The Baby Doctor

by Fiona McArthur

  Maddy hurried awkwardly out to the road to bring in another box from the blue car. She could almost ignore the twinges when she walked, and if she hugged the box to her belly it helped hide her stiffness.

  After the last item had been moved to the new office, Maddy and the doctor stood back and surveyed the space she now called her office.

  ‘Between us I think we’ve created an organised space,’ the doctor said and Maddy felt the swell of pride in a job well done. It did look good.

  ‘Maybe we could move that dresser and the small bookcase closer.’ When Maddy went to shift it the doctor did something strange. She put up her hand and stopped her. ‘I’ll do that. Why don’t you pop the jug on?’

  Maddy looked at her. ‘I can lift it.’

  The doctor shook her head. ‘I know. But I’m not sure where I want it yet.’

  Maddy stepped back and tried to understand what had changed. A minute ago they were sharing the work and all of a sudden Maddy felt a bit awkward. ‘Right. I’ll do the jug.’

  When she got back the doctor was smiling. ‘Good job, Madison. We make an efficient team.’

  That brought back memories. Her awkwardness fled and Maddy smiled too. ‘My mother’s favourite word. She used to say, “Don’t dither. Be efficient.”’

  ‘Your mother sounds like mine. She was into no dithering. Is your mum around here?’

  She wished. She would have hightailed it home if her mum had been alive. ‘No. We lived in WA, but she passed more than three years ago.’

  ‘Mine, too,’ the doctor said quietly. ‘I’m sorry. Your family?’

  She thought of the family she’d never really fitted into since her mum had died. She’d been the change-of-life baby. ‘I’ve got two brothers and a sister, all older than me, the ones I had to learn efficiency from. But they have their own lives now, and I went backpacking for two years . . .’ Her voice trailed off and she shut her mouth. Stood up. ‘It’s late. I’d better get home so I can sort tea before I go back to work.’

  The gnawing worry that Jacob would be waiting for her, with his wild mood swings, and the fear she had trouble calming, bubbled up like one of those hot springs she’d seen in Innot when Jacob had taken her in the truck one day.

  The bubbles were sulphuric and splattered fear that was growing larger every day.

  Chapter Twelve

  Sienna

  Sienna watched Maddy hurry away to fix dinner at home and worriedly wiped the trickle of sweat off the back of her neck with one finger. When she’d said she’d better go home, Maddy’d had that slightly harried expression Sienna had seen on her a couple of times. There was definitely something suspicious there. And that wasn’t the only concern Sienna had.

  Just before she’d asked Maddy to put on the kettle she’d made a disquieting discovery that she was almost sure was truth. She couldn’t believe that she hadn’t noticed right off yesterday.

  Maddy’s long-sleeved shirts and trousers that baffled in the heat gave Sienna sudden clarity that she might wear clothes to disguise her shape. Maddy certainly wasn’t the first woman Sienna had known who’d done that. Women hid pregnancies for all sorts of reasons.

  Sienna decided that her hunch relied more on the infinitesimal pauses mid-stride that Maddy made, and the unintentional cupping of her belly or finger-stretching support of her back than the shapeless tops she wore. The more she thought about it the more convinced Sienna became. She should have noticed earlier, but she’d had eyes for Douglas and not much else since she’d arrived.

  Dangerous thing that.

  If Maddy’s secret was true, just how far along was she? She didn’t look that big, but Sienna had seen bellies of all shapes and sizes and the outside didn’t always correlate with what was happening within.

  Which raised the issue that pregnant women were supposed to decamp to a maternity-service hospital in a larger town at least three weeks before their due date. Typical. Outback towns were out to get Sienna with their emergencies that were not meant to happen.

  That was why she’d brought that extra box in her boot with gynaecological equipment. She’d learned at Red Sand that sometimes it could make the difference for a geographically remote woman doing something about a problem or just living with a secret. Alma had already hinted with her brazen talk of Virginias.

  But Maddy? Even if she was pregnant, and Sienna decided she was now that she’d opened her obstetrician eyes instead of her bedroom ones, then surely Maddy couldn’t be that far along? Hopefully not near term. She didn’t look it. Obviously, the girl didn’t want the gossips to have a field day with her. Had it taken her a long time to realise she was pregnant and that was why she wasn’t saying? Though Sienna couldn’t understand how a woman wouldn’t know!

  The last thing Sienna needed to do was start a juicy rumour, but, she decided thoughtfully, she’d watch that young lady more closely and would offer convenient openings Maddy could take up when she needed to.

  She thought back to her arrival, and how other people had reacted to the young woman. Now that she thought about it, she’d noticed Douglas watching the girl with a worried look. Douglas, who was kind and had that old-fashioned protective male persona. Although, in Maddy’s case, he’d looked more puzzled, as if he sensed but couldn’t put his finger on the issue.

  The tiny publican, Alma, looked hard as nails, but she didn’t look like a person who’d suggest a pregnant woman carried a suitcase up a staircase. So if Maddy was expecting a child, then the boss, and Douglas, didn’t know either.

  She consoled herself that Maddy knew Sienna’s profession and she’d ask when she needed advice. And Sienna would have her seen as soon as possible. She could arrange that. Douglas could find someone to drive her to Longreach.

  Dear delicious Douglas. Despite the fact that she’d invaded his home, he’d been a good help this afternoon. Although he’d left as soon as the heavy boxes were in. Had bolted like a skittish stallion to hide in his office away from her and then he’d gone out on another call.

  She smiled sourly. As well he might. Douglas the drama queen. She laughed out loud at the silly thought, which distracted from her previous worry. Douglas might be a lot of things, but he wasn’t a queen. Or intentionally dramatic.

  He’d moved the single bed against the wall and brought in a decent desk and an extension cord for the phone in Sienna’s new office. She moved from the room to admire the hallway – remarkably wide for such a small house – where they’d set Maddy up. There was enough room for the tiny desk and another small chest of drawers with the small laptop and mini-printer on it, and a chair for a waiting visitor in the hallway. Sienna brushed her hands and stood back further to peruse their work. Thought of Maddy again. Worried her lip with her teeth.

  Earlier Sienna had seen the young woman ease down on the receptionist chair in front of the desk and glance around. Then she’d fiddled with the pens with a small smile on her face. She didn’t know what it was about Maddy, but she liked the girl. Something about her pulled at a cord inside Sienna. And every now and then, unexpectedly, she’d say something dryly amusing that made Sienna laugh out loud. Which in itself was unusual. It usually took a lot for that to happen.

  She glanced around and nodded. It had been a big day and she suddenly felt all the effort. She was probably still tired from the drive yesterday. There was nothing more to do here now. She’d better get back to the pub.

  She’d left Douglas with some of his own areas free from invasion – his kitchen (except for her coffee machine), his own lounge area and of course . . . his bedroom. Sienna had checked it out when everyone had been absent. She had plans for that room.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Maddy

  ‘Well, hello there,’ Jacob said, leaning against the kitchen bench, his monster truck T-shirt stretched over his solid chest. One metal crutch leaned out to stop her scooting away as Maddy pushed open the back door.

  She looked at his tall frame, which was slightly stockier since his activity
had been curtailed by the accident. His smiling mouth tilted as he watched her and she bit back a sigh. She’d hoped he would be engrossed in front of the TV. At least until she’d had her shower.

  ‘Hello.’ She leaned over and kissed him. His lips lingered. They hadn’t slept together since before he’d broken his leg. He’d tried once after the accident, but the damage to his veins caused a cramp he couldn’t relieve with the plaster on and he’d cried with the pain. He’d pushed her away and said he’d sort himself. Thank goodness. She doubted she could have hidden the pregnancy now, otherwise.

  Today, she mistrusted the look in his eyes despite the smile. She hadn’t seen this smiling mood for a while.

  ‘What’s your hurry?’

  She checked the kitchen clock. ‘I’m looking forward to getting our dinner. But it’s not important. Can I do something for you?’

  He put his other crutch up to trap her between the two supports. ‘I’ve missed you. What fascinating things have happened to you at the Desert Rose Hotel in beautiful downtown Spinifex?’

  Playful Jacob. The man she’d fallen in love with before she could read the signs. She tried edging past the silver crutch, but he held it steady.

  He turned his head and glanced at the kitchen clock himself. ‘You’re twenty minutes later than usual.’

  She shrugged, even though she knew it annoyed him, and stopped edging. ‘We have a guest staying at the hotel. Came last night.’

  His brows snapped together and she went on hurriedly. Jacob didn’t like it when men stayed over at the hotel. As if she’d sneak into their rooms – or they would try to inveigle her to theirs. She guessed it was nice that he cared – or even thought some other man would be interested in her considering she was so frumpy. But as it always did when she mentioned guests, now the air seemed to flicker with danger.

  ‘She,’ Maddy emphasised the word, ‘is a doctor here to look into why the babies have been born with the small heads.’

  The crutch lowered a centimetre. ‘Posh from the city, then?’

  Maddy shook her head. ‘More classy than posh. She’s nice. And I’m to spend an hour a day helping her which is why I’m late now. Alma said to.’ She didn’t say it would mean extra cash. The doctor had said she’d pay her an hourly rate on top. That secret was for the escape.

  Jacob gave an incredulous snort. ‘You? Work for a doctor?’

  Maddy froze then slowly lifted her chin to look at him. His mocking disbelief bounced off for a change and something stirred in the cold of her stomach. Something like pride. Something she hadn’t felt for a while. She lifted her chin higher.

  He didn’t like that either.

  ‘I’ve done it before. Clerical work. I can type and file and answer phones. I’m smart.’ Jacob wasn’t smart, though he hid it well. He could repeat things even if he didn’t always understand them.

  ‘Clever little thing, are you? You’ve been holding out on me. Then, before you rush off you can give me a decent kiss.’

  Jacob was a good kisser. The best, not that she’d kissed that many men. And it used to make her tummy go all warm and gooey. But he’d taken to brutally squeezing her upper arms while he did it now and that hurt. Especially if the bruises hadn’t faded since last time. She searched her mind frantically as she tried to figure out what she’d done wrong and how she could fix it. She hadn’t told him where she’d be working with the doctor yet. Mentioning the police station certainly wouldn’t go down well. ‘Is everything okay?’

  ‘Why wouldn’t it be?’ he asked as he lowered the crutch and drew her closer until she was standing too close and she slid her arm down between them to keep him away from her belly.

  He frowned and studied her. ‘Are you feeling guilty for something I don’t know about?’ His good leg supported him and the one with the cast was balanced to the side, the weight taken by the crutch under his armpit.

  Now, for the first time she really considered giving him a shove, then walking out and worrying later what the consequences would be. But she didn’t. Wouldn’t. It was as if she couldn’t see past the buttons on his shirt as his face drew closer to hers. She really had loved him.

  Please be nice, Jacob. Her eyes searched for a hint of the softness that had drawn her to him, but it wasn’t there. He used to smile every time he looked at her. Not any more. His hands closed over her shoulders and bit in.

  Maddy knew she would make it to the pub with one minute to spare. She liked to be there a little earlier, especially if she needed to pause in the gap between the pub and the old gas station and pull herself together like she did tonight. But Jacob had been deliberately delaying her until she became distressed that she’d be late. Then he’d laughed, slapped her backside, as if in fun but hard, and let her go. Hurting.

  She needed to make those arrangements to leave. And after the last two strong pains she’d felt in her belly as she rushed past the police station, she knew she might have to. Might need to find an emergency place to hide if the worst happened and she went into labour before she could get away. If she hadn’t got away by then that was when she’d be at her most vulnerable. Her baby was even more at risk if Jacob went crazy.

  Panic surged and instinctively she glanced to her left to the disused service station that sat next to the pub and considered it as a last-resort bolt-hole. She’d check it out tonight on her way home when no one was around. The last thing she needed was inquisitive eyes to see her. Imagine if some drunk told Jacob they’d seen her poking around in there. If she disappeared he’d know where to look.

  She quickened her pace and moved onto the path in front of the pub. She pushed open the door and the cool of the air conditioning welcomed her as though she were a lost child. Sometimes, especially lately, she felt like a lost child.

  Then there was Alma’s smiling face. Her hand waving in acknowledgement as she bent her head to finish the beer she was pulling.

  Maddy said quietly, ‘Sorry I’m late,’ as she headed past to the kitchen.

  ‘Not late. Exactly on time or as near as you get.’ Alma gave her a searching glance. ‘You look hot. Have a cool drink before you start. Another minute or two won’t matter. Then you can tell me how you went with the doctor this afternoon.’

  Maddy nodded shyly. A drink would be good, but she’d be careful what she shared about working with the doctor. Although Alma was a good person, Maddy knew how to be discreet.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Sienna

  Sienna heard a quiet step and Douglas stood in the doorway before she could actually leave. Maybe it was something about men in uniform that made a girl go silly. He looked big and strong and totally unable to be scared by her. Yet he didn’t come in.

  She’d heard his police vehicle grind away about an hour ago and she wondered when she’d missed it coming back. Big bonus. When she looked at him with a question he said, ‘Give me ten minutes and I’ll buy you dinner at the pub.’

  She glanced at the clock. Five-thirty. Excellent. ‘Technically, you can’t. Blanche has paid for all my meals.’

  ‘Then I’ll buy my own and sit with you.’ He flashed that lopsided grin and she turned into a brain-dead bimbo before she could stop herself. She hadn’t been looking forward to a solitary meal in the pub with Douglas away.

  ‘Then you can go to bed early,’ he went on.

  She raised her brows suggestively.

  ‘Alone.’ Though his gaze lingered.

  It was worth a try. She pretended that was what she meant. ‘Of course.’ Flicked her hair.

  He gave her a considering look. ‘You do look exhausted.’ Another more though examination as if she worried him.

  That was heart-warming. Not. Especially if he thought she looked exhausted. ‘Thanks for that.’

  ‘You’re welcome.’ His brows lifted. ‘You’re not still cranky, are you?’

  Why would a man say that? She raised her brows at him. ‘That comment is guaranteed to make me wild.’

  His slow smile made her own
mouth twitch. ‘I’ll remember that. You finish up, I’ll shower, then we’ll see what’s on at the pub.’

  Sienna watched his back disappear into the bathroom and the door shut. She wondered if he’d locked it. She took a step to check and decided to give him another day to get used to her being here.

  Half an hour later Douglas held the screen door for Sienna. One of those gentlemanly mannerisms she’d never cared about before but somehow felt special because Douglas did it. She’d noticed a few of those emotional spikes that squeezed her heart and growled at herself to cut it out.

  Perhaps a bit of space would help. ‘We could walk. It’s just up the street,’ she said as Douglas steered her towards the police vehicle.

  He looked down at her. Gave her that grin that she decided was an unfair weapon against her. There were so many endearing qualities she felt swamped and unsettled. She decided the lopsided grin was one of the bigger guns in his arsenal. ‘I take the vehicle everywhere in case my phone rings. And I don’t really want you to walk.’

  Sienna nodded. It was moments like this when he let her see how much he cared. And now she remembered. ‘You said that earlier about access to your car. Sorry.’ Her brain did not do heat well. Or Douglas watching. ‘Happy to ride,’ Sienna said as she slid into the vehicle, warm but not baking thanks to the small overhang they’d provided for the work truck at the side of the station.

  He started the engine and the air conditioner came on automatically, blowing warm air against her skin, which seemed so much more sensitive than normal. On alert? Not that it did her skin any good to be receptive to sensation the way Douglas avoided her. At least her perspiration would be dry.

  Before pulling out into the street he asked, ‘Did Blanche ring you?’

  She turned to face him and became distracted for a second by the heady scent of freshly showered male. A hint of the expensive aftershave she’d bought him for Christmas drifted across and teased her senses. She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed him in. She kept them closed as she said a little dreamily, ‘Blanche comes tomorrow.’ Then she snapped her eyes open and she sat up. Stop it. She cleared her throat. ‘I said I’d ring her even if I had nothing to report, to leave it till next week, but she’ll come anyway.’