by Anne Fraser
It took all of Georgie’s willpower not to snap ‘Aye, aye, sir’. She was getting the distinct impression Major Harris was used to everyone doing exactly as he asked.
‘Only one. Do I have a choice?’
Logan tipped his chair back and studied her through narrowed eyes. ‘There’s always a choice, Georgie,’ he said softly, and she got the feeling he wasn’t just talking about work.
‘So what did they want you for?’ Lata asked later, looking at Georgie with wide, innocent eyes. ‘And are you going to do it?’ she added, giving the game away. Had everyone known before her?
‘Why didn’t you tell me what they had in mind?’ Georgie remonstrated.
‘What? And spoil the chance of seeing that stunned look on your face? No way. Anyway, tell me, what do you think? Isn’t it exciting and isn’t he lovely? Pity he’s not right for me or I’d be after him myself.’
Georgie laughed. Lata made no apologies for wanting to follow a traditional path. When the time was right, her parents would find her someone and she would do the right thing. Georgie never pointed out that, so far, none of her parents’ choices had even been considered by Lata for longer than the introductions, and Georgie suspected that, despite her words, she secretly harboured a dream of falling instantly in love with the man her parents had chosen for her to marry.
‘He’s attractive,’ Georgie admitted. ‘If you like the action-man type. And I don’t.’
‘You’re kidding me! What’s not to like? If he’s not married, I think he’d be perfect for you, Georgie.’
‘He’s not married,’ Georgie replied without thinking.
Lata stared. ‘And you know this how?’
‘He told me.’
‘He told you. My, that was fast work, Georgie. More and more interesting.’ Lata was clearly enjoying herself. ‘In which case, what’s the problem?’
Why was everybody so keen these days to tell her what to do with her life? She was twenty-eight, for goodness’ sake. Well able to make her own decisions. If she wanted a man in her life, she would find her own, thank you very much. And it wouldn’t be Major Harris!
‘Even if he were my type, I get the distinct impression he’s not the kind of man who is into serious relationships. Footloose and fancy-free more like.’
Lata’s smile was naughty. ‘We’re getting ahead of ourselves. Who said anything about a serious relationship? An affair, Georgie? He’d be dreamy between the sheets.’
Georgie pretended to be scandalised. ‘Lata! And all this time I believed you were the demure, pure-as-snow kind!’ Then she had to laugh. Lata was forever misleading people, disguising her impish humour behind a demur expression. ‘And as for an affair, as you so delicately put it,’ Georgie continued, shaking her head, ‘uh-uh. No way. Not for me.’
Sexy as hell though he might be, Dr Logan Harris was not for her. Hadn’t she already decided that she wanted nothing to do with a man like him? A man who thrived on excitement and variety? She had been there and done that. No way was she ever going to risk her heart again. Even if her libido seemed to have its own ideas.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE afternoon meeting saw the new team assembled in the meeting room. They were all there, including a petite blonde with expressive eyes who Logan introduced as Sally, a paramedic from the Scottish Ambulance Service.
While Dr Fairbrother and Logan were deep in conversation, Georgie went over to chat to Sally.
‘I gather we’re going to be training together,’ she said, holding out her hand. ‘I’m Georgie.’
‘A little bit scary, don’t you think?’ Sally asked. ‘I mean, I’ve attended all sorts of accidents before but this sounds even more intense. I hope I don’t make a mess of it.’
Georgie smiled sympathetically. ‘Me and you both.’
Logan called the meeting to order. Quickly and concisely he repeated what he had told Georgie
‘We’ve some protocols already in place, but we’ll refine them as we go along. Any questions?’
Georgie and Sally shook their heads.
‘If we get called out, it’s the same drill as the one you use now. You need to put on a reflective jacket and pick up the emergency medical kit. Either Dr Fairbrother—Nick—or myself will take the responsibility for the onboard medical equipment. Are we clear?’
Everyone nodded.
‘In many ways it’s not very different to what you do at the moment when there’s a major emergency at the hospital or a callout to with the Scottish Ambulance Service…’ He nodded in Sally’s direction. ‘The only difference is that we’ll be flying out to road traffic accidents and other incidents where we’ll be applying lifesaving techniques on the ground or in the air. Don’t worry. There will be comprehensive training. Not just in the protocols but everyone needs to experience ditching at sea as well as being winched on and off the aircraft. Do any of you have problems with that?’
Georgie sucked in a breath. Now was the time to tell him that she wasn’t sure she could do it. What if she froze again? Like she had on Saturday? Okay, she had pulled herself together and forced herself on, but what if the next time was worse? Before she could decide whether or not to say anything, Sally spoke up.
‘I hate water,’ she admitted. ‘Can I be excused from the ditching-at-sea practice?’
‘Sorry.’ Logan shook his head firmly. ‘It’s absolutely mandatory. But why don’t you see how you get on? There’ll be lots of folk around to help you through the exercise. If you find…’ he looked searchingly around the room ‘…if anyone finds that there’s stuff you genuinely can’t deal with, you’ll be excused from the team with no hard feelings. How does that sound?’
Georgie hid a sigh of relief. There was still a get-out clause if she changed her mind.
‘I’ll give it a go,’ Sally responded. ‘I think I’ll be all right, but I’m not promising anything. As long as that’s understood?’
‘Sure, Sally.’ He nodded, his eyes sweeping the room. ‘Okay, then, it’s settled. We meet tomorrow morning at the training centre at HMS Gannet at Prestwick. Everybody fine for that? No one can go out on a call until they’ve been through the training, so the sooner we get it over the better, don’t you think?’
‘I think I’m supposed to be on duty tomorrow morning,’ Georgie said. At the same time, Sally was muttering under her breath and shaking her head from side to side. Georgie reached out and squeezed her hand reassuringly.
Logan studied them both. ‘No worries. I’ve arranged it all with Lizzie already. She says she’ll bring in one of the other nurses to cover for you, Georgie. Ditto with you, Sally, so unless there’s any other reason…?’
Sally looked as if she was about to say something, but Georgie squeezed her hand again before she spoke. ‘Sally and I will see you there,’ she said firmly.
Sally, Nick and Georgie were outside the training centre bang on seven o’clock the next day, but Logan was already there. Georgie and Sally had driven down together and Georgie had assured her new friend that they’d make it through the morning—together—no matter what it took.
Logan seemed remarkably upbeat and fresh for seven a.m. Then again, he’d probably run ten miles this morning, Georgie thought resentfully. It was all right for him. He had spent years training in all sorts of scenarios and conditions.
Nick appeared relaxed as well. No doubt some macho thing kept him from showing his apprehension. Either that or he genuinely wasn’t worried. And neither was she, Georgie realised. In some ways she was even looking forward to the challenge. Water had never bothered her. But, then, neither had heights—until recently.
Sally, on the other hand, seemed utterly miserable. Georgie realised it would take courage for her to make it through the challenge but, despite Sally’s anxiety, Georgie could tell by the set of her mouth that the paramedic was determined to complete the task.
‘We strap you into your seat,’ Logan was saying.
He looks sexy as hell in his body-hugging wetsuit, Georgie th
ought, before telling herself crossly that she needed to concentrate on the task in hand.
‘Then we lower the mock-up helicopter into the water and as soon as it’s submerged, we invert the craft. At that point you unbuckle your belt and make your way to the surface. You may find that at first you’re disoriented. Try not to panic. Feel your way to the door and push yourself out. Remember, if anyone looks as if they’re in trouble, I and the other divers will be standing by to help you to the surface.’
‘What happens if I can’t unbuckle my belt?’ Sally asked. Although she looked pale, her voice was steady.
‘As I said, if you find at any stage you can’t do something, someone will help you out.’ Logan grinned. ‘I really don’t want to lose anyone. Our job is to save lives, not kill people. We’ll have a practice run where I’ll be in the seat next to you, just in case, and then you’ll do it on your own—for real.’
‘Why can’t we do it two at a time?’ Sally asked
‘Because I don’t want any of you thinking about helping your partner instead of getting yourselves out.’ He looked at Nick. ‘There’s no room for chivalry.’
Georgie was about to protest when Logan winked at her and Sally. ‘And that goes for everyone.’
The experience wasn’t as bad as Georgie expected. Then again, she was used to staying calm under pressure, even if this was a completely different kind of pressure than any of them were used to. Knowing that Logan and the divers were standing by ready to help if anybody got into trouble helped. Of course, if it ever happened in real life, it would be different, much more scary, but Georgie made up her mind that she wouldn’t even think of it being a possibility.
Even Sally managed, although it took her a couple of extra attempts. Logan kept reassuring her that she was doing fine and telling her that he was sure she’d do it, until finally and triumphantly she did.
Logan was pleased. ‘Okay, everyone passed. That’s the first test. The next one involves some abseiling and getting used to being winched from the aircraft, but I don’t anticipate any difficulties. I’m hoping to schedule it for a few weekends’ time.’ He named a date. ‘So keep it free, please.’
Georgie felt a shiver of anxiety. Little did Logan know it was the part of the training she was dreading the most. There was no point in worrying about it now. She would face that when the time came. At least if she froze again, she wouldn’t be putting anyone else’s life in danger.
Thankfully there were showers and everyone retreated to freshen up and change back into their clothes.
Georgie left Sally to finish reapplying her make-up, and went back out into the corridor. Logan was leaning against the wall, talking into his phone. The way he was grinning made Georgie certain it was some woman he was talking to. Once again she felt an unwelcome stab of disappointment.
‘Until tonight. I’ll be looking forward to it,’ Logan said, before flipping his phone shut. So she was right. He had been making a date. What else had she expected? Logan wasn’t the kind of man not to have someone in tow.
‘Hey. All ready? How did you find it?’
‘Not as scary as I thought,’ Georgie admitted. ‘Although I hope with all my heart I never have to do it for real.’
‘Me too.’ He smiled. ‘Scottish waters aren’t known for their warmth.’
Without warning, he reached across and touched her cheek gently. ‘You’re bruised.’
His touch sent tiny shocks coursing through her and before she could stop herself she took a step back, her hand going to the place where the touch of his fingers burned her skin.
‘Oh, that.’ She tried a laugh, but somehow it came out all strangled. ‘I bumped myself on the door of the helicopter when I was trying to find the way out. It’s nothing.’
There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment as their eyes locked before Sally, her make-up in place, came rushing out of the bathroom.
‘That’s me. All ready to go.’
She looked at Georgie and Logan, clearly sensing something.
Georgie unglued her feet from the floor and with one last weak smile at Logan grabbed Sally’s arm and hustled her out of the door and away from the appraising look in Logan’s eyes.
A few days later, Logan and Georgie were in the staffroom with Jamie and Sarah, enjoying a break after the morning rush. Georgie was surprised how quickly and easily Logan had fitted into the department. Jamie, in particular, seemed to enjoy having someone around to talk football and rugby with. He was always pretending to complain that Sarah had no interest in either sport.
Not for the first time, Georgie found herself envious of Jamie and Sarah. They were so obviously in love, so deeply in tune with one another, it made her miss being part of a couple. Sarah, however, had admitted to Georgie that her romance with Jamie hadn’t always run smoothly and that she had even hidden Calum’s birth from him. Nevertheless, whatever problems they had faced in the past, it was evident that little troubled them now.
Lizzie popped her head round the door, interrupting Georgie’s musing.
‘Looks like you have your first shout.’ She wrinkled her brow. ‘Shout’s the right word, isn’t it?’ She rushed on without waiting for a reply. ‘The Royal Navy’s been called out from Prestwick. Trouble off the coast of Oban. Apparently a fisherman is in trouble. He’s been stung by a bee and is having difficulty breathing. The navy is asking for a medical team to go on board. What shall I tell them?’
‘It sounds right up our street. Tell them to pick us up. When is their ETA?’ Logan replied, already on his feet.
‘Not sure,’ Lizzie said. ‘I needed to check you were happy to attend. I’ll get back to you as soon as I know.’
Logan turned to Georgie. ‘Are you up for this?’
Before she had time to think, Georgie was on her feet. ‘Of course.’ Adrenaline shot through her veins. She was damned if she was going to let her fear stop her from even trying. One way or another, she would cope.
‘Okay. Grab a fluorescent jacket. The helicopter will have a life vest and a helmet.’
Lizzie popped her head back through the door. ‘They’ll be landing on the helipad in three minutes.’ She shoved two brightly coloured jackets at Georgie. ‘I fished these out of our major incident cupboard for you.’ She grinned. ‘Good luck.’
Quickly Georgie and Logan shrugged themselves into the jackets. Logan’s had ‘Doctor’ emblazoned on the back of his while she had ‘Nurse’. It made it easier for everyone involved in the rescue to know who was who.
Logan was running out the door towards the helipad, leaving Georgie to do her best to keep up. As soon as they were outside the hospital building they could hear the powerful beating of the large helicopter’s rotor blades.
‘Keep your head down and follow me.’ Logan shouted to make himself heard above the deafening beat of the blades. He reached behind him and, grabbing her hand, pulled her towards the navy aircraft. It was just as well he had a firm grip on her, Georgie thought. The downdraught felt as if it could pick her up off her feet and blow her away.
Hands reached out to pull them inside and the helicopter lifted off, banking sharply. One of the men inside held out a helmet and life vest for each of them. He also passed Logan a microphone to attach to his headgear. All Georgie was given was a pair of earphones to reduce some of the noise.
Logan was speaking into the mike, but Georgie couldn’t hear a word he was saying. After a moment he leaned towards her, pushing aside one of the earphones so he could shout in her ear.
‘The crew are in touch with the fishing vessel. The patient is still breathing, but only just. It’s clearly anaphylactic shock. Unfortunately they don’t have adrenaline on board the boat. Our job is simple. All we have to do is keep him alive until we get him to hospital in Oban. The local team will take over from there.’
Georgie simply nodded. She was trying not to think about being hundreds of feet above the ground. Instead, she forced herself to look around the helicopter. It was much bigger inside t
han she had imagined and as long as she couldn’t see outside she could almost pretend she was on the ground. Almost—but not quite.
Ten minutes later they were hovering over the sea and the winchman opened the door. A rush of nausea hit Georgie as she saw the sea a few hundred feet below coming into view. Don’t think about it, she warned herself. Just concentrate on what you have to do.
The winchman was gesticulating somewhere ahead, but Georgie couldn’t see the boat. But he must have, as he started preparing to let himself out over the side.
‘The boat has to keep moving so not to be caught in the helicopter’s downdraft,’ Logan yelled in her ear again. ‘The helicopter will match its speed then let the winchman down to have a look-see. He’ll administer adrenaline. If needed, he’ll winch me down so I can assess the casualty on board. But he won’t do that unless he thinks it’s necessary. We’ll just be wasting valuable time otherwise.’
Logan’s eyes were dancing. He loves this, Georgie thought. He loves the whole excitement and danger of it. She suspected if he had his way, he’d be down that rope before anyone could stop him. But he was too much the professional to let his own desires get in the way of good practice. What was it about certain men that they seemed to thrive in danger? With a sinking heart she recognised that she and Ian had shared the same love of danger. Maybe that was why she was attracted to Logan? Aghast, she dipped her head dreading the thought that he might be able to read her mind.
They were closer now and the winchman had disappeared over the side. Unable to bring herself to join Logan at the door, where he was peering after him, Georgie busied herself checking the oxygen and the portable monitor. Everything was working perfectly.
Then Logan was pulling the winchman and the casualty on board. Immediately Georgie could tell the patient was in a bad way. He was barely conscious, and his lips were tinged with blue. Either he was hypothermic or suffering from a lack of oxygen or both. Years of training took over as she fitted the oxygen mask over the injured man’s mouth and helped the crewman wrap him in blankets. While they were doing that, Logan was checking his vital signs and administering adrenaline.
