Page 6 of Andrew’s Outback Love

“They have her sedated to get her blood pressure stabilised. We can’t afford to have her stressed. Ruby is staying with her but Finn will bring a nurse with him to monitor Ally on the way to Sydney so you can have Ruby back for your clinics and surgeries. He’s also bringing Ally’s replacement with him. She agreed to start earlier and will be in on the first flight from Broken Hill.”

“Linda?”

“Yep.”

“I haven’t had a chance to meet her, it was arranged for next week. Have you met her? What’s she like?”

“Yep. Ally and I have met her at training out there a few times and shared a meal and a couple of drinks. She’s quiet but knows her stuff and......you’ll see.”

“Huh?”

“Gotta go. Talk soon. I’m taking off back to Dubbo so I’ll catch up on Friday when I come back for you.”

The call disconnected and Cam and I gave each other a puzzled look.

“What did he mean, we’ll see?” Cam asked.

“No idea. She’s a qualified Nurse and emergency trained. She’s worked RFDS out of Broken Hill for eight years.”

“Broken Hill?”

“Yep. Apparently, she was keen to get out of Broken Hill but no idea why.”

“Single?” Cameron had a gleam in his eye.

“As far as I know, why?”

“I’m in Dubbo and she’ll be there. Might be able to catch up for a drink.”

“Don’t start anything, Cam. I can’t afford tension in my team.”

“Trust me, there won’t be any tension. I know exactly what to do to release it.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“I’m serious, Cam.”

“Yeah, yeah. I hear ya.”

We finished packing up the room and once everything was ready to be transferred to Bourke, we went in search of Viv to help with preparing the barbeque. I couldn’t help but wonder about what James had meant and why was Linda apparently eager to transfer from Broken Hill – the main base, to Dubbo?

CHAPTER THREE

Gary swaggered up to the verandah with three of his station hands. I knew the two men and woman reasonably well. They usually joined us when we were at the station. I held out my hand and shook with first Darla – a Jillaroo, then Baron - Foreman and Tim – Stockman. There were other Jillaroos and Jackaroos but they stayed on remote parts of the property and although the others mentioned them from time to time, I hadn’t yet met them.

Steaks, sausages and onion sizzled on the barbeque and the aroma caused my mouth to water. There was nothing like a fresh steak out in the country. I held out a platter while Viv piled the food high and then I carried it to the table where the others were seated. The verandah was protected by mesh screening so flies and mozzies were thankfully kept to a minimum. Those that did manage to get in, were quickly attracted to an electric bug zapper hung in one corner and their lives came to an abrupt end. Don’t feel sorry for them, there were plenty more to replace them.

After setting the platter on the table, I took a seat and Viv joined us. Fresh salads were uncovered and everyone got stuck into loading up their plates. The clatter of cutlery and dishes was the only sound heard until everyone was ready to eat. After a short prayer of thanks, given by Gary, we were told to “dig in.”

“Have you heard from the hospital, Drew?” Gary asked.

“What happened?” Darla held her fork in mid-air, a concerned expression on her face.

I explained about the emergency with Allison. “In answer to your question, Gary, she’ll be fine but it looks like they’ll be taking her down to Sydney to the Women’s to remain on bed rest.”

“That’ll go down like a lead balloon.” Gary shook his head and laughed.

“That’s what I said. I pity the poor nurses and doctors but I think Rick will pull her into line. She really scared him and I think he’ll put his foot down, albeit – gently.”

“I can understand how she’s feeling,” Viv added. “It’s hard to have people telling you to take it easy when you’ve always been so active. Last time she was here and we got talking, she said pregnancy was supposed to be a normal occurrence not something which crippled you with illness.”