The Girl Behind the Gates by Brenda Davies

Author:Brenda Davies [Davies, Brenda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781529374544
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Published: 2020-05-28T04:00:00+00:00

An hour later, she backs her way into the nursing station, with David Casey’s file tucked under her arm. Dale jumps up and gives her a broad smile. ‘OK, let’s try to catch up,’ she says. Then glances at her watch. ‘Oh, damn – just give me a minute.’ She snatches the phone and dials hurriedly. ‘Ellen? I’m so sorry. It’s been a bit hairy here. Do you think you could apologise to Nora for me? I’ll be there as soon as I can.’

‘No problem. She’s used to waiting around,’ Ellen says. Janet can tell she’s trying to sound breezy, but she doesn’t miss the hint of disappointment and resignation in Ellen’s tone. She can almost hear it – I should have known she’d be just like the rest – and can’t help but feel stung. An uneasy pause ensues.

‘I try not to keep anyone waiting,’ Janet says finally. ‘But sometimes—’

‘It’s OK. Honestly. Give yourself a break. I just don’t want you to lose her before she’s had the chance to start trusting you.’

‘I don’t want that either.’ Janet carefully replaces the receiver and runs her hand through her hair. ‘Sorry, Dale. Let’s just organise things for David, then maybe we could go through the cardex and get ourselves on the same page?’

She completes requests for investigations for David then sits back, thoughtful. ‘Dale, do you ever think about how patients were managed before we had all the resources and medication we have today?’

‘I do. And it makes my heart ache.’

‘Mine too. But can you imagine how it must have been for people like you and me when there was nothing they could really do? Awful.’ She picks up her pen and taps it on the blotter, feeling glum, but she knows there’s no room for wallowing during the day, and she forces herself to meet Dale’s eyes with a smile. ‘Right, I’m off. I’ll be back later. You know where to find me if David kicks off again.’

Janet cycles the short distance to Rowan, enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face, though her mind keeps returning to the phone call of the morning. She knows she has to do something about that. But what?

She parks up her bike and walks slowly to the entrance, composing herself to see Nora. Ellen is waiting for her just inside and greets her with a smile.

‘Sorry again that I’m late,’ Janet says. ‘You wanted to tell me something about Nora?’

‘She’s obviously been thinking and she seems willing to work with you.’ She pauses. ‘She’s had so many disappointments and betrayals, Janet—’

‘I’m not going to hurt her, Ellen.’

‘I know you wouldn’t mean to . . .’

Janet covers her impatience with a smile. ‘Let’s give it a go, shall we, and I promise I’ll be careful.’ They round a corner and Ellen points to the open door of a consulting room. Janet goes straight in and sits down opposite Nora. ‘I’m so sorry I’m late,’ she says, hoping that they will just be able to move past it.

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