Page 42 of The Healer

Ilona smiled as she lifted each boy off the table. They hurtled out the door and along the passage like nothing was wrong. Dane’s grumbles as he chased after them lightened her heart.

“Please tell me you have a pharmacy?” She scowled at Jake’s shaking head. “They need orthopedic arm guards. We don’t use plaster of paris or fiberglass anymore.”

“Write out the prescription, and I’ll send someone to Glenfell.” He sighed. “Sorry, Doc, that’s all I can do.”

“They need to be fitted. But they’ll probably heal before you have the armguards. Sounds like this happens often, so having them on hand might not be a bad idea.” She gestured to the mothers to follow her, escorting them from the consulting room to the reception area. Rifling through the reception desk, she found Amos’s prescription pad. “These are standard and should be over the counter.”

With ease, Dane held the boys by the scruffs of their T-shirts. “What do you need, Doc?”

“I want a cast, Doc. Can I have one?” Cammy stopped in mid-wrestle as soon as Dane carried them into the reception area.

“Me first.” Jonny swung a punch, and they scrapped again.

“Even better, boys, you get to wear a specialized armguard like the knights of old.” Ilona ran her hand over her arm then assumed a defensive stance holding an imaginary shield.

Their mouths parted in awe, while their eyes twinkled with excitement.

It was Jonny who asked, “Can we have swords?”

“When sickness or a wound brought a knight low, they stayed inside by the fire demanding roast chicken and mead.” Ilona used a stage whisper. “I’d ask for cake and popcorn.”

They beamed before dancing around their mothers with their pouting lips and puppy-dog eyes, making loud demands for mead.

“Thank you, Doc.” Denise shuffled her son through the front door.

Jake picked up Cammy, and with a nod to Ilona, escorted Beth to their SUV.

“Well done.” Dane leaned against the doorframe with his legs crossed at the ankles.

“Thanks. I wanted to do my fellowship in pediatric oncology, but—” She bit her lip to silence her words. No way was she bringing up her parents, not when she’d accomplished something today, even if it was peace of mind for the mothers. “You get coffee. I need to clean this place.” She ran her finger along the top of the reception desk and grimaced at the thick layer of dust.

“Ilona—”

She whipped her gaze to his. “I’m not talking about it, Dane. Help or get out.”

He stared, a frown marring his brow and twisting his lips. “I’ll get the coffee.”

She peered at him through the glass doors at his broad back, then with a flick of her hand to wipe away the tears, she searched for the janitorial closet.

Chapter Fifteen

A GOOD DAY

Betweendusting,moppingthefloors, and chasing a disruptive Dane out the clinic, Ilona hurtled the rental along the road to Lover’s Point. Knowing it like the back of her hand might save lives, and if Jake said she needed to prepare herself, then she had to practice. She fishtailed the SUV onto the road, skidding to a halt on the graveled tarmac.

Aiden skipped down the steps at Mo’s and headed toward Cozy Cromwell’s.

Ilona lowered the window. “Morning, Mr. First-Aid.” She blew her hair out of her face, aware she must look a fright in her dust-covered clothing.

“Hey, Doc.” He shoved his hands deep into his jeans acting like the freezing wind was but a gentle spring breeze. “How ya feeling?” He bit his lip and looked away.

She switched off the engine and leaped out, darting around the hood to tug his hand out of his pocket to squeeze it. “Aiden, come on, it was an accident. I don’t blame you. We all thought Edison was unconscious.” His hand was oven hot. She shivered as its warmth penetrated her glove.

“I’m sorry, Doc. If I’d only reacted faster…” He sighed, releasing her fingers to rub up and down her biceps. “Rhys chewed me a new one, and he was right. You’re human, and your reflexes aren’t as fast as ours.”

“Rhys did what?” She gasped. The nerve of the man.

“He’s trying to ensure you stay alive, Doc.”

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