Free Thirteen Roses Book One: Before: An Apocalyptic Zombie Saga by Michael Cairns Page A

grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes.  
    No point in feeling sorry for herself, no point at all. The chemo was over in a couple of weeks and then she had the op and then it was recovery and she could put all this behind her. Maybe her memories of Tanya would finally go with it.  
    She put her phone on the desk. Knowing it was stupid, she pressed the button and the screen lit up. Tanya smiled up at her and her mouth wobbled. With a growl she unlocked it, went into settings and changed her save screen to blank. With a sigh of satisfaction, she slammed the phone back on the desk and went for her mouse.  
    Elizabeth turned up ten minutes later and stuck her head through the door. 'Morning, Miss Frane, can I get you anything?'
    Sam stared at her, wondering whether everyone who had chemo got the blurring around the edges of their eyes, and shook her head. The door was almost closed when she called her back.  
    'Sorry, Liz, actually, yeah. I need to cancel the morning meetings. Sorry, I'm just...'
    Liz nodded, eyes sad. 'Yes, of course, no problem. Can I get you a drink or anything?'
    'Is it too early for gin?'
    'Probably just a bit. You could have coffee and pretend there's liqueur in there.'
    'Couldn't you just put liqueur in there instead of me pretending?'
    Lis smiled and pulled the door too. Sam stared at it, at the dark wooden panelling covered in shiny lacquer, and ever so slowly put her head on the desk. She sat up guiltily when the phone rang, sweeping imaginary sleep dust from the corners of her eyes. Had she been asleep?
    Face flushing red, she answered the phone.  
    'Samantha Frane.'
    'Hello Samantha, it's Doctor Islam. I'm sorry to bother you at work. Do you have a minute to talk?'
    'Of course, why, what's up?'
    There was a moment's silence and it was enough for her to know. She bit her lip and grabbed the table edge with one hand, squeezing until her fingers ached.  
    'We have all the results back now and I thought you would want to know immediately. The tumour is larger than we thought. Also, the cancer has spread into your lymph nodes. If we operate now, I think we can get it all, but I must warn you, it is a long procedure and will leave you out of action for some considerable time.'
    He kept talking, but she didn't hear him. She didn't hear anything save the rushing in her ears. Her hand shook where it gripped the table and she stared in wonder at the whiteness of her knuckles. She'd never been that pale, so where did the whiteness come from?
    'Samantha, are you there?'
    His voice, always so damned soft, flooded back into her consciousness.  
    'Yes, yeah, I'm here.'
    'Do you understand what I am saying?'
    'Yeah, when will you operate?'
    'I have booked it in for Tuesday. I will not be operating though, this isn't my area of expertise so I will pass you to a colleague of mine. She is outstanding, you will be in good hands. I need you to come in and see me today or tomorrow, can you do that?'
    She organised things, autopilot taking over while her mind drifted up to the ceiling and stared down at her. She saw the straight, mousey-blonde hair brushing her shoulders. The thin, even face that would be pretty if it weren't so severe. She watched her lips wobble as she answered the questions and put the phone down. Then she slammed back into her body and heaved a great groan that doubled her over until she dropped from her chair and onto the floor.  
    'Miss Frane, are you alright?'
    Liz's tremulous voice cut through her sobs and she looked up. Liz had never seen her cry and she knew what she must look like, but her PA came rushing around the table and wrapped her arms around her. It was probably the worst thing she could have done. Sam stiffened, drawing her shoulders in, tears drying up.  
    'I'm fine, really. Can you get me an appointment with Mr Edwards? Needs to be today.'
    Liz backed away, hands out to her. 'Are you su--'
    'NOW, please, sorry. Yes, now please, straight away if possible, thank you.'
    Liz dashed