Second Degree (Benjamin Davis Book Series 2) Read online

  “Should I open it now?” asked Garcia.

  “Go ahead. I want to see your face when you open it.”

  Garcia ripped open the envelope, and inside was a check payable to Dr. Charles Garcia in the amount of $5,000. In the memo line it read “Merry Christmas, Peter and Helen.”

  Garcia felt a little strange. He hadn’t gotten his partner anything. He ran back to his office, retrieved the gold cuff links he’d bought for his father, and walked up to Nichols.

  “This is a small token of my appreciation. After the holiday, I’ll have them inscribed with your initials.”

  Oh, well, Garcia thought, I’ll just get Father something else.

  As Nichols started mingling with his employees, distributing the Christmas bonus checks, Garcia went over to see if he could help the drunken Robyn. Before he knew what happened he was alone with her in the copier room. The room contained two large copiers and an imitation wood-grained folding table, which the staff used to collate documents.

  She made the first move with lightning speed. Her right hand cupped his privates. He winced but didn’t mind the twinge of momentary pain. He sighed as his brain translated and replaced the intense sensation with one of pleasure.

  He was a sophisticated man, who didn’t need to be hit over the head. Garcia didn’t have to read any signals. This drunken, beautiful woman wanted him badly; she’d given him a green light. He was a healthy twenty-nine-year-old man.

  But he knew this wasn’t the right time or the right place. Despite his desires, he needed to get control over this situation. While he was thinking of how to do that, she began rubbing him hard on the outside of his pants. He could feel her body react, first getting rigid and then shivering. She undid his belt and pants, lowered his zipper, and grabbed him. She eased up, removed her hand, reached up to a shelf, and retrieved hand sanitizer. She squirted some into her palm and returned her hand to his member. Now lubricated, Robyn vigorously resumed working on Garcia, and he quickly finished.

  “That was great,” he managed to choke out.

  When she spoke, Garcia appreciated for the first time just how drunk Robyn was. “That was so much fun. Should we go again?”

  Garcia realized how compromised the situation had become. He zipped up his pants and said, “We’d better get back to the party.”

  Robyn left first. Garcia made the mistake of walking out of the copier room only moments after her. Donna was waiting five feet away and gave Garcia a very knowing stare.

  Garcia decided not to try to explain what happened. He prayed Donna might forget over the long weekend what she’d just seen. He was very much mistaken because his problems with Donna were just beginning.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  A WELL-CONCEIVED PLAN

  Friday, December 22, 1995

  Charlie and Robyn left the party together in a cab. They’d been busy all night. Charlie thought he’d only slept an hour or two. Robyn wouldn’t leave him alone. They’d gone four times and finally spent from exhaustion fell asleep in Charlie’s king-sized bed.

  He glanced over and admired the sleeping young woman. Her long auburn hair was unkempt but shined against his periwinkle blue silk sheets. He thought about waking her and going a fifth time, but Nichols & Garcia was closed to give employees another day off for the holiday, so they had no reason to be in a hurry. There’d be plenty of time later in the day. Charlie wasn’t scheduled to fly to New York until six.

  Charlie took a deep breath and just stared at her. Not as a satisfied lover but as a surgeon examining a patient who’d undergone surgery and was being inspected by her surgeon for the first time. His professional opinion was that Robyn, without a doubt, was a beautiful creature, but her beauty was raw. He studied every inch of her naked body. The improvements were subtle but apparent to his trained eye. He knew her new Garcia kissable lips worked perfectly. She’d kissed and pleasured him all night. Her teeth had to be straightened and whitened. That was a job for Nichols. And she needed a softer chin. Her breasts were firm and ample, but he liked a full C cup.

  After he completed surveying her body, he began kissing her neck. He tried to wake her, and it worked. Her green eyes opened wide, and she squirmed.

  “Don’t you dare leave a mark, or I’ll kill you,” she warned him.

  “I may slightly mar your neck this morning, but I’ve got big plans for you. I’m going to make you a walking advertisement for what Dr. Nichols and I are capable of accomplishing.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked as she snuggled up against him. Her closeness aroused him. He decided to ignore his urges and try to get said what he needed to say.

  “You sit in reception every day, and our patients who are contemplating surgery can’t help noticing how beautiful you are.”

  Robyn smiled and batted her green eyes.

  “What if both Dr. Nichols and I could make you even more beautiful? Dr. Nichols could straighten and whiten your teeth, and I could give you a new chin. I will find someone to enhance your breasts. You’re much too talented to remain a receptionist. I’ve heard you sing. These procedures will help you go from a 9 to a 12. With your talent and new looks you’ll have the formula to succeed in the music business.”

  Charlie actually meant what he said. These subtle improvements cumulatively would make a huge difference. She had the talent, she was pure country, and she could write about the Old South that hit hard times. With a break or two, Robyn could make it.

  Robyn was obviously pleased. She planted a wet one and rolled her tongue along the roof of his mouth.

  They held each other for a good ten minutes, and then she broke into song. It was an old Allman Brothers’ song, more rock and roll than Charlie’s taste preferred. He made her sing a Patsy Cline song next. She’s truly talented, Charlie thought. These procedures will give her just the edge she needs.

  Fifteen minutes later Charlie, very excited, had Nichols on the phone and shared his plan, saying that he had Robyn’s seal of approval, but failing to mention he’d spent the night with her. He argued that if the results of Robyn’s surgeries just convinced two or three patients, bearing the cost of the surgeries was a good business decision. When Nichols raised several potential problems, Charlie had the answers. He could tell that his partner was swaying when he remarked that the senator had no serious objection to Robyn’s new lips and even commented that they enhanced her beauty.

  Nichols came around. “Let’s do it. The works. She’ll be our combined masterpiece.”

  Charlie had no doubt that Donna, probably because it was his idea, would object strongly. He couldn’t wait to see her face. He wanted to implement the decision quickly, despite Donna’s anticipated opposition. He suggested, “Let’s call Ben Davis and get his opinion.”

  “Can’t this wait? It’s the Friday before Christmas.”

  “Davis is Jewish. He’s probably working anyway.”

  Calling Davis was a smart strategy on Charlie’s part. Nichols trusted Davis implicitly, and his support was crucial. Charlie knew it was a good business decision. Nichols also insisted that Donna be included on the phone call. She was connected to the call, without any real explanation.

  Despite his religion, Davis was at home with his family. He worked so hard he took both Christian and Jewish holidays off. He joked it was one of the benefits of being one of the chosen people living in a Gentile world. He called Bella at home, and she arranged the four-way call between him, Donna, Nichols, and Charlie.

  Nichols presented the proposed surgeries as a legitimate practice expense with marketing benefits. Charlie thought Nichols made a convincing argument. Davis listened a full five minutes before he interrupted.

  “Malpractice will cover the procedures because the surgeries are within the scope of the practice. Whether you charge or not isn’t relevant. She’s over eighteen, and she’ll sign all the necessary waivers. What about your promise to Valerie Daniels?”

  The question was directed at Nichols. Charlie didn’t understand the q
uestion.

  After a moment Nichols answered, “These surgeries will dramatically enhance her looks. She’s a musician, not a receptionist. In the long run these surgeries will help her career. If it will make you feel better, Ben, I’ll give Valerie a call and see whether she has any objection. It is Robyn’s life and body. Ultimately it’s her call.”

  Donna spoke for the first time, and her question was directed at Davis. “Well, are these surgeries a good idea or a bad one?”

  Davis didn’t like being put on the spot, but he was paid for his advice and they were asking for it.

  “Donna, you’ve been quiet, but I take it from the tone of your voice you’re against proceeding with the surgeries?”

  Donna didn’t respond, so Davis continued, “It’s my professional opinion that you should run the office and leave marketing and what goes on in the operating room to the doctors. Robyn’s surgeries fall outside your area of control and fall within Dr. Nichols’s and Dr. Garcia’s sphere of influence. I admit there’s some overlap because this issue involves an employee, but Dr. Nichols and Dr. Garcia are the owners and it’s their call. They have legitimate business reasons for their decision.”

  Charlie couldn’t have been happier. The great Ben Davis sided with him over Donna; that was a major office politics victory for him.

  Good-byes were said, but Nichols, Charlie, and Donna remained on the line. Nichols said to Charlie, “Since your surgical suite isn’t finished yet, I’ll go first and whiten her teeth. Donna, I think we have an hour and a half next Saturday.”

  Charlie couldn’t wait to tell Robyn. He also decided he’d call his friend Dr. Melvin and schedule Robyn’s breast enlargement. He’d have to pay the discounted fee himself. It was a small price to pay to get Robyn sculpted into his vision of beauty.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  OVERSLEPT

  Wednesday, February 14, 1996

  The construction wasn’t completed on January 18th as planned and hoped. Tisdale didn’t get his $10,000 bonus. Nichols was disappointed; Tisdale was very disappointed; in fact, Nichols learned that because Tisdale was four days late, his fee was reduced by $2,000.

  Although the delay pushed Dr. Garcia’s entire surgery schedule back, Mrs. Alder would have her new look by Valentine’s Day. In January Nichols whitened and straightened her teeth. It was reported to Nichols that Mrs. Alder’s second consult with Dr. Garcia went perfectly. He mapped out how he would alter her chin and deliver Garcia kissable lips. Mrs. Alder was still smitten by Dr. Garcia.

  From the schedule, Nichols knew that the Alder surgery was at seven thirty. Mrs. Alder arrived at seven fifteen; she was nervous but ready. Nichols watched as Tracy, Garcia’s surgical nurse, walked the patient back to prep her for surgery. Dr. Garcia had not yet arrived.

  Seven thirty came and went, but there was no Dr. Garcia. Nichols picked up the phone and called Garcia’s cell phone. Donna was standing right next to him with a knowing smile.

  When Garcia answered his phone, Nichols blasted him, “Where the hell are you? Mrs. Alder is waiting!”

  Garcia sounded as if he’d just been awakened, “You’re out of your mind. Mrs. Alder isn’t scheduled until tomorrow. Check the schedule!”

  “I did. If it’s tomorrow, why would the patient and Tracy be here ready to go?”

  “I’ll be there in half an hour. Make some excuse to the patient.”

  “I’m not going to lie. I’ll simply tell the patient you were delayed, and you can explain your reason when you arrive.”

  Thirty minutes later, in front of Nichols and Donna, Garcia was very apologetic. He made up an excuse about a medical emergency. Before she went under, Mrs. Alder bought it, but Nichols thought Garcia acted very unprofessionally by oversleeping. It was his responsibility to be on time. His entire day would be backed up due to his carelessness. Not only was Mrs. Alder inconvenienced, but all of his other patients today would be also.

  When Nichols came up for air to take a break, Donna was waiting for him in his office. She shook her head and said, “He’s dishonest and unreliable. Honesty and reliability are two important traits to have in a partner.”

  Nichols immediately became defensive: “He made a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes, even you! Why don’t you like him?”

  “There’s something sleazy about him. I think he’s messing around with Robyn. They’re always whispering about something. What if he’s having sex with her?”

  “What business is it of mine?”

  “They’re your employees, and you promised to keep an eye on her for her sister.”

  That was a low blow, Nichols thought. I am not her babysitter. Robyn is an adult.

  She’d religiously produced attendance slips from meetings and met her obligation of three a week. Her attendance and performance at work were excellent. And to Nichols’s knowledge and limited supervision she was drug and alcohol free since the Christmas party. He saw that as a momentary slip.

  Donna pressed further and suggested, “Let’s call Ben and see what he has to say.” She got Bella on the line and then was connected with Davis. She put him on speaker and explained the situation.

  Nichols waited uncertainly for Davis’s response. He was afraid about what the lawyer’s advice might be.

  Davis began, “Well, the company doesn’t have an employee fraternization policy. There’s never been a need since Peter’s been the only male employee. It’s critical that they keep their personal relationship out of the office. She reports to Donna, not him. Both of them are over eighteen and can make their own choices, good and bad ones. Peter, you did promise to keep an eye on her …”

  Nichols cut him off, “Wait a goddamned minute. I meant I’d help keep an eye on her sobriety, not her love life. She’s a beautiful young woman. She’s supposed to be having sex with somebody. Why not Charlie? He’s smart and good looking and has a bright future. He’d be a good boyfriend and even greater husband. Let nature take its course.”

  Davis didn’t argue. Donna was unhappy with how the phone conversation ended.

  By Nichols’s watch, the Alder surgery started about an hour and a half late. Donna reminded him that the office lived and died by its schedule. She described the Alder incident as a fiasco. Nichols regarded it as a small hiccup and didn’t share Donna’s concerns. He knew that Donna wasn’t going to let it go, though.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

  Thursday, February 15, 1996

  Anna Perkins walked into Garcia’s office for a consult; she was the first of many patients of the day. Garcia came around from behind his desk and sandwiched both of her hands between his. He rubbed her bottom wrist gently and looked deeply into her eyes. Not a casual glance but intensely, as if he was trying to read her soul. Like most women, she reacted positively and smiled back at him.

  As she started to pull back, Garcia increased his hold. He could feel her quiver under his touch. Her palms began to sweat. Her reaction was not uncommon; almost all women found him irresistible. Garcia could tell he’d made another conquest.

  He closed the door. Nichols & Garcia had no policy that required a treatment room door to remain open or a nurse to be present in the room during a consult. Of course during surgery at least one other professional was in the surgical suite. Garcia preferred that all consults be private so he could focus on the patient without any interference from the staff.

  With great interest in his voice, he said, “Those are exquisite jeans. Who makes them?”

  “I don’t rightly know,” responded Ms. Perkins in a heavy southern accent.

  “They fit you perfectly. They accentuate your shapely behind.”

  Perkins blushed, and Garcia, who’d been facing her, came around behind her and pulled down the top of the jeans so he could see the label. He playfully ran his finger along the small of her back, all the way down to the top of the cleft between her buttocks.

  Ms. Perkins was taken aback by the doctor’s presumptiveness but didn’t
protest. It was obvious to him that she loved the attention, as he thought she should. He was young, four years her junior, handsome, and an eligible professional. Her neck was a blotchy red, a dead giveaway that he’d struck a nerve.

  In almost a whisper, he reassured her, “Don’t worry. I’m a doctor. If we proceed with your contemplated surgery, I’ll see a lot more of you than your lower back. You need to relax and let me examine you so I can evaluate which procedures to recommend.

  “You’re tense. Please relax. With these hands I’ll make you desirable. I’m here to help. Please trust me.”

  Garcia began to rub her shoulders. He knew exactly what he was doing.

  “You need to follow my lead. I’ll take you to a place where you’ll no longer feel lonely. Men will pursue you, and you’ll meet the man of your dreams.”

  Garcia knew that for most of his patients finding or pleasing the right man was their ultimate goal. Generally, surgery wasn’t considered for vanity’s sake only.

  “Let’s begin with a thorough examination!”

  He knew his words would be accepted as gospel. From behind, he grabbed each side of her jeans and quickly pulled them and her panties down to her knees. She gasped but didn’t protest. He took her silence as a green light and placed the palm of each hand on each buttock and squeezed.

  “You’ve got a very firm butt. No need for a Brazilian butt lift there. You have beautiful skin, soft and pale, like a baby’s bottom.”

  “I came in considering new lips. … I read your ad about Garcia kissable lips,” she said. She was so startled by Garcia’s actions that she was uncertain about how to explain the reason for her visit.