7

Jael finished restacking the last of the boxes in the dispensary. She was exhausted, having only grabbed a couple of hours sleep overnight. Fortunately the never-ending supply of coffee was working wonderfully. She and Danny had joked about setting up a caffeine IV to see them through the day. But she’d found the next best thing—caffeine tablets. That combined with the coffee had her buzzing and awake enough to keep going. For now at least.

Plus the constant stream of prayers for Micah. She’d been so relieved when she’d finally spoken to him on the radio after he’d been gone hours. He’d sounded his usual abrupt self, but she’d realized that was part of what she loved about him. His curt way of doing things actually got stuff done a lot faster at times.

Finally his plane came into land and it was all she could do not to run out to greet him. Part of her longed to be in his arms, to have him kiss her again the way he had after the earthquake. But the other part of her—her common sense and sense of duty—prevailed. Perhaps he’d come and find her instead.

She headed back into the clinic and sighed. She’d been gone two minutes and the number of injured had quadrupled in that time. Just as well she hadn’t gone to find Micah. She grabbed the clipboard to call the next patient in.

Approaching footsteps from behind made her turn. An older man—mid-forties, middle age spread, and a touch of grey around his temples—stood there. His clothes were creased and his shirt stained with who-knew-what. He stuck his hand out. “I’m Dr. Melchester. And you are?”

“Jael Stevens. I’m the—”

“Temporary Red Cross nurse. Yes, I’ve heard your praises sung endlessly by everyone I’ve spoken to. But I’d rather have one of the full-time staff hand over the current medical situation, if it’s all the same to you.”

Jael shivered as his hand lingered a little too long, and his intense, dark gaze seemed to bore deep into her. She pulled off her apron. “Fine. The patients on the left have been seen. Those on the right are still waiting. If you decide you do need me, I’ll be in the medical records room.”

She walked down to the records room, which doubled as her office, closed the door, and groaned in frustration.

Micah stuck his head through the open window. “You met Kevin, then.”

“Did I ever,” Jael huffed.

“What did he do?”

“Nothing that would be bad if I hadn’t been working for twenty hours straight. Normally I’d love a break, but he’s just waltzed in and ordered me out because I’m not a full-time member of staff.” She studied his oil-stained hands and the filthy rag he clutched. “Have you got a problem with the plane?”

Micah rubbed a hand over his face, leaving a smear of oil across his brow. “Yeah—hit a pothole coming in to land. It caused some damage to the landing gear, but it’s fixed now.”

“That’s good.”

Danny came in through the door, clipboard in hand. He stopped short and raised an eyebrow. “Jael, what are you doing in here?”

“I’m not full time,” she explained, “and not needed per Dr. Melchester. So I’m tidying up in here.”

“Micah, is the plane fixed?” As Micah nodded, Danny continued. “Good. In that case you can take Jael over to the Wapiti ranch. Mrs. Wapiti is sick.”

****

An hour later Jael oversaw Mrs. Wapiti’s transfer to the base. Then she went to find Dr. Melchester hoping his mood had changed for the better. “I have a patient for you.” She informed as she approached the man.

“And I’m busy. I have several patients here already.”

“This is an emergency admission.”

“They all are.” He turned his back to her giving an unspoken message –‘Go away.’

She shoved her hands into her pockets. “I just flew her in.”

“Well bully for you. Patch her up. I’m sure you can put a plaster on.”

“Dr. Melchester, she needs—”

“Don’t you presume to tell me how to do my job, young lady. I’ll decide what the patients need, not you.”

“Jael, can you come here just a moment?” Danny’s loud voice echoed through the packed room. “My office. Now.”

Jael spun around, pleading her case. “Danny, we just brought Mrs. Wapiti in. It looks like a ruptured appendix. She needs surgery and—”

“Why didn’t you say?” Kevin demanded.

“Why didn’t you let me say?” she shot back. She sighed as he ran past her and out of the room.

“Go and assist.” Danny motioned.

She shook her head. “No way.”

“It’s not up to him.” Danny adopted a stern look and fierce tone. “I’m giving you an order, Jael. Go and assist.”

Micah appeared at her shoulder and his light touch calmed her. How could someone she’d only just allowed herself to feel anything for do that? Was Kyle right about opening herself to love? Was what she felt for Micah love?

“Danny, can I have a word? In your office?” he asked.

Danny nodded. “Sure.”

Micah turned Jael to face him and took both her hands in his. “You’re the bigger person here, honey. What does the Bible say you should do?”

She sucked in a deep breath. “Turn the other cheek, heap burning coals on his head…” She paused. “Go assist him like Danny wants.”

He kissed her gently. “Yes. Just keep front and center the thought that you’re doing the right thing and annoying him at the same time.”

She giggled slightly.

“Now go. I’ll see you afterwards. I still owe you that coffee we never had after dinner last night.”

“You’re on.” She headed down the hallway to the small OR.

“What are you doing here?” Kevin demanded as she entered the room. He struck an imposing figure in his blue scrubs, hat and mask.

“Assisting you. Danny’s orders.”

“I don’t want some Red Cross—”

“Actually,” Jael said, pulling scrubs from the shelf. “I’m a highly experienced theatre and ITU nurse, but if you don’t want me to help, I’ll just stand here and watch you struggle alone. I’m here and I’ll stay here because Danny told me to help you.” She ducked into a corner, pulled the privacy curtain, and removed her shirt before quickly changing into a scrub shirt.

“Fine. Prep her for me while I finish scrubbing.”

Jael pulled a face at the wall, sliding on the scrub trousers. “Yes, doctor.” She prayed for the patience she’d need as she washed her hands.

She had to admit, Kevin was a good surgeon. But there was something about him, and she didn’t just mean his attitude. Jael shook her head and brought herself up short. Just because she didn’t instantly like the bloke didn’t give her the right to think bad of him. All she had to do was work with him. She’d just pray for patience to do that.

Surgery finished, she stood at the sinks and washed her hands. Kevin entered the room and walked over to stand next to her. Her heart sank.

He smirked at her. “Not bad.”

As Jael turned off the tap and reached for the paper towels, his hand covered hers. She jerked away as if burned.

He turned her around, his eyes boring into hers. “I apologize if you felt I was rude earlier. I hate these six-month assignments. I was just getting used to the last nurse. But I can already tell you’re going to be more of a help than she was, especially in theatre. I think we could work well together…especially if we get to know each other a little better.” His fingers moved against her arms, his meaning obvious.

“I don’t think so.” She tried to pull away but his grip was too strong.

****

Micah flew over the volcano, trying to ignore the scientific chatter going on over the radio as Zeek Delgado conferred with someone on the other end about the readings he was getting.

“Well?” he asked.

“Carbon dioxide is up, the earthquakes are starting to swarm, and the pH readings in the water are dropping. That means the acidity is high enough to start killing the fish and other wildlife. Trees are also starting to die. I assume you noticed that if nothing else.”

“We kinda noticed the earthquakes as well,” Micah said. “But are they the kind we need to worry about?” He grinned at Zeek’s quizzical look. “Hey I’ve seen enough disaster movies to know that only harmonic tremors are the ones that precede a volcanic eruption.”

“Not yet, but we’re keeping a close eye. I’m done here.”

Micah nodded and banked away from the volcano back towards the base. The unsettled feeling he’d had ever since he left was growing in intensity. Something was wrong. He keyed the mic. “Achor base, this is Micah.”

“Hey, are you on your way back?” Danny’s voice was tight.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Just report to my office as soon as you get here. We got a problem.”

“OK. Be there in ten minutes.” Concern flicked immediately to full-blown worry. Was something wrong with Jael? Was that why he’d been on edge ever since he left? She affected him like no woman ever had—not that he’d ever let anyone get close before—but now that he had…it was like he’d lost control over part of his life, but he wasn’t that upset about it. Was this love? How had that happened?

He brought the plane into land and taxied to the hanger. Not waiting for the scientist, he leapt from the aircraft and hightailed it to the office.

Danny met him at the door. “She needs you, but go easy on her.”

Micah nodded and went in slowly. Jael sat with her back to the door. He moved across to her. “Hey.”

She kept her face averted, her shoulders shaking.

His throat tightened. “Honey?” He gently grasped her shoulders and turned her towards him. Tears streamed down her face, spearing him straight through the heart. His stomach pitted. “You’re crying…”

She stood and clung to him tightly, sobbing, as if her heart were breaking.

Floored and engulfed by a feeling he didn’t comprehend, Micah held her tightly, comforting her as best he could. All he wanted to do was protect her, and seemingly he couldn’t even do that. Had something happened to her brother or sister-in-law? As her sobs eased, he gently slid a hand through her hair and kissed her forehead. “What happened? Is it your brother?”

“No,” she hiccoughed. “The doctor…He…”

Rage filled Micah and every part of his body tensed. “What did he do? Did he touch you?”

Color touched her cheeks, mixing with the red blotchy look crying had left her. “He tried…he…” She looked away. “I fought him off…”

He shook with anger as he kissed her forehead. “Stay here.”

“Where are you going?”

“Not far. Just stay here for a minute, and I’ll be back.” He raised her face to his and kissed her gently. “Promise me, honey, you’ll stay right here.”

She nodded, wrapping her arms tightly around her middle.

Micah strode to the door, flinging it open with so much force it reverberated against the frame. Long, hard strides took him down the hallway to the staff room where Danny waited with Kevin. He burst in and the conversation died.

The arrogant doctor smirked. “Micah, we were wondering what you were up to.”

Micah took five paces across the room and leaned his hands on the table. Had the table not been there, he’d have laid Kevin clear across the room. He shoved his face into the older man’s. “If you ever lay a finger on her again, you’ll regret it.”

Kevin’s smirk grew. “If you’re talking about that cute brunette, you don’t stand a chance, mate. That one’s as cold as an iceberg and then some.”

Danny stepped up. “I have this handled, Micah.”

Micah looked at him. “All I want is five minutes. Just an adult conversation with the good doctor here.”

Danny held his gaze for a moment. “You have five minutes, then I want Kevin in my office. And you have a flight schedule to see to.”

Micah nodded. “Yes, boss.” He waited until Danny left, then shut the door.

****

Jael looked at Danny. “…I have no choice,” she finished.

He shook his head, the look on his face saying he didn’t want to believe what he’d just heard. “Resign? Why?”

“I can’t stay here now.”

“Of course you can. Do you want to make a formal complaint?”

“There’s no point.” She rubbed a hand over her face.

“There is every point. No matter how good a doctor he is, he can’t get away with this.”

“Has anyone else said anything?” she whispered. Maybe she’d encouraged him somehow, although he’d done nothing but insult and belittle her since he arrived. Raised voices echoed from the hallway.

Danny shook his head. “Yes, there have been complaints, but none of the accusations have been substantiated or taken any further. Until now. Look at your bruises. Doctor or not, he doesn’t have the right to force himself on the staff, or anyone else for that matter. And if you just leave, what about the next woman he accosts? Next time she might not get away.”

Jael took a deep breath. “OK. I’ll do it. But my resignation still stands. I’ll stay and help out until the emergency is over and people stop coming in with earthquake related injuries, but then I’m going home.” She took the paper Danny offered and started to read through what he’d written as they talked. She signed it just as the office door burst open.

“Sorry,” Steve apologized. “Danny you’ve got to come now. Micah and Kevin are—”

“So much for an adult conversation…” Danny ran from the room.

Jael dropped the pen and followed him. She shoved her way through the crowd just after Danny did.

Kevin lay on the floor. Micah stood over him. Micah’s face was curled into a snarl and his hands into tight fists.

Assuming Micah had hit Kevin, Jael turned and walked slowly down the hall to the computer room. Logging on quickly, she e-mailed Kyle.

Hey, it’s me. Couple of things. Lots of damage after yesterday’s quake, loads of injured people, so we’re pretty busy, but I’m fine. I have, however, resigned my post here. The reasons don’t matter. I’m going to try and arrange a flight home at the end of the week. Love you. See you soon.

She logged off and moved swiftly into the clinic to read the clipboard in case there were any visits. There were six, so she grabbed the pack and filled it accordingly.

Five minutes later, Micah joined her. “Where are we going then?”

“Thought better of you,” she said quietly. “Brawling like a teenager in there.”

He looked at her. “Are you going to let me explain?”

She shoved the clipboard at him. “We have rounds to do.”

“Fine.” He grabbed her pack and headed to the door. “Better go then, Nurse Stevens. Time is a’wasting.”

Jael shook her head at his retreating back and bit her lip. Her eyes filled with tears she refused to let fall. She’d gone from honey to Nurse Stevens in a matter of minutes. The sooner she was out of here the better. She trudged after him, passing Kevin in the corridor. He blew kisses at her and she shivered.

“I don’t want to be here anymore,” she prayed silently. “Help me bear it, just for a few more days.”

The flight was silent and uncomfortable. The only respite she got was when she was working and Micah stayed on the plane. When she checked on the Franz triplets, she found cases in the hall. “Are you leaving?”

“Going to Bantu,” Mr. Franz said. “Safer than here.”

“Not going to get an argument from me. Want a lift back to town?”

He nodded. “Please.”

Jael took the basinet containing the babies and led Mrs. Franz to the plane.

She climbed aboard. “You don’t mind taking the Franzes to town do you? They’re leaving and going to Bantu. Mr. Franz is following with the luggage.”

Micah stood. “I’ll give him a hand. Stay here.”

Jael sat in her seat and sighed. Now he decided to play the hero and carry stuff instead of watching her do it? When did she suddenly become the defenseless female? She picked up the mic. “Achor base, are you there?”

“Hey, sweetheart,” Kevin drawled. “Missing me already?”

Jael slammed the mic down, cutting off the call. She jumped at footsteps behind her.

Micah dropped into his seat. “We need to talk.” He started the engines and nodded to her headset. Once the pre-flight was done and he was lining the plane up on the path, he cleared his throat. “I didn’t hit him,” he said. “I wanted to. The Lord knows how much I wanted to. But I didn’t.”

“Then why was he on the floor?”

“He hit me, then went to swing again, lost his balance and fell.”

She looked out of the window. The plane accelerated as a massive tremor hit. Her breath caught, and for a moment she wasn’t sure if they’d take off, but Micah managed to get the plane airborne. “But I went from ‘honey’ to ‘Nurse Stevens’ in a matter of minutes. I didn’t encourage him. He just…”

His hand covered hers. “Oh, honey, I know that. I just thought maybe we should be a little more professional on duty, that’s all. I have all these feelings for you that I have no idea how to put into words, and then he comes along and hurts you and…”

“If you’re seeing me, then I don’t care who knows it.” Jael laced her fingers into his and looked at him. “Because I have all these feeling for you too.”

He grinned. “You do?”

She nodded, her eyes widening as she saw the mountain. “Micah…”

“What is it?”

“Look…the volcano…”

His gaze left her face and turned to where she was looking.

Jael’s heart pounded double time as smoke, or was it merely steam, rose ominously from Gunung Berapi’s crater.