He frowned a minute longer, then from his inside pocket took a thick envelope. He laid it on the table between them, and she saw the American stamp. ‘Lyn, one thing this affair with Doug proves is that we’ve got to be open with each other. So I want you to know about this. It’s an invitation from AndesAid. They want me to commission and run this hospital in Peru. It’s a contract for two years, and I’d start next September.’
‘It’s the job you’ve wanted, isn’t it?’ she asked calmly. ‘The excitement of a new place, the chance of climbing on some untouched rock. Are you going to accept?’
‘They don’t want me till next September. I have plenty of time to make up my mind; they don’t want an answer for two or three months.’
‘But you very much want to accept, don’t you?’ She was surprised at her own appearance of calmness, but inside she was in torment.
‘It’s the kind of job I’ve always wanted. Up to a few weeks ago I would have accepted like a shot. But now my life is different. You’ve come into it, and I want you to know about this so that we can decide together.’
‘Ross, that’s a lot to ask of me. The thought of you not being here… I mean, you know what you mean to me… but I couldn’t ask you to stay in England when you so desperately wanted to go to Peru. Every time you thought of it, you’d look at me and think I’d stopped you going. And every time you looked thoughtful, I’d be wondering if you were regretting your decision, and resenting me for keeping you at home.’
‘Yes,’ he said heavily, ‘it is a lot to ask of you, but there is an alternative. You could come with me.’
She had been afraid of this. She didn’t want to say anything, but he was entitled to an honest answer. ‘You know how I feel about that,’ she said. ‘I’m a town girl now. I’ve had my share of wandering round the world. I want to stay put.’
‘A house in the suburbs and two-point-four children,’ he remembered.
‘I’ve always been honest about it with you,’ she said. ‘When we first met, you know I tried to avoid you. But you chased me.’
After a pause she added, ‘And I’m glad you did.’
‘So what do we decide?’ ‘We don’t have to decide anything, because, as you said, there’s plenty of time. And let’s face it: we still don’t know each other very well. We just wait and see.’
‘I feel as if I’ve known you for ever,’ he told her. ‘I don’t need time and I don’t think you do.’
She had to be hard. ‘Ross, there’s my career to think of. I want to press ahead with paediatric neurology and I can only do that here. And in general… well, I told you. One Gavin was enough for me. I’m not going through that again. I won’t be left.’
She could guess by the bleakness of his face what he was thinking. Slowly, he said, ‘Well, you’ve never hidden that. You’ve always been honest with me.’
It was hard to see him unhappy. But then, she was unhappy herself. She said, ‘There’s absolutely no need for decisions yet. We still need to spend a lot of time getting to know each other. Who knows what the future might bring?’
She could see him relaxing slightly. ‘Look, how about a quick meal and a drink at a wine bar tonight? My treat,’ she said. ‘There’s quite a pleasant one near where I live.’
He smiled. ‘I’d like that. Shall I pick you up at eight thirty?’
She walked back to the hospital on her own, for Ross had to go back to Everton Heights. Automatically she dodged heavy-laden shoppers, and waited for pedestrian green lights, while keeping a wary eye open for traffic. She had a lot of thinking to do.
What she wanted to do most was to forget about the job offered to Ross, to concentrate on enjoying the present. They did need to get to know each other. She had made one mistake before, and perhaps she was hurrying into making another. But even as she thought it, she knew this wasn’t true. Ross was a different kind of man from Gavin. More than that, they had a different kind of relationship. She now knew that she had been overtired, emotionally vulnerable, and easily dazzled by Gavin. Ross was different. He gave her space. But Ross still had the same wanderlust as Gavin. He desperately wanted this job in Peru, and while he was there, she had no doubt that he would want to climb again.
She could understand—just—the attraction of being the first to do a climb, to ‘put up’ a new route. It would be reported in the journals. Who knew, he might call it after her. There would be a kind of immortality.
But there was always the risk. Perhaps this was what drew men to climbing: the knowledge that, if not skilful or lucky, enough, they might die. They never seemed to think of those they left behind them. Could she put up with that feeling of pointless loss again? Could she put up with the fear when he was away? She had sworn she’d have nothing to do with a man who would put her through such feelings again, and yet here she was considering it.
Even as she tried to make herself angry at her own foolishness, she knew it was no good. There was one fact, one certainty that outshone all others. She loved Ross.
She couldn’t imagine life without him. If he had to go to Peru, then she would accompany him. Better something than nothing at all. But she wouldn’t tell him. Not just yet. Who knew what might happen in the next few months?
CHAPTER NINE
Back on the ward an anxious Merry and an apparently equally anxious Melissa were waiting for her. ‘There’s a message for you,’ Merry said. ‘The hospital manager wants you to get in touch with him. He’s sent down for the file on Fatima bin Hameed. He says he could access it on the computer, but he likes to read actual notes when he can.’
Lyn had only met Martyn Lennard, the hospital manager, once previously, and had quite taken to him. He had seemed efficient, but pleasant. She had seen him in the distance at the Halloween party and had noted that he’d been one of those who wore fancy dress. In the hospital he was well regarded, being seen as a man who had a difficult job, reconciling the opposing demands of medical excellence and saving money.
What would he want with a humble SHO? It was unlike Merry to appear so concerned. But personal summonses from the hospital manager were rare. Lyn and Melissa looked at each other thoughtfully, all previous coolness now forgotten.
‘I thought we did rather a good job on Fatima,’ Melissa said, ‘and you certainly spent a lot of time with her.’
‘Probably nothing,’ Lyn said hopefully. ‘Anyway, let’s see if we can find out.’
She phoned the manager’s secretary who asked if they could come up at three for a meeting. Lyn relayed the message to Melissa, who shrugged and nodded.
‘Any idea why he wants to see us?’ Lyn cautiously asked the secretary.
The secretary, of course, was discreet, but managed to be helpful. ‘Well, I think it’s not bad news,’ she said.
Not bad news. They would have to be happy with that for the next hour.
A smiling secretary showed them straight into the manager’s room. Two men stood to greet them. Martyn Lennard was in his customary well-cut grey suit and formal shirt. His guest was in Arab robes. This was not too unusual, for Lizzie’s dealt with a lot of children from abroad and there were many parents who visited in their native dress.
‘May I present Sheikh Ali bin Hameed?’ said Martyn formally. ‘He is the father of Fatima.’ The man bowed.
Martyn went on, ‘The sheikh was unfortunately unable to be with his daughter when she was admitted. His brother brought her.’ The sheikh said nothing.
Lyn looked at him closely. He was entirely unlike his portly brother, being a much more imposing man. He was tall, spare of figure, with a lean dark face. Perhaps there was something of Fatima about his eyes, the bones of his cheek and forehead.
Martyn went on, ‘Before we get down to business, perhaps you’d like coffee. We have it ready.’ The four sat round a table; there was a brass pot and four small cups, quite unlike the usual hospital mugs.
Martyn poured and they drank. The coffee was thick, dark, sweet and stronger than Lyn had ever tasted it bef
ore. She wouldn’t want it every day, but as an experience it was quite unusual. Obviously it was to suit the sheikh’s taste.
It seemed to be understood that they would drink in silence. When they had finished Martyn said, ‘The sheikh particularly requested this meeting, and I was very pleased to agree. Sir?’
The man’s voice matched his appearance, being deep and powerful. He said, ‘I wish to thank you both for what you did for my daughter. Miss Yates, I understand you were responsible for directing my daughter’s treatment. Miss Webster, you showed her kindness and care far more than your job dictated. First, I have gifts for you both.’
From the table in front of him he took two packages, and offered them. Lyn hesitated, then looked at Martyn who nodded imperceptibly. The sheikh had noticed the little exchange and said with a smile, ‘I have never been able to understand the Western dislike of accepting gifts. We believe that to give a gift is to honour someone, to accept a gift is to receive an honour. However, I did ask Mr Lennard if offering something would be acceptable. He assured me that in this case there would be no problem.’
‘Well, th-thank you,’ Lyn stammered. ‘Of course we accept. But Fatima is a lovely child, we enjoyed helping her.’
‘She is most grateful. I would have been with her, but apparently the world must have oil and so I had meetings in America. My meetings were, I suppose, successful, and I shall reap the benefit over the next ten years. So much so that I wish to give thanks by helping those less fortunate. Your department of neurology where my daughter was treated will also receive money over the next ten years. It is to be spent as your consultant—I think a Mr Henry Birkinshaw—sees fit. Perhaps he will help those from other races, but the decision will be his. I do not mean those of my own race. They are catered for more than adequately.’
Lyn blinked. All this because she had helped a little girl who was lost and frightened?
The sheikh went on. ‘Miss Webster, a new hospital is about to be completed in my country. It will have the finest equipment,’ he allowed himself a small sardonic smile, ‘that money can buy. However, equipment is as nothing without skills. I wish to offer you a job in my new hospital. The salary will be... generous.’
She just couldn’t cope with all this. There was too much to think about, and it was all becoming unreal. However, she knew she didn’t want to leave Lizzie’s. She stammered, ‘It is very good of you to think of me... but I’m still training. I need to stay here for some years yet to finish my paediatric rotation before I am... before I am fully competent.’
Suddenly a thought struck her. ‘But if you are looking for senior staff may I suggest Miss Yates?’ The sheikh nodded. He paused, then added, ‘Miss Yates, could my secretary call on you? Perhaps for two or three years you might like to work with us. Once again, the salary will be generous.’
‘I’m more interested in the finest equipment you mentioned,’ Melissa said, and then, after a hesitation, she said, ‘Yes, I am very interested.’
‘Excellent! This has been a good day’s work.’
Martyn was a skilful manager of people. He realised that this was the right time for his staff to leave. There was more that he needed to discuss with the sheikh in private.
He stood. ‘Well, we don’t want to detain you too long. I know what you’re like when you’re pulled out of your wards. Dr Yates, Dr Webster, this has been one of the more pleasant of a hospital manager’s tasks. I’ll be in touch with you and Mr Birkinshaw later.’
There were more goodbyes and thanks and then the two found themselves outside the office. Perhaps it was reaction, but, giggling, they both flew down the corridor like two schoolchildren.
‘Let’s open our presents now,’ Melissa said when they were far enough from the office. ‘I can’t go and work until I know what we’ve got.’
‘I feel the same. It’s like getting Christmas early.’ There was a deserted waiting area outside a ward, so they sat on two of the chairs. Lyn noted the wrapping paper first: dark grey with an intricate silver pattern. Expensive paper.
Inside was a small leather box with Arabic lettering on the top. She opened the box. There, cushioned by grey velvet, was a bracelet, made of intermeshing strands of three different types, three different colours of gold. It was beautiful! She looked to see that Melissa had received the same and was sliding it on her wrist. ‘It’s gorgeous!’ she said.
‘Are you going to take the job?’ Lyn asked.
Melissa stroked the bracelet and said absently, ‘You know, I think I will, if it’s as good as it sounds. I know I’m too young for a consultancy yet, and I could write two or three papers out there that might help me. Would you come out and stay with me for a couple of months, Lyn?’
Lyn forgot her previous vows never to go to anywhere exotic again. ‘You know, I just might,’ she said.
It had been an up-and-down day. The elation of receiving the present and the thanks of the sheikh had temporarily made her forget the earlier bad news. But when she got home it returned to haunt her. Ross desperately wanted to take this job, and she didn’t want him to go. Ultimately she could think of no way of squaring the circle. The two points of view were irreconcilable. But she was looking forward to taking him for a meal this evening.
She washed her hair, and came into the living room with it swathed in a towel. It was a surprisingly warm evening, so she pushed up the sash window and leaned out for fresh air. The lights of London spread out in front of her, and as ever the view both calmed and exhilarated her. Below, hidden behind the dustbins, she could see the silver gleam of the window cleaner’s ladder. She must remember to leave some money out for him.
‘Why are you getting dressed up?’ Doug asked.
He had been sitting, reading in the living room when she’d come in, responding quietly to her greeting. Now his tone was different, more demanding, and she wasn’t going to put up with it.
‘It’s none of your business but I’m going out with Ross. He’s picking me up here later.’
Doug looked uncomfortable, fidgeted a bit, then he said, ‘I’ve got something planned, can’t you put him off? I’d like you to go out with me.’
Shortly, she said, ‘If you wanted to go out with me you should have asked me in advance. I’ve already made plans for this evening.’
‘Please, Lyn. I know what a trouble I’ve been to you, but I’m trying to be better now. Can’t you put him off just for once?’
He looked up at her, smiling. Again she saw all the charm and guile of her fiancé. She also saw how spurious it was. ‘No, I can’t put him off. I don’t want to. Anyway, where were you planning to take me?’
‘I found a jeweller’s and arranged for it to stay open. I thought we could pick the ring.’
For a moment she just didn’t understand. ‘What sort of a ring? I don’t know what you’re talking about.’
An engagement ring, of course,’ he said impatiently. ‘People who get engaged buy a ring. You know that.’
The idea was so appalling it was comic at first. But then she became angry. Had nothing she’d said, nothing they’d agreed, got through to him?
‘We’re not getting engaged! Whatever gave you that idea? If you were the last man on earth I wouldn’t marry you! We were friends once, but now that’s finished. After you move out of this flat tomorrow night I never intend to see you again.’
It was harsh but it was how she felt. Then she looked at his suddenly whitened face, and felt the first touch of guilt—and also of apprehension. ‘I didn’t exactly mean that last bit,’ she ventured. ‘After you’ve gone we might meet occasionally and—’
He leaped from his chair and, with a great swing, slapped her on the side of the face. She was thrown backwards, stumbled over a stool, and fell sprawling to the floor. It wasn’t so much the pain of the attack, but the shock that appalled her. She wasn’t used to violence. It was much more common in hospitals now than it used to be, but so far she had met little of it.
‘What... what are you?�
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‘You’ll not marry anybody but me! First thing you can do is phone that man and tell him not to come round here this evening. I’ll be listening, and if you try anything funny you’ll suffer because of it!’
The initial pain and shock were now wearing away, to be replaced by a deeper fear. Ross had been right. There was something seriously wrong with Doug. This behaviour was more than erratic, it was dangerously pathological. Doug didn’t know what he was doing. If she wasn’t careful she might get seriously hurt.
Doug was now crouching in front of her, the telephone pushed towards her. ‘Phone him! Put him off for good, I’ll be listening.’
With shaking hands she took the phone and tried to think. This was an emergency. Looking at Doug, now so close to her, she had no doubt that he meant every word he said.
She dialled. Ross answered remarkably quickly, when she had half hoped that he would be out. That would have given her more time to think. Quick, this was an emergency! What could she say? ‘I don’t want him ringing back!’ Doug snapped.
Her voice sounded strained even to herself, somehow she made it sharper.
‘Ross,’ she said shortly, ‘this is Lyn. Now listen, listen very carefully. I don’t expect to see you tonight. I’ve been talking to Doug, he’s beside me now. The way things are at present I’ll never be going out with you again. Do you understand, Ross? Do you understand?’
There was a pause, and then, ‘Yes, I understand perfectly. I think I do. Goodbye.’
He rang off. She hoped he had got the message. She thought he had but... what would he do?
‘We’ll go to the jeweller’s now,’ Doug said. ‘Sorry I had to hit you, but sometimes these things are necessary, you know.’ He smiled at her, that charming, little-boy smile that she now found so sinister.
She indicated the dressing gown she was wearing. ‘I can’t go out like this. I’m not dressed, I need to—’
‘You’re all right as you are. You just want to get away from me, trying to trick me again. I’m not taking you out of the house anyway, I’ve changed my mind.’
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