Unwrapping the Neurosurgeon's Heart

Then again, what was she doing imagining anything?

She rounded the corner, straight into Saskia. They had seen each other in Resus, passing as they darted into different bays but, incredibly, their cases hadn’t coincided all evening. But now, without even uttering a word, her friend hugged her tightly.

‘I was so relieved when I heard you were safe.’

‘Why wouldn’t I be?’ Anouk laughed. ‘And never mind me, the hospital is practically buzzing with some gossip that you arrived by helicopter?’

Saskia thrust her away, her eyes searching Anouk.

‘You haven’t heard, then?’ Saskia demanded, ignoring the comment.

A sense of unease began to creep through Anouk.

‘Heard what?’

‘That the explosion affected Kings Boulevard?’

‘That’s us.’ Anouk frowned.

‘Yes. The whole area has been cordoned off until they can determine which buildings are structurally intact and which aren’t. We can’t go home.’ Anouk couldn’t answer as Saskia hugged her again. ‘At least we’re both safe.’

‘We should...book a hotel, then.’ Anouk fought off the daze that had settled over her. ‘I’ll call now.’

‘Not for me.’ Her friend placed her hand over Anouk’s as she reached into her locker for her mobile. ‘I’m... I have somewhere to be.’

‘Where?’

‘I... I’m staying with Malachi,’ Saskia apologised.

‘With Malachi?’

Sol’s brother?

It didn’t make much sense but Saskia was already changing her shoes and closing her bag.

‘Saskia? Are you in here?’ Sol’s voice only seemed to ramp up the tension in the room.

Or perhaps it was just her, Anouk thought, flustered.

‘Oh, Anouk.’ Was it her imagination or did he pause for a fraction of a second when he spotted her, before addressing Saskia again? ‘Mal says you need to get going. His heli is on the roof and they want it cleared in case an emergency has to come in.’

‘I should go,’ Saskia muttered.

Sol looked at her.

‘If you’re calling for a hotel, Anouk, you’re too late. I heard a couple of guys complaining an hour ago that every hotel in the city was booked out. The cordon is quite extensive—lots of apartment blocks have been evacuated.’

‘Great.’ She gritted her teeth as Saskia hovered, still not leaving. Worry etched in her face.

‘You could find an on-call room.’

‘I’m guessing they’ll be taken, too,’ Sol told them. ‘They’re setting up temporary beds in community centres around the place.’

‘Oh,’ Anouk bit out as Saskia grabbed her hand.

‘I could speak to Malachi? See if you could come with us?’

‘Or you could just stay with me,’ Sol cut in, quietly, firmly.