Page 18 of Harbor Lights

Shiv’s brows met over her pale, feral eyes. “You had patients with you all afternoon, and I kinda thought having a working front door was a non-negotiable.”

Con took a long, calming breath. What was her problem? “You’re right, I’m sorry. It’s just… Could you wait until surgery’s over to do the drilling?”

Shiv checked the military style watch on her wrist. “Yeah, I guess. I could fix that loose paving stone outside and cut some of the vegetation back from the path.”

Con blinked. “Why? Why are you doing this?”

Shiv hoisted her drill back into the case. “You said you were concerned about your patients’ safety.” She turned to Con. “And you helped me. I need to pay you back.”

Con nodded. “I must get back to Mrs. Dwyer. Help yourself to anything from the kitchen.” She turned on her heel. “And drink plenty of water.”

“Yes, Doctor.” Shiv’s muttered comment had a hint of laughter to it.

She was still wondering if Shiv was laughing at her, or with her, when she sat back down.

“I am so sorry about that, Bridie. Now, tell me more about these funny turns.”

She successfully put thoughts of Shiv Walsh and her tawny eyes out of her mind for the remainder of her working day, apart from a moment when she caught a glimpse of her, shovel in hand, outside on the path. She’d stood and lowered the blind a little and continued with her consultation.

She stood again, now, relieved to be finished with her last patient. “That’s good to hear, Pat. We’ll keep on with the medication and I’ll see you in another two weeks.”

He followed her to the door, which she held open in anticipation.

“Good to see you’re getting some work done on the house, Doc. It was some place in your dad’s time.”

It had been pretty impressive in her time, too, until she’d stopped trying. “Thanks, Pat. There were some things that needed to be done urgently.”

“Could you not find anyone local to do it, though? That scrawny little American doesn’t look like she’ll get much done in a hurry.”

Con led the way to the opening where the door should be, and outside to what was now a newly laid path, the paving stones even and surrounded by compacted sand. The wilderness of her garden had at least been hacked back clear of the path. Con was amazed at the progress Shiv had made in a few short hours. Imagine what she could do in a week.

“The scrawny American appears to have done just fine, Pat.” She waved him off and watched as he walked down the path, unimpeded by trip hazards and vicious brambles. It opened her eyes to how bad it had got. She really needed to up her game and make sure her workplace was fit for purpose, no matter how accepting her regular customers were.

Shiv was nowhere in sight, so she checked Maura had left for the day and headed for the kitchen.

Shiv stood with her head in the farmhouse sink, rubbing her face under the flowing water. When Con entered, Shiv turned off the tap and reached for a towel.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t be doing this in the kitchen.” She rubbed at her face and dried the shaggy front of her hair, which had been caught in the flow. Her arms were streaked with dirt and her hoodie was dusty.

“It hardly matters.” Con waved at the clutter. “I can’t believe how much you’ve got done out there. I’ll never be able to thank you.”

Shiv pulled her phone from her pocket. “That’s Joey asking if I want a ride back.” She checked her watch. “I’ll need to say no, and try to make it to the last ferry.” She finished typing and looked up. “I can’t leave you without a front door, can I?” Her smile was trying for cocky, but Con saw the vulnerability behind it.

“How about you get finished and I treat you to dinner at the Harbor Lounge? If you don’t make the last ferry I’ll pay for Christy to come and get you. It’s the least I can do.”

Shiv’s smile faded a little. “I’m good, thanks, I’ve got a bar in my pack. It’ll keep me going till I get home.”

“To what?” Shiv’s point-blank refusal of hospitality was a little annoying.

Shiv blinked.

“A tin of beans heated on your camping stove?”

“I don’t like eating in company.” She looked away quickly, and Con wondered what memories were going through her head.

“That’s okay. Get finished and I’ll fix us up something here.” She winced as she remembered she’d yet to go shopping.

“Good luck with that. I went looking for milk. Your refrigerator’s almost empty.”

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