Ice and Fire

Chapter 7 ~ Samantha

I woke up earlier than what I had planned and I took the opportunity to go over not only Mrs. Douglass' file but my other patients' too. At 6h25 I went down to the lobby and Higgins was already waiting with the car door open. We greeted each other and I slid into the back seat before he could close the door behind me.

"I took the liberty of picking up a hot drink for you Dr. Thornsdale."

"I'm not a coffee drinker and I only drink tea in the afternoons."

"I know, Dr. Thornsdale, that's why I go you a hot water with lemon and honey. I hope it is the right dosage."

I took the hot drink to my lips and before tasting it I inhaled the perfect aroma. "It is perfect. How did you know this is what I drink in the mornings?"

"Mr. Lachlan gave me the information this morning. He wanted me to make sure you had everything you needed before starting your day."

I sat back and drank my drink all along wondering how Lachlan had known this fact. Like every powerful controlling man, he was he made it his business to know everything about everyone around him and as much as I hated being controlled by anyone I found this somehow endearing.

Letting the rhythm of the car I imagined each case in my mind. Each one of my patient's file came in mind and I would imagine the different outcomes to their medical situation...little Bobby and his unexplainable numerous cardiac arrests, there's something there that I can't seem to figure out...Mrs. Douglass.... I had 4 major cases and a few none critical, but they needed my attention all the same. By the time we arrived back at the hospital I had just finished going through Mrs. Douglass' case.

Even before beginning my rounds I headed to Mrs. Douglass' room and when I walked in I found her wide awake.

"You should be resting."

She looked at me and smiled, "Hello eudial (sweetheart)! What are ye doin here so early? I was told that ye will be back on duty at 9." Soft yet with a very present Scottish accent.

I checked her vitals and looked back at her, "I like to come in early. It's when I can get most things done since it is quiet and peaceful. Do you have any questions for me?"

"Aye, I do. Ye and me son Daniel...do ye think this is going somewhere? Cause I am nae gettin nae younger and I would like some grandchildren."

She was a feisty old thing and I liked her, but I did not know how to respond to something I did not know the answer to. "You have other children that I can imagine..."

"I know I do, but Daniel is me baby, me first born. I nae seen him react towards any other woman the way I have seen him react with ye, it gives me hope for him." She smiled sweetly.

"To be honest I do not know where this is going. We only met a few days a go, but they sure have been weird...unusual...offbeat. All I can say is that I have enjoyed his company. A bit on the controlling side, but nothing I can't handle."

"I would nae doubt ye my dear. After all he has gone through, he deserves..."

Before our conversation could go any further Dr. Lewis and an orderly came to take Mrs. Douglass for her remaining tests.

"Don't look too worried Mrs. Douglass I will be by your side during all your tests." I leaned over and gently squeezed her hand trying to reassure her as much as possible. "They are three tests in all and their outcome will determine if I will need to do a bypass or something completely different or even maybe nothing at all. The first one is the easiest one of all the three. You will be on a treadmill. This will let us know how well your heart can handle physical work."