3 The Surgeon's Blade

by Faith Mortimer

  “I can actually. My father suffered from clinical amnesia just before he died. It was so frustrating for him not being able to remember from one day to the next.” Robert’s voice was soft.

  “That’s sad. Poor man. I can remember where I live. I know I work here, but that’s still a bit hazy, and I can’t go back to work yet.”

  “What about at home? Do you have someone to look after you?”

  “No. I live alone.” Libby thought about what Nigel had told her. Moving in with him seemed the most obvious thing to do, but was it what she wanted? She considered it was too soon to make such a commitment, especially as she couldn’t even remember agreeing to it.

  “What about relatives, parents? Any brothers or sisters who’d have you stay with them for a spell?”

  Libby shook her head. She felt a wave of misery wash over her. “No, I haven’t any – which I do remember. My parents were both killed in a car crash, and I have no brothers or sisters.” Libby thought for a moment before continuing. “I do have a cousin who lives in Cyprus. But she’s got a full-time job on one of the Army bases there, and I’m sure she wouldn’t want to be saddled with me.”

  “What a coincidence. So have I! My cousin Diana is a writer and lives half way up a mountain. I wonder if they know each other, as it’s not a very large island. She’s coming over in a few days’ time to stay. Anyway, getting back to you, we’ll just have to make sure you have enough friends to keep an eye on you. I know you may think I’m being presumptuous, but in a funny way, I feel responsible for you.”

  Libby felt her face grow hot as she flushed in embarrassment. “There’s really no need—”

  He gave her another warm smile. “I know, but all the same I do. Please consider me a friend. I realise you don’t know me from Adam, but I am quite sincere. Look, here is my card and telephone number.” Robert dug around in his jeans pocket and withdrew a wallet. “Please keep this. I would be honoured if you let me help you in any way.”

  “You really are kind, but I couldn’t possibly.”

  “Couldn’t possibly what?” asked a voice from the doorway.

  “Nigel! You made me jump.”

  “Couldn’t possibly what?” he repeated, coming into Libby’s room and giving her a possessive kiss on the lips. Before Libby could register her surprise, he queried, “Darling, who’s your visitor?”

  Robert stood up and extended a hand to Nigel. “Robert Cheesman.”

  Nigel ignored his hand. Instead he looked at Libby, clearly waiting for an answer.

  “Robert is the helicopter pilot who rescued me. He’s come to see how I am.”

  Nigel visibly relaxed and belatedly offered his own hand in greeting. “Sorry, old chap, but we’ve been having some odd things happening in the hospitals lately. You can’t be too careful who you let in nowadays. Security has been stepped up.”

  “No, indeed.”

  While the two men talked above her head, Libby struggled to understand what Nigel meant. She vaguely remembered having a conversation with someone – a male friend, probably Jem, recently about something shocking happening at a hospital, but try as she might, her memory drew a blank.

  “You guys do a tremendous job, out in all weather. Thank you for rescuing my fiancée.”

  Robert looked at Libby as he registered Nigel’s proprietary words. “I’d better be on my way. I’m so glad you’re getting your memory back, Libby. Take care of yourself and remember: you know where to find me.”

  Libby couldn’t help feeling disappointed as Robert made for the door. “Thank you, I’ll remember.”

  Once he had gone, Nigel walked over to the door and closed it firmly.

  “That’s better. Now we can have some privacy. You didn’t answer my question, my love. What couldn’t you possible do, and why did he mention about knowing where to find him? You don’t know him, do you?”

  For some reason, Libby didn’t want to explain her conversation with Robert to Nigel. Robert’s card was tucked away in her hand, and she surreptitiously put it under the bed clothes.

  “Oh, I can’t remember! How silly, and here was I believing I was getting better. I’m sure it was nothing. I don’t know why he said that. Perhaps he was being polite.” Libby hated telling lies, but if she was honest with herself, she felt annoyed with Nigel. Despite being engaged – and she still didn’t feel that she was, somehow – she was her own woman and entitled to talk to whomsoever she pleased. Apart from that, Nigel’s manner had been rude when he had ignored Robert’s outstretched hand. She slipped the card under her pillow and smiled at Nigel. “Tell me about your day. Have you had a hard day in theatre?”

  Chapter 5

  As Robert left the ward, he was thinking of Libby. How extraordinary to think that, of all the people in the world, he should rescue her. Ever since that first brief meeting about five or six weeks ago, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind.

  Since then, he had seen her but only from a distance. Before today, he didn’t know whether she would remember him, especially as they had only exchanged a few words that first time at the library do. When he had seen her around the hospital at other times, she had been far too engaged in her nursing duties.

  Libby interested him, and it was a while since any woman had truly caught his attention. All he needed to do now was to make sure he gained her confidence.

  Chapter 6

  Summer was at long last upon them. The previous months’ bad weather finally heralded in some glorious sunny days with temperatures in the eighties.

  Libby was going home today. She was enjoying life once again. She had regained almost all of her memory and felt much happier and more confident than a week ago. She was even ready to go back to work and was looking forward to seeing her old friends again.

  Nigel was tied up in London that day, so he couldn’t give her a lift home, and Jem was away on holiday in Crete. Nigel explained he often stayed up in London, especially when there was an appointment book full with back to back private consultations at his Harley Street Clinic. Libby didn’t mind going to her flat alone and looked forward to rediscovering her home. Her lack of transport hardly mattered, as taxis were plentiful and not too expensive. She found a number for one of the local companies and was just about to ring when there was a knock on her door.

  Glancing up, she felt a frisson of excitement go through her. Standing in the doorway, with a ridiculously happy smile upon his face, was Robert.

  He took one look at the small suitcase resting on the bed. “It looks like I’m just in time to catch you. Staff nurse said you’d been discharged.”

  “Hello, Robert. Yes they’ve decided I’m fit enough to go home.”

  “That’s good news. And what about your memory? Is it all back?”

  “Nearly all, some things are a bit murky still, but I’m almost 100 per cent better. What are you doing here?”

  Without pausing, he replied smoothly. “I’ve been visiting someone on the medical ward for some time now, and I thought I’d call in on the off chance you were still here. Lucky for me, wasn’t it?” he said, giving her a grin.

  She nodded. “Another few minutes and I’d have gone.”

  “So, how are you getting home? I presume that’s where you’re going. Is your fiancé coming to collect you?”

  Libby thought for a moment. She was certain Robert would offer her a lift home once he knew she was planning on taking a taxi. She didn’t know anything about him. He was a stranger and yet, she believed there was something decidedly nice and trustworthy about him. If he suggested he run her home, she could always tell the ward staff on their way out. They knew exactly who he was. After all, it wasn’t everyday a helicopter rescue pilot popped onto their ward. “Actually no. He’s at his London clinic. I’m getting a taxi.”

  “Libby, please let me drive you. Save your money.”

  She dithered. “I don’t want to put you to any trouble.”

  “It’s no trouble. I have the day off anyway, and I’m n
ot doing anything else. I said before you could count on me. Which area of Southampton do you live in?”

  Libby named the area, and he gave a big smile. “That’s on my way home, so it’ll be no trouble for me. Come on, it’ll save you calling for a cab.”

  “Thank you, and if it’s really not a problem for you, that’ll be really great.”

  ~~~~~

  On the journey through the Southampton streets, Libby looked around as familiar surroundings flashed past her window. It seemed ages since she had first been admitted to hospital, and she was happy to sit quietly taking everything in. She remembered the route, realising it was the one she took every day for her journey into work. She relaxed and settled back in her seat with a faint smile upon her lips. Nigel was right: she just needed a short while to recuperate, and everything would soon return to normal.

  Robert was the first to break the silence. “I’ve just had a thought. I don’t suppose you have any food in the flat?”

  Libby shook her head. “No. Only a few tins and packet stuff”

  “So how’s about we stop off at a supermarket on the way and get some supplies in? You won’t feel like going out again later, I bet.”

  “You’re right, but what about you?”

  “What about me? My mission today is to get you safely home. But there’s no point if you starve to death, is there?”

  “I suppose not.”

  “Right that’s settled then. Now would you like to join me in a pub lunch first, or shall we just get you some groceries?”

  Libby shook her head again. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather just get home. I’m eager to see my place. Thank you for the offer anyway.” She felt a bit shy as she made the next suggestion. “If we get something for lunch, we could share it at home. I have a small garden that’s nice and sheltered, and we could eat there.”

  “Sounds good to me. Al fresco it is then.”

  ~~~~~

  For the first time since her accident, Libby relaxed. It might have had something to do with the half pint of cider that accompanied her salad and rotisserie chicken. Robert’s company was soothing too. He was fun, easy-going, and allowed Libby her moments of silence when there was a lull in the conversation.

  They were sitting in reclining chairs with the remains of their picnic lying on the table next to them. Libby’s cat, Rommie, looked excited on seeing her mistress home again and sat on her lap purring with contentment. Libby was happy to listen to Robert tell her about his interesting work and the foolhardiness of the public.

  “You’ll never believe half of what people get up to,” he said. “I’ve been called out to all manner of ‘emergencies’ from sinking boats to people trapped on cliffs with a rising tide to literally hundreds of owners and their motor boats whose engines won’t start. They all forget they have a perfectly good anchor and could easily put it down to stop them drifting onto rocks while they take a look at their engine. Some people are completely clueless when they’re at sea.”

  “It’s amazing there aren’t more deaths in that case,” she said, while picking at a small bunch of grapes.

  “Yes. But you’re forgetting Solent Coastguard has the best pilot around when it comes to safety,” he laughed.

  Libby joined in his laughter, and as she did their eyes met, stillness falling upon them. They sat in silence, gazing at one another, surprised at their reaction.

  “Libby.”

  “Yes?” she said softly.

  “Can I see you again? Would you have dinner with me one night? Tonight or any night you like.”

  Libby wasn’t sure how to respond. She liked this man and enjoyed his company, but what about Nigel? He insisted they were an item. He had given her a ring apparently. She prided herself on being an honest woman. If she went out with Robert what might happen? She could feel there was an attraction between them. She couldn’t two-time her fiancé. She felt a telltale flush rising in her cheeks.

  As if he could read her thoughts, he carried on. “I realise you’re engaged. But I like your company, and there’ll be no strings attached. I’m not sure I’m looking for a full-blown relationship anyway. And before you say anything, I’m not one for stealing another man’s woman. I promise you.”

  “It’s not that. I do trust you. I’m not sure that Nigel will quite see it that way though.”

  “Okay. I won’t pressure you. But you still have my card, right? Please call me if you change your mind. By the way, is there any chance I could have your number? We’re holding an open-day back at the base later in the month, and you might like to visit. I’m not sure of the date, so I could ring you to confirm it, if you’re interested?”

  “That sounds fun. I’d like to see inside your helicopter from a different position, not lying prone! Hang on. I’ll get a piece of paper and jot it down for you.”

  Libby walked back indoors to find a pen and paper. What was she doing? she asked herself. If Nigel got to know, she was sure he would be insanely jealous. She did have other male friends – Jem and Simon, for instance, but they were partners, and she knew Nigel wouldn’t look on them as possible rivals. She decided to stop dithering and made up her mind. She jotted down her home and mobile numbers on a scrap of paper and took it out to Robert.

  It was getting late. Hearing the increasing traffic noises on the street outside, she guessed people were already making their way home. Libby didn’t particularly want the day to end. She liked Robert. It was a rare thing to feel so relaxed with a comparative stranger. Even the cat was relaxed in his company. She was just about to suggest they had some tea when her doorbell rang.

  “Wait there. I’ll see who it is,” she said, standing up.

  Libby opened her door and found a grinning Nigel standing on her doorstep, clutching an expensive-looking carrier bag in his hand.

  “Surprise! I had a couple of cancellations. I thought we could have a nice quiet evening on our own or go out for dinner if you prefer, darling.” He dropped the bag and wrapped his arms around her and drew her into a long passionate kiss. “Mmm, how I’ve thought about you all afternoon. London was hellish, and one night away from you is enough. I’m glad I didn’t stay for a second.”

  As they drew apart, he looked at Libby. “You still look a bit pale, my love. I think it better that we stay in, don’t you? It’s such a pity you won’t move in with me just yet. It would be so much more convenient. By the way, I’ve bought you a present. You can model it for me later.” He held up the carrier bag, and Libby read the words ‘Mode Sensations’ on the outside.

  “Oh, thank you. I’ll take a look in a moment, as I was just about to make some tea—”

  “Splendid idea. Where shall we sit, in the garden?” Nigel removed his tie and tossed it down on the hall table, already moving towards the open French windows.

  Libby lingered just long enough to hear Robert greet Nigel. She didn’t wait to hear Nigel’s reply, but busied herself making tea. Bother! Despite being pleased that Nigel had made an effort to get back to see her, she didn’t know how he would react on meeting Robert again. It was one of the first things she had discovered on regaining her memory; he was extremely possessive.

  She pondered over the situation while she laid the tea tray. Well, there wasn’t one really. Robert had been decent enough to pick her up from the hospital and bring her home. They had chatted like old friends all afternoon. There was nothing wrong with that. Hopefully, Nigel would see it that way.

  “How do you like your tea, Robert?” she asked, setting the tray down on the garden table. The cat was nowhere to be seen. She noticed their leftover picnic and plates. Nigel couldn’t fail to notice she had entertained Robert earlier.

  “Well, I was about to go actually. Time is getting on.” Robert stood up as if to leave.

  “Are you sure? Wouldn’t you like to stay for some tea? Nigel, I don’t know if Robert has told you, but he very kindly gave me a lift home today.” She turned her attention to Nigel.

  “So I understand. His arriv
al was most fortuitous, it would seem. I haven’t thanked you yet for taking care of my fiancée once again, have I?”

  Libby knew from the tone of his voice he wasn’t happy. “Robert was visiting a friend in hospital and called on the off chance that I’d still be there. As he was almost passing my door, he offered me a lift.” She had done it again! Fabricating the truth where Robert was concerned. She had no idea where Robert lived.

  “I see. Well, as I said, it was lucky he found you still there. Have you decided where to eat out tonight? You need to get ready soon, as you probably won’t want to make it too late a night. You can wear the new dress I’ve bought you.”

  “But I thought you said we’d eat in—” she began.