It was enough to sow the tiniest seed of hope.
If she was unhappy then she could do something about it. Ifâ¦no, when she escaped, Tim would be there for her.
He would always be there for her.
It was just as well the bright, flashing lights suddenly intruded into the dark compartment that had almost become a confessional, because otherwise Tim might have said something he shouldnât. Or, worse, done something he shouldnâtâlike take Kathryn in his arms and kiss her. He could almost imagine that she wanted him to do precisely that, because even the unwelcome brightness of the police carâs beacons hadnât been enough to make Kathryn look away from him.
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The Recovery Assignment
The Firefighterâs Baby
Emergency at Inglewood
HE WAS lying to her.
It was as obvious as the stain of colour that instantly heated Kathryn Mercerâs cheeks, and her discomfort increased as the lie hung in the air between them. It was taking on a life of its own with a past history they shared, a present embarrassment they were both clearly experiencing and the shine taken off a future that Kathryn had been eagerly anticipating.
Was he trustworthy?
Kathryn deposited her small backpack with personal supplies for her first day at work in the allocated locker and took a little more time than she actually needed to push it securely into the small space and fold the strap ends away so they wouldnât catch in the door.
âThatâs about all there is in here.â Paramedic Tim McGrath was not looking at Kathryn as she stowed her bag. âThereâs a shower and toilet through that door but itâs unisex. If you want one thatâs women only youâll need to go upstairs to the bedroom area.â
A seed of resentment bloomed as she heard the echo of the lie.
âSorry, I couldnât ring. Iâ¦lost your phone number.â
Kathryn shut the locker with a firm clang of metal on metal. It shouldnât be a big deal so why was she feeling so crushed? Sheâd only met Tim on that one occasion, months ago, in a situation that had been emotionally charged for everyone involved. What evidence had she really had to build such a picture of someone who could be trusted?
âHereâs the office.â Tim was still avoiding eye contact as he led Kathryn away from the locker room. âWe have a separate area from the fire service for administration stuff. We share the commonroom and kitchen facilities, though.â
The let-down was refusing to fade. Kathryn had remembered Tim as some kind of heroâarriving at an emergency and taking charge calmly and skilfully. A professional picture impressive enough to have lured her into a new career. The desire to be like him had been strong enough to carry her through all the obstacles she had faced in changing jobs. And those obstacles had been enough to make it no small triumph that she was standing here today. No wonder her nervous excitement was making her over-sensitive.
A burst of deep male laughter could be heard well away from the small office as Kathryn nodded at various instructions she was being given about using the phone, fax machine and computer. Kathryn had arrived early for her first day at Inglewood station but a shift changeover was due shortly and there would be two fire crews and another ambulance crew somewhere on site. Possibly all male. Kathryn sucked in a deep breath to try and quell any nerves. Maybe Sean was right and she would find herself totally unsuitable for work like this.
Tim looked up at the sound of laughter and Kathryn thought she detected some relief in the knowledge they werenât alone in this old converted house. âIâll introduce you to the mob if youâre ready. We could grab a quick cup of coffee before we go and check the truck. Any questions so far?â
Harbouring a suspicion that he was untrustworthy was hardly the best way to break the ice with the man who would be her partner and hopefully her mentor for the next six months. Kathryn pushed a wayward tendril of blond hair behind her ear and smiled.
âNot right now but Iâm sure Iâll be a nuisance for the rest of the day. This is all so new.â
âYouâre a nurse, though, arenât you?â Tim glanced at the qualification patch on the sleeve of Kathrynâs white shirt. âIsnât that why youâre already qualified for IV and cardiac procedures even though youâre in a probationary position?â
Kathryn nodded. âI worked in Emergency when I first qualified, but for the last few years Iâve been a part-time practice nurse in a general practice.â She pulled a wry face. âMy IV qualification is about the only skill I kept up. I seemed to spend half my time taking blood samples from geriatric patients who werenât exactly filled with the joys of living.â