Page 51 of The Vow We Made
“I didn’t mean to worry you. Victoria’s actually doing very well. I should have got back to you last night and I’m sorry I didn’t manage to call. I ended up in surgery.”
“We were both up against it. Don’t worry; I’m just grateful she’s okay.”
“Am I right in thinking you like this woman a lot?”
“She’s pretty amazing.”
“How long have you known her?” His question throws me because he wouldn’t pry into personal matters unless it was for professional reasons. “Not long, why?”
“You didn’t meet her here at the hospital?” I wonder where he’s going with this. Is he implying I picked her up while she was lying drugged-up to the eyeballs on a trolley?
“That’s a bit sick—”
“I’m not referring to last night.” He looks at me sideways then takes a moment. “Okay, let me put it this way, on arrival, did you read through her previous hospital records?”
I fold my arms across my chest and shake my head. “I didn’t have time. I was more concerned about getting her scanned and her initial injuries assessed. Why? What’s going on?”
“When I was updating her notes, I noticed she’d been admitted here nearly three years ago.”
“And you thought I met her then?”
“Correct.”
“I’ve known her a couple of weeks.”
He nods. “I see. Well, I would suggest you read the notes from her first visit because you treated some of the party she was brought in with. It’s important for you to know any previous medical involvement with her family.”
“Was I on duty the last time she was here?” With the sheer volume of patients admitted to Accident and Emergency every day, it’s not always easy to remember individual cases.
“You were, and you need to remind yourself exactly of the role you played that night and the procedures her husband received before he died, so you’re prepared for—”
“Hold on. Go back a second. What was that?” My heartbeat accelerates as my head tries to get a grip.
“I said you need to remind yourself—”
“No, not that. You said herhusband.”
Aaron’s tone is a mixture of surprise and concern. “Jesus Aiden, didn’t you know?”
“That she was a widow? I had no idea.”
“I’m so sorry.”
I shake my head, wondering why it hasn’t been mentioned. “Don’t be. It’s still early days between us and maybe talking about her husband’s death is still too difficult for her to handle.” I know how hard it can be to lose a loved one, having lost both my parents. Despite being just a kid when it happened, it was no less devastating.
“I just presumed you knew, but you’re probably right. It can’t be easy for her to talk about.”
I’m silent as I take it in and he continues, “I suggest you familiarise yourself with the case and if you want to talk about it, I’m here.”
“Thanks Aaron.” I look towards the direction of Victoria’s ward, then back to him.
“Give me a shout. Anytime, okay?”
“I will, and thank you for your discretion. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. You know where I am.”
He leaves the room and me with my thoughts. My first priority is visiting Victoria as this is the first chance I’ve had. Before I received this new information, I couldn’t wait to get to her, now I feel a little awkward. Perhaps it’s better if I don’t mention it until I’ve had a chance to go over the notes for myself.
