The Consultant's Recovery by Gill Sanderson

Author:Gill Sanderson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781783753727
Publisher: Accent Press
Published: 2013-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

TANIA had to phone to cancel their next appointment. There was a mass of paperwork in the office to catch up on, and so it was a few days before she called on Jonathan again. She found him in very high spirits.

‘I've just had a wonderfully embarrassed phone call,’ he said. ‘It's quite put me in a good temper. The hospital Chief Executive Officer has had to call – he's a good chap, I feel a bit sorry for him. He tries to do his best in very often very difficult circumstances. Like me.’

‘You're a man, not a circumstance!’

‘I'm a circumstance as well. Anyway, apparently the hospital is responsible for my injuries. What I've suffered already could cost them thousands. And if I … suffer permanent damage then they'll be liable for much, much more. Costs could go into millions.‘

‘That must be nice for you,’ she muttered.

‘It isn't. For a start, I wouldn't take more than the minimum I need. I've got some feelings for the NHS and I don't like this victim culture: Anyway, I hope it won't be necessary. Now, what's the matter with you?’

‘Nothing's the matter with me! Why should it be?’ She knew her voice sounded defensive and that made her angrier than ever.

They were sitting in the kitchen, having a coffee that he had made, before they started on the afternoon's work.

‘Tania! I've told you, I'm getting good at hearing what's underneath voices. Something's upsetting you and I want to know what it is.’

She hesitated. ‘Promise not to get angry?’

‘You're always asking me that! And it's hard to do if I don't know what it is. What if it's something I ought to get angry at?’

‘Then that's your problem. I just can't deal with one of your tempers at the moment.’

Jonathan sighed. ‘All right, I promise. Now what's wrong?’

‘Well, for a start, this isn't Derrick's fault – I don't think so anyway. You know I've been living in the nurses' home at the school for the past twelve months? I'm not entitled to, and there are only four rooms altogether. Well, they've appointed a new nurse, and she wants the room. And she wants it soon.’

‘So you have to go flat hunting?’

‘I do. It shouldn't be much trouble, though. I travel light, I don't need a big place.’

He was thoughtful. ‘I see. You're sticking to your job, though? Not being scared off by Derrick?’

‘Not at all. Not yet anyway, though I might move on soon.’

‘And then what about us? What about me and you, Tania? Wouldn't you miss me if you went?’

‘I'd certainly miss you.’ She didn't even want to think about that. ‘I suppose I'd keep in touch with old friends.’

‘Friends? Aren't we more than friends?’

She knew he was playing with her and she didn't know how to handle it.

‘To be any more than friends would be taking advantage of your condition,’ she said. ‘We'll carry on as we are until … until …’

‘Just say "until",’ he advised. ‘Tania, I know you think my judgement might be affected because I'm blind.

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