“I’ll take care of it,” Laurel assured him.
Would she have said that with as much confidence a few weeks ago? She was different. Coming to Zentar had changed her.
Their patient let out a moan. Hopefully she was regaining consciousness. “What’s her name?”
“Melina.”
Laurel spoke in a soft reassuring voice. “Melina, I’m going to have to move you. I’m sorry if it hurts. I promise I’ll try to make this as painless as possible. I also have to remove your clothes.”
Tariq stepped away. Laurel lifted the woman as much as she could and removed an arm from the sleeve of a full cotton dress, then did the same with the other.
The husband sat candles around the area. It helped some but the light was still poor.
With an amount of work that made Laurel break out in a sweat, she removed the woman’s garment, always speaking to Melina as she worked. When she had Melina in nothing but her underclothes, Laurel proceeded to examine her. “I don’t see any obvious problems on her head, arms or legs.”
“Good.” Tariq’s voice came from close by.
Laurel rolled Melina to one side and checked her back, pulling the underclothing as far from the skin as the material would allow. Nothing. If she didn’t find something obvious soon, it must be an internal problem. In these primitive conditions that would make the situation more difficult.
She eased Melina down on the bed again. Reaching across her, Laurel rolled the woman toward her. Melina moaned.
“I’m almost done,” Laurel comforted her. Shifting the woman’s underclothes as much as possible again, Laurel checked her back for anything suspicious. Just under the woman’s shoulder blade was a large angry-looking area. In the center the skin was raised, with an advanced infection. No wonder the woman was sick.
“I found the problem. She has an abscess. It’s on her back.” Laurel covered Melina’s lower body with a blanket.
Tariq spoke to the man, who responded. Seconds later Tariq joined her, with the old man hovering nearby.
“Let me see,” Tariq said.
Together they rolled Melina toward them. “That is ugly. It must be lanced and drained right away.” He met her gaze. “You up for a little surgery?”
“I don’t think we have a choice.” Laurel helped him roll the woman back to the bed.
“We don’t.”
“We need to get her on her stomach and the rest of her clothing removed.” Tariq picked up his bag and started going through it. “We will have to improvise. We cannot wait. It will take too long to get an ambulance to this remote area. This needs to be done now.”
Tariq spoke to the man, who joined them. Tariq then said to her, “It will take all three of us to turn her. Her husband has agreed to help you remove her underclothing. Cover her with the blanket again.”
They all did as instructed and soon had Melina in the necessary position.
Tariq spoke to the man and he left by the front door. “I told him to heat some water.” He looked down at the woman. “Do you want to handle the surgery or shall I?”
“I’ll be glad to assist. I haven’t done anything like this in a long time.”
“We are thin on supplies but we will make do. See if you can find some clean cloths while I assemble what we need.”
Laurel hurried to the kitchen. After a short search she located where Melina kept her dish towels. Grabbing the stack, she hurried back to Tariq. She placed them on the bed and then removed one off the top and spread it over the bed.
“Thanks,” Tariq murmured his attention on the job at hand.
* * *
Tariq was impressed by Laurel’s anticipation of what would be required She was thinking through the problem, not depending on him to make all the decisions. Laurel was far more capable than she let on. Or that he thought she would admit to herself. That guy in college had really messed with her mind.
It had been a long time since he had performed surgery, and he had never done it under such primitive conditions. Working in a small dark house in the middle of nowhere and with nothing but his medical bag contents for supplies was a stretch. What he feared was that the patient’s condition would get worse if they did not do something immediately.
If only he could call an ambulance. But that would take over two hours to arrive. The road up the mountain it would have to travel was little more than a cart track.
As he assembled instruments Laurel redid vitals. “Her temperature is up.”
The man returned with a bucket of water and was busy heating it on the wood stove.
“I only have a few alcohol and iodine wipes. We will use those only when absolutely necessary. What I cannot work out is what to use for the drain tubing.”
“It’s a little large but how about the hose on the blood-pressure cuff?” Laurel looked at him for a response. “We can always do BP by touch.”
Tariq nodded. “That would work.” He picked up the blood-pressure cuff and cut as long a length of tube as he could then set it on the towel beside his other instruments. “We need to sterilize everything in the hot water. We also need to wash Melina’s back.” He was talking to himself as much as to Laurel.
The man brought a pot of steaming water to the bedside and set it on the floor. Tariq asked for soap. The man returned with it. Laurel took it from him. Picking up a cloth, she bathed the surgical field. Tariq asked for a bowl and began sterilizing instruments as Laurel scrubbed Melina’s back for the second time then wiped it with an iodine swab.
He met Laurel’s gaze. “I have one set of plastic gloves. We each get one. That means we will have to think and act as one.” Tariq handed her a glove.
“I understand.”
“Are you ready?”
“As I’m going to be.” She pulled on the glove with an unwavering look on her face.
“It is time. I will make the incision. You will need to mop up as we go. As soon as we can see, we will check for tissue damage then place the tube.”
Laurel nodded. “I understand.”
“Then we will begin.” Tariq poised the disposable scalpel over the swollen skin. Tariq nicked it. Melina groaned and Laurel dabbed as the infection flowed. Tariq enlarged the incision as Laurel grabbed another cloth. The smell of contamination filled the air. With the incision open, he placed the scalpel in the hot water.
“I’m going to press around the wound. We have to remove all the infection or we are doing no good.” Tariq applied pressure with his glove-covered fingers. Melina let out a sob of pain.
Laurel mopped the exudate. Tariq continued until finally more blood than infected material covered the cloth. “I am going to open the site and see if the infection has affected the tissue. You hold one side and I will pull from the other. That should make it wide enough for us to see.”
The old man brought another pot of water.
They did as Tariq had mapped out.
“It looks clean.” Tariq glanced at Laurel to see if she agreed. She nodded. “Now we need to flush it and insert the drain.” To the man he said, “We need a clean cup.”
Seconds later the man had placed one in his hand. Tariq filled it with clean water. He checked the heat against his cheek. It should be close to room temperature before using it in the wound.
“Let’s roll her on her side so it will drain well,” Laurel suggested.
“Good idea. Roll her toward us, that way we can see better.”
Happy with the temperature, he gently poured the water into the wound to irrigate it. The excess Laurel mopped up with a cloth. They continued the process for another five minutes.
Laurel dropped a wet cloth on the floor and picked up a clean one. “We shouldn’t close it. Just pack it and they can close it after she has been started on an antibiotic at the hospital.”
They settled the woman on her stomach again.
“I can do that.” Laurel wiped her glove on the cloth then started opening a package.
A few minutes later Tariq returned to find the drain in place and the wound packed. “One of us is going to need to go for the ambulance while the other stays with our patient.”
“That’ll have to be you. I don’t know the way back to the city and I don’t speak the language.” Laurel checked Melina’s pulse at her neck.
“This is not how I planned our evening to go.”
Laurel gave him a wry smile. “I have to admit it has been an unusual one.”
“I will leave now so that I can return as soon as possible. I will only drive until I get phone reception.”
She nodded, but looked a little unsure. Still, she said, “I’ll be fine here.”
He cupped her cheek. “You are a special person, Laurel. I would assist in your OR anytime.”
She smiled. “Thanks. You weren’t half-bad yourself.”
Tariq returned the smile then headed toward the door, stopping just long enough to speak to the man.
* * *
Laurel had no idea how long Tariq had been gone. The old man had brought her a chair. After she had cleaned up, she sat beside Melina. The woman’s temperature remained elevated and she had become restless. Laurel continued to take her vitals every fifteen minutes. The woman should be at the hospital, receiving IV antibiotics.
Today’s adventure was just another one in the long line of reasons why she didn’t belong in Zentar. Doing primitive surgery in a hovel of a house when she didn’t speak the language was out of her comfort zone—along with living in a palace and wearing an ancient wedding dress, and the list seemed to go on. They were all reminders that this was a temporary stop on her way back to America. All she needed was for funding to come through.
The man said something and left at dusk. Laurel assumed he’d gone to see about the animals. It had turned dark and the candles were burning low by the time he returned. Still there was no Tariq.
Out of the silence came the sound of something whirling. The old man opened the door and looked out into the blackness. She joined him.
A bright light shone on the field on the other side of the trees. The noise grew and wind blew the branches. It was a helicopter. Laurel stepped out into the yard, watching as the dark machine hovered above the ground then settled.
This she hadn’t expected. She’d been listening for a vehicle. How like Tariq to show up in the most dramatic fashion. But he’d come, as he had promised. Something that she learned about him was that he could be trusted to do as he said he would. That was the type of man she wanted in her life. Even if it was only for a little while.
Seconds later a figure came running toward her. It was Tariq. She knew his figure well.
“Laurel.” He took her into a brief hug. Everything about him was warm, steady and reassuring. “How are things here?”
“Melina is still unconscious. Her vitals have been good, but she’s in pain. It seems like forever since you left.”
With his arm around her waist he led her toward the house. “I hurried as fast as I could. It occurred to me about halfway to the car that this place is so remote that a helicopter was the most efficient way to get here.”
“Do you have one of those also?”
He grinned. “No, but I know someone who does. A couple of emergency staff are behind me with a stretcher. We will get Melina on the chopper and airlifted to the hospital. I also have somebody en route to drive her husband to the city.”
Tariq spoke quickly to the old man and they entered the house. The paramedics with a stretcher in hand came in right behind them. She and Tariq stood out of the way as they worked. Soon they were carrying Melina toward the helicopter.
Tariq spoke to the husband again and they shook hands. All Laurel could do was give him her best reassuring smile. Tariq took her hand. She picked up his bag and they left. It wasn’t until then that Laurel registered that the plan was for her to ride in the helicopter as well. She balked, jerking Tariq to a stop.
“What is wrong? Did you forget something?” Concern laced his words.
Laurel shook her head. “I can’t get on a helicopter! I’ll wait and ride down with the man.”
Tariq took her by the shoulders. “Yes, you can. I will be there with you. I will not let anything happen to you.” He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “This I promise.”
She studied him for a moment. Tariq had not let her down yet. She could trust him.
At her nod, he hurried her into the field. Tariq took his bag and stowed it before helping her into the helicopter. She took a seat in the middle, not wanting to sit beside a window or the door. Tariq moved past her and settled in the seat next to the window. He buckled her in and then himself. Melina was secured in the area behind them with the two men attending her.
“I know this is only your second flight but it is more efficient for Melina.”
“I know. But that doesn’t mean I like it.”
He gave her a reassuring smile. His arm came around her shoulders, pulling her against his firm side. He took her hand as the helicopter’s blades began to turn.
Tariq spoke directly into her ear. “Habibti, I think you are very brave. I was proud of you this evening. You are very special to me.”
If Tariq’s intent was to take her mind off what was happening, it worked. In a daze of pleasure, Laurel squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face in Tariq’s chest. They shifted to one side and then the other before the helicopter rose and moved off into the darkness. The steady thump-thump of Tariq’s heart eased her fear. Laurel clung to him like the life support he was.
Thankfully the ride was a short one. The helicopter descended and finally rocked to a stop. They had only been on the ground a few seconds before Melina was unloaded and in the hands of waiting medical staff.
Tariq unbuckled and then helped Laurel. After he climbed out, he offered her his hand. They were on a helicopter pad outside what she assumed was the hospital. Tariq put a hand on her head and ducked his as they quickly moved out from under the still-rotating blades. He then led her inside the three-story building and down a long hall.
“We need to go to Emergency to give a report.” Laurel worked to keep up with Tariq’s long strides.
“We are on our way. I also want to tell them to expect Melina’s husband. He is fearful and suspicious.”
In the emergency department they both gave an account to the attending doctor of what they had done, and he appeared both surprised and pleased to see Tariq. Laurel informed the doctor of Melina’s last vitals. Tariq then explained that the husband would be coming in and to see he had anything he needed.
He was not only generous where his family was concerned but his countrymen were as well. Why had she ever believe he was closed off emotionally?
They checked on Melina one last time. She was resting comfortably. Tariq directed Laurel toward the exit. “Nasser is waiting outside. I thought you would prefer not to ride home by helicopter.” There was a teasing note in Tariq’s voice.
She yawned. “You know me so well. I’m not sure you could convince me to get back into it.”
He took her hand and kissed the back of it.
Warmth flowed through her. “Did the old man ever realize who you are?”
“I don’t know.”
Laurel watched as they approached the lit-up palace. Zentar was a wondrous place. She had gone from little more than a hovel to a castle in less than an hour. “What do you think he’s going to think when he learns it was you?”
“He will be grateful that two doctors were driving by and his wife is alive.”
Nasser pulled into the courtyard and they were soon inside
the palace.
As they walked Tariq said, “You were great today. I am glad you were there with me.”
“I’m sure you could’ve taken care of Melina without me.”
“Maybe I could have, but it was nice to have your excellent skills as well.” They stopped at her door. “You must be exhausted.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Rest well, habibti. You have earned it.”
Laurel watched Tariq walk to the door across the hall and open it. Her breath caught. She’d been that close to him all this time. How was she supposed to sleep knowing he was so near?
CHAPTER EIGHT
ON MONDAY MORNING Tariq expected to see Laurel in the dining room. He waited half an hour at breakfast before he asked one of the staff if he had seen her.
“I believe she ordered something sent to her room a number of hours ago, Your Highness.”
“Thank you.” Tariq stood with the intention of checking on her.
Less than a minute later he knocked on her bedroom door. There was no answer. Tariq knocked again and there was still no response. Where was she? The lab. He phoned Nasser. “Did you take Princess Laurel to the clinic this morning?”
“Yes, sir. Is there a problem?”
“No. Pick me up in five minutes.”
“Yes, sir.”
Fifteen minutes later Tariq reached Laurel’s lab. There she was with her back to the door, filling a test tube. Tariq pushed the buzzer. She looked around and raised a hand.
Using the intercom, she said, “I’ll be out in a minute.”
He watched her remove her protective clothing. What he would not give to remove all her clothing. The taste he’d had of how beautiful her body was had haunted him the last two nights. He’d had big plans for the evening after their day together. They had been due to dine in the tower of the palace where the lights of the city could be seen. Then he had hoped that it might lead to her bedroom or his.
Instead, they had spent it attending to Melina. He did not regret that, was even glad they had been there, but his desire for Laurel had moved into an obsession. This morning’s drive to see her was a fine example. He should be in his office.
The Sheikh Doc's Marriage Bargain Page 12