A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor

Author:Jodi Taylor
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781783751754
Publisher: Accent Press Ltd
Published: 2012-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Yesterday’s bravado had subsided, leaving a nasty, cold, empty feeling. I really wasn’t looking forward to my interview with Dr Bairstow.

There was no hint of the cosy armchair chat this time. He’d cleared his desk – never a good sign – and stared bleakly at me over the empty expanse. I wasn’t asked to sit. I stood before him, slightly tidier than usual and with a dawning realisation of what I’d done.

He contemplated me silently for what seemed like a very long time. Dimly, in the background, I could hear the rest of St Mary’s crashing through their working day. Up here, in his office, it was very quiet indeed.

After an age, he spoke.

‘When I promoted you to Chief Operations Officer, Dr Maxwell, I confess I did not think it necessary to apprise you of the sort of behaviour I would find unacceptable in a member of my senior staff. That I obviously did need to make this plain to you, leads me to believe I may have made a serious error in promoting you.’

He paused. I gritted my teeth and stared over his shoulder.

‘You appear to have committed a felony, and should Chief Farrell wish to proceed against you, I shall not interfere. Am I making myself clear?’

I nodded, waiting for him to ask that all-important question – why? Because I couldn’t tell him why. I could never tell anyone why.

‘The only thing at present staying my hand is that Chief Farrell telephoned me last night to inform me of your precipitate departure and expressing concern for your welfare.’

I wondered what Farrell had told him. How much did he know?

‘I advised him of the situation here and he is to return either later today or tomorrow, to assess the matter and proceed accordingly.’

I nodded again, waiting for him to demand my resignation. As usual, he read my mind.

‘I will tell you what I told him. I would not accept his resignation, and I will not accept yours, either. I neither know nor care what is happening between you, but you will find a way to work together. That is an order. Am I still making myself clear, Dr Maxwell?’

I nodded again, praying for this to be over soon. I’d had many bollockings over the years but his words were searing my soul with shame. True, I’d annoyed him once or twice, but I’d never disappointed him before.

I focused hard on the wall behind him.

‘Do you have anything to say?’

I lifted my chin.

‘I’m not sorry I did it. I’ll take whatever punishment comes my way, but I’m not sorry I did it. However, I am sorry to have disappointed you, sir.’

‘I will not tolerate such behaviour in my unit.’

‘I understand, sir.’

‘I suggest, Dr Maxwell, that you review your financial resources. The events of yesterday are going to cost you dearly.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Dismissed.’

I fled, and by a devious route, avoiding people wherever possible, made my way back to my room where Peterson was waiting with a mug of tea and a packet of tissues.

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