*
Sister Judy Mason beckoned over a junior nurse.
‘Do you know where Dr Newman is, Nurse?’
‘I think he’s in with Mrs Gibson, Sister.’
‘Would you tell him that when he has a minute, I would like a word with him.’
The Nurse hurried away to do her bidding. Sister Mason sat and thought. She was sure this was the same person. She recognised the soft, young voice. As far as she remembered Andy had said that this should be a hospital birth, not a home birth!
Within a few minutes a tired-looking Andy Newman walked up to her. ‘What’s up, Judy?’
‘Andy, do you remember you had a look at a young girl as a favour some months ago? She was here doing a translation job for the hospital. We confirmed that she was pregnant.’
He thought for a moment or two. ‘Oh, yes. Pretty little thing. Lucky husband. Yes, I think we said that she ought to go into hospital for the delivery. She’s a bit tight on space; there might be a problem.’
‘Well, she’s just rung in. She now lives in Fulham. She thinks things are happening and she can’t get in touch with her midwife. Her husband is away, and she doesn’t have anyone with her. I’ve told her to come in to us. Andy, she was put down for a home birth!’
‘What! That’s not a good idea. Yes, I think you’re right, Judy. When she gets here I’ll take a look at her.’
*
If she’d been feeling better, Catherine thought, it would have been quite comical to see the look of consternation on the face of the taxi driver when, on arrival, he noticed her condition, and their destination of the hospital. It was obvious that he was scared to death she would have the baby in his cab. They arrived without mishap, but Catherine disguised from him during the journey that she had experienced the sharpest pain so far.
She presented herself to Maternity Reception just as another bout hit her. She was given a chair, and a Sister she thought she recognised appeared, took one look at her and whisked her away to a side room.
This looks like the real thing, thought Sister Mason. Andy had specified that she was to be taken to a room which had most of the usual delivery apparatus but was kept for possible difficult births. It was also handy if a dash had to be made to the operating theatres.
Catherine had just been settled on to the bed when the Sister returned together with a doctor she recognised as the one she had seen the day she was working at the hospital. It was a relief to have a familiar face amongst all the strangers.
‘Mrs Hartman, I’m Andy Newman. I believe we met before, right at the beginning, when we first tested you. I want you to tell me what’s been happening and then I’ll have a look at you.’
She described to him how she had felt over the past few days.
‘Very wise of you to get in touch, my dear. From what you’ve told me I don’t think this is a false alarm. Baby seems to be in a hurry to arrive. I’ll just have a look at you and then the girls can make you comfortable and do the dreaded paperwork.’
A short while later, he requested a conference with Sister Mason.
‘I haven’t changed my mind, Judy. I think there could be trouble. I’m wondering whether we ought to do a C section anyway.’ He paused, and thought.
‘I think I might just give her a little while longer. Perhaps you could have her sorted out and ready. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Let me know if you need me.’ He turned to leave and then halted. ‘As she’s on her own, and it’s her first, perhaps we could arrange for someone experienced to be with her? I don’t want her too worked up. She seems to be coping at the moment, but things are going to get a whole lot worse.’
‘I was thinking the same thing, Andy. I’ll ask Margaret to stay with her. There’s no one on duty at the moment better suited.’
‘Yeah, good thing, Judy. I’ll be back soon.’
*
At breakfast, with Alex already making notes, Dougie was called away to the telephone to find Chief Inspector King on the other end.
‘A car is on its way to take you to Ardrossan. Sergeant Baird will be with you. Tell Alex I’ll be along for him in a while.’
Dougie went back to the restaurant.
‘My car’s on its way. King says he’ll be along for you in a bit. I’ll see you later Boss.’
‘Fine, Dougie,’ murmured Alex, still concentrating on his notes.
*
Much later, Alex had a picture in his mind of both the airport and Ardrossan. Dougie had returned from his visit to the harbour and reported the situation. Alex outlined his conclusions.
‘The B780 runs right by the harbour. Good for being picked up in a car. We’ll need someone covert in the harbour, on one of the vessels moored there. We also need people monitoring the road both ways to identify any possible vehicle. We’ll then need vehicles on the move to shadow into the airport.’
Alex looked up at Roy King. ‘We’d better sort out manpower for all this, Roy. Everyone needs to dovetail with each other.’
‘I’ll get Sergeant Baird in to help us work out who we need, and the vehicles, and then liaise with each force. Where do you want to be?’
Alex looked at Dougie. ‘I’d rather have you at the harbour, Dougie. I’ll take the airport.’ He looked again at King. ‘As soon as you know the personnel, I want a full briefing for everyone. I’m going to impress that if this person is from where we think, then he’s a pro. He’ll have a sixth sense for trouble, and I don’t want him spooked in a public place like an airport.’
‘OK, Alex. We’ll say eleven o’clock for the briefing. I’ve got the Coastguard involved as well, and perhaps they can send along a representative.’
Alex nodded. ‘Thanks, Roy. I’ll leave that to you.’
Dougie stayed with Alex, going over the plans again, but after a while he saw Chief Inspector King beckoning him over. They moved outside into the corridor.
‘You know you mentioned to me that Alex’s wife was expecting their first baby any time soon.’ Dougie nodded, apprehensive about what he might hear. ‘We’ve had a message come through from her to say she was going into hospital as she thought the baby had started. We’ve heard nothing further. Can Alex handle this news now, or should we keep quiet? You know him better than I do.’
Dougie gave a silent whistle. This would blow Alex’s mind if he knew, being so far away. He took a deep breath.
‘This caper means a fair bit to him, for various reasons. I think he needs all the concentration he can get. I’ll take a chance on not saying anything. Catherine’s in hospital, she has a doctor and nursing sister as close friends. She’s in good hands. Alex couldn’t reach her in time even if he left here now. Let’s hope the next thing we hear is good news.’
‘Right, we’ll leave it like that. I’ll make sure that any news that comes through goes by me and you, and not him.’
When Dougie went back into the room, Alex was sitting where he had left him, scribbling notes in a pad. Yes, he needed his concentration, thought Dougie; and hoped he’d made the right decision.
CHAPTER 16
Catherine had just experienced another bout of pain. A mature nurse was with her throughout, reminding her of what she had been told for coping with the pain, and offering words of comfort. Catherine was very grateful for her calm, steadying presence.
‘Let’s make sure we secure your jewellery before we go any further. It’s such a beautiful ring.’
‘Yes, I love it too. I’m never without it.’ Catherine looked at the ring and thought of Alex so far away, but the feel of it around her finger helped her to pretend that he was still close to her.
‘If we wrap it up in gauze and then put a piece of tape around, that should keep it safe, dear. Now, then, some of my ladies like to have music playing. I have a tape player and some tapes. Is there anything you would like to hear?’
‘Alex alway
s likes to listen to Rachmaninov. He says it calms him down. Perhaps it will do the same for me, Nurse!’ Catherine tried to laugh, but found it difficult to generate any real humour.
‘I’m sure we can sort out something you like, my dear.’ The nurse squeezed the girl’s shoulder, sensing her sudden anxiety. ‘My name’s Margaret, by the way. I don’t want you to worry about a thing. You’ll be fine. Andy won’t let anything happen to you, and I’ll stay with you all the time. We’re still trying the telephone number for your friend Mrs McIntyre, but so far no luck.’
Andy Newman was in and out, examining her, and having murmured conferences with the Sister and Nurse. Catherine had no idea of the time, it felt as if she’d been in hospital for a lifetime already. Another pain hit her, and she wished Alex was there. She gripped hold of Margaret’s hand, and the soothing words she heard were just as Alex might have said. This calmed her, and she hardened her resolve once more.
Out in the corridor, Andy was speaking to Sister Mason and a Staff Nurse.
‘It’s not ideal, but it’s near enough, and I think we’ll have to give it a go. We’ll see how she copes. If it’s all too much, we’ll get to theatre. Judy, you’d better warn Dave he may be needed.’
‘Already done, Andy.’
‘Right, shall we go for it, ladies?’
Catherine saw them come back into the room and sensed some sort of decision had been made.
Andy grinned at her. ‘Well now, my dear, I think we’d better get this show on the road. About time you saw this baby of yours, I think. Next time when you feel a contraction coming, sing out, and we’ll give you instructions from there on. OK?’
*
Catherine wasn’t sure how much more she could take. The effort of pushing when told, and coping with the pain, was beginning to take its toll. The gas and air helped, and Margaret’s soothing instructions, but at times Catherine felt she would pass out.
She heard Andy call out, ‘Catherine, you’re doing fine. Have a rest for a moment, but when the next one comes along try to push for all you’re worth. Can you do that for me?’
Catherine managed a rather weak smile and nodded. She felt Margaret bathing her face once more.
‘Let’s have some more music shall we, dear.’
The soft strains of the melodies Catherine knew so well from the quiet evenings at home, curled up in strong arms, filtered through to her mind. She always felt so safe when he held her. She needed those arms around her now, but they weren’t here! Somehow, she gathered her strength once more, and told herself she must use make-believe if she couldn’t have the real thing. She let the music fold around her, and imagined his warmth enveloping her.
Andy spoke in a low murmur. ‘We’ll give it a try, Judy. She’s starting to tire, and babe is getting stressed. If it’s no go, she’s straight into theatre. OK?’
Catherine called out and everyone took their positions.
‘Come on, sweetheart, you can do it for Margaret. We all want to see baby, don’t we? One mighty push and Andy will do the rest. Hold on to me as hard as you like.’
As the pain came again, Catherine gathered up reserves she didn’t know existed. It almost defeated her, then she felt a sudden sharper pain which made her cry out, followed by a feeling of release. As her mind drifted away, she thought she heard a thin wail.
*
Sarah rushed into Maternity Reception, still in uniform. ‘I need to see Catherine Hartman please.’
‘I believe she’s about to give birth. The doctor is with her at the moment.’ The interested nurse surveyed the different uniform. ‘Are you medical staff?’
‘My name is Sarah McIntyre. I’m a Nursing Sister at St Thomas’s.’
The young nurse sprang to attention and rushed off. She came back a moment later.
‘I think it’s just happened. Sister Mason says if you can wait a moment she will come and see you.’
Sarah stood where she was. It was over? Catherine had done it? Well, good for her!
She saw a uniformed figure coming towards her.
‘Sister McIntyre? I’m Sister Mason. I’m glad we’ve made contact at last. Mrs Hartman has just given birth to a baby boy. The baby is fine, but it’s been a difficult birth. The doctor is still with her at the moment, dealing with some procedures. She’s going to feel uncomfortable for some while, I’m afraid. She’s a plucky girl, it couldn’t have been easy for her on her own. Were you aware that her husband is away in Scotland?’
‘No! I had no idea. Poor Catherine, and even I couldn’t be here.’ Alex would be horrified, she thought.
‘As soon as the doctor has finished we can make her more comfortable and presentable.’
‘Can I see her, please? Just to let her know that I’m here at last.’
The other woman hesitated, and then smiled. ‘OK, as you’re in the profession, but keep it quiet. No celebrations just yet!’
Sarah followed her into the room. She moved over to the figure in the bed.
‘Catherine, my pet, it’s Sarah. I’m so sorry I wasn’t with you. You’ve been fantastic. You’ve got a little boy they tell me.’
The dark head turned towards her, and tired green eyes smiled at her. ‘Please tell Alex, Sarah.’ Then the eyes closed again.
Sarah looked back at the nursing staff. The doctor was still busy and didn’t acknowledge her presence. A nurse on the other side of the bed spoke to her.
‘Don’t worry, Dr Andy’s good. She’s a bit battered, but she’ll be OK. She did very well.’
‘You can say that again.’ The doctor had now finished his work, and looked at Sarah. ‘One of the competition, eh?’ taking in her uniform. ‘Your friend will be sore for a while, I’m afraid. We’ll keep an eye on her as she’s lost a bit of blood, but with a rest she should soon make that up.’ He turned away. ‘Right, I’ll just check Junior over, and then I’ll have a mug of tea, please, Judy. Do you want to have a peek?’ He beckoned Sarah over to a small cot. ‘Well, what do you think of that?’
Sarah looked down at the scrap of pink wriggling around in the covers. ‘He’s just marvellous. I do wish Alex was here. Has Catherine seen him yet?’
‘No. She went out like a light just afterwards. She’ll be back with us soon, and I’m sure Margaret will help them get acquainted. Do you want to let the father know?’
‘Oh yes. Can I use a phone somewhere?’
‘Sister will let you use her phone, I’m sure,’ he turned to the other woman in query.
‘Yes, come on. I need to arrange for that cup of tea anyway.’
Sarah followed her back to a small room off the main reception.
‘Your friend was lucky Andy was on duty. He’s the best, and she needed him. How anyone thought she could have had the baby at home is beyond us. She would have been in all sorts of trouble. Now, where’s that contact phone number. Oh yes, here we are. I’ll go and sort out the tea. Would you like one? Have you just been on duty, or are you going?’
‘No, I’m finished. I’ve just done a double shift. That’s why I wasn’t around when Catherine was trying to ring me.’
Alone, she began to dial the number. She was told that Inspector Hartman wasn’t available but the message would be passed through to him, and best wishes were to be delivered to the mother. The person on the other end sounded quite excited.
Nothing to how Alex would be, thought Sarah!
*
Catherine wasn’t quite sure where she was. She moved her legs, and felt a sharp pain.
‘Try to keep still my dear,’ said a familiar calm voice. Margaret was still with her.
‘Margaret, what’s happening?’
‘What’s happened, my dear, is that you’ve had a little boy, and if you promise to keep quiet I’ll bring him over to see you.’
Catherine remembered then. A moment or two later a small shape wr
apped in a soft blanket was placed on her shoulder. The little pink face was screwed up, but seemed to be making happy snuffling noises. Full of emotion, Catherine touched the little cheek with one hand, the skin felt warm. She looked up at the other woman.
‘Is he… is he alright, Margaret?’
‘He’s fine, my dear. Dr Andy has checked him over. We’ll let you have some more rest and then we’ll see about getting him his first feed. I gather your friend is passing the message on to your husband.’
For a moment Catherine felt very sad. Alex was missing all this, and she needed to see him. Margaret must have guessed her thoughts, as she patted her shoulder.
‘I’m sure it won’t be long before your husband is with you. Now try to get some more sleep. We’ll put baby in our nursery so you can have some peace.’
Catherine soon slid into an exhausted sleep. When Sarah came back from her phone call she indicated to a rather weary Margaret that she would stay and watch over her.
*
The briefing room was small, and people were packed in tight. Alex had decided to let Roy King and the local force representative lead the briefing, as these were their people; a gesture that was appreciated.
After a general outline of the whole operation, King explained the duties to be undertaken and allotted specific roles. Two people were to be placed on vessels moored in the harbour, to give advance warning of any movements. Traffic along the road couldn’t be stopped, but it was to be patrolled by four unmarked cars. A dog handler had been brought in to walk his dog in the general vicinity. Once the subject was identified and moving, the unmarked cars would follow. Plain-clothes police would be patrolling the drop-off area at the airport. The car would be tailed as it moved off again. Its passenger would be watched inside the building from various vantage points already identified by Alex. Any pick-up would be observed, and on leaving the airport building the arrest would be made, thereby causing the least disruption to members of the public.
At this point the Ardrossan end would also be closed down. The Coastguard would deal with the fishing boat. King informed them that extra assistance in identifying the fishing boat involved would be coming from an Air Sea Rescue Sea King helicopter, doing training in the waters around that part of the coast. At this comment, Dougie looked over at Alex, who gave a slight nod, and he surmised that such assistance had come via the man named Francis, who must have some clout with the Ministry of Defence. He knew Alex had been on the phone to him this morning.
Generations of Love Page 29
