Thursday, May 21, 2020
Professional And Personal Concern For Nurses - 1363 Words
Staffing is an issue of both professional and personal concern for nurses today. In fact, issues related to staffing levels, unit organization or inequitable assignments are one of the top reasons nurses leave a hospital job, according to Karlene Kerfoot, PhD, RN, and vice president of nursing for API Healthcare. As healthcare costs increase, decreasing the number of staff nurses is often seen as the logical way to combat it. Inadequate staffing and/or increased job responsibilities both cause problems and stress for nurses. One solution that can help alleviate this problem is if other states follow Californiaââ¬â¢s lead in adopting a Safe Staffing RN Ratios law. Sadly this is not an easy task, it took California 12 years for the state to have this legislation approved. As for now, National Nurses United is working on implementing federal legislation to establish nationwide nurse-ratio guidelines. Although the hospital staffing crisis is a long drawn out problem, is intensifying as healthcare costs are increasing. Chen (2012) says, this problem may be worsening due to more hospital CEOs investing in advanced medical technologies and failing to pay attention to maintaining adequate staff levels. Corporate greed has seemed to have taken precedence over safe patient care as well. Chuck Idelson, a CNA representative, voiced this concern by telling In These Times, ââ¬Å"The problems are systemic, primarily because the focus of the corporate giants that control most hospitals now is onShow MoreRelatedEthical Dilemmas Of The Healthcare Field1056 Words à |à 5 PagesEveryday, healthcare professionals are faced with ethical dilemmas in their workplace. These ethical dilemmas need to be addressed in order to provide the best care for the patient. Healthcare professionals have to weigh their own personal beliefs, professional beliefs, ethical understandings, and several other factors to decide what the best care for their patient might be. This is illustrated in Mrs. Smithââ¬â¢s case. Mrs. Smith is an 85 year old who has suffered from a large stroke that extendsRead MoreEthics And The Ethics Of Ethics929 Words à |à 4 PagesOF ETHICS,). To continue, the floor is open to discuss ethical codes for nurses provision 2, the nurse primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population (Code of Ethics for Nurses, 2015). This code of ethics is part of an ethical oath agreement all nurses agree upon when starting their professional career. The simplicity of this ethical terms detailed reminds the nurse, that his/her obligation is should solely be directed on the patient, regardlessRead MoreAn Interview On A Cuban Nurse897 Words à |à 4 PagesA Cuban Nurse This piece contains an interview conducted via Facebook messenger to Evelyn Leon. She is a current Cuban nurse. She had a very limited Internet access, but the most important information has been collected. This paper contains her scope of practice, primary health concern for patients and country, professional organizations, salary, specialty, and health care division. Scope of Practice Ms. Leon, a Cuban nurse, says that in Cuba the nursing scope of practice is based on the level ofRead MoreEthics Case Study Essay911 Words à |à 4 PagesEthics Case Study Nurses are faced with ethical issues and dilemmas on a regular basis. Nurses must understand his or her values and morals to be able to deal adequately with the ethical issues he or she is faced with. Some ethical issues nurses are exposed to may be more difficult than others and the ethical decision making process is learned over time. The purpose of this paper is to identify the ethical issues in the case study provided in the week one assignment. A discussion of how to useRead MoreCode Of Ethics For Nurses1114 Words à |à 5 Pages Professional Code of Conduct Fadrique R. Charlot Nova Southeastern University Professional Code of Conduct Health professionals hold the commitment of providing quality health care to the society in order to fulfil the health concerns of the general population presented daily. Hence, health care practices are established on ethical principles concerning the life and health of human being accordingly. Its values place all obligation in which patients are protected from harm andRead MoreWorking At The Winkler County Hospital For More Than 20 Years912 Words à |à 4 PagesTwo experienced nurses had been working at the Winkler county hospital for more than 20 years. In 2009, Ann Mitchell and Vicki Galle became whistleblower in the small town of west Texas. The nurses field an anonymous report to Texas Medical Board regarding to retaliation in the hospital. In the letter, the nurse stated the unsafe practices of Dr. Rolando Arafiles. The nurses were concern about the improper treatment to patient provided by Dr. Arafiles. Since. Dr. Arafiles tried to misuse his connectionsRead MoreEffective Communication Between Nurses And Nurses1200 Words à |à 5 Pagesbetween the doctor and nurse working together to provide high quality, safe care. Nurses use a wide range of effective communication strategies and interpersonal skills to appropriately establish, maintain, re-establish and terminate the nurse-client relationship (College of Nurses of Ontario [CNO], 2009). While nurses and physicians are key members of the health care team facilitate quality care, many studies show breakdown in nurse-physician communication remains concern. This essay will discussRead MorePersonal Philosophy Of Nursing Practice Essay1603 Words à |à 7 PagesPhilosophy of Nursing This paper will cover the philosophy of nursing, its importance, purpose and relevance to the practice, and the challenges nurses face today to maintain a philosophical practice. Methods Methods used and search to obtain credible information were from college online library and a personal outdated home library that serves as a guide for a potential new printed online version. Database searches were CINAHl, advanced search in CINAHL, Google Scholar, and words searched: philosophyRead MoreLegal and Ethical Issues Faced by Nurses792 Words à |à 3 PagesPage 1: What primary relationships do you see between legal and ethical issues faced by nurses in their practice? How would you explain these relationships to others? As well as medical caregivers, nurses must confront some of the most serious human dilemmas all individuals muse over, such as death and dying. Nurses often deal with extreme ethical conundrums on a daily basis. These concerns include end-of-life issues, caring for an elderly or disabled relative, the proper way to raise a childRead MoreEthical Dilemmas Of Healthcare Professionals1211 Words à |à 5 PagesHealthcare professionals will be faced with ethical dilemmas throughout their career, particularly in the hospital environment. Having an education regarding professional healthcare ethics will provide some direction in how to best address these dilemmas at a time when either the patient or their family is in need of making decisions for themselves or their family member. It can be difficult for healthcare professionals to weigh professional protocol against their own personal beliefs and ethical
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Comparative International Compensation - 1824 Words
Introduction Increasingly, today, globalization is a reality for organizations of almost any size. Only the smallest companies seem unaffected by the disappearance of global boundaries among organizations, markets, and people. Globalization has increased awareness of and concern for creating internationally equitable compensation systems in many companies. The complex nature of international compensation dictates that it receives special attention from organization operating in a multi-national environment. It is crucial that organizations understand the kind of employees employed by international firms, the elements that comprise an international compensation system, and the special problems associated with returning citizens onâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¢ Establishing an overall compensation policy can be very challenging, partly because of the various forms of allowances, such as: o Cost-of-living allowance o Housing allowance o Relocation allowance o Education allowanc e o Home leave allowance o Hardship allowance Cost-of-living Allowances (COLA) â⬠¢ COLA receives the most attention, to compensate for differences in expenditures between the home country and the foreign country (e.g., to account for inflation differentials, currency fluctuations, etc.). â⬠¢ The COLA may also include payments for housing and utilities, personal income tax or discretionary items. â⬠¢ The provision of a housing allowance implies that employees should be entitled to maintain their home-country living standards (or, in some cases, receive accommodation that is equivalent to that provided for similar foreign employees and peers). â⬠¢ International comparison of cost of living is difficult and can be problematic. Relocation Allowances â⬠¢ Usually cover moving, shipping and storage charges, temporary living expenses, subsidies regarding appliance or car purchases (or sales) and down payments or lease-related charges. o Allowances regarding perquisites (cars, club memberships, servants and so on) may also need to be considered (usually for more senior positions, but this varies according to location). o TheseShow MoreRelatedCoca-Cola and Pepsi Pension1013 Words à |à 5 Pages ACC: 305 Abstract In this paper I will cover the comparative analysis case study of the pension plans offered by the Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo, Inc. I will compare the pension plans of both of these entities and indicate the types of plans they offer as well as the funded status of each at2009 year endRead MoreUnderstanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 1 Essay824 Words à |à 4 Pagesï » ¿Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 1 Two research studies, The Workers Compensation Experience: A Qualitative Exploration of Workers Beliefs Regarding the Impact of the Compensation System on Their Recovery and Rehabilitation and A Comparative Study between Army Civilian Workforce and Private Industry Workforce Workers Compensation Claims Management, pertaining to workerââ¬â¢s compensation will be analyzed. This paper will identify the research design used in each article, the strengthsRead MoreCoca Cola vs Pepsi1313 Words à |à 6 Pagescompetitive comparison. 1. Compare the pension plans of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, including type of plan and funded status at 2007 year-end. PepsiCo, Inc. has a voluntary defined benefit pension plan that includes all full time U.S. employees and some international employees. This plan is a noncontributory plan; the employer is the only contributor funding the plan therefore they bear the entire cost of the plan. This plan is a qualified pension plan allowing tax incentives for employer contributions whichRead MoreDoubts Over the Effectiveness of Free Trade Economic Theory Essays727 Words à |à 3 Pagesnot on the greater or less compensation which is paid for that labourâ⬠(Ricardo, 1821, p. 1.1). It was his theory that specialization, even to the point of eliminating certain industries in a country, optimized a countryââ¬â¢s trade advantage (p. 31.17). As Krugman points out, governmentsââ¬â¢ strategic trade policy intervention in free trade, through import restrictions or quotas, export subsidies, tariffs, and other trade interventions, have substantively moved international markets away from free tradeRea d MoreNotes On Economics And International Trade Theory1222 Words à |à 5 PagesPrice: The quantity of payment or compensation given by one party to another in return for goods or services. 6. Absolute Advantage: An economy can produce a good for lower costs than another. It means that less resources are needed to produce the same amount of goods. 7. Comparative Advantage: The benefit or advantage of an economy to be able to produce a commodity at a lesser opportunity cost than other entities is referred to as comparative advantage in international trade theory. 8. Import: ARead MoreComparative Human Resource Analysis : Coca Cola And Pepsico1465 Words à |à 6 Pages Comparative Human Resource Analysis: Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Abhiram Satyadev Goldey Beacom College Course Name 02/16/2017 Table of Contents 1. Competition for Employeesâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦..â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦.3 2. Compensation of Employeesâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦..4 3. Legislation Concerning Employees.â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦...5 4. Human Relations Discussionâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦..6 5. Conclusionsâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦.â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦7 6. Referencesâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦8 Comparative HumanRead MoreThe Human Resource Management Strategy Essay1368 Words à |à 6 PagesGoogles human resource management strategy maintains a compensation strategy that is very competitive. The compensation strategy focuses on addressing the interests of well performing employees at the company. The companyââ¬â¢s career development program is designed in a way that ensures that all its employees are given considerable opportunities for their personal and professional career growth. This competitive compensation strategy and the career development programs which are very holistic enablesRead MoreEmployee Compensation And Benefits Package944 Words à |à 4 PagesEmployee Compensation and Benefits Package The organization for which I am designing the compensation package is a company that offers internet solution to customers in the domestic US market and the global market. The position that I am hiring is that of a company secretary. The secretary will be required to work in the office of the human resource manager and will handle all the papered and paperless documentation. The position comes with numerous benefits and packages as outlined herein. AfterRead MoreThe Role Of Selection And Appointment Of The Party Leadership Team826 Words à |à 4 Pages1985) argued the influence of selection and appointment of the Party leadership team both at the governmental and business levels. Von (Von Glinow Teagarden, 1988) proposed the transfer of western HRM to the joint ventures active in China. The compensation structure reforms (Shenkar Chow, 1989) and reforms related to the education system especially management and training were assessed (Warner, 1986; Borgonjon Vanhonacker, 1994) when the reforms were taking place; and how the policies of ChineseRead MoreInternational Human Resource Management. Introduction.1701 Words à |à 7 PagesInternational Human Resource Management Introduction Human resource managers, outlines, directs and facilitates the regulatory elements of an association. They supervise the selecting, meeting, and contracting of new staff; counsel with top officials on the key Strategic obligation; and fill in as a connection between an association s administration and its workers. To flourish in the disorderly and turbulent business condition, firms need to always enhance and be ââ¬Å"on the ballâ⬠regarding business
Night World The Chosen Chapter 13 Free Essays
string(30) " from under it automatically\." Rashel knew she had to stop the guard before he could make a sound. The vampiresââ¬â¢ mansion was on the farther cliffs, overlooking open sea rather than the harbor, and the music ought to help drown outside noises-but the greatest danger was still that they would be heard before the girls could get away. She launched herself at the werewolf, throwing a front snap kick to his chest. We will write a custom essay sample on Night World : The Chosen Chapter 13 or any similar topic only for you Order Now She could hear the air whoosh out as he fell backward. Good. No breath for howling. She landed with both knees on top of him. ââ¬Å"This is silver,â⬠she hissed, pressing the blade against his throat. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t make a noise or Iââ¬â¢ll use it.â⬠He glared at her. He had shaggy hair and eyes that were already half-animal. ââ¬Å"Is there anybody on the boats?â⬠When he didnââ¬â¢t answer, she pressed the silver knife harder. ââ¬Å"Is there?â⬠He snarled a breathless ââ¬Å"No.â⬠His teeth were turning, too, spiking and lengthening. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t change-â⬠Rashel began, but at that moment he decided to throw her off. He heaved once, violently. A snap of her wrist would have plunged the silver blade into his throat even as she fell. Instead Rashel rolled backward in a somersault, tucking in her head and ending up on her right knee. Then, as the werewolf jumped at her, she slammed the sheathed knife upward against his jaw. He fell back unconscious. Too bad, I wanted to ask him about the client. Rashel looked shoreward, to see that Daphne, Annelise, and Nyala were on the pier with her. They were each holding a rock or a piece of wood broken from the jagged pilings of the wharf. They were going to help me, Rashel thought. She felt oddly warmed by it. ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠she said rapidly. ââ¬Å"Annelise and Keiko, with me. Everybody else, stay. Daphne, keep watch.â⬠In a matter of minutes she and the boating girls had checked the boats and found two with features they thought they could handleâ⬠¦ and with fuel. Anne-lise had removed a couple of crucial engine pieces out of the others. ââ¬Å"Took out the impellers and the solenoids,â⬠she told Rashel mysteriously, holding out a grimy hand. ââ¬Å"Good. Letââ¬â¢s set them adrift. Everybody else, get yourself on a boat. Find a place to sit fast and sit down.â⬠Rashel moved to the back of the group where Fayth had her arms around a couple of the girls who looked scared of setting out on the dark ocean. ââ¬Å"Come on, people.â⬠She meant to herd them in front of her like chickens. That was when it happened. Rashel had an instantââ¬â¢s warning-the faint crunch of sand on rock behind her. And then something hit her with incredible force in the middle of the back. It knocked her down and sent her knife flying. Worse, it sent her mind reeling in shock. She hadnââ¬â¢t been prepared. That instantââ¬â¢s warning hadnââ¬â¢t been enough-because she had already lost zanshin. She no longer had the gift of continuing mind. She had lost her single purpose. In the old days sheââ¬â¢d been fixed on one thing-to kill the Night People. There had been no hesitation, no confusion. But nowâ⬠¦ sheââ¬â¢d already faltered twice tonight, knocking the werewolves unconscious instead of killing them. She was confused, uncertain. And, as a result, unprepared. And now Iââ¬â¢m dead, she thought. Her numbed mind was desperately trying to recover and come up with a strategy. But there was a wild snarling in her ear and a trail of hot pain down her back. Animal claws. There was a wolf on top of her. Rudi had gotten loose. Rashel gathered herself and bucked to throw the wolf off. He slipped and she tried to roll out from under him, arms up to keep her throat protected. The werewolf was too heavy-and too angry. He scrambled over her rolling body like a lumberjack on a log. His snarling muzzle kept darting for her throat in quick lunges. Rashel could see his bushy coat standing on end. She felt fire across her ribs-his claws had torn through her shirt. She ignored it. Her one thought was to keep him away from her throat. Keeping an elbow up, she reached for the knife with her other hand. No good. She hadnââ¬â¢t rolled far enough. Her fingertips just missed the hilt. And Rudi the wolf was right in her face. All she could see were sharp wet teeth, black gums, and blazing yellow eyes. Her face was misted with hot canine breath. Every snap of those jaws made a hollow glunk. Rashel only had one option left-to block each lunge as it came. But she couldnââ¬â¢t keep that up forever. She was already tiring. Itââ¬â¢s over, she thought. The girls who might have helped her-Daphne and Nyala and Annelise were at the far end of the wharf or on the boats. The other girls were undoubtedly too scared even to try. Rashel was alone, and she was going to die very soon. My own stupid fault, she thought dimly. Her arms were shaking and bloodied. She was getting weaker fast. And the wolf knew. Even as she thought it, she missed a block. Her arm slipped sideways. Her throat was exposed. In slow motion she saw the jaws of the wolf opening wide, driving toward her. She saw the triumph in those yellow eyes. She knew, with a curious sense of resignation, that the next thing she would feel was teeth ripping through her flesh. The oldest way to die in the world. Iââ¬â¢m sorry, Daphne, she thought. Iââ¬â¢m sorry, Nyala. Please go and be safe. And then everything seemed to freeze. The wolf stopped in midlunge, head jerking backward. Its eyes were wide and fixed. Its jaws were open but not moving. It looked as if it might howl. But it didnââ¬â¢t. It collapsed in a hot quivering heap on top of Rashel, legs stiff. Rashel scrambled out from under it automatically. And saw her knife sticking out of the base of its skull. Quinn was standing above it. ââ¬Å"Are you all right?â⬠He was breathing quickly, but he looked calm. Moonlight shone on his black hair. The entire world was huge and quivering and oddly bright. Rashel still felt as if she were moving in slow motion. She stared at Quinn, then looked toward the wharf. Girls were scattered all over, as if frozen in the middle of running in different directions. Some were on the decks of the two remaining boats. Some were heading toward her. Daphne and Nyala were only fifteen feet away, but they were both staring at Quinn and seemed riveted in place. Nyalaââ¬â¢s expression was one of horror, hate-and recognition. Waves hissed softly against the dock. Think. Now think, girl, Rashel told herself. She was in a state of the strangest and most expanded consciousness sheââ¬â¢d ever felt. Her hands were icy cold and she seemed to be floating-but her mind was clear. Everything depended on how she handled the next few minutes. ââ¬Å"Why did you do that?â⬠she asked Quinn softly. At the same time she shot Daphne the fastest and the most intense look of her life. It meant Go now. She willed Daphne to understand. ââ¬Å"You just lost a guard,â⬠she went on, getting up slowly. Keep his eyes on you. Keep moving. Make him talk. ââ¬Å"Not a very good one,â⬠Quinn said, looking with fastidious disgust at the heap of fur. Go, Daphne, run, Rashel thought. She knew the girls still had a chance. There were no other vampires coming down the path. That meant that Rudi had either been too angry to give a general alarm or too scared. That was one good thing about werewolves-they acted on impulse. Quinn was the danger now. ââ¬Å"Why not a good one?â⬠she asked. ââ¬Å"Because he damaged the merchandise?â⬠She lifted her torn shirt away from her ribs. Quinn threw back his head and laughed. Something jerked in Rashelââ¬â¢s chest, but she used the moment to change her position. She was right by the wolf now, with her left hand at the exact level of the knife. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s right,â⬠Quinn said. A wild and bitter smile still played around his lips. ââ¬Å"He was presumptuous. You almost surrendered to the wrong darkness there, Shelly. By the way, whereââ¬â¢d you get a silver knife?â⬠He doesnââ¬â¢t know who I am, Rashel thought. She felt both relief and a strange underlying grief. He still thought she was some girl from the club- maybe a vampire hunter, but not the vampire hunter. The one heââ¬â¢d admitted was good. So heââ¬â¢s unprepared. Heââ¬â¢s off his guard. If I can kill him with one stroke, before he calls to the other vampires, the girls may get away. She glanced at the wharf again, deliberately, hoping to draw his gaze. But he didnââ¬â¢t look behind him, and Daphne and the other stupid girls werenââ¬â¢t leaving. Refusing to go without her. Idiots! Now or never, Rashel thought. ââ¬Å"Well, anyway,â⬠she said, ââ¬Å"I think you saved my life. Thank you.â⬠Keeping her eyes down, she held out her hand. her right hand. Quinn looked surprised, then reached out automatically. With one smooth motion, like a snake uncoiling, Rashel attacked. Her right hand drove past his hand and clamped on his wrist. Her left hand plunged down to grab the knife. Her fingers closed on the hilt and pulled- and the sheath with its attached silver blade stayed in the werewolfââ¬â¢s neck. Just as sheââ¬â¢d planned. The knife itself came free, the real knife, the one made of wood. And then Quinn tried to throw her and her body responded automatically. She was moving without conscious direction, anticipating his attacks and blocking them even as he started to make them. It transformed the fight into a dance. Faster than thought, graceful as a lioness, she countered every move he made. Zanshin to the max. She ended up straddling him with her knife at his throat. Now. Fast. End it. She didnââ¬â¢t move. You have to, she told herself. Quick, before he calls the others. Before he knocks you out telepathically. He can do it, you know that. Then why isnââ¬â¢t he trying? Quinn lay still, with the point of the wooden knife in the hollow of his throat, just where his dark collar parted. His throat was pale in the moonlight and his hair was black against the sand. Footsteps sounded behind Rashel. She heard rapid light breathing. ââ¬Å"Daphne, take the boats and go now. Leave me here. Do you understand?â⬠Rashel spoke every word distinctly. ââ¬Å"But Rashel-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Do it now!â⬠Rashel put a force she hadnââ¬â¢t known she had behind the words. She heard the quick intake of Daphneââ¬â¢s breath, then footsteps scampering off. All the while, she hadnââ¬â¢t taken her eyes off Quinn. Like everything else, the green-black blade of her knife was touched with moonlight. It seemed to shimmer almost liquidly. Lignum vitae, the Wood of Life. It would be death for him. One thrust would put it through his throat. The next would stop his heart. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry,â⬠Rashel whispered. She was. She was truly sorry that this had to be done. But there was no way out. It was for Nyala, for all the girls heââ¬â¢d kidnapped and hunted and lured. It was to keep girls like them safe for the future. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re a hunter,â⬠Rashel said softly, trying for steadiness. ââ¬Å"So am I. We both understand. This is the way it goes. Itââ¬â¢s kill or be killed. It all comes down to that in the end.â⬠She paused to breathe. ââ¬Å"Do you understand?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes.â⬠ââ¬Å"If I donââ¬â¢t stop you, youââ¬â¢ll be a danger forever. And I canââ¬â¢t let that happen. I canââ¬â¢t let you hurt anyone else.â⬠She was aware that she was shaking her head slightly in her attempt to explain to him. Her lungs ached and there were tears in her eyes. ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t.â⬠Quinn didnââ¬â¢t speak. His eyes were black and bottomless. His hair was slightly mussed on his forehead, but he didnââ¬â¢t show any other sign of just having been in a fight. Heââ¬â¢s not going to struggle, Rashel realized. Then make it quick and merciful. No need for him to feel the pain of wood through his throat. She switched her grip on the knife, raising it over his chest. Holding it with both hands, poised above his heart. One swift downward stroke and it would be over. For the first time since she had killed a Night Person, she didnââ¬â¢t say what she always said. She wasnââ¬â¢t the Cat right now; this wasnââ¬â¢t revenge for her. It was necessity. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry,â⬠she whispered, and shut her eyes. He whispered, ââ¬Å"This kitten has claws.â⬠Rashelââ¬â¢s muscles locked. Her eyes opened. ââ¬Å"Go on,â⬠Quinn said. ââ¬Å"Do it. You should have done it the first time.â⬠His gaze was as steady as Faythââ¬â¢s. She could see moonlight in his eyes. He didnââ¬â¢t look wild, or bitter, or mocking. He only looked serious and a little tired. ââ¬Å"I should have realized it before-that you were the one in the cellar. I knew there was something about you. I just couldnââ¬â¢t figure out what. At least now Iââ¬â¢ve seen your face.â⬠Rashelââ¬â¢s arms wouldnââ¬â¢t come down. What was wrong with her? Her resolve was draining away. Her whole body was weak. She felt herself begin to tremble, and realized to her horror she couldnââ¬â¢t stop it. ââ¬Å"Everything you said was true,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"This is how it has to end.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes.â⬠Something had swollen in Rashelââ¬â¢s throat and it hurt. ââ¬Å"The only other possibility is that I kill you. Better this way than that.â⬠He looked exhausted suddenly-or sick. He turned his head and shut his eyes. ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠Rashel said numbly. He believed that? ââ¬Å"Besides, now that I have seen your face, I canââ¬â¢t stand the sight of myself in your eyes. I know what you think of me.â⬠Rashelââ¬â¢s arms dropped. But limply. The blade pointed upward, between her own wrists. She sat there with her knuckles on his chest and stared at a scraggly wild raspberry bush growing out of the cliff. She had failed Nyala, and Nyalaââ¬â¢s sister, and countless other people. Other humans. When it really counted, she was letting them all down. ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t kill you,â⬠she whispered. ââ¬Å"God help me, I canââ¬â¢t.â⬠He shook his head once, eyes still shut. She was open to attack, but he didnââ¬â¢t do anything. Then he looked at her. ââ¬Å"I told you before. Youââ¬â¢re an idiot.â⬠Rashel hit him under the jaw the way sheââ¬â¢d hit the guard. The hilt of her dagger caught him squarely. He didnââ¬â¢t move to avoid the blow. It knocked him out cold. Rashel wiped her cheeks and got up, looking around for something to tie him with. Her whole life was torn to pieces, falling around her. She didnââ¬â¢t understand anything. All she could do was try to finish what sheââ¬â¢d come here for. Action, that was what she needed. Thought could wait. It would have to wait. Then she glanced at the wharf. She couldnââ¬â¢t believe it. It seemed as if at least a week had passed since she yelled at Daphne, and they were all still here. The boats were here, the girls were here, and Daphne was running toward her. Rashel strode to meet her. She grabbed Daphne by the shoulders and shook hard. ââ¬Å"Get-out-of-here! Do you understand? What do I have to do, throw you in the water?â⬠Daphneââ¬â¢s eyes were huge and blue. Her blond hair flew like thistledown with the shaking. When Rashel stopped, she gasped, ââ¬Å"But you can come with us now!â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I canââ¬â¢t! I still have things to do.â⬠ââ¬Å"Like what?â⬠Then Daphneââ¬â¢s eyes darted to the cliff. She stared at Rashel. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re going after them? Youââ¬â¢re crazy!â⬠Looking frightened, she grabbed Rashelââ¬â¢s hands on her shoulders. ââ¬Å"Rashel, there are supposed to be eight of them, right? Plus Lily and Ivan and who knows what else! You really think you can kill them all? What, are they all just going to line up?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. I donââ¬â¢t know. But I donââ¬â¢t need to kill them all. If I can get the guy who set this up, the client, it will be worth it.â⬠Daphne was shaking her head, in tears. ââ¬Å"It wonââ¬â¢t be worth it! Not if they kill you-which they will. Youââ¬â¢re already hurt-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢ll be worth it if I can stop him from doing this again,â⬠Rashel said quietly. She couldnââ¬â¢t yell anymore. She didnââ¬â¢t have the strength. Her voice was quenched, but she held Daphneââ¬â¢s eyes. ââ¬Å"Now get somebody to throw me some rope or something to tie these guys with. And then leave. No, give me five minutes to get to the top of the cliff. Six minutes. That way maybe I can surprise them before they realize youââ¬â¢re gone.â⬠Daphne was crying steadily now. Before she could say anything, Rashel went on. ââ¬Å"Daphne, any minute now they could realize that. Someoneââ¬â¢s bound to check the cellar before midnight. Every second we stand here could make the difference. Please, please, donââ¬â¢t fight me anymore.â⬠Daphne opened her mouth, then shut it. Her eyes were desolate. ââ¬Å"Please try to take care of yourself,â⬠she whispered. She let go of Rashelââ¬â¢s shoulders and hugged her hard. ââ¬Å"We all know youââ¬â¢re doing it for us. Iââ¬â¢m proud to be your friend.â⬠Then she turned and ran, herding the others ^^ toward the boats. A moment later she threw Rashel two pieces of line. Rashel tied up Quinn first, then the werewolf. ââ¬Å"Six minutes,â⬠she said to Daphne. Daphne nodded, trying not to cry. Rashel wouldnââ¬â¢t say goodbye. She hated that. Even though she knew perfectly well that she was never going to see Daphne again. Without looking back, she loped up the hiking trail. How to cite Night World : The Chosen Chapter 13, Essay examples
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)