by Aj Estelliam
‘I guess…losing my job but still being able to be a doctor.’
‘Yeah-because then you’d still have options, right?’
‘Right,’ I nodded.
‘Okay-so what is the best thing that could happen?’
‘Well; I suppose it would be having the case dropped completely.’
‘And returning to your job?’ Eve asked.
‘I…I actually don’t know about that,’ I replied. ‘I mean, after everything that has happened, and the fact that they didn’t support me through this, I don’t know if I want to go back to that practise. I may move on.’
Eve nodded, understandingly. ‘I don’t blame you! I wouldn’t stay somewhere that they haven’t backed you up in such a difficult time!’
‘No, exactly.’
‘Do you see how you can go from the worst scenario and work backwards though. I always start with-well, they’re not going to kill me, hurt me or spit on me. And then I go from there…once you realise it’s not that bad, you can put something in perspective. The fact is, Annie, you don’t want to go back to that particular job. That solves part of your worry-put it to the back of your mind and figure that things will work out in time. Put your energy into figuring out what to do next instead. Don’t let this case shake your confidence-you’ve done nothing wrong, so remain resolute in the fact that you were only trying to help Mary.’
I nodded, thinking fast. ‘You know what? You’re right. I’ve done nothing wrong.’
‘You absolutely haven’t.’
‘I guess I just felt guilty because of how I found out the information.’
‘But you weren’t in control of that, Annie! You wouldn’t have wanted to see that information, would you?’
‘Definitely not! It made things very complicated.’
‘Exactly-so give yourself a break. You had no choice in seeing the information that you did-but you did have a choice in whether to try and help or not. As a doctor, I’m not surprised you stepped in and tried to save her.’
‘Would you have?’ I asked her, curiously.
‘Absolutely. Without a doubt,’ she said sternly. ‘I think it’s despicable for someone to do that to a vulnerable, old lady.’
I nodded. ‘That’s just how I felt…and she had no idea, whatsoever.’
‘Well, you wouldn’t! No-one would expect that kind of evil to happen in their own home.’
‘I don’t know what else I can do about it though.’
‘You can’t, Annie. You’ve told people what you know and you just need to step back and wait to hear about what they find. I have a feeling that there will be a better outcome than you expect.’
‘You do? How come?’ I questioned.
‘Because you’re a good, honest person-and you were trying to help. Something tells me this will work out right for you.’
‘I hope so-because I can’t imagine not being a doctor after all those years. I don’t want to waste my skills, you know? I’m not being arrogant, but I was good at my job.’
‘I’m sure you were.’
‘It’s going to be more of a challenge though now.’
‘Yeah…touching people is unavoidable in your job, right?’
‘Right,’ I nodded. ‘But like you say-maybe I can pursue other career paths as a doctor. It’s not only the living which need the skills of a doctor-the dead do too. I’ve always been interested in forensic pathology. Perhaps that’s a field I could venture into.’
‘There you go!’ she smiled, ‘you’re forming a plan already! Good for you.’
I smiled back at her happily. ‘It’s thanks to you, Eve. You’re right-it really is good to talk to someone about my worries.’
‘You should know that, doctor lady,’ she chastised, ‘still, I’m always happy to be a listening ear for you.’
‘I appreciate it. I think I’ll sleep better now I’ve got all that off my chest.’
‘I’m sure you will! You can’t bottle up everything inside and just expect it not to explode out of you every now and then. You’re only human, Annie. We all are.’
I nodded. ‘You’re right…and so are you. You look really tired, Eve and I know I’m keeping you up now.’
‘I am whacked,’ she complained, rubbing her hand across her face wearily, ‘but I’m glad we had this chance to talk.’
‘Are you going up to sleep?’ I asked her.
‘No,’ she said, shaking her head, ‘if you’re staying, I just figured we’d kip here-it’s only a few hours before I have to be up anyway,’ she yawned.
‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ I apologised, feeling awful.
‘No, don’t worry. Let’s rest now and I can catch up on sleep tomorrow.’
‘Good plan,’ I murmured.
‘Do you think you can sleep?’ she asked, moving down on the sofa into a more comfortable position.
‘I think so, yes…I actually feel tired for once.’
‘Good,’ she said, yawning again. ‘Night Annie.’
‘Night Eve…thank you.’
‘You’re very welcome,’ she said sleepily, and closed her eyes.
I leant over and turned off the little lamp beside me and the room became darker. Shifting down in the covers, I nestled into the warmth of the duvet covering me-it was filled with Eve’s scent which was heady and all-consuming. I breathed it in deeply, feeling intensely satisfied by the feeling of her closeness. It was nice to sleep beside someone for once. I closed my eyes and immediately began to drift. Within moments I was asleep and resting. Peacefulness surrounded us as we slept.
Dark clouds rolled in as the woman sat on the sand. Her mind was in turmoil and fear curled through her gut. She stared at the waves in the surrounding darkness, wondering what to do. She was so tired of running, so tired of hiding. She ached to find a home and settle down-somewhere near the sea, she mused.
As the thunder rumbled in the distance, she got to her feet and wiped off the sand on her trousers. She walked off into the distance slowly, her mind working quickly. Maybe it was time to stop and give in. Maybe the danger was gone. She doubted it, but was hopeful anyway. Letting her fears release, she walked on.
I moved in my sleep, shifting into a more comfortable position. I found warmth in front of me and nestled into it happily. Slipping off into sleep once again, I drifted into unconsciousness.
When I woke next, I felt warm, content and so well-rested it was incredible. I had slept consistently for a sustained period of time-this was something which hadn’t happened for a long, long time…probably since my mother had died.
As I opened my eyes, I saw Eve. She was awake and watching me closely. She lay directly before me, close. Her eyes this close were incredibly beautiful-they were crystal, clear blue and wonderfully intense as they met mine.
‘Hey,’ she said softly.
‘Hey,’ I replied, feeling my cheeks redden-a reaction I wasn’t used to.
‘You slept,’ she commented quietly.
‘I did! I haven’t slept like that in such a long time,’ I told her.
‘Do you feel better?’
‘So much better,’ I nodded.
‘Well that’s good,’ she yawned. ‘I still feel exhausted,’ she said, stretching her arms above her head.
‘I’m so sorry! It was me who kept you up.’
‘Don’t worry…you were protecting me, right?’
‘I was,’ I nodded, my face serious even though I knew she was joking a little.
‘Well, I can take one night of being up late-even though I have to work today’
‘You do?’ I asked, instantly concerned. ‘Maybe I could come with you?’
‘No, you can’t,’ she stated, ‘and I’m fine.’
‘But…’
‘No, Annie! I appreciate your concern but you can’t guard me night and day! That’s ridiculous.’
‘But he’s still out there!’ I exclaimed, sitting up.
‘Who is?’
‘I don’t know! Him! The man! The man with the gun.�
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Eve sighed. ‘Look, Annie, I’ll be careful-okay?’
‘But I could help.’
She shook her head. ‘No thank you. I’ll see you again if you fancy a date, but if you plan on guarding me then it’s a no.’
‘Will you promise me something then?’ I asked her seriously.
‘What?’
‘Keep an eye out for danger, Eve. Watch yourself and keep yourself safe.’
‘I will. I promise. Okay?’
‘Okay,’ I nodded.
‘I’m sorry, Annie, but I better get up and ready for work. I’ve left it till as late as I can…’
‘No, of course. I’ll get out of your hair,’ I told her, climbing off the sofa bed and gathering up my shoes, coat and belongings. Within a few moments I was ready to leave and Eve escorted me to the front door.
There, I paused and turned to face her. ‘Thank you for last night. I know I kept you up but I felt like it was important.’
She smiled down at me, with an almost fond expression on her face. ‘I know you did, and I appreciate the concern.’
‘I, uh…shall I call you?’ I asked hesitantly.
‘I really hope so!’ she replied, her eyes holding mine with intensity.
‘Okay,’ I said, awkwardly. ‘I, uh…’
‘I’ll speak to you later,’ she told me.
‘Yeah,’ I said and turned to walk down the drive.
As I turned, Eve caught my arm and swirled me back around, making me lose balance. I fell into her arms, literally, and she caught me against her body. She captured my mouth with hers in an instant and began kissing me passionately. I lost all sense of time and space in those few moments in her arms. Intense longing filled me as her mouth moved seductively over mine. I shivered with emotion as her touch aroused me in seconds.
As quickly as she had started the kiss, she released me. Staring down at me, she frowned.
‘I, uh…I’ll call you later.’
I nodded, dumbly, feeling completely thrown. I watched as she lifted her hand in a slight wave and then shut the front door on me. I released the breath I was holding and turned to slowly walk to my car.
‘Wow,’ I breathed softly, to myself as I climbed into my car. I had never experienced anything quite like it.
Chapter 9
I sat in my car like a zombie for at least two whole minutes while I recovered. Eve’s kiss had thrown me, in the most wonderful of ways. I felt a strange kind of awakening blossoming through me along with a confusion as to what this meant. My heart was still hammering and I could still taste her lips on mine. It had stunned me that I would react so incredibly to her touch. It was in that moment that I realised something else…I hadn’t had a vision. I had always assumed that if I had close contact with anyone now, I would see things I perhaps didn’t want to. All I had thought of when I was in Eve’s arms was her. Nothing else, just Eve.
When my mind cleared, I started the car and backed out of her drive. Whilst driving home, my mind wondered back over the events of the previous night. Even though it had begun with the threat of danger, it had turned into one of the best nights of my life. Meeting Eve had been the most life-changing event I had experienced, ever. She was special, I knew that innately. I knew she was going to be special in my life as well. I could just feel it.
As I drove, I wondered what to do. Now I had left my hibernation at home, I suddenly felt invigorated once again. I wanted to reclaim my life and find a way out of the problem I was currently facing. As it turned out, I wouldn’t have long to wait.
I pulled into my driveway and was surprised to see a car sat waiting for me. I frowned in confusion at the unfamiliar vehicle. It wasn’t one I knew and I wasn’t expecting anybody.
I parked and climbed out of my car, looking over at the car. As I wandered over, I got a glimpse inside and gasped.
‘Mary!’ I exclaimed hurrying over to the car.
‘Oh hello, dear! I’m so glad you’ve arrived-I was about to give up, I’ll admit,’ she said, opening the door and struggling out slowly.
A middle-aged woman climbed out of the passenger seat and hurried around to help Mary out. ‘Carefully, Mum.’
Mary got out at last and then looked at me. ‘This is my daughter, Cathy. Cathy-this is Annie Lane-my doctor.’
‘It’s nice to meet you,’ I said politely.
‘It’s lovely to meet you too,’ she replied. ‘I’ve heard a lot about you.’
I frowned at her and then turned to Mary. ‘Why are you here, Mary? I don’t mean to be rude but why are you at my house and how did you find me?’
‘All in good time, dear…may we come inside a while and talk?’ she asked.
‘I…well, of course,’ I said, releasing the breath I was holding. ‘Come on in,’ I said, gesturing up to the door.
I walked up, unlocked the door and led them in. Mary made her way in slowly and the sat down in the lounge. I excused myself to make a tray of tea and biscuits and then joined them quickly, keen to know why they were here in my home requesting to talk to me.
After pouring us all a cup of tea, I didn’t hold back any longer.
‘Mary-what’s happened? Why are you here?’ I asked her bluntly.
She smiled at me, peering at me over her gold-rimmed glasses. ‘Well, I was very keen to see you my dear.’
‘Why?’
‘Because I wanted to thank you…and to tell you what has happened.’
‘I see,’ I said, even though I didn’t. ‘What exactly has happened?’
‘You’ve been proved right, Doctor,’ she told me clearly.
‘I have?’
‘Yes,’ she nodded. ‘Since my last appointment with you, obviously there’s been no end of trouble.’
‘Yes…I, uh…I couldn’t not tell you, Mary. I’m sorry that I had to tell you like that.’
‘I’m very glad you did, Doctor Lane,’ she said, leaning forwards with her eyes widening to large, watery circles.
‘You are?’ I questioned. ‘I hadn’t thought the news I had imparted had gone down well at all.’
‘Well, I was shocked! Nobody wants to hear they are being poisoned, my dear! I was beyond stunned.’
‘I didn’t think you believed me,’ I commented.
‘Initially I don’t know what I thought. When I got home, I phoned Cathy here.’
I glanced at her daughter and then back at Mary. What was going on?’
‘I asked her to come by and we had a little chat about things…we decided to set up a camera in the kitchen where all food and drink was being prepared for me. In that way, I would find out whether what you were saying was true about my son.’
‘I see,’ I murmured softly.
‘Well, it hasn’t taken long to get evidence,’ she informed me. ‘You were right, Doctor Lane.’
‘I was?’
‘Yes. We watched the whole thing in black and white. It was clear as day.’
‘What was he using?’ I asked, even though I already had my suspicions.
‘Rat poison,’ she told me directly, ‘in small amounts. I haven’t been drinking the tea he gives me. I’ve been cleverly disguising that fact while we collected the evidence.’
I stared at her, stunned that she had achieved all of this on her own.
‘I contacted the police and they set up their own discreet cameras. As soon as they got him on camera putting poison in my tea, they arrested him.’
I gasped. I couldn’t help it.
‘He’ll be held to account for his actions, Doctor Lane. I’ve informed all the powers that be about how much you helped me so you should be reinstated at the surgery, I’m sure. I hope so anyway.’
‘I…I’m stunned!’ I told her.
She smiled at me. ‘I’m disappointed in my son, Doctor Lane, but pleased you stopped me from dying a slow and painful death. I know I’m old, but I want to go when I’m ready. I still have life to live in me. It wouldn’t be fair to take that away from me,’ she said softly.
‘You’re right,’ I said, holding her hand in mine, ‘it wouldn’t be fair.’
‘My son was greedy. He wanted his inheritance before his time. Now he’ll spend his time in prison for the awful things he has done. I feel great sadness about it.’
‘It’s okay, Mum,’ Cathy murmured gently, stroking her mother’s shoulder as she sniffled.
‘I’m so sorry, Mary. I just didn’t want you to come to any harm, and when I saw what was happening, I just couldn’t help myself from telling you.’
‘Of course, dear! It’s your duty of care as a doctor-even if it came from non-traditional doctoring methods.’
‘I don’t understand it myself,’ I said, shaking my head.
‘Don’t question a God-given talent,’ she told me, patting my hand in a maternal manner.
‘I don’t know whether it was God-given…’
‘Who knows?’ she replied, ‘but it helped me and I am grateful.’
I smiled at her warmly.
‘I wanted to come by and thank you in person before the press and police start bombarding us with attention.’
‘You think that’s going to happen?’ I questioned.
‘I do, yes. The police said that they would need to speak to us both and it’s bound to be a big story in the papers.’
‘I hope not,’ I murmured. ‘I don’t want people knowing about me…’
‘We’ll leave the details out when the press ask for information.’
I nodded.
‘I’d better be going now, Doctor Lane. This was only a brief visit to let you know what has happened.’
‘Thank you so much for coming by. I’m not glad this has happened, but I’m glad you’re okay and safe now.’
‘I am too. Thank you so much, Doctor Lane.’
‘Please-call me Annie.’
‘Annie,’ she repeated, nodding. ‘I will finish my days naturally now-thanks to you.’
‘I hope they’re happy and long,’ I told her.
‘Yes. Will I see you again?’ she asked.
‘Maybe not as your doctor,’ I replied honestly, ‘I don’t know if I’ll return after everything that’s happened. I’d like to stay in touch as friends though-if that would be something you’d like?’