Page 76 of Only for Christmas

‘We went to the Winter Wonderland event at Hyde Park last night,’ he said, hugging Sarah close. ‘It was great.’

Georgia looked shocked. ‘You went to a Christmas event?’

‘It would appear my aversion to all things festive might be lifting.’ Sarah gave Lucas a shy smile.

‘Dating and celebrating Christmas? Blimey, he must be good in bed.’ Georgia saluted Lucas. ‘You’re a talented man, sir. You have succeeded where other mortals have failed.’

Their attention was drawn to the main stage, where the string quartet were taking their bows and exiting to polite applause.

The clapping faded as Stephen Stokes walked up to the microphone and tapped the end.

Sarah tried to maintain a neutral expression. Booing him and giving him a thumbs-down wouldn’t be very mature, however tempting.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight’s fundraising ball. Please show your appreciation for this evening’s entertainment, provided by members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.’ He started clapping, encouraging everyone to join in with the applause.

Sarah was grateful for Lucas’s arm still being around her. Even the sound of Stephen’s voice unsettled her.

Stephen waited until the clapping has subsided before continuing. ‘Tonight’s event is in aid of a number of charities supported by the Queen Adelaide Hospital. There’ll be various auctions throughout the evening and opportunities to part with your cash. I’d like to encourage everyone to give generously and enable these worthwhile organisations to continue making a difference to people’s lives.’

‘He almost sounds sincere,’ Lucas whispered. ‘He’s still a creep in sheep’s clothing.’

Sarah smiled. ‘Wolf.’

Lucas shrugged. ‘That too.’

‘There are a number of people I’d like to thank for making tonight possible.’ Stephen smoothed down the front of his shiny red cummerbund. ‘The fundraising team who you can see standing behind me.’ He made a point of clapping in their direction. ‘And TaylorMade Events for their sponsorship and for hosting tonight’s event.’

More clapping, with a couple of people at the side of the stage looking pleased at being singled out.

Georgia turned to Sarah. ‘Stephen’s been asking about you this week. He wanted to check you were okay. Wasn’t that nice of him? You’re clearly in with the boss.’

Sarah feigned a smile. If only Georgia knew the real Stephen.

Watching him on stage, full of confidence and swagger and commanding the audience’s attention, he was in his element. Master of ceremonies. No one knew what lurked beneath.

Stephen rested his hand on the microphone. ‘Finally, I’d like to thank the staff team at the Queen Adelaide Hospital for making me feel so welcome as their new medical director.’ He nodded in appreciation when a few people cheered. ‘In particular, I’d like to single out Sarah Haynes.’

Sarah felt Lucas’s arm tighten around her.

‘Where is Sarah; can anyone see her?’ Stephen searched the crowd.

‘Here! She’s over here!’ An excited Georgia jumped up and down, gesturing to where Sarah was standing.

‘Ah, there she is!’ Stephen pointed in her direction, causing a mass of heads to turn and look at her.

Only Lucas holding on to her prevented her from kicking off her shoes and running. She wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

‘Keep smiling,’ Lucas whispered, his smile as forced as hers. ‘Don’t let him rattle you.’

Too late. She was about as rattled as a rattlesnake who had another rattle attached to its already rattly rattle tail.

Stephen’s smile was big and filled with veneers – false like him. ‘I’d like to thank Sarah for her tireless commitment in ensuring a safe and inclusive working environment for all the staff team at the Queen Adelaide and helping us provide the best service for our patients.’ He started clapping. ‘Great work, Sarah. You’re an asset to the hospital. A round of applause for Sarah Haynes.’

It was torture. The sound of clapping was like an assault on her ears. She hadn’t done anything to warrant being singled out. No more than any other staff member. There was only one reason why Stephen would make such a public show of support, and that was to undermine any complaint she might make against him. He was getting in first. Landing the first blow. And it was a first-class strike.

To do anything other than smile and accept the applause, however sick it made her feel, would only make her look ungrateful and churlish. So she did her best to ride out the attention, praying it would end soon and she could escape.

Stephen continued talking for a few minutes, detailing the auction items and providing timings for the evening’s activities.

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