AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 19
Townsville, late 1943
‘Damn it, keep pressure on that bleeder, Sister. And I need a clamp.’ Dr Hannington, the new surgeon, was young and lacked the fluid movements of Geoffrey, and the steady experience of the lieutenant-colonel, who had been transferred to Brisbane on promotion. Meg prayed the new man would settle in soon. His first two days in theatre had been a trial by blood and Gerry had sent Meg in to assist today after Pam had burst into tears yesterday.
‘It’s here, Doctor.’ Meg set the clamp on his hand. Recalling Geoffrey’s training session—oh so long ago—she considered suggesting a similar session for Dr Hannington to express his preferences and establish a workflow in theatre.
By the time they finished closing the patient, Meg’s gown was blood-spattered more than the procedure warranted, and she was perspiring so much, she imagined puddling onto the floor, like the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz.
‘Done.’ Dr Hannington tugged down his mask and gulped in air. ‘It’s a wonder any surgery gets done under these conditions. They’re positively primitive. And you, Sister Dorset, you need to pull yourself together. You should have had that clamp ready to hand over.’
Meg blinked and lowered her mask. ‘But I did have it ready, Doctor. I was holding it out when you asked for—’
‘How dare you talk back to me. I’m the surgeon. I’m in charge. Not you, Sister Dorset. I’ve a good mind to put you on report for insubordination.’
Meg bit back the retort that sprang to mind. Chain of command had never felt onerous before, but clearly the young surgeon had an overinflated ego. Helpful suggestions would only get her into more hot water. Longing for the days when Geoffrey had presided over the operating theatre, she lowered her gaze, but inside, she began sifting through possible solutions.
‘See that you are up to speed next time you work in my operating theatre.’ Hannington turned on his heel and stormed out.
Meg huffed out a frustrated sigh and signalled the orderlies to collect their patient and convey him to the ward.
Davis gave her a look of commiseration, glanced over his shoulder then smiled at her. ‘He’s a tosser, Sister. Don’t let him get to you.’
Really, she should tell him not to make remarks like that about a superior officer, but Hannington was making enemies faster than the Japanese following Pearl Harbor. She allowed a little smile and nod before answering. ‘We’ve survived enough bombings to know what’s important and what doesn’t matter, Davis. Now, careful with the corporal, as always.’
‘Yes, Sister.’
Meg tossed her bloodied surgical gown and cap into the hamper and washed her hands thoroughly. As she turned off the tap, Gerry came in behind her.
‘Meg, glad I caught you. Come outside.’ Gerry’s voice sounded flat.
‘What is it? What’s happened? Vera—’
‘No, everyone is fine, but I’ve been transferred. I’m leaving in the morning, and I’ve named you my successor.’ She grinned. ‘Seems only fair to return the favour you did me.’
They sat under a tree next to the croquet lawn. The area of lawn still bore the name, despite the fact they played volleyball and shuttlecock there.
She tried to smile for Gerry’s sake, but she hated the idea that they would be separated again. Gerry was her touchstone, her solid ground when missing Jennifer overwhelmed her. ‘Is it a promotion?’
‘No. Just a change of scenery with the chance of returning here later. But you’ll be back in charge.’
Meg grimaced. ‘Maybe not. I had an exchange with Dr Hannington at the end of surgery. Arrogant little—’ Meg glanced around. Indiscrete comments would not help. She pushed her irritation with the green surgeon way down deep inside. ‘I’m not sure he’ll accept me in the position.’
‘It isn’t his call to make. It’s the new MO’s decision, and my recommendation will carry weight especially as I rather think Dr Rieck fancies me.’ Gerry fluttered her eyelashes then grinned.
‘Where are you heading to?’
‘I’ve been assigned to a training hospital in Brisbane. Top brass likes our success rate and wants us to share what we’re doing so well. It should really be you delivering these lectures.’
A pang of longing to hold Jennifer in her arms again hit Meg hard, but Gerry was in charge, not her. ‘You’ll do it well, and you’ll get a chance to spend time with Vera.’
‘And my niece. But it doesn’t seem fair you’ll miss out.’
‘Hey, I heard her call me “Mum” last time I got down there. That was special.’ But she’d missed her daughter’s first tooth, first steps, and it looked like she was going to miss Jennifer’s first birthday, since it was unlikely both she and Gerry would be in Brisbane at the same time. ‘I’ll give you her birthday present to take down with you. You can give her a big hug and kiss from her mummy for me.’
Gerry gave her a quick, one-armed hug and nodded, but her eyes were bright with tears. ‘This bloody, bloody war.’
##
