Page 23 of Prognosis So Done

This day was already turning out to be too much. She could

hear the edge of hysteria in her voice and never realised

before just how much safety issues weighed on her mind.

‘OK, OK.’ He held his arms up, surprised by the vehemence

of her reaction. ‘I promise I’ll be careful.’

‘Just play it safe, Gill. That’s all I’m asking.’

He nodded at her and picked up her hand off her lap, giving

it a squeeze. ‘I will. Safe as houses. Now, come on.’ He

pulled her up off the bed as he stood. ‘Let’s think positive

and get everything ready for six alive aid workers.’

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The team adjournedto the lounge after their preparations

to await news. They were tense, their conversation sporadic

and stilted. They were riding the adrenaline surge that always

preceded an incoming wounded situation, but the thrill of

high-pressure medicine, which they all thrived on, was

tempered by the knowledge that they would be operating on

their own.

‘How much O blood do we have?’ Joan asked.

‘Twenty bags,’ Siobhan confirmed, not even looking up from

the magazine she was feigning an interest in.

They lapsed into silence again. The ticking of the wall

clock and the rustling of pages were ridiculously loud.

‘Have you heard any more about your grandfather?’ Helmut

asked into the taut silence.

Gill shook his head. ‘No. Not yet. I’ll wait till I know

what’s happening with this first. If we’re going to operate,

I’ll ring my father beforehand.’

Harriet had almost forgotten about Henri for a moment. She

glanced at Gill guiltily. Poor man. He had enough on his mind

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