsified the medical records all those years ago to protect his one true love, throwing me to the wolves without a second thought.
1
The snow beat a relentless rhythm against the windowpane.
When I opened the door, Vincent was standing there, a dark figure against the white landscape. He wore a heavy overcoat, yet not a single snowflake clung to him.
Abby? he asked, his voice laced with a performers disbelief.
I said nothing, but my hand tightened on the doorframe, the rough wood splintering into my palm. A sharp, grounding pain.
Chief Vance is leading a team for the winter clinic, Old Man Fitz, the station manager, said, squeezing past me with a wide, nervous grin. Heard you were out here and thought hed stop by to say hello.
Just a few words, then Ill be on my way, Vincent said.
My heart seized, as if caught in a vice. I had no choice but to step outside. As I did, a woman with sharp glasses from his team approached. I recognized her. Shed always been Seraphina Stones shadow. I couldnt imagine why she was with Vincent now.
You must be Dr. Ross, she said with a smile that didnt reach her eyes. Chief Vance mentions you often. She paused for effect. He always said you were a force to be reckoned with in the ER. We call a surgeon like that The Scalpel.
I just never imagined Id find you here.
Vincent cleared his throat, his face a perfect blank. You can all wait for me in the vehicles. Id like a moment alone with her.
Once they were gone, he spoke. Abby, am I too late?
I bit my lip, the words a painful whisper. Im afraid I cant afford the honor, Chief Vance.
It was the first time I had ever called him that. He frowned, taking a step closer. What have you done to yourself? You look worn.
Worn?
And whose fault is that, Vincent?
A bitter laugh escaped me, and I took an involuntary step back. If theres nothing else, Chief Vance, you should go. I have to make my rounds soon.
I shoved my hands into my pockets, hiding the chilblains that covered them. I wouldnt give him the satisfaction of seeing any more of my decay.
He looked at me with those eyes, the ones that could feign an ocean of depth and devotion. Abby, does it have to be like this between us? You never knew the truth about what happened
He moved to take another step, but a voice, light and melodic, cut him off. Vincent, darling, you promised youd come with me to my ultrasound today. Did you forget again?
Seraphina Stone emerged from the lead vehicle, a hand resting possessively on her swollen belly. She turned her triumphant gaze on me.
Dr. Ross. Its been a long time.
Vincent and I had an appointment, she purred. I was so worried when I couldnt find him, I just had to come looking. I hope Im not interrupting anything.
Her hand slipped naturally into the crook of his arm.
So, they had a child now. What in Gods name was he doing here? Had he come all this way just to show me how happy he was? I suppose I shouldnt have been surprised. This was the man who had forced me, the head of the department, to assist the junior Seraphina, just to give her a leg up. And when it all went wrong, he had pushed me off the cliff without a moments hesitation.
A love that reckless deserved to be flaunted, didnt it?
I forced a brittle smile to my lips. Before I could speak, the woman with the glasses chimed in again. Oh, Seraphina, you shouldnt be out here in this cold! You have to take care of yourself. You should be at home resting. Im here, you dont have to worry about a thing.
Her fawning was sickening. I had no desire to be a part of their little drama. I turned to shut the door in their faces.
2
My phone rang. It was my brother, a voice I hadnt heard in years.
Im warning you, Abby, stay away from Vincent! he hissed. Hes about to be a father. Stop embarrassing yourself with this pathetic, shameless behavior!
The words hit me like a physical blow. Seraphina had already called him.
Before I could process it, he continued, his voice dripping with resentment. You didnt even come to Dads funeral. And Moms not well. Vincent has been the one supporting us all these years! Dont you dare cause any more trouble!
I opened my mouth to ask about our mother, but the line went dead.
Of course. Seven years in prison for malpractice had made me a stain on the family name. My father had decreed on his deathbed that I was not to attend his funeral, that my name was not to be carved on his headstone. My mother and brother, who had once adored me, had become strangers.
Thinking of my mother, my vision blurred. I wondered what they would feel if they knew the truththat the people who had single-handedly destroyed my life were the very same ones they now revered.
Vincents hand blocked the door before I could close it. Dont be too hard on your brother, he said softly. Hes had it rough. After Dad passed, Moms health declined. Hes been holding the family together all by himself.
He pushed his glasses up his nose, the picture of weary regret. I know I didnt handle the situation perfectly back then. And Ive spent every year since trying to make up for the damage it caused you. If and Im just saying, if you ever need anything
I slammed the door shut.
A voice filtered through the wood. Who does she think she is? Does she still think shes The Scalpel? The Chief of Medicine comes all the way out here to see her, and she acts like this? She should be grateful.
Thats enough, came Vincents voice, smooth and controlled. If she doesnt want to see me, well leave. Theres always tomorrow.
3
The station was small. News of Vincents visit spread like wildfire. The whispers followed me everywhere. I was the ex-con who had the audacity to disrespect a man like Chief Vance.
My patrol route was reassigned to the farthest, most isolated corner of the woods.
The station manager couldnt meet my eye. Abby, you know I was hesitant to hire you, given your history. I took a chance on you. This new route is remote, but its quiet. No one will bother you out there.
I accepted it in silence. I took my gear and walked deeper into the forest. The work became harder, the pay less reliable. I knew why. When my wages stopped coming altogether, I went to see the manager.
Before I could say a word, he pushed a stack of cash into my handseverything he owed me. Seeing the mix of guilt and relief on his face, I quit on the spot. He looked like a man whod just been granted a pardon.
Youll be better off away from here, Abby, he said, his voice softer now. Having a man like Chief Vance looking out for you thats a blessing most people could only dream of.
I knew it. It was always Vincent, pulling the strings.
It was a blessing I could do without.
I slung my meager bag over my shoulder and walked out of the forest for the last time.
I visited the grave of my grandmother, the only person who had ever truly loved me. Then I wandered the city streets like a ghost, feeling the same profound dislocation I had felt the day I was released from prison.
It didnt take long for Vincent to find me. He stood in the doorway of my dilapidated room, his brow furrowed in distaste.
Ive arranged an administrative position for you at St. Annes Medical Center. You can start tomorrow. His tone was final, accustomed to being obeyed.
It was almost funny. After all these years, he was still trying to manage my life, to fit me into his plans.
No, thank you. I cant. The words were out before I could stop them.
Why not? Where else are you going to go in your condition? he demanded. We may be divorced, but were still family. Stop pushing me away. Everything I do is for your own good!
For my own good? Or was it to soothe the nagging whispers of his own conscience?
I dont need your help, I said, my voice cold. I just want to find a place where no one knows my name and live a quiet life. Nothing else matters to me.
Not even your brothers job?
I looked up. Behind his glasses, his eyes were hard and unyielding. I knew he wasnt bluffing.
4
The next day, I reported for duty at St. Annes.
I had barely pushed open the office door when a familiar face greeted me. Seraphina, holding a large bouquet of lilies, beamed at me.
Dr. Ross, welcome to St. Annes! I know youre not practicing medicine right now, but Im sure a woman of your talents will shine wherever you go. If you need anything at all, Vincent and I are here for you.
Her little speech had its intended effect. Eyes turned towards me, filled with a mix of curiosity and contempt.
The whispers started immediately.
So thats her, The Scalpel. I heard she killed someone on the table. Did hard time for it.
Thats Chief Vances ex-wife. She doesnt look like much. What did he ever see in her?
Dr. Stone is such a class act. Being so gracious to her husbands ex. Shes a true professional.
Looking at Seraphinas condescending smile, the acid in my stomach churned. I ignored her, walking straight to the desk with my nameplate on it. I knew exactly who I had to thank for my current situation.
She followed me, placing the flowers on my desk. Dr. Ross, Vincent told me your mother hasnt been well. If theres anything I can do, please dont hesitate to ask. I truly hope you find your place here at St. Annes.
Her every word was so dripping with false sincerity she might as well have had "saint" tattooed on her forehead.
My mother, hearing I was at St. Annes, came for an appointment with my brother in tow. Seeing her gray hair and stooped shoulders, my eyes stung. But her gaze went straight past me to Vincent.
Vincent, my dear boy, youve done so much for us, she said, her voice trembling. First taking care of this old woman, and now having to worry about Abby too. Shes the one who made the mistake, but you and Seraphina are the ones who have to deal with the fallout. If she doesnt learn her lesson, if she causes any more trouble, you just wash your hands of her! Let her fend for herself!
She coughed, suddenly weak. I smiled, a bitter, helpless expression. In their eyes, I would always be the stain they couldnt wash away.
5
One evening, as I was leaving the hospital, Vincent and Seraphina intercepted me.
Dr. Ross, Seraphina said, her voice low and conspiratorial. I feel I should warn you. I overheard a patient today telling people that you were the one who killed his father. He knows youve been released. He might be looking for you. Please, be careful.
Vincent stood beside her, silent, his silence a form of consent. But I saw ita flicker of a smirk on Seraphinas face before she smoothed it away.
As expected, for the next few days, I felt eyes on me as I walked home. Vile slogans were painted on my apartment door. Someone printed out my photograph, the face slashed through with a knife. The familys hatred now lined the entire alleyway where I lived.
It came to a head on a dark, rainy night. I was walking home after a late shift when several figures stepped out of the shadows, surrounding me.
A wooden club slammed against my head. Blood, hot and sticky, streamed down my neck.
The Scalpel, my ass! a voice spat. Tonight, you pay for my fathers life!
The blows rained down on me, a brutal, percussive rhythm of pain. My consciousness began to fray at the edges. The smell of rain and blood was suffocating.
My father died on your table! You dont deserve to live!
We have Dr. Stone to thank for your address. At least you wont die wondering why!
A hand grabbed my hair, yanking my head up. I saw the glint of a knife.
So this was it. This was the end. The rain sluiced over my face, as if trying to wash away the grime of my miserable existence. A father who died cursing my name. A mother and brother who wanted me to disappear. A husband who swore forever and then betrayed me.
I closed my eyes. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of release.
The knife plunged into my stomach.
I collapsed, a useless heap on the wet pavement.
Just as the world began to fade to black, a tall figure burst from the darkness, sprinting towards me.
Stop!
At the same moment, the wail of a familiar siren ripped through the night.

First, search for and download the MotoNovel app from Google. Then, open the app and use the code "326342" to read the entire book.