3 The Surgeon's Blade

by Faith Mortimer

  Peter remained where he was with a puzzled look upon his face, as if he was slowly turning her words over in his mind.

  “Peter, I need to get out of here now. Can you please let me pass?”

  He remained where he was. His mouth trembled, as if he was working out what to say to her. Libby suddenly felt vulnerable as he took a step nearer to her, his hands stretching out towards her. For some strange reason, she felt the urge to scream and backed away until she was pressing up hard against the shelves behind her.

  “You need to take more care when you—” he began.

  “Peter, what are you doing?” Lisa’s voice came from behind. “You know you’re not supposed to be in there.”

  He gave Libby another look and then turned round in the doorway giving Lisa her first view of her.

  Lisa frowned and took his arm. “Peter you need to unload your linen trolley. Come on, let’s get it cleared. We need it.”

  As he followed Lisa back out onto the ward, Libby found she was shivering, and she hurried past them into the sister’s office and sat down.

  “Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Lisa said once she had rejoined her.

  Libby lifted her pale face and nodded.

  “What did he say? He didn’t…he didn’t do anything, did he?” Lisa frowned. “He’s never been any trouble despite his wild looks. Peter’s always been a gentle sort of fellow; very shy and introverted though. He has Asperger’s Syndrome and finds it really hard to fit in socially. He has the classic triad: lacking social communication, interaction and imagination.”

  “No, he didn’t do anything. I think he just surprised me, and I got a bit spooked. He started saying something else, but I didn’t quite catch what he said.”

  Lisa breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. I’d hate to have to report him for something. It must be hard to get a decent job when you’re as inhibited as he is. Are you sure you’re okay now?” She peered at Lisa. “What about a nice cup of tea? I’ll make it.”

  “Yes. No, I’ll make it. I need to do something. I’m just being pathetic. I think it was because we were talking about that stalker earlier. Not that I suspect him or anything, it was just me being silly.”

  “Well, if you’re sure then. Peter really is harmless. He spends a lot of his time here in the hospital. I’m told he has a sort of social life. He belongs to a local drama group. He doesn’t act of course, he’s too unsure of himself, but he helps with scenery and then there are his trips up to London. Apparently, he loves hanging around Waterloo Station watching the trains come and go. A few of the other porters reckon he’s looking for someone. It’s most probably his mother, who was a manic depressive and hanged herself. Peter was found sitting next to her swinging body four days after she took her own life. Poor little kid – he was only about seven at the time.”

  Libby gave a gasp of astonishment. “The poor man! What a terrible thing to witness, especially as a child and your own mother! That’s enough to turn anyone’s brain.”

  “Yes, it is. Except poor Peter isn’t mentally handicapped. If you manage to get him talking on a subject that he knows about – and I doubt anyone could since he’s so reserved – he’ll amaze you with his knowledge. It’s almost as if he has a photographic memory. There was some story about his mother inflicting some injuries on him when he was a little nipper, but I don’t know how true that is.”

  Libby nodded as she took in all Lisa was telling her. Peter had mentioned his mother. He had asked Libby if her own mother had caused the scar on her forehead, like his mother had done to him. She took a deep breath and stood up saying, “I think I’ll make that tea now. After what you’ve just told me, I think we need it.”

  Chapter 14

  Peter was confused. As he walked back along the long corridor towards the canteen, he thought about the little blonde sister on the surgical ward. Not the older chubby one, Lisa, the other pretty one; the sister who had the red scar on her forehead, just like his own. He was confused because she said she had had an accident. Peter didn’t know when she had had her accident, but that wasn’t the point.

  No, Peter was confused because she looked a lot like the nurse from last night, the one who had got away from the stalker. She too was small and wore her blonde hair short.

  Chapter 15

  At the end of the following week Libby found herself with the whole of the weekend off. It was rare to have both days clear, and she wondered what to do with her free time. Nigel surprised her when he had let slip that he needed to go back up to London for an emergency meeting. He had already left the day before. Libby thought, if only he had let her know earlier, she could have gone with him. It was ages since she had visited the capital, and a weekend would have been exciting. They could have taken in a show and gone to one of Nigel’s favourite restaurants for dinner. When she had mentioned it, he had sounded regretful, saying that he wouldn’t have time to accompany her anyway as his meetings were back to back and sure to run into the evening. They hadn’t seen too much of each other that week either as Nigel ran a couple of very full clinics right up to the weekend.

  “Sorry, Libby, this emergency meeting has just landed in my lap. I promise I’ll make it up to you at a later time.”

  “Okay, it doesn’t matter really. I have plenty to occupy myself with, and the garden needs tidying.”

  Libby didn’t mind too much because it gave her time to herself, and with him being away, there was no reason for her to move into his apartment. He must have read her mind as his next words were rather startling, “Why don’t you start thinking about what you’re going to bring with you when you move in with me? You’ll need to have a clear-out you know.”

  Libby was a little disturbed, as she had never considered getting rid of any of her belongings. Many of the things scattered around her flat once belonged to her parents, and although not valuable or even particularly nice to look at, they were all that remained to remind her of them. She was noncommittal with her reply, simply saying she had inherited her parents’ furniture and treasures, and she would sort a few things out for the charity shop.

  “You know, there is no real hurry over this. It’s not as if we’re getting married yet. I can easily leave my flat as it is and sort stuff anytime. I’ve been thinking about moving in with you, and I really believe we should have a trial run first. Maybe I can stay over for just one night a week until we know we’re really compatible. I’ve never lived with anyone else before, and I’m finding it a bit strange. Please understand Nigel, you must realise this. You’ve been married and lived with your wife.”

  When he had hung up on her rather abruptly, she guessed she had annoyed him.

  ~~~~~

  Libby decided not to spend any more time in bed, even if she was enjoying the novel by Lia Fairchild. She would have a shower and a leisurely breakfast for once and then go into town. Stephanie had rung her earlier during the week and invited her to a party.

  “Graham and I invited a few friends over, and before we knew it, we had enough people for a full-blown bash. I do hope you can come.”

  “It sounds great. I haven’t been to a party in ages and it gives me an excuse to buy something new to wear. What time does it start, and can I bring anything?”

  “Any time after seven will be good and just a bottle. Graham has arranged all the catering from outside, so I don’t have to lift a finger. Wasn’t that considerate of him? By the way, I shall expect you to bring your fiancé with you. I’m dying to meet him.”

  Nigel seemed reluctant to go at first, saying he had a lot or work on, but he eventually agreed. Now, of course, he was in London, and Libby was going on her own. She had been in two minds about it. Robert was bound to be there, and since their argument, she hadn’t seen or heard from him. She felt embarrassed since that last time together and realised she had overreacted. Robert was owed an apology, and she wasn’t looking forward to it.

  She gave herself a stern talking to and decided she was being incred
ibly ‘wussy’. Robert was a nice man, and he would most probably accept her apology gracefully. As far as she was concerned, it would be a shame if he didn’t, but it was hardly worth worrying about.

  After checking the weather, Libby decided she didn’t need a jacket. For once, it promised to be a glorious day. The BBC weatherman had declared a sunny and dry weekend the night before, and this augured well for Stephanie and Graham’s party that night.

  Libby unlocked her car door and inserted her ignition key. The engine sounded sluggish at first, and Libby thought back to when she had last had it serviced. It was well overdue, but after a minute or so of idling, the engine revs picked up. Libby backed out of her drive.

  Traffic was light, so she arrived at West Quay in good time. She enjoyed the lively atmosphere around the waterfront, and decided to sit in the sun with a coffee before tackling the shops. It was fun watching the world go by while sipping her cappuccino. As she was about to leave and head for the shops, she recognised a familiar face in the crowd. Robert was walking along the quay.

  With a jolt, she realised he wasn’t on his own. By his side was a striking, long-legged woman pushing a child’s ‘buggy’. The way the woman smiled at Robert and then laughed at something he had said, told Libby this was no casual girlfriend. The woman was probably older than Libby and visually stunning. She had shoulder-length reddish-brown hair, and her sundress showed off her tanned and slim body. Libby frowned as she looked at the woman. There was a sense of intimacy between them, and Libby felt a pang of disappointment. Watching their apparent friendship, Libby experienced a real feeling of being alone. With alarm, she realised Robert had noticed her as she gazed in their direction. He was sure to come over and say 'hello'. Whatever was she going to say to him? She needed to apologise for her over-the-top behaviour the other day, and it wouldn’t be easy in front of a stranger.

  As they drew nearer, Libby almost squirmed in her seat. To her embarrassment, as she lifted a hand in greeting, Robert took the woman by the elbow and guided her and her child away in another direction.

  Libby felt as if she had been slapped in the face. How rude! She knew he had spotted her at the table. They had been just feet away, and yet he had deliberately chosen not to stop, not to even say a polite 'hello'. She felt her face flame. She got up hurriedly and went into the restaurant’s ladies’ room. Once she had rinsed her face and hands, she stared at her image in the mirror. The face that looked back at her was pale and tense. She noticed dark smudges under her eyes, and it looked as if she hadn’t had a good night’s sleep for weeks. She wondered who the red-haired beauty was and was shocked to find she was jealous. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

  During the previous few weeks Robert had made it quite clear he found her attractive. Although he had given her no more than a passive goodnight kiss, he had been very charming. He made no bones about fancying her, and she definitely felt a spark between them. She was sure she hadn’t misunderstood the signs. Because she was with Nigel, she had deliberately pushed Robert away. Now she saw that she had been horribly mistaken. Robert was in no need of her affection. He already had one woman in tow.

  With a flash of anger, she snapped her handbag shut and left the room. Well, Mr Helicopter Pilot, she needed none of his advances. She had seen him in his true colours, and didn’t feel guilty anymore.

  Libby made her way to the shops and went into the most expensive women’s clothing shop she could find. She was going to buy the most gorgeous and daring dress ever. That would show him.

  Chapter 16

  The watcher couldn’t understand her attitude. With the others it was so easy. They were all so lonely and eager to comply as planned. As always, the watcher took every precaution to be especially careful; and then, this one would be the last. There had been four so far, and the journey was almost over with just one more to go. The watcher enjoyed living this alter ego and found that an understanding and love of amateur dramatics was greatly beneficial.

  Having selected her, the watcher now had to make sure the victim was ready. The watcher couldn’t wait for the victim’s fate to be joined to Amy’s, whose body, weighted with stones, rested beneath the Thames River; to meld her story with that of Elizabeth’s, whose bones were rotting in the ancient woodland of Hampstead Heath; with Gemma, forever sleeping in the New Forest just west of Southampton; with Susan, sleeping peacefully in the salt-marsh thick reeds of the shores of Dibden Bay; with all these sisters of death.

  In the meantime, the watcher would carry on having some fun. The other hospital girls were light relief until the final hand was in play. They had done nothing wrong, they were just nursing staff. As far as the watcher was concerned, they were fair game.

  There was plenty of work still to be done before she was fully compliant, and the watcher didn’t want to make her suspicious. She would make this mission complete, and the watcher would finally be at peace once she was told, you’re mine, all mine.

  Chapter 17

  Stephanie and Graham’s party was in full swing when Libby arrived. She was a little late, as her Mini was still playing up. It needed a few minutes to warm the engine, and once she was under way, she became caught up in heavy traffic.

  Their house was in a leafy suburb of the city, and with the fine weather, most people were enjoying the evening sunshine out in their back gardens. Stephanie was holding court from her chair on their patio as Graham escorted Libby over to her, and they exchanged hugs. Stephanie looked well, and no one would have known about her recent car accident but for her plastered leg.

  “Libby! I’m so glad you made it. You look gorgeous! Where did you find that dress? But where’s that fiancé of yours? Don’t tell me you’re on your own?”

  Smiling, Libby sat in the spare seat next to her, wondering which question to answer first. “I’m sorry, but Nigel couldn’t make it after all. I’m afraid he has an urgent meeting in London. He sends his apologies and hopes your party is a success. I bought the dress today in The Wardrobe in West Quay. I’m pleased with it too.”

  “It really suits you and is so daring. I’m not sure I’d have either the figure or nerve to wear it!”

  Libby laughed. “Yes, it is a bit risqué, isn’t it? Between you and me, I wasn’t too sure if it was a tad too much, but the saleslady was very persuasive.”

  Libby’s dress was a figure-hugging sheath of green jersey with a deep low cowl neckline at both the front and back. She had spent time over her make-up and hair and the effort showed. She looked beautiful.

  “So how are you? You look well, I must say.”

  “I feel fine. The leg plaster is a bit of a pain, especially when it comes to having a shower, but I put a waterproof covering over it, and I can manage okay. Graham’s being wonderful. He does all the difficult household chores and makes me sit down. He does draw a line at ironing though. I’ve found I can manage quite well sitting down to do it, especially if I can watch a film at the same time. Mind you, I swear I’m putting on weight with the lack of exercise. As for you, you look positively skinny.”

  Libby nodded and smiled, but she wasn’t giving Stephanie her whole-hearted attention. She knew that Robert must be here somewhere. She cast a quick look round the other partygoers but didn’t recognise anyone.

  “Sorry, what was that you said?”

  Stephanie took a sip of her Pimm’s before replying. “I said it was too bad that Robert might not be able to make it tonight.”

  Despite that morning’s shock on seeing Robert with the gorgeous red-head, Libby felt her heart sink. She gave herself a mental shake. What was the matter with her? He was nothing but all talk and probably a womaniser as well. “Oh? And why is that?”

  “He didn’t say, just that he might be tied up this weekend. I know he’s not duty pilot, so it’s probably something to do with his boat. You, of all people, should know that a man’s yacht is always his first priority. What’s the common phrase among sailors? Something about ‘first lady’ I believe.�
� She laughed, not spotting Libby’s lukewarm reaction.

  “I see.” Libby knew with whom he would be tied up. Suddenly, the life seemed to go out of her. She felt tired and listless. With Nigel away too, her weekend was proving to be one big disappointment.

  Stephanie peered at her. “Libby are you all right? You look a bit pale.”

  She smiled at her hostess. “I have a slight headache. I’d better go easy on the alcohol. It’s probably the weather.”

  Stephanie looked doubtful but nodded. “Mmm. I’m only allowed one drink and a weak one at that. Mind you, I can’t say I miss it all that much.”

  Graham wandered out from the house and asked Stephanie if he should start letting people have some food. He smiled at Libby and complimented her again on how nice she looked.

  “Can I help in any way?” she asked, standing up. “What about handing round plates of canapés?”