3 The Surgeon's Blade

by Faith Mortimer

  They made their way through the crowd, and within a minute, Libby spotted Jem’s head towering above everyone else’s.

  “Jem!” she called. “Over here!”

  Jem swivelled his hand round at the sound of her voice and gave a cheery wave of recognition. “Libby, you’ve got to grow a bit more. Five foot three is not tall enough to get you noticed.” He looked at Robert curiously. “Hi, I’m Jem.”

  “Robert.”

  Recognition dawned on Jem’s face. “Ah! You’re the pilot I’ve been hearing all about!”

  Blushing, Libby shot Jem an irritated look.

  “In that case, I guess I am.” Libby squirmed inside hearing the amusement in his voice.

  “We’re just along here. It’s a good spot, as it’s slightly raised so you can see the stage without craning your neck, and the tree gives some shelter if it’s windy.” Jem gave Robert another interested look. “Perhaps you’d like to join us? I’m sure Libs won’t mind, and I know Simon would love to meet you.”

  “That’s very kind. I’m supposed to be meeting my sister around here, but there’s no sign of her yet. Perhaps I could tag along until I spot her, if that’s all right?”

  “It’s all right with me. Libby?”

  “Of course,” she murmured. “Why not?”

  On reaching their spot, they found Simon had already organised their area. The blanket was spread beneath the branches of the tree and the chilled champagne looked inviting resting in the cooler. Simon eyed Robert a little suspiciously until Jem introduced him as Libby’s new friend and rescuer.

  “Ooh. We’ve heard all about you, haven’t we, Jem? You must be so brave flying in of those helicopters. Me? I don’t even like climbing towers, let alone get up in one of those things. Glass of champagne everyone?”

  They all agreed a spot of bubbly was needed to celebrate the occasion – their first outdoor concert that year. Libby sat down in one of the chairs with Robert sprawled at her feet. With less than ten minutes to go before the start of the concert, there was still no sign of his sister and husband.

  “They’re cutting it a bit fine,” he said, when Libby mentioned their whereabouts. “I think I’d better give them a call.”

  He reached into his trouser pocket and withdrew a mobile. He pressed a few buttons. “Funny. There’s no answer. I’ll try Graham’s number.”

  A minute later, he looked puzzled. “I can’t understand it. They always have their mobiles with them. If there’s one thing you can be certain about Stephanie, it’s that she will carry her phone around with her. Even into the bathroom, so I’m told.”

  “Perhaps they’re still driving, and they’re in a blind spot.”

  “Mmm. Maybe. I’ll give it another go in a minute.”

  While he was doing this, there was a round of applause as the conductor strode out onto the stage. Once the noise had died down, there were a couple of announcements, and then the concert began. Halfway through the third aria, Robert’s own mobile began to vibrate in his pocket.

  “Yes, yes. Robert Cheesman. Stephanie Black is my sister…she’s what? My God, when? I see…yes…yes…I’ll come straight away.”

  Springing to his feet, Robert captured everybody’s interest, the concert forgotten.

  “What is it?” Libby asked gently, laying a hand on his arm. His face was completely white.

  “It’s Stephanie…she’s injured…they had a car accident on the way here. A lorry ran into them apparently. She’s—”

  Alarmed, Libby sat forward in her chair. “Where is she? Southampton General?”

  “Yes. I’ve got to go.” He turned in confusion as if looking for the way from the park, dragging a hand through his hair, as if not quite knowing what to do first.

  Libby took a split second to decide he shouldn’t drive alone. “I’ll come with you.”

  “No, no. You stay and enjoy the concert. This doesn’t concern you.”

  “Yes, it does. You’re my friend. You helped me when I needed someone, now I’m going to help you.”

  “Libby’s right, Robert. It’s best if someone goes with you. You need some support and company. Shall we all come?”

  “Honestly guys, no. I’ll be all right.”

  “Even so, I’m coming with you.” Libby stood up, and Robert gave her a grateful look.

  “Thanks,” he said weakly. “We’d better get moving. Bye fellas.”

  Simon and Jem shook hands with Robert and wished him well on his sister’s behalf.

  During the journey to the hospital, Robert looked tense and worried. Libby could only imagine what torment he was going through. After a minute or so, he broke his silence.

  “Stephanie is my only sister. We’ve always got on so well, I don’t know if I can handle…”

  Libby laid her hand on his arm. “Sssh. Let’s wait and see, shall we?”

  Robert gave her another grateful look and catching hold of her hand, gently squeezed her fingers. “I really do appreciate you coming with me. I’m not very good with hospitals. Ever since our parents died, I suppose.”

  “I understand. I think the majority of people who’ve watched a loved one die feel the same. It can be so hard.”

  “They never mentioned Graham. Oh God, I forgot to ask! How could I have forgotten?”

  “Perhaps he’s okay. Surely they would have said something if he’d been injured too?”

  Robert gave a huge sigh. “Steph adores him. He’s a terrific guy. He’s built like the proverbial brick shit house and plays rugby. He’s always been more than a brother-in-law, more of a friend really.”

  He lapsed into silence once more until they arrived at Southampton General. He eased his car into a vacant spot, and they dashed through the Accident and Emergency entrance. After making enquiries, Robert was informed that Stephanie had been admitted to intensive care. Libby thought his face turned even paler as the implications sank in.

  “Come on. I know the way,” she said, taking his hand in hers. “You’ll feel better once you’ve seen her.”

  The ITU was fully modernised and equipped. Despite working in a hospital, even Libby waited in trepidation for a staff member to admit them onto the unit. Robert was escorted to his sister’s bedside while Libby waited near the unit’s office. She knew the staff well and was thankful she remembered everyone on duty by name and sight. Libby decided her memory was almost all back. The only things she was sketchy on were falling overboard and part of her relationship with Nigel, which was strange. She didn’t mind too much; things could have been a lot worse.

  “So, how do you know my patient’s brother then? He’s pretty fit by the way,” the chatty staff nurse on duty asked Libby with a smile, while they stood outside the ward office. “His face looks familiar somehow. Does he live locally?”

  “Not in Southampton, he lives out in the country.”

  “I just get the feeling I’ve seen him here before.”

  “He did have a friend on one of the medical wards recently. He told me he visited them there quite regularly. I’m not sure if the friend is still in here or has gone home.”

  “Perhaps that’s it. He could have used the canteen or something.”

  After a few minutes, Robert wandered back down to where Libby was chatting with the staff nurse. During their conversation, she had discovered that Stephanie was now conscious and suffering from a broken leg, mild concussion, and some internal injuries.

  “The duty surgeon believes she will lose her spleen,” the nurse explained. “She’s scheduled for surgery later today.”

  Robert looked worried at this statement. “What exactly will that mean? Can you live without one,” he asked.

  “Yes. Plenty of people do. There are some complications, however.”

  “Like what?” He looked stricken.

  Libby grabbed his hand. “It’s not all bad, Robert. Look, the spleen is a small organ that aids warding off infections by creating antibodies and removing bacteria from the blood. If Stephanie has her spleen r
emoved, there is an increased risk of infection. A person can live a long, healthy life without the spleen. When it’s removed due to injury or for a transplant, other body parts, such as the liver or lymph nodes, begin to play a bigger role in the immune system. But as a result of not having a spleen, your body becomes more susceptible to illness. Without a spleen, infections can be deadly if not treated right away. Her physician will probably recommend Stephanie taking antibiotics daily and receiving additional vaccinations.

  “That’s terrible,” he muttered.

  “Yes, but liveable-with. If she’s healthy otherwise, there’s no reason why she can’t live to a ripe old age.”

  He looked down at his feet. “Libby, would you like to come and meet my sister and Graham?”

  “Yes, of course, if that’s all right with you?” she looked at the staff nurse, who nodded.

  “Thankfully, Graham’s all right. Can you believe it? All he sustained was some cuts and bruising. Apparently, the lorry pulled out onto the roundabout without looking and ploughed right into them. Steph was nearest to the impact.” Robert told her as they made their way to Stephanie’s bedside. “Talk about being lucky. Here we are.”

  “Stephanie, Graham, this is Libby.”

  Curious eyes were turned to Libby as she contemplated the slight figure lying under the sheet. Libby recognised all the tubes and medical equipment attached to Stephanie and understood Robert’s concern. Sitting next to her bedside, was a well-set man. His meaty hands were clasped, holding one of his wife’s.

  “Hello.”

  Stephanie’s face was thankfully free of cuts. Libby estimated her to be about her own age: thirty-something. She had a pretty face with eyes the same colour as her brother’s and long dark hair. Despite her obvious discomfort, she studied Libby with interest.

  Graham stood up and took Libby’s hand in welcome. “We’ve heard all about you and your rescue and recovery.”

  Stephanie smiled wearily. “Yes, a most romantic way to meet my brother. I’m really pleased to meet you, Libby. Robert has done nothing but talk about you.”

  Robert looked embarrassed and turned to Libby apologetically. “They’re making it all up you know. I’ve only briefly mentioned you.”

  Graham and Stephanie smiled. “Yeah, only in every other sentence. My wife is pleased that he’s finally met someone again who ca—”

  “Hey, steady on. We don’t want Libby getting the wrong idea.” Robert turned to Libby. “Please don’t take any notice of them. They’re always trying to matchmake on my behalf.” He turned back towards his sister. “I forgot to tell you that Libby is engaged – to a surgeon from here as a matter of fact. We are just friends. Okay?”

  “We’re not here to talk about me. How are you both?” Embarrassed by the personal conversation, Libby moved nearer the bed.

  “I’m fine. It’s Stephanie who’s come off worse.”

  “Thank you, Libby. I’m okay, a bit uncomfortable. I got a shock when I woke up in here. I’d never imagined I’d end up in ITU.”

  “You’ll be moved into the main surgery ward after your op, I expect.” Libby said. “At the moment it’s full, which is probably why you’re here.”

  “So they say. Anyway, it’s very kind of you to accompany my brother here today. He loathes hospitals. I’m only sorry we didn’t get to the concert, and you’ve missed it.”

  “It’s only a concert, there’ll be plenty more,” Robert said.

  “All the same, we’ll go to another one as soon as I’m able.” Stephanie stifled back a yawn.

  Libby noticed Stephanie was getting tired. The shock and stress from the accident was taking its toll. It was time for them to leave her to rest.

  “Thank you for coming. We’re so pleased to have met you. As soon as I’m home, Robert must bring you over for dinner one evening.”

  Robert looked at Libby who nodded in agreement. “That would be lovely. Good luck with your surgery today. You’ll probably end up on my ward.”

  Graham saw them to the door. He was patently worried about Stephanie, and Libby did her best to console him. Despite his size, she could see he was a gentle giant, and dearly loved his petite wife. “I don’t know how long she’ll stay in, but I promise to make sure my staff keeps a special eye on her if she comes on my ward.”

  ~~~~~

  “When are you back at work, Libby?” Robert asked, once they were back on the road.

  “I’m not sure, to be honest. At the moment, I’m enjoying my free time at home. Luckily, I have plenty of leave I can use, even if the hospital decides I’m well enough to go back in the next week or so.”

  “That’s good.” Robert manoeuvred the car around a cyclist. “Why do they wobble so when you overtake them?”

  “Mmm. I always find cyclists scary.”

  “Thank you for coming with me today. I appreciated your company. As Steph said, I detest hospitals. It’s probably after watching my father die.”

  “That must have been horrible.”

  “Yes. Not only did he lose his memory, but he had the dreaded big C too.”

  Libby flashed him a look of sympathy.

  “Look, as we’ve missed the concert, and I do feel guilty about spoiling your fun, how about we go and have some dinner together? I know a great little Italian restaurant not far from here. You must be starving. I know I am.”

  “That would be very nice, thank you.”

  He gave a laugh, and Libby asked him what was so funny.

  “Well, it seems despite your fiancé’s efforts, I am going to be allowed to take you out to dinner after all and without any manoeuvring on my part! Sorry, I’m being mischievous. I’d like to see his face though. He would not be amused.”

  Libby smiled, but a small niggle of doubt crept inside her. What if Nigel returned home early? He didn’t even know she was supposed to be with Jem and Simon that day. She shrugged. It was her life and not his. She never knew what he got up to when he was away on business, and there had to some kind of trust between them. “Italian is one of my favourites.”

  Chapter 9

  Robert surprised Libby with his knowledge of food. The restaurant he had chosen was almost hidden down one of the back lanes of Southampton, and Libby certainly wasn’t aware of its existence. As they entered the establishment, the owner greeted Robert like an old friend, and she knew instantly that Robert was a frequent patron of Alfredo's.

  Alfredo slapped Robert on the back with affection and then turned his black, beady eyes upon Libby. A delighted smile greeted her as he took in her elfin looks and slim curvy body.

  “Signorina, I am delighted to meet you. But Roberto, she is bellissima! Where have you been hiding this bella donna? It is a long time since you brought a beautiful girl to my restaurant” Alfredo bent over, and his lips brushed her hand. “For you, I have the best table,” he whispered in her ear. “Discreet and secluded where no one can spy on you for your little romantic dinner, eh?” He beamed at them and indicated they follow.

  Libby was amused at the little man’s antics and caught Robert’s eye as they sat down. With a flourish, Alfredo whisked the crisp white table napkins onto their laps, handed them menus and then proceeded to tell them about ‘tonight’s specials’.

  “I have the special tagliatelle coi gamberi e asparagi, vongole in porchetta, and agnello alla siciliana. To start, may I suggest the Ligurian minestrone and to finish crostata di mandorle. I’ll leave you to look at the menu, and then I’ll be back for your order. A drink to start with, perhaps an aperitif?”

  Libby knew little Italian and was thankful that Robert knew his way around the dishes. He consulted the wine list and ordered a classic Chianti, once he knew Libby preferred red wine.

  “Robert, you’ll have to help me, as I don’t know much about Italian food apart from the usual pasta dishes. What do you suggest?” she whispered once they were alone.

  “Alfredo was suggesting the minestrone soup to start with. How hungry are you?”

  “Famis
hed actually.”

  “Okay then, we’ll start with that. I’ve had it before and it is delicious. You have a great choice of pasta, and all of it is made on the premises. The specials were, let me see…ah, here. He mentioned tagliatelle with prawns and asparagus, clams with herbs and wine, and Sicilian lamb. Personally, I love his trenette al pesto di noci, that’s pasta with walnut pesto. Trenette are typical of the cuisine in Liguria, which is where Alfredo comes from. For dessert, he suggested almond tart.”

  Libby rolled her eyes as he explained. “It all sounds so fabulous. Decisions, decisions!”