Part 2The Night Caller

I wanted to snatch them back, but she was holding that huge belly of hers like a shield. If we struggled and something happened, she’d sue me into oblivion.

Remembering that, and listening to the rhythmic thump-thump-thump on my door, I wished I could just march out there and slap her.

I clenched my fists, taking a deep breath to calm myself.

The end of the month was coming. Once the insomniac moved in, we’d see if Brenda still dared to be so arrogant.

The property manager arrived quickly.

I opened the door to find Brenda, hands on her hips, in full-blown tantrum mode.

“What’s it to you if I’m here to see Dr. Hayes for a medical issue?”

“Now get lost before you upset my precious son!”

The manager gave me a helpless look.

“Dr. Hayes, maybe it would be easier if you just did a quick check-up for her. At this rate, nobody’s getting any sleep tonight.”

Hearing this, a smug, triumphant look washed over Brenda’s face.

“See, Dr. Hayes? You should feel honored that I’m letting you examine my son. I don’t let just anyone touch my belly, you know.”

I took another deep breath, keeping my voice polite.

“I’m sorry, but I am not your personal physician. I am under no obligation to perform daily check-ups for you.”

“The women’s health clinic is two blocks away. You can go there if you need medical attention.”

At that, Brenda’s eyebrows shot up. She jabbed a finger in my face.

“You’re the Chief of Obstetrics! Why should I pay to go to a clinic?”

“You doctors are all the same—heartless scammers. You won’t lift a finger to help someone for free, you just want to trick people into spending money at the hospital.”

“I get it now. You must have a deal with that clinic, right? You send them patients and get a kickback!”

“I’m telling you, if you don’t examine me right now, I’m putting this all over the internet. We’ll see how long you have a job after that!”

I had tolerated her nonsense for weeks, but this was the last straw.

“Ms. Jones, let me make myself clear one last time: I will not be examining you. Not now, not ever.”

“I have a security camera right here. It recorded every slanderous word you just said. Go ahead, post it online. Let’s see who ends up in jail.”

My usual demeanor was calm and professional. This was the first time I had ever lost my temper like this.

Brenda was momentarily stunned. After a long pause, she hissed through clenched teeth.

“Fine. You don’t have to check on me.”

“I have three months left until my due date. That’s about one check-up every other day. You give me twenty thousand dollars for my medical expenses, and I’ll leave you alone.”

Her demand left not just me, but the property manager, completely speechless.

My breath came in short, angry bursts. “He’s not my child. Why on earth would I pay for your expenses?”

Brenda’s voice dripped with entitlement.

“You’re a department chief. You must make tens of thousands a month. My husband breaks his back on a construction site for a few grand. You’re rich. What’s twenty thousand dollars to you?”

“They say doctors are angels in white coats. If you won’t help me, then you should pay!”

Her logic was so twisted it was nauseating.

I had lived for decades and never met anyone so utterly shameless.

The property manager couldn’t help but intervene.

“Ms. Jones, Dr. Hayes is just your neighbor. She has no obligation to pay for your prenatal care…”

Before he could finish, Brenda’s shriek cut him off.

“What the hell are you talking about? She’s a doctor, she’s supposed to help me!”

“You’re taking her side. Are you two sleeping together?”

The manager’s face darkened.

“I am a married man with a family. Please do not make such baseless accusations!”