Chapter 13: A Neighbour’s Advice
The afternoon sun painted the neighborhood with a warm glow. Children laughed somewhere down the street and a dog barked in the distance.
It was peaceful and calm. Like the opening scene of a feel good movie.
Veronica wasn’t in the mood to appreciate it. She got out of her car and locked it, then stepped through the front door.
Her home was spotless. Every shoe rested neatly on the rack. The picture frames along the hallway were aligned perfectly.
She slipped off her heels and placed them beside the others, nudging one a fraction of an inch until both pointed in the same direction.
Her gaze swept across the living room.
The space featured minimalistic furniture. An L-shaped sofa with a square glass table in the middle.
The walls were painted cream and a wide screen TV was mounted on one side of the wall.
A vase of white lilies sat in one corner of the room and a glass aquarium rested by its side.
She walked to the aquarium and sprinkled food into the water. A lone gold fish swam to the surface.
Veronica watched it in silence before walking away. She washed her hands and hung her labcoat on its hook.
Her eyes surveyed the living room until they landed on the table. A frown formed on her face as she realized it was slightly out of line.
She adjusted with a pleased smile and went straight to the bedroom.
She placed her glasses on her bedside table and loosened her hair, letting the blonde strands fall over her shoulders before sinking onto the cushy bed.
Silence filled the room and her eyes drifted to the ceiling. It should have been relaxing but her thoughts were still occupied by Nathan’s words.
Veronica exhaled and shut her eyes.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she recalled his expression. She couldn’t figure out why it made her heart flutter.
Veronica rose from the sheets and peeled away each layer of clothing as she crossed the room to the bathroom doorway.
The mirror caught her first, reflecting the soft glow of her skin and the gentle sway of her breasts as she stepped closer.
She unhooked her bra and let it slip to the floor. A bust that wasn’t modest nor massive laid before her ending in hardened points due to the cool air.
Her fingers traced her narrow waist and wide hips that gave her a balanced hourglass figure.
She turned sideways, then slowly around, inspecting herself from every angle. Her skin was almost porcelain smooth.
The only mark was a small mole high on her left thigh. Veronica brushed a finger over it for a brief moment.
Her fingers hooked her underwear and slid it down her legs. Her face contorted into a frown and she looked down.
She traced a finger on one thigh before she brought them toward her face. Her cheeks warmed.
"How am I so..."
The words trailed off. She shook her head, dismissing the thought, and continued her inspection.
Her fingers traced her face, then slid down to cradle her soft breasts.
Satisfied she cupped her cheeks, lifting and releasing so she could watch the soft jiggle in the mirror behind her.
A brief pout formed on her lips before she let her hands fall away.
She stepped into the shower. Hot water and steam filled the room. She wrapped a towel around her before changing into an oversized sweater and a pair of shorts.
Her footsteps led her to the kitchen. Like other parts of her house, everything was in order.
She brought a kettle and set it on the stove.
A knock sounded on her front door. Veronica blinked as she wasn’t expecting anyone. She opened a cupboard filled with various kitchen knives and a collection of scalpels.
She grabbed one of them and opened the door to find a plump woman twice her size, holding a tray of cupcakes with a cheerful smile on her face.
"Celine," Veronica muttered with the scalpel behind her.
The woman smiled brightly. "Hey V. I was wondering if I could use your oven? Mine just gave out."
Veronica gave her a long look before moving aside for her to step in, then closed the door. Both of them went to the kitchen.
Celine placed the tray in the oven and turned it on. Veronica made her tea without uttering a word.
Both of them went to the living and settled on the couch. and Veronica put the tv on, watching the screen in silence as she sipped her tea.
Celine studied her face for a moment. "So what’s got you in a mood."
Veronica raised an eyebrow. "A mood?"
"Yeah, you’ve been silent since I came. You didn’t even offer me tea."
Veronica exhaled. "It’s just stuff."
"Want to talk about it?" Celine said with a bright smile.
Veronica gave her a long stare. "It’s personal stuff."
Celine frowned. "As long as it’s not some very evil stuff or men in black suits knocking on my door. I think I can handle it."
Veronica smiled. "No it’s not. It’s about a guy–."
The words were hardly finished before Celine leaned close to Veronica. "The same guy you called me about?"
Her cheerful expression unsettled Veronica slightly. "Yes. Him"
"So... what’s the problem?"
Veronica set her cup down, then explained everything. From her first encounter with Nathan to the second time he was brought to the medical wing.
Celine listened intently, her eyes growing wider with each moment. By the time Veronica finished speaking, Celine had her mouth open.
Her eyes darted sideways.
"Wow, a prison doctor and an inmate. I didn’t know you were into forbidden romance, V."
Veronica rolled her eyes.
"Then again you’re the warden’s daughter but still, damn girl!" Celine smiled brightly. "Wel....that’s one way to meet a guy."
Veronica folded her arms and watched her silently.
"Oh right," Celine paused for a moment. "Hmm... So you hurt him, touched his hair without asking, violated his privacy and tried to belittle him."
Veronica looked away. "Maybe."
"Are you sure you’re interested in this guy?"
Veronica was surprised at the question. "I mean he’s my type, so yes? Why are you asking me that?"
"Your actions say otherwise."
Veronica looked away. "I was only curious. Besides... I’m his doctor."
Celine gave her a side eye. "Curiosity doesn’t equal permission, you know? Also you hurt him." She crossed her arms. "You aren’t exactly helping your case."
"I hurt him because he warned me when I touched his hair. I only did it to check if it was natural."
"You touched his hair without asking and are surprised he warned you?" Celine held a confused expression. "And you peeked at his dick while he was unconscious. Vera... that’s not exactly how you win someone’s trust."
Veronica didn’t offer a response.
Celine continued. "I mean. He may be a guilty criminal but that doesn’t excuse the fact what you did was..."
"...Necessary?" Veronica murmured.
"I was thinking selfish and inappropriate but sure that works." Celine rolled her eyes. "And you didn’t even apologize."
Veronica pursed her lips. "Why should I apologize? I offered to help him with the inmates that beat him up but he refused."
Celine looked at her with a sad expression. "Offering help doesn’t change the fact you violated him. You’re my friend Vera but I have to say, you’re messing up big time girl."
Veronica uncrossed her arms. "So what do I do?"
Celine gave a surprised look as if the answer was obvious. "You start by apologizing."
The response made Veronica wince. "Isn’t there some other way?"
"Hmm... you can try to help him but you might just make him even angry."
Veronica pursed her lips.
Celine stood up. "I don’t know this guy. But if you’re still thinking about him after work then he must be something..."
Veronica rolled her eyes. "You say it like he’s special."
"Well, considering you’re thinking of him? Pretty much." Celine smiled knowingly.
Veronica narrowed her eyes. "Don’t you have kids to pick up?"
Celine laughed. "Not for another three hours. Oh let me check on the cupcakes." She rushed to the kitchen, leaving Veronica alone with her thoughts.
Veronica exhaled sharply as she considered Celine’s words.
Her eyes drifted toward her phone resting on the table.
She picked it up, scrolled her contact list and selected a number. The call connected after two rings.
Veronica spoke first. "Hello, Mr Lester."
Moe’s voice came from the speaker. "Hey Doctor! How can I help you?"
"I want information."
"On what? Or whom?"
Veronica hesitated. "A death row inmate in Stone River. Nathan Ledger."
"Hmm... Got it. Anything in particular you’re looking for?"
Veronica thought for a moment. "Everything you can find. Family, friends, education. I want to know what kind of person he was before ending up in prison."
"I’ll pay you for your services. I trust you’ll be discreet." Veronica added.
"Of course. Have a good day."
"You too," Veronica replied and ended the call.
A moment later, Celine called out. "Vera! The cupcakes are ready!"
Veronica set the phone down, picked up her cup of tea and walked toward the kitchen.