Crisis at Katoomba Hospital

by Lucy Clark

  “You are so beautiful.” His deep voice washed over her and she gasped as his thumb brushed across her parted lips. “But we can’t.”

  His words took a few microseconds to penetrate the haze surrounding her mind. “Stephen?”

  He swallowed and, after exhaling harshly, dropped his hand and pulled back. “Nicolette…I care about you—you must realize that.”

  “And I care about you.”

  “But we’ve both been hurt in the past, and come Monday…” He trailed off.

  “Come Monday we’ll be working together,” she finished for him, her eyes stinging with tears. She cleared her throat, trying to get control over her voice. “I know.”

  Dear Reader,

  My husband and I spent part of our honeymoon in the Blue Mountains, Australia, which are part of the Great Dividing Range. Stephen and Nicolette’s story is based around Blackheath—the town where we stayed during our honeymoon.

  We recently visited the area and fell in love with the untouched, natural beauty all over again. We also had the most amazing meal at the Megalong Tearooms, so I just had to include that in the book, too.

  I thought this was the perfect setting for both Stephen and Nicolette to come to terms with their pasts so they could both finally move forward into the future—the future they end up sharing together.

  I hope you enjoy Crisis at Katoomba Hospital.

  With warmest regards,

  Lucy Clark

  Crisis at Katoomba Hospital

  Lucy Clark

  To Ruth—the best mother-in-law.

  Thank you for always loving my work.

  Rest peacefully.

  Psalm 100

  CONTENTS

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ONE

  ‘HELLO! Stephen?’

  ‘Are you sure this is OK?’ Nicolette whispered as her friend pushed open the door a little further.

  ‘Of course. I’m his sister.’ Stephanie walked in with confidence. ‘Sisters are allowed to annoy their brothers when they’re renovating, especially when he’s not expecting it. Ooh. Good song. I like this one.’

  Nicolette tried to listen to the words but all she heard, or felt rather, was the loud bass reverberating through the run-down house. ‘Does he always have loud music on?’ She raised her voice as they drew closer to the music.

  ‘Only when he’s creating.’ Stephanie waved her arms flamboyantly in the air.

  ‘I thought he was renovating.’ Nicolette stepped carefully over a paint can, being careful not to get any on her shoes or trousers.

  ‘Stephen?’ his sister called again. ‘Yoo-hoo.’

  ‘Steph?’ The deep reply came from the back room of the house. A second later, the music was cut and silence prevailed. ‘Steph?’

  ‘C’est moi. Is it safe to come through?’ They continued picking their way through the rubble on the floor. Tools, ladders, buckets, dropsheets and painting rags.

  His deep rich chuckle filled the silence and Nicolette felt goose bumps tickle her at the sound. Whoever Stephanie’s brother was, he had a nice laugh.

  ‘It was safe, but now you’re here, who knows what might happen?’

  ‘Hey,’ she protested. ‘Be nice. I brought a friend.’

  ‘Really?’

  In the next instant he appeared, and Nicolette found it hard not to suck in a breath. He was tall, dark and handsome—even though he was wearing a pair of faded denim jeans and an old T-shirt that were both splattered with paint, they certainly highlighted the perfect body beneath.

  Stephen’s gaze swept quickly over her, taking in her neat suit and swept-back blonde hair. She had deep brown eyes and the combination of light hair and dark eyes had him mesmerised for a second. He quickly recovered. ‘Hello. I’m Stephen. I won’t shake hands because I don’t want to risk getting paint on you.’

  Nicolette wasn’t sure exactly how she’d lost control of her senses, whether it was his deep voice or hypnotic gaze which was still smouldering from his mirth, but she pasted on a smile. ‘Thanks for the thought. I’m Nicolette.’

  ‘Nic’s the doctor I told you about,’ Stephanie interjected. ‘She’s currently working at Dr River’s practice, which is the one you’ll be sort of taking over.’

  Stephen merely nodded as his sister repeated information he already knew. He found it hard to pull his gaze away from the blonde doctor as Stephanie continued talking, but eventually he looked at his sister.

  ‘To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?’

  ‘I brought your inaugural hospital roster. You’re on tomorrow night.’ She held out a piece of paper to him.

  ‘Gee, thanks.’ He studied the roster a moment before handing it back to Stephanie. ‘Put it in the kitchen, please.’

  ‘Also, I thought I’d give you a hand.’

  Stephen raised his eyebrows as he took in his sister’s neat work clothes. ‘You’re hardly dressed for it, little sister.’

  ‘Oh, cut the “little”, will you?’ She turned to Nicolette. ‘Just because he’s a whole five minutes older than me, he thinks that makes him my big brother.’

  ‘It does.’

  ‘You’re twins?’

  ‘We’re not identical,’ Stephen said, deadpan. He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, indicating the room. ‘I’m almost finished and I need to keep a wet edge, so if you don’t mind I’d like to keep going.’

  ‘Go ahead,’ Stephanie answered and then said in an undertone, ‘He’s such a perfectionist.’ In her normal tone she continued, ‘I’ll make us all a cuppa.’ She headed off to the kitchen.

  ‘That’s OK.’ Nicolette needed to go. The best way to get her heart rate back to normal was to get out of Stephen’s presence as soon as possible. ‘I’d better get going. It was nice to meet you, Stephen.’ She poked her head into the room he was painting, the fumes assailing her senses.

  ‘There’s no need to rush off,’ he said, his back to her as he rolled paint onto the wall. ‘What do you think of the colour?’

  ‘It’s…soothing.’

  ‘I take it you mean dull. It’s called mushroom and it is quite bland, but I’m planning to do a faint border around the cornice which will add a touch of colour, and once the furnishings are in, the walls will complement everything. Besides, this is supposed to be a consulting room so I don’t want it to be too overpowering for the patients.’

  ‘You can see the whole picture?’

  ‘He always can,’ Stephanie answered for him as she returned. ‘It’s a gift I didn’t get.’

  ‘You have others, Steph.’ He finished rolling the wall and carefully placed his roller back into the tray before stepping back to survey his handiwork.

  ‘You should see some of his paintings, Nic. They’re amazing.’

  ‘They’re average,’ Stephen corrected, turning to face his sister. ‘Don’t exaggerate, Steph. Besides, painting is personal. I don’t do it for approval.’ His face was serious with a small frown.

  ‘Do you have some here?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘What do you do with them?’ Nicolette asked, watching him closely. She’d seen that look before—on him—which was ridiculous. She’d only just met him. She gave herself a mental shake. She’d probably seen the look on Stephanie and now that they were standing side by side, she could see the strong resemblance between the two.

  Both had the same shape and colour eyes, their noses were identical and so was the shape of their chins. She was also sure
that Stephanie’s natural colour was the same dark brown as her brother’s, rather than the reddish gold it currently was. Also, Stephen didn’t have an earring in sight, whereas Stephanie had at least four on each side.

  ‘I have most of them in storage at the moment.’

  ‘He’s going to hang them all over this place,’ Stephanie insisted firmly, and Stephen shook his head. ‘He’s been waiting a long time for his own practice and now he finally has it.’ She leaned up and kissed his cheek. ‘I’m just so glad you’re finally here.’

  ‘Where did you move here from?’ Again Nicolette had the feeling she’d met him before, but she knew it was ridiculous. If she’d met this man before, she would certainly have remembered.

  ‘Overseas.’

  ‘I’ve been bugging him for the last twelve months to come here. I mean, where else can you truly relax than here in the Blue Mountains? The scenery is the best, the people are even better and—’

  ‘And you’re in Katoomba whilst I’m in Blackheath,’ Stephen finished for her. ‘A whole fifteen minutes away.’ His eyes twinkled mischievously. ‘Close enough but not too close to prying, nosy little sisters.’

  Stephanie gave him a playful punch in the stomach. ‘Hey.’ She laughed before saying, ‘Ooh, that’s the kettle. Tea or coffee, Nic?’

  ‘Uh, none for me. I really should go. It was nice meeting you, Stephen.’

  ‘Likewise.’ He walked with her, leaving Stephanie to make the tea.

  ‘You don’t have to walk me out,’ she protested as he came outside with her.

  ‘Good excuse to get some fresh air.’

  On the steps of the old house she turned to face him. ‘Have we met before?’

  Stephen took his time answering, looking at her intently. If he’d met this stunning woman before, he knew he’d have remembered. Even though the past few years of his life had been full of darkness, he definitely wouldn’t have forgotten her. She was like a bright shining beacon. ‘No.’

  ‘Are you sure? You seem…familiar. Ever been to France?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘When?’

  ‘Three years ago.’

  ‘London?’

  The frown creased his forehead again, as she’d seen before. ‘I left just over twelve months ago. Nicolette, trust me, we haven’t met before today.’ The frown disappeared. ‘How long have you known Stephanie?’

  ‘About six months.’

  ‘You’ve probably seen a photograph of me at her house or something like that.’

  Nicolette shrugged. ‘Never mind. It’s probably the paint fumes getting to me, too.’ She smiled politely and headed to her car. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’

  ‘Tomorrow?’

  ‘At the hospital. We’re rostered on together.’

  He nodded. ‘See you then.’ Stephen waited while she walked around to the driver’s side of her old car. ‘Drive safely.’

  ‘I don’t have far to go,’ she said as she opened the door. ‘I live two streets that way.’ She pointed in the direction. ‘Bye.’

  Stephen waited and waved as she drove off, sucking a deep breath of fresh mountain air into his lungs before heading back inside. He walked to the kitchen and picked up the cup of tea his sister had made for him.

  ‘Why did you bring Nicolette around?’

  Stephanie grinned. ‘Why? Do you like her?’

  ‘She’s attractive,’ he acknowledged without inflection.

  ‘She wanted to meet you.’

  ‘Because?’

  ‘Because she wants the security of a job when old man River sells out to you. Look, you need another GP when your practice opens and she needs a job. Also, then you’ll have both a male and female doctor in the practice. It’s a win-win situation.’

  ‘Hmm.’ He sipped his tea. ‘How’s the hospital?’

  ‘Good.’

  ‘Enjoying being top dog of the trauma unit?’

  ‘Acting top dog, and I hate drawing up rosters. I’m a doctor, not a magician. Everyone’s always requesting certain days off or wanting to change.’

  ‘I didn’t.’

  She smiled. ‘You’re not allowed to complain.’

  ‘And why not?’

  ‘Because you’re scared of me.’

  ‘Right.’ He drawled the word slowly, his voice radiating pure disbelief. ‘When does the new boss start?’

  ‘Couple more weeks. He was supposed to be here next week but he’s been held up, which means I have to do the rosters again.’

  ‘Apart from the rosters?’

  ‘I don’t mind it.’

  ‘You love it and you want it for your own.’

  ‘Hey—get out of my head.’

  ‘Too late, little sis.’ Stephen sidestepped the swipe she took at him. ‘I’m the one person in the world you just can’t fool. Now, did you say you were here to help me or not?’ He wanted to quiz her about Nicolette, to find out everything Stephanie knew about her, but at the same time he didn’t want to know. He was here to unwind from the past few years, to spend time with his sister and to fulfil his dream of owning his own practice. The last thing he needed was a romantic entanglement with a blonde bombshell.

  ‘Dr Brooks?’

  ‘Yes.’ Stephen turned to face the nursing sister who’d addressed him, one hand tightening around the handle of his briefcase.

  She smiled. ‘You look a little lost. Stephanie told me to look out for you.’ She held out her hand. ‘I’m Sophie and I’m the triage sister on duty tonight.’

  Stephen shook her hand firmly before letting it go.

  ‘Come this way.’ Sophie led him down a corridor. ‘Have you been here before?’

  ‘To the Blue Mountains or to the hospital?’

  ‘Both.’

  ‘Blue Mountains once—when I was a child—and this is my first time in the hospital.’

  ‘Well, you’re bound to get lost. If that happens, grab a house phone and ask for directions.’ She chuckled as they stopped outside a door. ‘Male changing rooms. Females are just down the corridor. The code is 2605.’

  He nodded, acknowledging her words.

  ‘There should be plenty of vacant lockers—keys are in them so just pick one.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘I’ll see you back on the floor when you’re ready.’ Sophie smiled and headed back the way she’d come. Stephen turned and punched in the number she’d given him. It didn’t work. He tried it again. Another error message. He frowned.

  ‘Problem?’

  Stephen turned to find Nicolette walking towards him. ‘Yes.’

  She stopped just short of him and looked him over. ‘You’re looking a bit more respectable. I almost didn’t recognise you.’ He was dressed in a navy suit, crisp white shirt and striped tie. Not a hair was out of place on his head and his black briefcase was clutched firmly in his hand. Very different from yesterday.

  ‘Dr Stephen Brooks.’ Stephen held out his free hand to her. ‘Pleased to meet you Dr…’ He frowned. ‘I don’t think Stephanie told me your last name.’

  ‘Bourgeois.’ Nicolette supplied absently as she scrutinised his hand. ‘It’s French.’

  ‘So I gathered.’

  ‘Any paint?’ She gestured to his hand.

  ‘I certainly hope not.’

  Nicolette hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him since they’d met late yesterday afternoon, and even though she kept telling herself it was because she was trying to figure out where she knew him from, in truth it was because he was an extremely good-looking man whom she’d been instantly attracted to. Then again, she’d been attracted to good-looking men before and it had only ended in heartbreak, so she’d told herself that this one was no different and she would do well not to waste her time on him. That little spiel had played itself over and over throughout the night and into the morning hours.

  She’d been a little apprehensive about doing her hospital shift with him tonight, but she wasn’t sure why. He was just a colleague. That’s all. Nothing mo
re. The instant she put her hand into his, she knew she was wrong.

  Nicolette smothered her gasp at the instant warmth from his hand with a small cough and quickly withdrew. The after-effects continued to wreak havoc as tingles spread up her arm and flooded her entire body.

  ‘Uh…’ She cleared her throat, desperately trying to get her thoughts back on track. ‘What code did Sophie give you?’

  ‘Two-six-oh-five.’

  She smiled. ‘That’s for the female changing rooms.’

  ‘I doubt that will do me much good.’ His tone was droll and although his eyes twinkled with a touch of humour, he didn’t smile.

  ‘You never know. Try 1702.’

  ‘An easier code to remember.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘It’s my birth date.’

  ‘Oh.’ She nodded, then added, ‘And Stephanie’s, too, then.’

  ‘That’s what makes us twins.’ He entered the code and was rewarded with a buzzing noise and then a click. He pushed on the door…and it worked.

  ‘Open Sesame,’ Nicolette said.

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘You’re welcome.’ She waited for him to go through before she headed down the corridor to the female changing rooms. After she’d stowed her bag in her locker, she sat on a chair and forced herself to stop and think rationally. If she’d thought he was devastating with paint all over him, it was nothing compared to how he looked in a suit. Part of her had expected him to turn up to work as haphazardly dressed as he’d been yesterday, but another part of her had known with conviction that he’d wear a suit and look meticulous. Again, she searched her memory banks but came up blank.

  Standing up, she attempted to push all thoughts of Stephen Brooks aside. ‘Easier said than done,’ she mumbled as she headed out to Accident and Emergency. How was she supposed to put him out of her mind when she’d be working with him for the next six hours?

  He was already standing at the nurses’ station with Sophie, getting the run-down on triage procedures. His jacket had been shed and he was in the process of meticulously rolling up his shirtsleeves to just below the elbow.

  The buzzer for one of the examination cubicles went and Sophie headed off to answer it. Stephen turned and saw Nicolette. ‘How many times a week do you work here?’