by Yirak, Laura
She pushed the squeaking gurney over to the wall and hit the button to exit the morgue.
“Have a good rest of your morning,” Jim said.
“You too!”
Alesta left listening to a loud clang as Jim pushed Mr. Hastings into the wall of the dead. Goodbye, she thought to herself. She thought of Jim and reminded herself. Rule number two, don’t eat your co-workers.
The next couple of hours went quickly for her. She answered the calls of other nurses for help and aided in the night time linen changes and patient baths. Weights had to be done in the morning for most accurate results. The ward was full. It would be a busy day for the day shifters. She popped her head into the room where her canceled admit was; she could smell fresh blood. Alesta put on some gloves and a mask. Dr. Mooney was inserting a very long needle into the patient’s wrist.
“Ahhh! Alesta, how are you?” The doctor never raised his eyes. “Can you hand me the arterial line tubing? The other nurse had to step out for a minute to get more sedation.” The sound of the breathing machine clicked away in the background.
“Sure, there you are.” Alesta handed it to him and he connected the two together. “Why didn’t he have one placed in the OR if he was critical?” she asked.
“Well he did. Someone wasn’t paying attention when they let down his rails earlier and it came out,” Dr. Mooney replied.
Alesta looked down; there was blood all over the floor under the bed. It had not been completely wiped up. The other nurse appeared in the room. She walked quickly over to the IV pump and spiked the new bottle of propofol. There were blood stains on her white tennis shoes.
“Joan, do you need any help?” Alesta looked at her; she was disheveled as if she had been running for hours.
“I need a holiday! Mexico? Seriously though, I’m fine, thanks for helping out while I was gone, I just need to chart that’s all and then I’m caught up.” Joan began to pick up after the doctor. He was washing up.
Alesta picked up the mess Dr. Mooney had left on the bed and tossed it in the red biowaste container.
“Call me if you change your mind. I’ve got fifteen minutes before I head home. I don’t have to give report to the next shift.” Alesta unmasked and washed her hands next. The doctor had already left. She followed after him. She walked over to Monica’s room. Monica was sitting at the computer station powdering her nose.
“Would you like a mint?” Monica asked.
“Ah, no thanks. So what did you have in mind for Friday?” Alesta sat next to her and pulled up the internet.
“Let’s go doon the toon, the High Street!” Monica said. Her face was perfect.
“We could…..or we could go to Glasgow and I’ll show you and Patrick some great places, with great atmosphere,” said Alesta.
“Ask Patrick, will he be there when you get in?” asked Monica.
“You know him; he’s always there when I get home. He takes great care of everything. He’s interviewing a new employee today for me. He asked for extra help around the B&B while he’s taking extra classes at the university.” Alesta looked at her watch; it was almost time to go.
“Is it anyone I know?” Monica asked in a disinterested tone.
“Judy something, um, man…..I’m tired,” Alesta said. “She used to work at the chapel shop, but business has been bad for the church lately. That’s all I know.”
An alarm sounded on the monitor over head.
“I‘ve got to go suction now, that’s all I have been doing all shift.” Monica made a huff sound and got up. “I will call you later, or tomorrow.”
“Aye, it’ll be fun!”
Alesta headed off to the locker room. She opened the locker room door and looked in. There was no one there and it was very quiet, the next shift was in report. She removed her shoes and placed them in her locker. She tossed her dirty green scrubs into the laundry basket. She walked around in her white lacy bra and matching underwear and stretched, then went over to the bathroom mirror and looked at her reflection. Alesta did not appear that tired and her cheeks were rosy pink. Her bun was a bit messy from the wind outside earlier and all the running around.
There was time for a quick shower. A few towels sat by in a cabinet by the shower stalls, but they were always so scanty. She removed her underwear and hung them on a hook across from her stall. She undid her hair and stepped into the white tile lined stall, and pushed on the water. It was cold to start but warmed up quickly. The hospital had great heating. Steam billowed out. She washed her long hair with the all purpose soap provided and the rest of her smooth skin. She stood and let the water rinse work away down the drain.
The rain came hard and cold. Alesta looked up to the dark grey sky and let water rinse away all the blood. She stood in the same spot for almost an hour till she felt an inkling to even move again.
The Manor was lit low and she entered.
William sat by the fire, “I want a painting done. I’m going to hang it right there. Now just look at the sight of you, your dress. Where have you been?”
“No where.”
“Well. What do you think?”
“About what?”
“My painting?”
Alesta gave no answer.
Chapter 2
The drive home would be busy as everyone else was on their way to work. Alesta avoided the freeway and cut through the High Street over the hill until she hit the woods. The sky was lightening up a bit. She drove faster. She passed numerous homes until they became more and more sparse and the woods thickened. She turned onto a narrow road. There was a weathered white sign off on the side of the road which read McKenzie Manor House Bed and Breakfast on Loch Lomond, with a picture of a bright purple thistle under the writing. It was paved most of the way till she got closer to her B&B, in which the road turned to gravel and the trees became a canopy blocking out the sky. If it were not for headlights one could easily drive off the path.
The long road ended in a large oval driveway. A grey stoned fountain sat in the middle of the oval. It was timed to run in the evening time so that the guests could view it during dinner. The Manor House was a long building, two stories high. Moss grew on the thatched roof. It was constructed of the same grey stone as the fountain. Ivy grew around the entrance and there was a sign hanging over head that matched the one out by the main road. It was illuminated by a cast iron lamp and was flipped to the side which read Vacancy.
Alesta parked in front of the B&B, the gravel crackled under the tires. She had to talk to Patrick before she retired for the morning. She opened her car door and unluckily stepped into a muddy puddle. She gasped and shook off her foot. She walked up to the heavy wooden door and turned the cast iron handle. It creaked open. Patrick was sitting behind the dark wooden reception counter. All she could see was the top of his short brown hair. He had a green glass lamp turned on and was reading a book. He looked up quickly with his friendly blue eyes and flashed Alesta a white smile.
“Good morning! How was your shift?” His voice was deep.
“It was busy, my patient died.” Alesta tapped her wet foot on the floor. “Can you fill in that puddle in the front there? I’m soaked.”
“Sure I will work on it today when it dries up a bit. Sounds like you had a rough night.” He watched her as she ran her fingers through her damp hair.
“Well it was the usual. Did we have any guests last night? I didn’t see any cars out front.”
“No, no guests. I’m sure we will have some tomorrow, Fridays are always good,” he replied cheerfully.
“You’re prepped for the interview today?” Alesta walked behind the counter and stood next to him, she pulled out a notebook that she wrote things to remember in. “Let me see, Judy Worth, that’s right. She sounded very pleasant on the phone when I set it up the other day. I want you to use your instincts, whether she’s honest, or not, I need someone reliable like you.” She turned and looked at him.
He grinned, “Thanks, I’ve written out all the questions. A
nd I’ve got it taken care of. Do you need anything before you retire? I can make you some breakfast, even though you always decline?”
“Ah, no thanks. I ate before I left work, I am taken care of.” She smiled at him. “I’m off, it’ll be light soon.” She went to the front door.
Patrick followed her and saw her out. She got into her car and drove back out the way she came in. She saw him wave to her from her rear view mirror. He had a strong build and he had muscled legs. He looked very good in a kilt. She drove about a quarter kilometer and made a right onto her private drive. Alesta lived in what was considered the guest house, which was divided from the main house. They were next to each other but separated enough so that she could have her privacy. A line of trees divided the two and they both over looked the loch. She had lived there for many, many years and it was about 10 years ago that she had decided to open up the B&B. She had been feeling lonely. The customers were varied and interesting she found.
She parked her beetle under the car port, and got out. The car port was a new addition to her home. Her place matched the Manor House in stone and ivy, even the front door was the same, but the interior was entirely different. The Manor was as every tourist would expect, stately, cozy and old. The wood was all original and when you stepped in, it was if you flashed back several hundred years. She had kept the original family tapestries on the walls and there were portraits of her late, late husband, William McKenzie, who was a feudal lord. It made a good amount of money for her on weekends and in the summer. She lived very comfortably.
Alesta’s home was very modern. She unlocked the front door and stepped onto a hard wood floor entry way. She walked down the hallway passing a bathroom and stepped onto a plush cream carpet. The living room had a spectacular view of the loch. She stepped over to the window and looked out, the sun was almost up. She closed the heavy curtains just as it reared its head. Red was her favorite color, she had a plush red high-backed, couch and love seat surrounding a granite fire place, her curtains were made of a golden silk, and there were gold framed oil paintings covering beige walls. She had gathered quite a collection over the years.
“Mitsy!” she called, “Here kitty kitty!”
A Siamese cat, with topaz blue eyes approached, it brushed its creamy coat against her jeans and purred. She bent over and wrapped her fingers around its chocolate tail.
“Are you hungry kitty? Let’s get you a wee bite to eat.”
She turned to the right and passed into the kitchen. She only kept food in when she was having company, otherwise the fridge held cat food. She opened up a can and emptied it into the two sided porcelain cat dish and added fresh cream to the other side. Cats in general couldn’t tolerate cream, but Mitsy could. The milk man still delivered fresh milk every morning. They paid a little extra for it but the guests loved it, Mitsy especially.
It was time for Alesta to retire for the day. She opened a door by the refrigerator and went down into the dark. There was a dry pine smell, she reached the bottom of the stairs and entered the wine cellar. It was a small room, stone walls and no windows. Racks lined the four walls from top to bottom. She had a diverse collection, from around the world. It had been a long time since she had tasted wine. The bottles just lay, dusty. She walked forward towards the left corner and put her hand behind the rack and pushed in on a small stone button, a narrow door opened, in the corner, wide enough for one person. She stepped through and pushed a similar button on the other side and it closed behind her.
It was dim, and there were two hallways, one to her left that led to the Manor and another ahead to her private world. Small lanterns lined the stone halls, not all were lit. She rarely used the passage to the main house and had almost considered bricking it off, but had decided not to. She continued down the dim candle lit hall and passed by many doors till she arrived at the last. It opened for her automatically. It was a small stone room with a coffin in the center and nothing else. It sat upon a raised black marble platform. It was made of gold and engraved roses ornamented all the edges. It had been a gift from the Count. It was all she needed. As she neared the lid slid open. The inside was lined with plush black silk and a long silk gown lay inside, she slipped it on. She stepped in and lay to rest; it was ironic that she had been claustrophobic in her early days. She looked up at the stone background as the lid slid to secure her slumber.
The phone rang at the front desk. Patrick answered.
“Hello! McKenzie House. How may I help you?” he said.
“Ah yes do you have any vacancies, I would like to book tonight, thru a week on Sunday?” It was a serious male voice.
“Yes we do, would you like to make a reservation?” He asked, as he turned on the computer.
“Yes please, do you need a credit card?” the gentleman asked.
“Yes.” Patrick took the number and name and entered the reservation into the computer. He hung up after explaining, check in time at three pm and check out time is at noon, breakfast is included.
The weekend was beginning to look hectic, it was his third reservation. One more and they would be full. Alesta would be pleased he thought. He picked up the phone and dialed. A machine picked up.
“Hello, this is Patrick at the McKenzie House. Claire, we will be needing a cook for the weekend. Please give us a call back when you get this. Thank you.” He hung up and dialed another number.
“Cannon’s Market, this is Penny, how may I help you?”
“Hi, this is McKenzie Manor House. I’d like to place an order for delivery this afternoon.” Patrick pulled out note pad from under the desk.
“Yes, Patrick! Let me get a pen. How are things?” Penny asked.
“Good, Good. It’s going to be a busy weekend. Finally,” he said. “What’s fresh today?”
“Oh we’ve got a good selection, lamb roasts, ham, nice steaks, and the usual selection of fruits and veggies.”
“We’ll take two of the roasts, a dozen steaks, a couple hams, you pick a good variety of fruits and vegetables, the usual, and we’ll need three dozen eggs and a couple loaves of fresh bread. That’s all if you could put it on our tab.” Patrick scribbled his order on a paper, he always liked to double check.
“Great, we’ll have it out there in a few hours. Thank you; call if you need anything else, ta!” Penny hung up.
The phone rang again. “Hello McKenzie House.” He looked up at the clock. It was almost ten am.
“Oh yes this is Claire, you called for a cook this weekend, when did you need me?”
“Ah yes Claire, sorry for the short notice, could you come, Friday dinner to Sunday lunch please,” Patrick said. He pulled out the interview questions and laid them in front of him.
“Oh that’s okay; no one else had booked me. I will definitely be there. What’s the dress code for this weekend?” Claire asked.
“Tartan as usual! Green.” He glanced over the questions quickly.
“Right, I’ll see you bright and early Patrick,” said Claire joyfully. She said goodbye.
Patrick was feeling a little overwhelmed but had it all under control. It had been slow all winter and now it was time to adjust to the spring and summer pace. He needed the extra help. His schedule at the university was demanding. He had asked Alesta to hire someone else a few months ago. She delayed, but he gradually convinced her. She was a very private person and a skeptic to outsiders, one day he figured she would open up to him. He had already interviewed a couple of people, but he got the sense that Alesta would not have liked them.
The bells jingled as the front door opened. He looked up. A short, curly white haired woman stood at the entry way. She had a long dark purple rain coat on and a genuine smile. Judy Worth was exactly on time. A good sign he thought.
“Hello there Patrick! I remember you when you were just a little school boy, but that has been many years now.” She put her hand out indicating his old height.
“Yes! How are you Mrs. Worth?” He stepped out from behind the counter and took her ha
nd and shook it.
“Oh it’s Ms. Worth, I never married. I am good, and very ready for the spring to show itself. May I hang my coat up Patrick?” She pulled it off revealing a mint green skirt suit and a cream blouse. She was matronly and looked very healthy.
He took it from her and hung it up in the coat closet behind the front desk. He grabbed his notebook and motioned for her to follow him. He led her into the Great Hall. It was a large long rectangular room with a massive homely fireplace at the end. It had held many a grand feast. Sometimes Patrick swore he heard laughing when he was alone in there eating lunch. They both sat down at the large long oak table.
“My, what delightful tapestries, and the view of the loch, what is that aroma?” Judy sighed; she looked up at the décor.
“It is chamomile with mint pressings and the hangings are all original. We try and keep the place as authentic as possible. The windows are not however, but Alesta had the glass specially designed to look as though it was antique.” Patrick opened the notes, flipped to his questions and got a pen ready.
“Shall we begin, oh would you like some water? He looked at her; she looked slightly nervous but was hiding it well.
Judy hid her hands on her lap, “Ah, no thank you, I just had a cuppa.”
“So, tell me why you applied for this job?” he asked.
“Well, I saw the advertisement in the paper, I was looking for a new career, and when I saw this job I thought it would be nice to live by the water. You see I don’t know how to drive and I could just be here and not worry about that.” She looked out the window at a distance. “I have very good customer service skills and I used to be a maid at a small hotel, when I was in my 20’s, I have fond memories of that job.”
Patrick continued with more questions, Judy was a very sincere woman and he got the sense that she would fit in quite well.
“Do you cook?” he asked.
“Oh yes, I am very good, or so people at the church tell me.” She smiled at him.