Page 10 of Harbor Lights

“Probably.” Shiv looked around. “To be honest, there’s a few things around here that could do with repairing. Joey had to put a shoulder against your door to close it.”

Irritation flashed in the doctor’s eyes. “I’m not judging.” How could she with her current living conditions? “You can live how you wish. I’m just saying there’s plenty I could pay you back with. I don’t only do electrical work.”

Doc’s shoulders slumped. “You’re right. There’s enough maintenance work here to employ someone permanently. But in the meantime, there are a few things I do need to address urgently.”

“In that case, I’ll take you up on your offer, thank you.”

“Excellent. Well, I’ll show you to your room shortly. But first, would you like to join me for some food? I have a stew in the slow cooker.” Doc led the way out of the exam room and in the direction of the delicious odor.

Shiv followed, wondering if she could stop her mouth from visibly watering. She wasn’t comfortable taking this stranger’s hospitality, but she couldn’t go to bed without eating or she’d make herself ill. “What sort of stew? I mostly don’t eat meat.”Well, that sounded ungrateful.

Doc turned, her lips twisted in regret. “Oh, I’m sorry, it’s beef. I can bake you a potato or… something.”

Shiv felt a shiver of guilt for making the doctor feel uncomfortable. “No, don’t worry, I’ll eat it. I try not to be too rigid about it. I want to put animals and the planet first, but I’m sometimes in situations where it’s not practical.”

Doc beamed. “Grand. We can say it’s doctor’s orders due to the blood loss.”

Shiv followed her into a cavernous kitchen, full of ancient equipment. The kitchen units looked to be made of oak, and the dining table was big enough to sit twelve people. At the near end was a coaster and a used coffee mug.

Doc pulled up a second chair to the table and waved for Shiv to sit, retrieving the mug as she went. “Sorry, not used to having guests. Would you like a drink?”

“Water would be good, thanks.” When the doctor placed a large glass in front of her, Shiv downed the contents in one go, feeling immediately refreshed.

Doc refilled it quickly and handed it back. “You could’ve asked for a drink in the surgery, you know. Hydration is important, especially when you’ve lost blood.”

Shiv was aware. She thought back to the water bottle she’d filled and left behind at the cottage. She’d let everything slip in the few short hours since she’d set foot on the island. She was accustomed to being self-sufficient in her RV with its full water tanks and solar panels on the roof. She’d been caught out and ill-prepared for this adventure.

“I just arrived on the island, and I’ve been traveling light. I guess I thought there’d be more opportunity to stock up on supplies and equipment.”

“No, it’s not that kind of place. You can order things online, and they’ll be delivered within a week.”

Shiv wasn’t sure if she’d heard right. “A week?”

“I know, probably not what you’re accustomed to. You can use the WiFi while you’re here, if you like? If you need to make any orders.”

Shiv didn’t know how to respond to such kindness and was relieved when Doc moved away to serve up the dinner.

“I looked up the cottage, but I don’t think it’s registered as an address. The materials for the work are being delivered by a Walsh cousin, so I’m guessing Granddad briefed him.”

Doc chuckled. “Inishderry and your name would get anything to you, eventually. But while the postman gets up to speed, just use the hotel address. Your cousin Tierney won’t mind at all.”

She might mind a little after Shiv’s earlier hostility. “I haven’t met her properly yet. I don’t want to inconvenience anyone.”

Doc shook her head as she ladled out the stew. “Tierney would be delighted to help you out. Go and see her when you get back.”

“I’m not looking for help. I like to find my own way.”

Doc approached with two bowls and Shiv tried not to stare too greedily at the food. She placed one in front of Shiv and walked away, leaving her to watch the steam rising from the bowl.

Doc returned with cutlery, a loaf of bread, and a butter dish. Perhaps she should have offered to help.

“Now, I can see you’re hungry, so tuck in.” Doc handed over a spoon which Shiv tried not to snatch impolitely before she sank it into the fragrant stew.

Silence prevailed until Shiv had taken a few mouthfuls. It tasted as good as it smelled. When she paused to reach for some bread, Doc was watching her with a smile.

“Are you not eating? It’ssogood.”

Doc picked up her spoon. “I wish I could take the credit, but Maura, my receptionist, insists on leaving a meal for me when I’ve been away.” She took a mouthful and chewed. “Oh, this really is delicious, isn’t it?”

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