The Surgeon's Blade (9 page)

“I see. Well, we’d better go and find them before they get worried and come looking for you. Where were you headed?”

“Apparently for a large oak tree with a small hillock beneath it. It’s supposed to be in this direction.” Libby pointed.

“I’ll give you a hand, as I’m going more or less the same way.” He took the chairs from her and hoisted them onto his shoulder.

“You don’t have to, I can manage. What about your family? Won’t they be looking out for you?”

“I expect so. If I can’t find them, I can always ring Stephanie’s mobile. She’s bound to have it with her.”

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 removed, 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.”