Damned If I Do *Matt Murdock* (book one of Damned)

10) ...didn't I show I cared?

Nina showed up the next day. She brought Vera's laptop, some cosmetics, pyjamas and other necessities and books. Laptop. Books. That woman was an angel – it was only Vera's second day in Metro General and she was already bored. And she knew Terri wouldn't come that day, because she had a date with the cute boy and he worked in a night club, so their date had to be set in the afternoon.

Vera and Nina had an uncomfortable conversation about the bank robbery and the kidnapping. In the end, the very first secret – accident at work/almost mugging – was revealed as well. Nina wasn't angry. She was disappointed and hurt that Vera didn't tell her. Vera felt guilty for lying to her. Yet, she didn't tell her that her kidnappers took her because they suspected she was close to the Devil. She simply said it was related to the bank robbery. It wasn't exactly a lie, was it?

Shortly after she left, Claire Temple, The Nurse, turned up. She discreetly closed the door.

"So. I have a few questions," she started and walked to her bed.

"I might not answer them."

"You should. You know-"

"Shh," Vera shushed her, realizing someone with really good hearing could be a passive participant of their conversation. Or maybe not. How the hell should she know? Anyway, Vera didn't want him to know. She had a hunch he would not like that.

"Laptop," she hissed and gave Claire a look.

Claire didn't understand, but handed it to her with a sigh. Vera opened a word document and started typing – it was very slow with her hands not-moving.

"You gotta be kidding me."

Shut up. Yeah. I know that justice is blind, okay?

Claire sighed again. She wrote a reply.

Fine. And we are talking via keyboard because...

Because he might hear us. I mean, he can, right? I don't want him to know I know.

Claire gave her thoughtful look and her eyes went wide.

HE didn't tell you.

Nope. Figured it out.

"How?" she breathed out, astonished. Vera threw her hands in the air... kinda.

Sorry. How? Why didn't you tell him?

It was the little things. Similarities. Kept running into him... and him.

Claire waited and pointed out her other question.

He didn't tell me, so he doesn't want me to know. He wouldn't be happy finding out I do. I think.

Good point.

Vera smiled, but it wasn't a happy smile.

Anything else you wanted to ask? I would ask you how he does what he does, but feels wrong.

How long?

Not long. Since Monday.

Sharp intake of breath. "Shit, shit! Did you-"

"No. Of course not!" Vera protested immediately. She knew what Claire was asking.

I didn't tell them. Told them his name was Mike. First thing that popped in my head starting with M.

I like the way you think.

Vera grinned and Claire smiled too.

"So, how are you? I am a nurse, you know," she surveyed and Vera deleted the conversation and turned off her laptop.