Free The Doctor's Rebel Knight by Melanie Milburne Page B

sexy in his police uniform, and when he’s in all that black leather riding gear it makes me think of-’
    ‘Don’t.’ Fran held up her hand like a stop sign. ‘I’m off men at the moment, remember?’
    Caro gave her a knowing look. ‘Frannie, you’ve always been off men. All through your teens you were totally focussed on studying. And then all through med school and ever since you qualified work was always more important to you, more’s the pity. A casual love affair with a handsome cop is just what you need right now to boost your confidence.’
    Fran hoisted her handbag strap over her shoulder. ‘I hope to God you didn’t get Nick to suggest such a thing to Sergeant Hawke,’ she said.
    ‘Would I do that?’ Caro said with that same twinkling smile.
    When Fran went to the general store the following day she ran into Jane Pelleri, who was doing a quick shop while her husband looked after the children. Ella was now back at home, showing no sign of any after-effects from her terrifying experience. The pool gate had been repaired and life was more or less back to normal. So different from so many others, Fran thought as she listened to Jane recount something cute the boys had done to welcome their baby sister home.
    Beryl Hadley wasn’t working on the cash register that day but a slim, almost thin young girl of about sixteen was filling in for her. Fran smiled as she loaded her things on the counter but the teenager barely looked up as she mechanically scanned the items. She was dressed in loose-fitting black clothes—even the top she was wearing was long sleeved which must have been sweltering for her in spite of the air-conditioning inside.
    ‘Hi, I’m Fran, Carolyn Atkins’s sister,’ Fran said to break the silence. ‘Is Beryl having a day off?’
    ‘Yeah.’ The girl scanned the packet of dog treats Fran had chosen for Rufus.
    ‘What’s your name?’ Fran asked after another few items were scanned. ‘I don’t think I’ve seen you around town before.’
    ‘Tara,’ she said dully, scanning the last item and bringing up the total. ‘Will that be cash or charge?’
    Fran handed over some notes. When the girl placed the change in her hand Fran noticed several thin white scars onthe underside of the teenager’s wrist. The girl pulled her sleeve back in place and closed the drawer of the cash register with one of her bony hips.
    ‘Nice to meet you, Tara,’ Fran said, picking up her bags.
    ‘Yeah,’ Tara said without meeting Fran’s gaze. ‘Same.’
    Fran was coming out of the store, still frowning, when a man in his early sixties approached her. ‘Dr Nin,’ he said. ‘I’m so glad to meet you at last. I’m Nigel McLeod, the mayor.’
    ‘Pleased to meet you, Mr McLeod,’ Fran said, juggling her shopping bags to shake his proffered hand.
    ‘I was wondering if you would like to have a tour of the medical clinic this morning,’ he said. ‘Everyone is so thrilled about how you stepped into the breach, so to speak.’
    Fran took a step backwards. ‘Um…I haven’t exactly said I—’
    ‘It’s just such an amazing coincidence,’ he went on as if she hadn’t spoken. ‘It’s obviously meant to be. Here we are waiting desperately for the position to be filled since the GP who was supposed to arrive has had some doubts cast over his overseas qualifications and then you turn up. It’s a miracle, that’s what it is. An answer to a prayer and, believe you me, this whole town has been praying for someone as competent as you. The way you saved that little girl’s life and Jim Broderick’s daughter too. The orthopaedic doctor at the hospital she was flown to said she was lucky she didn’t lose that leg. You’re Pelican Bay’s latest hero. I am sure you’ll be nominated as citizen of the year after this.’
    Fran gave him a wan smile. ‘Mr McLeod…I am very grateful for your offer but I’m not planning on—’
    ‘Of course I know it’s a dreadful imposition but there are already