The Doctor's Gift

by Fiona McArthur

  Jody nodded. ‘I have a system for taking them. Maurice has helped me work out a schedule so I feel less sick, and won’t forget any of the doses. I just don’t want to put on too much weight or get a moon face.’

  Fergus smiled at the girl. ‘Some side-effects we can help a little with and Louise, the dietician, is here for you any time you need her.’

  The smiled dropped but there was kindness in the timbre of his voice. Enough to make Ailee’s heart ache just a little.

  ‘You must contact us if you become unwell or you notice change or a decrease in your urine output. Try the ward phone number and if what they suggest doesn’t work, this is my card. While Dr Harry is away, you can ring me on my mobile any time if you’re worried.’

  He passed over a small white card and Ailee was glad to see the relief on Jody’s face. It was generous of Fergus to make the gesture. Dr Harry was who they relied on.

  The round went on.

  In the next room, a young couple were scheduled for surgery the next day. Peter was donating one of his kidneys to Emma, his wife.

  Emma, blonde-haired and blue-eyed, had become extremely ill with pregnancy-induced hypertension during the birth of their twin daughters. Emma’s blood pressure had been so high and uncontrollable that she had irretrievably damaged both her kidneys.

  Three months later she had reached end-stage kidney failure and the thrice-weekly dialysis had been a constant juggling act for their small family. If all went well, tomorrow’s operation would return their shattered lives to some degree of normality and Emma and Peter were looking forward to more quality time with their daughters.

  ‘A final day of work-up and then the big day.’ Fergus looked across at Emma who smiled back weakly. His voice lowered. ‘How are you, Emma?’

  ‘Worried if anything happens to Peter.’ Emma’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears and she put her hand to her mouth so it was difficult to hear what she said.

  Fergus bent towards her and tipped her chin up so she could see his smile. ‘We’ll be taking special care of him. Your Peter has three women who need him and I know he can’t wait to see some colour in the cheeks of the woman he loves.’

  Emma nodded and Fergus went on. ‘Now, save some sympathy for yourself. You’ll be under the anaesthetic longer than Peter and I want you to rest as much as you can today.’

  Peter spoke from the next bed, where he was sitting fully dressed. He pointed to a picture of two chubby babies in matching pink outfits who grinned toothlessly out of the photo frame. ‘My mum brought the girls in last night, so they aren’t coming in today.’

  Fergus shook hands with him. ‘How are you feeling, Peter? Nervous?’

  Peter was dark-haired and serious. ‘Perhaps a little, but I’m excited, too. Emma and I are a team, and half the team is out on her feet. Normally I can’t keep up with her. I want Emma well.’

  Ailee lowered her voice. ‘Is your mum going to stay for a while to help with the children? You need to rest afterwards and you’ll be pretty sore.’

  ‘Yes.’ Peter also spoke quietly. ‘And my dad’s taken over running the store. I worry about his heart condition but we just can’t afford to close until I get well enough to go back.’

  Fergus nodded and Ailee could see the frustration in his body language. ‘That’s where everything needs to change. Live donors save lives and save the government hundreds of thousands of dollars in dialysis every year. Donors need their out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed for loss of wages. We’re not talking about making a profit but to take away the hardship such a selfless act incurs.’

  Peter sighed. ‘Wouldn’t that make it easier? But if it costs us our home, it’s still worth it. We have to have Emma well again.’

  ‘At least with the laparoscopic surgery that I use, your recovery time will be reduced by a few weeks. There will still be four small wounds, one for the laparoscopic camera on its cable to allow me vision for what I’m doing and two for the other instruments that will divide and separate your kidney from its bed. A fourth excision below the umbilicus will be made through which to remove the kidney.’

  ‘It sounds so easy.’ Peter rolled his eyes. ‘Not!’

  ‘There are still risks but we’ll look after you and your wife.’ Fergus rested his hand on Peter’s shoulder. ‘I’ll come back tonight and answer any final questions about tomorrow and look at the last lot of results.’

  ‘Maurice—’ Fergus patted the pharmacist on the back ‘—is going to run through Emma’s immunosuppressant regime again with you both so we’re sure you understand how to help prevent her body rejecting your kidney and the side-effects she can expect. If there’s anything else you don’t understand, ask Ailee or any of the team, and we’ll take some extra time to explain.’

  The group moved on and she noticed that Fergus seemed to have a rapport with every patient. She had no idea how he’d had the time if Dr Harry only left last night. This version of Fergus – warm and open and charismatic – reminded her of the man she’d spent time with in Singapore. A world apart from the version who’d greeted her earlier with snark.

  * * *

  When the round was over, the team met in the foyer to discuss any further changes or additions that were needed, and then the group broke up.

  ‘Dr Green?’ Fergus spoke quietly but his voice carried effortlessly to her. ‘I’d like to speak to you in the office, please.’

  She looked up at Fergus’s request and met his eyes. His were cool. Ailee’s heart gave a thump which she ignored and unobtrusively drew in a deep breath. They were both professionals. Without saying a word she preceded him into the office and he closed the door behind them.

  He gestured for her to sit but Ailee shook her head. A discussion that needed a seat, she was not ready for. ‘I don’t have the time to sit down. What can I do for you, Mr McVicker?’

  He stared at a point beyond her left shoulder. ‘I apologise for being abrupt and only wish to make it clear you’ll have no unwanted attention from me.’

  Ailee glanced at the door, eager to get out of there and away from his presence. ‘Thank you. Is that all? I gather you were expecting me?’

  ‘Oh, I knew you were here. I won’t single you out again —unless you’re late. That will be all, thank you, Doctor.’

  ‘As I am never late, that will not be a problem.’

  Ailee cast a cool look at him and left the room.

  Chapter 10

  Fergus

  * * *

  Fergus watched her go, not sure he’d handled that well.

  When she’d walked into the ward that morning, her presence had punched him in the gut as it had the first time he’d seen her, but he’d just have to get over that.

  Listening to her talk to Jody and Peter reminded him of her warm support on the plane as he’d been dealing with his stupid phobia. Interestingly he’d not even noticed taking off in Singapore. His mind had been so thoroughly entrenched in other “things”.

  When Lionel Harry had asked him to cover him here, he’d been trapped and unable to refuse. He wasn’t scheduled back at his own hospital for a month and was the most likely replacement in an emergency. Those on waiting lists often didn’t have a month to wait around.

  If he’d known Ailee worked here, he would have flown a replacement in from overseas rather than come himself. Unfortunately, by the time he’d found out he’d already agreed to come.

  To top that off, Simone hadn’t been impressed that he’d cancelled their holiday, even though she hadn’t been eager to spend the time with him either. But he’d make it up to her. At least that decision, to take her out of boarding school, had gone well. Thanks to Ailee’s advice. She seemed pleased to be back home as a day student again.

  Of course, right on cue, his mind arrowed back to Ailee, as it had several times a day and most of the nights over the last week. He was surprised their paths hadn’t crossed before, considering they both worked in the same field. In the same city but different hospitals.

 
Apparently, she was a gifted surgeon.

  He would not have forgotten a previous meeting.

  He’d since discovered she was well liked and respected for her dedication to the renal transplant unit. He had yet to discover why she was temping in a transplant co-ordinator’s job instead of getting on with resuming her position, but he would find out.

  Not that he’d be a fool again with this woman. He just wanted to know why she’d made such a puzzling career move.

  * * *

  When the rounds were due to start again, he found himself watching for her, senses alert, despite carrying on conversations with the other professionals around him.

  He glanced at his watch. Three minutes until they were due to start. The transplant assessment clinic was where the renal team reviewed the suitability of end-stage renal patients for transplantation.

  Seems he’d suddenly developed a fetish for punctuality.

  Again, when Ailee arrived at the ward, two minutes early, everyone else was already assembled. She saw him glance at the clock and she lifted her chin to meet his gaze. Raised her brows at him. She wasn’t late.

  * * *

  William Green was the first patient and when Fergus picked up the chart his brow furrowed as he read the name. Green. Not really ironic. Green was a common name. But reminders of Ailee Green seemed to be everywhere.

  He shut the thoughts off. ‘Hello, William. I see you’ve just been through a tough patch but are improving steadily now. How are you feeling today?’

  ‘I’m getting there.’ He was a tall boy and there was something familiar about him that Fergus couldn’t quite pin down. He’d probably seen him at another renal unit but it wasn’t like him to forget a face.

  ‘So you have this week and next week in the assessment clinic to finalise dates for your transplant.’ He spotted a red flag in the chart. ‘I see you’ve come in consistently over your fluid limit.’

  He looked up and the boy’s gaze slid away. Trouble?

  ‘Let’s get you examined,’ he continued, ‘and we’ll answer any questions you have because I expect your operation could be as early as Monday week if you continue to improve.’

  Rita pulled the curtains and the rest of the team stepped back.

  Chapter 11

  Ailee

  * * *

  So, Fergus hadn’t connected William with her.

  Ailee felt a twinge of guilt that she hadn’t told him, though when could she have done so? Considering how unfriendly he’d been to her, he probably wouldn’t care. No, that was unfair. When she wasn’t being cross with him for his harshness to her, she knew he would care. About anyone. She could see his attention and concern for every single patient and her instincts said this man would care for her health as well.

  Maybe if she’d told him why she left his room in Singapore, he wouldn’t be treating her like this. But that was all water under an Oriental bridge.

  Today had been huge, considering all that was happening.

  Her new job, running into Fergus, William coming in for assessment to set the date for their operations — it was no wonder her head was spinning.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Maurice was beside her and his face showed concern.

  ‘I’m fine. Sorry. I suppose I just realised how dangerous the op is for William.’

  ‘William isn’t the only person who’s having an operation.’

  Ailee shook her head. ‘Mine’s nothing. A bit of discomfort, a scar, and I’ll be just as healthy at the end. William has the drugs to live with for the rest of his life.’

  ‘And a much better life he’ll have, thanks to you.’

  Ailee frowned at Maurice, hoping the pharmacist’s quiet voice didn’t carry to inside the curtains. And something else she noticed, there was no doubt his look held particular warmth.

  She bit back a sigh and a stab of irritation. More complications. She felt a hundred years older than Maurice but he was probably only a year or two younger. Although he was a nice lad, he seemed so young and immature... especially after Singapore.

  That did not mean Fergus had already spoiled other men for her. It didn’t.

  The curtains pulled back and her gaze was drawn to the man in her thoughts who stared straight into her face. His expression was unreadable, tight with some emotion she could feel even if she couldn’t understand it. There was a moment’s silence and, for a second, she thought he’d discovered William was her brother and he was going to take her arm and steer her into the office.

  Her heart pounded in her chest. Two trips to the office would start a gossip storm.

  But he didn’t.

  He just moved on.

  And she let out a huff of released breath.

  * * *

  Ailee’s day got steadily busier. She had a lecture on donor liaison with medical students at one and it was five to the hour now. All medical professionals needed to be skilled and empathetic when approaching bereaved families, and needed to learn how to discuss organ and tissue donation. To deliver this important lesson her brain couldn’t be distracted by thoughts of Fergus McVicker.

  The lecture went well and her plug for all who attended to sign donor cards was well received, as was her point that anyone considering such a pledge should also make their family aware of it.

  Ailee knew this was one of the most common stumbling blocks between the original intent of the donor and the recipient’s life being saved.

  * * *

  Afternoon tea was a snatched sandwich in place of lunch and just enough time to ask Rita, the charge nurse of the renal transplant unit, the burning question, ‘How long is Fergus McVicker staying?’

  ‘What’s the story with you two?’ Rita’s bright blue eyes stared straight at Ailee while she avoided the question.

  Ailee raised her brows and stared right back, a trick she’d learned from her brother when he was cornered. ‘There’s no story. He must have taken an instant dislike to me.’

  Rita laughed, the sound rich and delighted, and it spilled down the corridor at the idiocy of that comment. ‘Nobody takes an instant dislike to you. Look at you! Care and empathy shine out of every gorgeous pore.’

  ‘Please, Rita. Give me the good news.’

  Rita shrugged and gave. ‘He’s here for two weeks minimum, four weeks max. It all depends on Mrs Harry. She’s improving well and she may visit their daughter for her convalescence, in which case Dr Harry will be back sooner.’

  ‘So how could our Mr McVicker drop everything at Sydney East?’

  ‘Holidays. Apparently, he’s got a daughter who isn’t happy Daddy’s taken on the job, though. He’s a widower and unattached. He could be just your type, Ailee, when all this is over.’ Ailee looked at Rita and rolled her eyes. But she could feel herself blushing.

  Rita narrowed her eyes knowingly. Smiled. ‘Oh, my. Things are going to be interesting around here this next few weeks.’

  * * *

  By Wednesday Ailee had found her feet in her new job and the minutae of end tying she hadn’t known as a surgeon that went on behind the scenes filled her with admiration for the previous coordinator. Each new challenge served to increase her respect for the whole renal team.

  At the top of her admiration list, surprisingly, was Fergus McVicker, tireless in his pursuit of optimum health for his patients and demanding high standards from all on the team. The fact that he received unqualified support from everyone he came into contact with was largely due to his own dedication.

  The patients adored him and Ailee found it hard to comprehend that she had shared such intimacy with this driven man who barely had time to eat and obviously didn’t sleep.

  Superficially she appeared the most immune out of the staff to seeing Fergus almost every day.

  Unfortunately, she couldn’t help the jump in her heart rate or ache in her chest when she was near him, and she sometimes wondered if she would go quietly insane for wanting some of their closeness to return.

  If only William’s operation could be s
cheduled sooner and she could try to salvage some rapport from their past association afterwards. Before it was too late for them.

  But life was sometimes like that. Oblivious to mortals. Contrary.

  An hour after the assessment clinic, Ailee’s pager went off. The call originated from Intensive Care to call her for donor liaison. ICU had a family who hadn’t known their mortally injured daughter had signed a donor card. The girl’s parents were naturally having trouble coming to terms with her wish to donate her organs.

  Ailee’s stomach fluttered at the thought of the hours ahead. Her input could make such a difference to their decision, many people’s lives, and especially the donor family’s grieving process, and she was anxious to do her best.

  When Ailee arrived at the intensive care unit, Andrew, an anaesthetist she’d worked with the previous year, handed her the second set of tragic brain-stem tests from the unfortunate young woman.

  ‘Hey, Ailee. Good to see you back, but not in these circumstances. I have heartbreak here for you. Twenty-five-year old Eva Ellis was involved in a car accident and never regained consciousness.’ They both looked towards the separate room adjacent to the desk.

  Andrew went on quietly. ‘Her parents are with her. In shock, of course.’ His pager went off and he glanced down at the screen. ‘Sorry. I have to go.’ He patted Ailee on the back. ‘Good luck.’

  Eva’s parents were sitting beside the bed, holding their daughter’s hand in a three-person grip – though one of the participants had no lifeforce in her clasp. Ailee’s throat tightened as she crossed to the nurse who was specialling Eva on the ventilator.

  The machine breathed and hissed mechanically to provide inflation and oxygen to a person who would never recover, who would never breathe or think for herself again.