Doctor's Fee Incident 40

CLYDE AND LAURA'S POV

AFTER MY shift, I went straight to Laura’s apartment. I’d been calling her all night, but she didn’t answer even once. I had a feeling something was up, so I decided to go check on her. When I got there, I found out why she wasn’t picking up.

“You just got home too, Laura?”

We arrived at the same time. She got out of a taxi, and I parked my car. I could see the surprise on her face.

I waited for her to reach the gate before I asked, “Why are you coming home so late?”

“Huh? Oh... I got drunk,” she said with a smile. She opened the gate and walked in ahead of me.

“Where did you drink? And why didn’t you answer my calls? You called me earlier and—” I started, but she interrupted.

“Huh?” She frowned, then said, “Oh! You answered?”

“Ugh! Yeah, but—” I stopped myself. I didn’t want to fight over something I wasn’t even sure about. “Uh... Have you eaten? I brought food,” I said, changing the subject.

(Memory Flashback)

"Hello, Laura?"

What’s going on? Why isn’t she answering? I even pulled over the car so we could talk properly, but she was not saying anything. Where is this lady anyway? It’s already midnight! She said earlier she was at home, but I’d been on duty, so I couldn’t go check on her.

I can hear talking on the other end—it’s Laura’s voice, and another voice… sounds like…

A man!

And then…

"Pop—Paul? Paul?"

Did I hear that right? Was that Laura? Did she just say Paul’s name?

A few moments later…

Beep! Beep! Beep!

She hung up.

My knees buckled from what I heard. My heart started racing, pounding so hard it felt like it would burst. My chest tightened.

"Paul? She—her Paul? He’s back? And— are they together now?”

(End Of Flashback)

_____

INSIDE, she took the food I brought and placed it on the table. I sat on the sofa and took off my shoes. When she noticed, she immediately asked, “Hey? Are you staying here tonight?”

“Why—why do you sound so surprised? I always stay over,” I replied, feeling a bit irritated by her reaction.

“Ah, because—”

“Because what?” I was getting frustrated.

“I’m going out later, and you’ll be here alone,” she said as she walked into the bedroom.

I followed her. “You’ve left me here alone before. What’s new?” I walked over and hugged her from behind, kissing her on the head. “And we used to do this; I sleep here whenever I have a chance to spend time with you. What's wrong, Laura?” My brows furrowed.

“Ah... I might come back late,” she said, gently pushing me away.

I stayed quiet, watching her as I sat on the bed.

“I’m going to take a shower,” she said and left the room.

“I’ll join you!” I called out, half-joking, to lower the tension.

Something felt off with Laura tonight. Why did it seem like she was avoiding me? When I hugged her earlier, she pulled away. She often smells like alcohol and I'm used to it, but why this time she seemed like she didn’t want me close.

LAURA'S POV

Why am I suddenly so anxious? I always tell myself I don’t love Clyde, but now I’m feeling nervous. And—oh no! He did answer my call earlier, but I hung up right away. I hope he didn’t hear anything. Why didn’t he bring it up? Ugh... Paul? We’re meeting later, but how am I going to sneak out without Clyde noticing?


THAT NIGHT, Laura left. She waited for Clyde to go before heading out herself.

“Laura, is it okay if we stay here tonight?” Paul asked as they stood in the parking lot of a five-star hotel.

“Are you free until tomorrow afternoon?”

“Oh, sure, Paul!” Laura quickly replied.

The two of them walked toward the hotel entrance.

But...

“Ben!” Nick called out. “Ben! Isn’t that Laura?”

Nick and Ben were in the parking lot too, just a few cars away. They recognized her instantly.

“Huh?” Ben looked at where Nick was pointing. “Yeah, that’s her! Who’s she with?”

They exchanged glances.

“Call Clyde,” Ben said quickly.

“Are you crazy? Maybe it’s a relative or a friend!”

Ben replied, “A friend? A relative? What would they be doing at a hotel?”

They both fell silent for a moment.

“Let’s follow them, man. No way I’m letting her cheat on Clyde! That guy’s head over heels for her, and she’s just going to do this?” Nick said angrily. “I’ll beat that guy up!”

“Beat him up? Are you her boyfriend?” Ben asked.

“Damn it!” Nick shouted.

“Let’s calm down and talk to Clint first,” Ben said.


LAURA'S POV

No one will recognize me here, right? We’re far enough from home, and I made sure Paul took us somewhere out of the way. I’ll call Gwen later and tell her I’m not coming home until tomorrow. Why hasn’t Gwen called back? She didn’t answer my messages either.

Just then...

“Come on, Laura, let’s go up,” Paul said.

We’ll be staying at the hotel for two days. I’ll tell Clyde I’m doing a side job so he won’t wonder why I’m not home for a few days.

“Laura, let’s go,” Paul called again.

I don’t know why, but I felt nervous and glanced around before following him.


MEANWHILE, Ben and Nick couldn’t let it go. They went back inside the hotel to confirm if it was Laura.

A moment later...

“Hello, Clyde? Doc, where are you?” Nick said, surprising Ben.

“What are you doing? Why did you call him?” Ben asked. “You fucker!”

Nick just shrugged.

June_Thirteen