Chapter 35
Rick sidled up to the main reception desk in the casualty department. The hushed squeak of shoes on lino took him right back to his days as a junior doctor. The receptionist barely spared him a glance when he mentioned Beth’s name. She pointed him towards a row of plastic seats on the far side of the room, where Rose sat alone, staring at the floor.
He slipped into the seat next to her. ‘How are you?’
She looked up. ‘What the hell happened to your hair?’
‘Daisy thought I needed a tidy-up.’
‘And you let her?’ She frowned. ‘Could have been worse, I guess.’
The main doors to A&E swished open and Lucy swept in. Her tall, slim frame was unmissable in bright yellow. Rick watched her search the room for Rose. Her gaze skipped to him and a look he couldn’t fathom flitted across her face. She hurried over. ‘Daisy told me what happened. Is there any news?’
Rose shook her head. ‘They took her for an MRI ages ago.’
Lucy’s gaze bounced to Rick. ‘She left with you this afternoon? What the hell happened?’
‘We stopped in the village on the way back to grab a coffee. She wanted to walk home. The next I knew, Jack was on the phone saying she was hurt.’
‘Oh!’ Rose said. ‘That’s the doctor.’
A young woman wearing a white coat and exhaustion like a second skin stood by the reception desk. Long, dark hair was pulled back into a loose bun and a stethoscope was looped around her neck. She scanned the crowded waiting area until her eyes lit on Rose.
‘She’s coming over.’ Rose’s voice rose to a high-pitched squeak as she half-stood, then sat back down. ‘What if it’s bad news? I can’t… I can’t…’
‘Just breathe, Rose,’ said Rick. ‘Try to stay calm.’
The doctor stopped. ‘Rose Hope?’
Rose stood. ‘Yes.’
‘I’m Dr Gunnar. Can you come with me, please?’
Rick and Lucy moved to accompany her. Dr Gunnar held up a hand. ‘Just Rose, please. Beth is still in Majors. There’s very little room.’
Rick and Lucy exchanged a worried glance.
‘Majors?’ asked Rose.
‘It’s where we stabilise the patients with more significant injuries before sending them to a ward,’ said Dr Gunnar. ‘Your mother is back from the MRI. She’s conscious. I thought you might like to sit with her while we wait for the results to come through.’
‘Oh, yes please.’
‘Can you tell us how she is?’ Rick asked.
‘Without Beth’s express permission, I can’t divulge her medical information to you.’ Dr Gunnar squinted at him. ‘But you know that already, don’t you? You are Dr Mahon, aren’t you? Dr Rick Mahon?’
Rick nodded, his cheeks burning.
Dr Gunnar’s gaze was impassive. ‘You were in the news again this morning. That Cora Diamond lady is certainly persistent.’
‘Rick treated Beth while we waited for the ambulance,’ said Rose.
‘He did a good job.’ Dr Gunnar gave a brisk upward jerk of her chin. ‘In all probability, Dr Mahon, your actions made all the difference. We’re doing everything we can. Now, Rose, let me show you where she is.’ Dr Gunnar turned on her heel and headed for the door.
‘I wish there was something I could do,’ Rick muttered.
‘There is,’ said Lucy.
‘What?’
She looked troubled. ‘Please don’t take this the wrong way. You’ve just saved my friend’s life and I owe you, but if you really want to help her, I think the best thing you can do is to sort your shit out.’
‘I beg your pardon?’
‘I’m not judging you. My fella’s a doctor, too. I know there’s way more to this thing than is being reported in the papers. And I wish you luck with it. I really do. But I’m worried that your situation will end up making Beth’s life harder than it already is. The last thing she needs is more crap to deal with. And right now, you come with a big side order of crap.’
Rick ducked his head. ‘I can’t deny it. I’ve been trying to keep my distance, but it’s too late. I’ve already fallen for her. She’s the most incredible person I’ve ever met.’
‘I agree. She’s wonderful. And she really likes you, too. Although she’ll probably kill me for saying so. Under normal circumstances, I’d be over the moon for you both. You’re perfect for each other.’
‘But not right now.’
She shrugged. ‘Maybe once the court case is over and things have settled, things will be different.’ Lucy’s phone buzzed.
Rick watched her scurry over to an alcove to answer the call. She’s right. As soon as I hear that Beth is out of danger, I’ll go back to London. It’s time I face the music.