Disclaimer:See Chapter One
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Luka looked at his wife. "What sort of problem, Abby?"
"Neela asked me what to do if you knew something that could destroy a life and I'm guessing it's Ray's."
"How is this going to be a problem?"
Abby poured a cup of coffee. "Well, I think the entire ER is getting ready to gang up on Erin."
"Why?" Luka pressed.
Abby shrugged. "I don't know, Luka. I just don't. I feel…I just get this feeling this isn't going to be good. And I know you're no longer Chief, but who else can I tell?" She sat next to him. "I can't tell Pratt. He's probably the only one, besides Ray, who likes Erin."
Luka shrugged while he looked around the Lounge. "Pratt has to be made aware of this, Abby. If he's not, he'll be running an ER that's more like a war zone."
Abby nodded. "I know, Luka, but how do you tell someone that?"
Luka smiled. "You've never been one to be quiet. You have always called things as they were and this should be no different. Tell Pratt."
"Tell Pratt what?" Pratt's voice caused Abby to jump.
"Look, Pratt." Abby stood up. "I just think that there's going to be a problem with Erin working here, that's all."
Pratt smiled and softly laughed. "Of course there's going to be a problem. She's married to Ray and I know some of you aren't taking that so well." Greg poured himself some coffee. "My biggest concern is Neela."
"Funny. My biggest concern is Katey." Abby mumbled.
Pratt turned around and faced Abby. "Katey? She's harmless."
"Not really." Abby crossed her arms. "Apparently she knows things about Erin that we don't and…I don't know, Pratt. I think we may see what Katey's capable of when she's pushed to her limit."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Erin leaned her forehead against the door before turning the key. She couldn't remember the last time she had a shift this long. Every shot she got, she confronted Katey, and found herself amazed that the latter woman wouldn't back down. Erin was used to being able to intimidate other women, but she was frustrated that she couldn't intimidate Katey. Erin smiled as she heard the piano playing. Ray hasn't played in so long that it's nice to hear him playing again. She turned the key and opened the door. "Ray? I'm ho…" She looked at the piano and saw Brandon sitting there. "Brandon! When did you get in?" She greeted him with a hug.
"A few hours ago. Ray and I were getting all caught up. Apparently he didn't know you invited me to stay." His musky eyes stared deep into Erin's emerald eyes.
She smiled. "I'm sorry, Ray." She looked at her husband. "I guess things got so hectic and I thought I told you…"
Ray laughed. "It's okay. It's Brando. We both know he'd do the same for either of us. It's cool." Ray walked over and gave her a quick hug and kiss. "I'm just thankful he came on an off day for one of us. Think of what would have happened if he came and neither one of us were here." Ray kissed her forehead again. "How was work, by the way?"
Erin hesitated. She wanted to tell Ray about Katey threatening her, but she knew Ray wouldn't believe her as long as he had a beer or two to drink and she saw a few empty bottles laying around. "It was, well, it was work. I'm just glad to be home."
Brand smiled. "Well, it's been a day for all of us. I'm going to bed for now. I'm exhausted." He shook Ray's hand and gave him a quick hug. "Thanks, dude. I'll look for another place tomorrow."
"No problem." Ray watched as his friend walked down the hall, acutely aware his wife was as well, with a little more lust in her eyes than there should have been. As soon as he heard the door shut, he started to pick up the strewn beer bottles. "When were you planning on telling me?"
"Tell you what?" Erin snapped back to reality and looked at her husband.
"About Brandon."
"What about him?"
"You never once mentioned that he got a job at the Tremont or that he was coming up for a visit or…"
"It was supposed to be a surprise, Ray." Erin put one of her hands on his.
"For who?" Ray stared coldly at his wife. "You know I don't particularly care for him. So why offer our place for him to stay?" Ray wanted to yell, but he kept his voice calm.
"I don't know what your deal is with him, Ray. He's never done anything to you." Erin sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize that your hatred of him ran so deep."
This time, Ray sighed heavily. "Nah. It's okay. Maybe it's time I dealt with the past." He kissed her forehead. "I'm taking care of these and I'm going to bed. Got an early shift."
Erin picked up some more beer bottles as Ray made his way to their bedroom. "I'll be back in a bit. I need to unwind for a moment." She smiled. Once their door had closed, she waited for a couple seconds before slipping into Brandon's room.
Brandon smiled at her. "I thought he'd never go to bed."
