Page 32 of The Long Walk Back

To her horror, a tear started to roll down her face. ‘Yeah, it did. Sorry, I don’t know why I’m crying, but… yeah, I think it’s going to be good. He grew up when I wasn’t looking.’ She sniffed then, holding back a sob.

‘Hey, it’s okay! I’m here, Missy.’ The use of her pet name, once so annoying, made her smile through her tears. ‘I’m here.’ Cooper pulled her closer, putting her head into the crook of his neck. One hand stroked her back, the other ran through her hair. He murmured something under his breath, and Kate didn’t quite catch it.

‘What?’ she whispered numbly. He looked shocked for a moment, and shook his head.

‘It’s nothing. You okay?’ As usual, he had a good read on her. Knew she’d be embarrassed at the show of emotion.

‘Yeah, I’m good. I’d better get back. My patient will be waiting.’ She pulled away from him, but he stopped her.

‘Kate, I’m here. Remember that. If you want me, I am here.’ Kate nodded, standing up. Turning around, she saw Trevor in the doorway, stony-faced. Knew he’d just witnessed them together.

‘Dr Harper, in my office when you have a minute, please,’ he said, his tone clipped, monotone before he turned and left. Cooper cursed under his breath.

‘Looks like the cat might be out of the bag.’ He brushed her hand as he passed her. ‘Come find me later.’

Kate knocked on the door to Trevor’s office. A curt ‘come in’ saw her walking into the room, fists clenched with nerves at her side. Trevor had his back to her, standing in front of the window behind his desk. Kate stood there, not wanting to take a seat till he spoke.

Neither moved. A strange standoff, Kate staring steadfast at his ramrod straight back. The door swished closed behind her, and he sighed. Kate was just wishing for an earthquake, or an alien abduction when he turned to face her. His face was closed off, not the friendly, happy Trevor she was used to.

‘Kate, what’s going on?’ He pointed to her tear-stained face. ‘Why were you crying?’

Kate huffed with relief. Maybe he didn’t see anything. ‘I am so sorry, Trevor, it will not happen again. I had a big chat with Jamie, I got a little emotional. I’ll be sure to do it in private in future.’

‘I didn’t ask that Kate, I want to know what’s going on? I thought you were getting on better?’

‘We were, we are – I just had to tell him some news, I was just worked up about it.’

‘And what news is that?’ Trevor asked, his jaw flexing.

‘Well, it’s personal actually, Trevor.’

Trevor ran his fingers through his hair, sitting down on his chair with a bump. ‘Personal? Since when do we have secrets from each other?’ He looked genuinely hurt.

‘It’s nothing, really. Jamie is doing better. I really think he’s turning a corner.’

He nodded, but the tension didn’t leave him. A sense of dread ran down her spine.

‘That’s good to hear. I understand that you have been under a great amount of stress Kate, and I am here for you,’ he met her eyes for a split second before looking away. ‘I just have to question your choices lately. You don’t speak to me like you used to. And as for your patients, I have concerns.’

Kate stammered, feeling the need to defend herself. ‘My patients are fine; they get my full attention when I’m working with them. I’m a good doctor, despite my change in situation.’

Trevor held up his hand to stop her. ‘I know you’re a good doctor.’

He was going to make her say it? ‘So, what are you referring to, then? I explained that lunch was an isolated incident. Have any of my patients complained?’

‘Kate, no one has complained. It’s you, you’re different. And I believe your objectivity might have been compromised a little.’

‘You’re talking about Cooper.’

He sighed. ‘Yes, and what I just witnessed went beyond a working relationship.’

Her jaw worked, trying to form the words. Her career was very important to her. She’d never crossed a line. She followed orders, worked to the rules. When it came to Cooper though, she couldn’t quite help herself. He’d only been looking out for her in the cafeteria, but things had happened. Hell, half the people at the centre were aware of them. Jamie had worked it out.

‘I won’t need to work with him much longer. You could assign him to a new physio.’

‘Do I need to?’ Trevor checked.

‘Yeah, you probably should. I don’t want to cause any trouble for you, Trevor. I actually think I have a solution though.’

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