A Baby for the Flying Doctor Read Online Free Page B

handle.’
    ‘Agreed.’ Phemie brushed herself down, straightening her clothes, pleased there was now space between them. She dragged in a few breaths to focus herself. ‘Emergency stop means—’
    ‘Something has gone wrong. No doubt medical assistance will be required.’ He headed for the carriage door. ‘I’ll find a steward then hopefully we’ll know what’s going on. Stay here and ensure everyone in this carriage is all right.’ With that, he opened the weighted door. Phemie watched him go, liking the way he walked—sure and firm and with purpose.
    As soon as he was out of sight, her brain clicked immediately into medical mode and she went to help the other lounge-car passengers.There were a few bumps, a few bruises and scratches but for the most part everyone seemed fine, just very shaken. One man was more concerned about his computer than anything else. Everyone had questions but Phemie didn’t have any answers.
    She had just finished checking the pulse of a three-year-old boy, snuggled into his mother’s arms, his cries having settled somewhat, when Gil strode back into the carriage, two stewards and a guard following him. One of the stewards carried a large medical kit.
    ‘Dr Grainger. You’re needed. This way.’ His tone was as brisk as his strides and realising she was seeing the Professor in all his professional glory, Phemie excused herself from the young mother and followed the men.
    ‘Apparently, there’s been an incident a few carriages down.’ Gil spoke softly yet clearly as they made their way through the empty dining carriage towards the rear of the twenty-two-car-long train. ‘One of the passengers had an accident walking between two of the carriages. His mate was behind him, saw it happen and ran back to pull the emergency stop.’
    ‘Do we have any idea what sort of injury?’
    Her voice was calm, clear and in control. Gil was pleased. It appeared he had a doctor who was more than happy to assist in this emergency. He’d realised years ago that emergency medicine didn’t suit every type of medical professional, but for him it provided variety and unique challenges and was something he thrived on…especially since June and Caitie. Gil shook his head. Now was definitely not the time to even think about his past.
    ‘Lots of blood has been the main report.’ Gil indicated to one of the stewards as they walked through to the next carriage and nodded, indicating the man should start his debrief now.
    ‘Uh…yeah…right, Doc. We uh…just got a message through our radios…’ he indicated the two-way communication device ‘…saying a man had hurt himself and there was a lot of blood.’
    Phemie nodded, thinking through possible scenarios, butthere were simply too many. ‘Has anyone contacted the authorities? Sent for medical support?’
    ‘Uh…I think the driver has notified the rail authority but I don’t know about anything else.’
    Phemie reached into the pocket of her jeans and pulled out her phone.
    ‘It won’t work here,’ the guard said. ‘We’re in the middle of nowhere.’
    ‘We’re only about four hours out of Didja and this is no ordinary phone.’ She punched in a number and a moment later was connected. ‘Hi, it’s Phemie.’ She paused. ‘I am having a break, I promise, but there’s been an accident on the train.’ The guard was able to give her their exact co-ordinates and she passed this information on. ‘Get the plane in the air. I’ll forward more details when I have them. Over.’ She replaced the phone in her pocket.
    ‘Over?’ A quizzical smile tipped Gil’s lips as they continued their way through the train. ‘Do you always end your phone calls like that?’
    ‘Oh. Yeah. Bad habit. I’m used to talking on a UHF radio.’
    ‘Really?’ Gil continued to be intrigued by this woman. ‘Who did you just call?’
    ‘RFDS.’ At his blank look, she remembered he was from overseas and quickly explained. ‘Royal Flying Doctor Service.