THEY ARRIVED AT the hospital almost simultaneously with the Aldertons. Max was groggy but conscious. In no time at all they were all inside.
‘Didn’t need this...Doc,’ he slurred.
‘Save your strength, Max,’ Jack said gently. ‘We’ll do the best we can for you.’ He whipped out a stethoscope, listening intently, checking his patient’s breathing. ‘Seems OK.’
Tossing the stethoscope aside, he very carefully removed the thick towel from around Max’s throat, examining the wound with a clinical eye. ‘Main aorta is intact. You’ve been very lucky, mate. Clamps, please, Darcie.’
Darcie handed him the instrument resembling a cross between a pair of scissors and a pair of pliers. Systematically, he began a temporary closure of the wound. ‘Would you dress it now, please?’
Darcie was ready with several thick pads to staunch any residual bleeding. ‘He’s ready for oxygen.’ She looked sharply at Jack. ‘What capacity do you want it?’
He made a moue. ‘Make it eight litres a minute. We’ll see what that tells us.’
Darcie worked automatically, dovetailing with Jack as they carried out the emergency procedures. The probe was in place on Max’s finger, allowing them to monitor the degree of oxygen saturation in his blood.
‘We’ll need a cross-match,’ Jack said.
Natalie, who had been called in, said quietly, ‘I’ll sort that.’
‘Thanks, Nat,’ Jack acknowledged. He began preparing an IV line. ‘How’s the wound, Darcie?’
‘Some seepage, but it’s holding. Oxygen sats ninety per cent.’ She gave a rundown of the BP and pulse readings. ‘I’ll get him some pain relief.’
When Darcie returned with the drugs, she could see Jack wasn’t taking any chances. Max had been placed on a heart monitor.
Darcie shot the pethidine and anti-emetic home. ‘He should begin stabilising fairly quickly. You should get to Theatre, Jack. Go,’ she insisted, when he hesitated. ‘I can monitor things here.’
‘OK.’ Jack ripped off his gloves and tossed them aside. ‘And find Louise, Darcie. Give her as much support as you can.’
‘Of course.’ Darcie tamped down a prickle of annoyance. She’d have done that anyway.
* * *
Darcie found Louise standing beside the window in the patients’ lounge, looking out as if fixed on a spot in the distance.
‘Lou?’
Louise spun round. ‘How is he?’ she asked without preamble.
‘He’s stabilised. Natalie’s just taken him along to Theatre. Come and sit down,’ Darcie urged. ‘I’ve asked Carole to bring us a pot of tea.’
‘Ironic, isn’t it?’ Louise sent a distracted glance around the room. ‘I never thought when I organised for this lounge to be refurbished that I’d be one of the first making use of it. Max will be all right, won’t he, Darcie?’
Darcie hesitated. In emergency situations no result was ever guaranteed. ‘Jack is a fine surgeon.’
‘Thank God we have him here.’ Louise’s statement was heartfelt. ‘Otherwise Max would have had to wait hours for the flying doctor to come and then be transported miles away for surgery. How long will the operation take?’
‘We can’t know that until Jack assesses the extent of Max’s injury. Oh, here’s Carole with the tea.’
‘I’ve made a few little sandwiches as well,’ Carole said. ‘Wasn’t sure if you’d managed a bite to eat before Mr Alderton had his accident.’
‘That’s very kind of you, Carole.’ Louise gave a trapped smile. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome, dear.’ Carole went on her way.
Darcie poured the tea. ‘How did all this happen? Jack mentioned something about sabotage.’
‘Something like this makes my blood run cold.’ Louise shook her head as if in disbelief. ‘Max is a generous and fair employer. I can’t think why anyone would want to hurt him.’
Darcie frowned. ‘So, you think it was someone who worked for you?’
‘A couple of young farm labourers. Max caught them stealing petrol. We keep large quantities of fuel for the farm vehicles and machinery. Max gave them a warning and they told him they were sorry and they’d only wanted to top up their ute to go to a dance over at Barclay.’
‘And Max believed them?’
‘He put it down to them being young and wanting a night out. And they offered to pay for it but Max said he’d let it go this time.’ Louise took a nibble of her sandwich. ‘Then two days ago he caught them at it again. But this time they were filling drums—obviously to sell. As far as Max was concerned, that was the end of their employment. He sacked them then and there and gave them an hour to be off the property.’
‘Oh, lord.’ Darcie gave her a wide-eyed look. ‘So, they’ve got back at him in this awful way...’
‘Looks like it. They knew his daily routine, knew where he’d be and when. They’d seen it often enough. They obviously set up the wire during the night.’
‘That’s so calculated. And so frightfully scary. Have you spoken to the police?’
‘I’ve given them what information I had and what I surmised had happened. They’ll take it from there. My concern has to be for Max and his recovery.’ Louise rubbed a hand across her temple as if staving off a headache. ‘You’ll have to keep him in, won’t you?’
‘For a few days at least,’ Darcie said. ‘And Max will have to put up with his food being puréed for a little while. But as soon as he’s able to swallow comfortably and if everything else checks out, he should be as right as rain again.’
Louise blinked rapidly. ‘You can’t imagine the relief to know you and Jack are in charge of our hospital, Darcie. And to have the theatre up and running. That hasn’t happened in years.’
‘Well, that was mainly Jack’s initiative,’ Darcie said fairly.
‘But you supported it, surely?’
‘Of course.’ Eventually. ‘Jack has far more experience than I do,’ Darcie said carefully.
Nodding almost absently, Louise glanced at her watch.
‘It’ll be a while yet, Lou,’ Darcie said gently. ‘Would you feel more comfortable over at the residence? I’d come and get you when Max is back from Theatre.’
‘No, I’m fine here. But thanks.’ Louise managed a small smile, looking around her at the array of up-to-date magazines, the colourful mugs and facilities for making a hot drink. She flicked hand. ‘Your little touches, I’d guess. Am I right?’
‘Nothing worse than sitting in a dreary hospital lounge, waiting for news of a loved one.’ Darcie offloaded the praise with a shrug.
‘You feel in tune here in Sunday Creek, don’t you.’
It was more a statement than a question. Darcie took a moment to answer. ‘Yes, I do,’ she said simply. And safer than she’d felt in her whole life. ‘The outback has touched something deep down inside me.’ Her downcast lashes fanned darkly across her cheekbones. ‘That must sound a bit...odd.’
‘Not odd at all.’ Louise’s green eyes grew soft. ‘It’s why most of us continue to live out here, through good times and bad. But don’t let me keep you, Darcie.’ Louise picked up one of the glossy magazines. ‘I’ll be fine. And you must have a hundred things to do.’
* * *
It was late afternoon. At the nurses’ station Darcie began writing up her notes on Emma Tynan. The thirteen-year-old had been admitted the previous night with an asthma attack. Thank heaven she was stabilising, Darcie noted, but not as quickly as she would have hoped. ‘You know, Nat,’ she said thoughtfully, ‘I have a feeling Kristy Tynan is still smoking around her daughter. But as usual Emma is totally loyal and noncommittal.’
Natalie shook her head. ‘I sometimes wonder who exactly is the mother in that family.’
‘Kristy works those awful shifts in the truckers’ café,’ Darcie said. ‘It can’t be easy for either of them. Do you know if there’s a dad anywhere about?’
‘Sorry, can’t help you there. Kristy and her daughter landed here a couple of years ago. They live in that block of flats near the bowls club.’
Darcie replaced the file. ‘Do you think Emma has to fend for herself, then?’
‘Well, she’d certainly be on her own a bit with her mother’s shiftwork.’
‘Poor little thing.’
Natalie gave a frustrated click. ‘I can’t understand why Kristy can’t just ditch the smokes and be done with them.’
‘Some folk find it very difficult,’ Darcie came in diplomatically. ‘It’s simply the drug they cling to when they’re constantly under stress.’
‘I guess so.’ Natalie’s sympathy showed. ‘I could up the percussion on Emma’s back if you think it would help. Just to keep an eye on how she’s recovering.’
‘Yes, it would, thanks, Nat.’
‘Oh, look...thank goodness...’ The nurse exhaled a relieved breath. ‘Here come the guys at last.’
Darcie swung round. Although neither she nor Natalie had voiced their thoughts, she knew they’d been waiting for news of Max’s surgery for the past hour. ‘Oh, Brad’s here!’ Darcie was smiling.
‘I thought you knew.’
Darcie shook her head. ‘Jack just said one of the flying doctors was going to gas for him.’
Natalie leaned forward confidentially. ‘Brad fancies you.’
‘Brad’s in love with life,’ Darcie dismissed, feeling her nerves tense slightly, her cheeks grow warm, as the doctors crossed to the station.
‘Hey, Dee-Dee!’ Brad almost quickstepped to Darcie’s side, flinging his arms around her in a bear hug. ‘Good to see you, babe.’
Dee-Dee? Arms folded, Jack’s gaze narrowed in speculation. What the hell was that about?
Feeling pink and flustered, Darcie disengaged herself from Brad’s arms. ‘I didn’t realise you were the escort bringing Heather back to us.’
‘You bet. I had to bribe someone to get the gig.’ Brad’s white smile flashed briefly. ‘Couldn’t miss the chance of seeing you. Harry’s here too.’
Darcie nodded. ‘I saw Harry earlier.’ Harry Liston was one of the regular pilots for the flying doctors. ‘Are you on turn-around or can you stay with us tonight?’
‘Counting on it.’ Brad did an impressive little drumroll with his fingers on the countertop. ‘Let’s have a party, huh? We’ve brought seafood. Maybe we could gas up the barbecue?’
‘Maybe...’ Darcie gave a breathless little laugh.
‘Natalie, you in?’ Brad turned teasing blue eyes on the RN.
‘Sorry, I’ll have to pass.’ Natalie propped her chin on her upturned hand and looked on amusedly. ‘I’ll be sharing dinner with my two-year-old.’
‘That’s too bad—’
‘Where’s Louise?’ Jack cut in, his voice tripwire-tight.
Darcie blinked uncertainly. ‘She’s here, in the lounge.’
‘Wouldn’t she have been more comfortable over at the residence?’
Darcie’s chin came up. He’d said it brusquely enough to sound like a reprimand. ‘I offered,’ she replied coolly. ‘Louise preferred to wait here. I gather Max’s surgery went well?’
‘Brad will fill you in. I need to speak with Louise,’ he muttered, before striding off.
Watching his retreating back, Darcie fancied she was dodging the invisible bullets he’d fired. But dropping innuendos was not Jack’s style. If he had an issue with anyone or anything, he was upfront about it. So what was suddenly bugging him? She turned to Brad for enlightenment. ‘There wasn’t a problem in surgery, was there?’
Brad pursed his lips as if reluctant to get into it. ‘Bit of a glitch when we were halfway through. But we were on it. Max will be just fine,’ he confirmed.
Darcie couldn’t help the relief she felt, both for Max and Louise but for Jack as well.
A beat of silence, until Brad continued quietly, ‘It seems today’s surgery was something of a litmus test for the viability of the OR.’ He saw her tight little nod and added, ‘Jack knows what he’s doing, Dee. Trust me. I know a good surgeon when I see one.’
* * *
Jack swore silently and darkly as he headed towards the hospital lounge. Did Darcie have something going with Kitto?
Was she sleeping with him?’
He tried the shattering thought on for size. Did it fit?
He hissed a rebuttal through tight lips. That seemed inconceivable. Only a few hours ago they’d been as close as any two people could be without actually making love.
Something in Jack’s heart scrunched tight.
Surely she wasn’t playing him...
Pausing outside the door of the lounge, he took a deep breath, knocked and went in. It took a herculean effort to force his lips into a smile. But his eyes were unable to hide the mixed emotions that stalked him.
* * *
Deep in thought, Jack almost collided with Darcie as they made their way from opposite ends of the corridor some time later. He pulled up short. ‘What are you still doing here?’
Darcie all but rolled her eyes. What did he think she was doing there? ‘Maggie has to get off. We were just ensuring cover is in place for the night shift.’
‘Shouldn’t you be over at the residence, looking after our visitors?’
Darcie took a calming breath. There was that innuendo again. She had to be professional here. It was obvious he wasn’t capable of it. ‘They’re well able to look after themselves. Lauren’s there anyway and I imagine a few more folk will turn up if a party’s in the offing. You look like you could do with an evening off yourself.’
Two frown lines jumped into sharp relief between his eyes. ‘I need to be here to keep an eye on Max post-op.’
‘If you’re needed, you’re two minutes away at the house.’
‘It’s fine.’ His mouth drew in. ‘I’d like to stick around for Louise as well.’
Darcie took a step back as if to regain her space. This was getting too petty for words. ‘Why are you being like this?’
Jack folded his arms, leaning back against the wall, challenge like a gathering storm sending his eyes to darkest blue. ‘Like what?’
She raised a shoulder uncertainly. ‘So...cross.’
‘Cross?’ The storm broke into harmless little showers and he looked amused.
Darcie sucked in her breath. ‘You know what I mean. You’re offside with me and with Brad as well. Surely, you should be thanking him for stepping up today.’
‘We’ve debriefed,’ Jack said shortly. ‘I have no problem with Brad’s medical skills.’
Darcie’s thoughts were churning but this conversation was going nowhere. ‘Lou will want to stay in town tonight. We’re a bit full up at the residence...’
‘She’s made arrangements to stay at the motel. She knows the managers. They’ll make her comfortable. In any event, she’ll want to stay here with Max for a while longer.’
‘Then what?’ Darcie pressed determinedly. ‘You’ll come home and share a meal with the rest of us?’
In other words, pretend to be sociable? Pretend he was oblivious? ‘No offence, Darcie, but as the senior doctor I should be here. Today’s circumstances were...unusual to put it mildly. But we coped.’
But at what cost? Darcie wondered. Already there was an air of tension emanating from him. Her mouth thinned. If he’d allow her, she could massage his stress away in a second. But the way he was acting around her, he’d probably prefer a one-way conversation with Capone than let her anywhere near him. Instead, she held her head high and said clearly, so there would be no mistake, ‘Since you’ve elected to remain on duty, I’ll be here first thing in the morning to check on Max. Feel free to catch up on some sleep.’
* * *
Jack completed a final ward round and found nothing untoward with any of the patients. Max’s status was stable and he’d been placed in the hospital’s only private room. Ursula Cabot was a competent night sister so why wasn’t he over at the residence, partying with the rest of the team?
Because he was being plain stubborn, wallowing in a pool of self-induced jealousy.
Jack passed sentence on himself, ploughing a hand through his hair in frustration as he made his way along to the hospital kitchen. Ten minutes later he was half-heartedly forking his way through yesterday’s casserole, trying to ignore the tantalising aroma of garlic prawns wafting through the window. The seafood barbecue was obviously in full swing.
‘Fool,’ he muttered, giving up on the casserole and consigning it to the waste bin. He’d acted like a jerk towards Darcie earlier. But the fact was he’d hated to see her wrapped in another man’s arms Hated it.
He wandered back to the nurses’ station, realising the soft hush of night had crept over the hospital without him even noticing.
Ursula Cabot sat under the subdued lighting at the station, her blonde-grey head bent over a crossword puzzle. She looked up as Jack leaned across the counter.
‘Would you like a cup of tea, Ursula?’
‘No, thanks.’ The senior nurse shook her head. ‘I’ve already had several since I came on duty. And you’re wearing out the floorboards, Jack. Go home. Isn’t there a party going on at the residence?’
Jack lifted a shoulder indifferently. ‘I’m just here to keep an eye on things. Max Alderton had major surgery today.’
‘And that’s why I’m here,’ Ursula said dryly. ‘I checked Max only five minutes ago and I’ll keep monitoring him regularly.’ She sent Jack a reproving look over the rims of her smart black-framed glasses. ‘There’s no need for you to keep hovering, Dr Cassidy. I’ll call you if I need you.’
Jack’s mouth flattened in a thin smile. ‘You’re chucking me out.’
‘Seems like it. Now, scoot. There’s dancing happening, by the sound of it. Go and join the fun. Have a twirl around the floor with Darcie. I’ll bet that girl’s light on her feet.’
Oh, she was. As light as air. At least, that’s how she’d felt in his arms.
* * *
Jack’s thoughts were spinning as he made his way slowly across to the residence. Would he look in on the party? Perhaps. Perhaps not. As he opened the front gate, Capone stirred from his special place under the steps and came to meet him. ‘Hello, boy.’ Putting out a hand, Jack rubbed the dog’s neck as he pushed in against his legs. Then, seemingly satisfied with the small show of attention, Capone gave a feeble wag of his tail, breaking the contact and wandering back to his hidey-hole.
Jack mounted the steps, hearing the music in the form of Norah Jones’s husky voice urging someone to ‘come away with me’. He dragged in a shallow breath, his normal good sense shattering by the second. Was Brad Kitto even now urging Darcie to do just that? And would she be tempted?
He didn’t want to know.
Instead, he bypassed the rec room, where the party was happening, and made his way along the hall to his bedroom.
* * *
Minutes later, he was lying in bed, arms wishboned behind his head, staring at the ceiling. But all he saw was the hurt puzzlement in Darcie’s eyes staring back at him. She hadn’t understood his stubbornness earlier. Hell, he hardly understood it himself.
How could he have acted like that? As though he was some kind of martyred soul? Had what happened with Zoe destroyed his trust in women so thoroughly? God, he hoped not. Rolling over, he buried his face in the pillow. He had to try to keep his trust in what he and Darcie shared.
Somehow.