Free Lamplight in the Shadows by Robert Jaggs-Fowler

before, the four partners of the medical practice would already know what he was yet to discover. Had they decided to offer him a partnership or would today be a case of ‘thank you and goodbye’? It seemed strange and made him feel somewhat apprehensive knowing that, for once, his fate was not under his own control.
    Having had a few days to consider the proposition further, he was sure that he wanted to join the practice. Any opposition Janice now put up would be swiftly overcome on the basis that she had steadfastly refused to discuss the issue or indeed offer any clue as to what she would prefer to see as a viable alternative. Frustrating though it was, her unresponsiveness had left no other option than for him to forge ahead alone and dictate the shape of their future without her assistance.
    Descending from the bridge, he swung the MG onto the approach road to the town, drove through the almost deserted market place and into the surgery car park, where he parked alongside Dr Carey’s Jaguar. Pausing only to acknowledge the greengrocer, who was in the throes of setting out a pavement display of fruit and vegetables outside his shop opposite, he entered the surgery and walked to his room. Placing his case down next to the desk, he stood looking out of the window on to the shrubbery behind his consulting room. He was uncertain as to what to do next. Should he go and find Dr McGarva or would that look too presumptive? Perhaps he ought to wait to be summoned?
    â€˜Well, are you staying?’
    The soft voice startled him for the second time that week. He turned to see Anna place a mug of tea on his desk.
    â€˜Thank you, that’s very kind. I’m not sure – I mean I haven’t been told yet.’
    â€˜Well, we all voted for you to stay. They would be in trouble if they didn’t listen to us.’
    â€˜I am honoured by your support.’
    â€˜So you should be. Remember, you owe us.’
    Her blue eyes flashed him a fleeting smile before she turned and left the room.
    â€˜Morning, Anna.’ The voice came from beyond the consulting room.
    â€˜Good morning, Dr McGarva,’ came the reply as Anna passed the senior partner in the doorway.
    James remained standing as the corpulent figure of Dr McGarva entered the room, his battered trilby still perched on his head. ‘Morning, James. A good meeting last night. Too much to drink, I fear, but the food was excellent. There’s the faint chance that Tom Slater will not make the first surgery, but I dare say that we will manage. That’s the trouble with these Yorkshiremen: they never know when they have had enough. Takes a Scotsman to show them how to do it. Anyway, you’ll get used to his strange ways before long.’
    Dr McGarva paused, picked up the fresh mug of tea from James’ desk and took a large gulp.
    â€˜Hmm, very good. Just what’s needed.’
    With that, he turned and walked out of the room, taking the tea with him.
    Perplexed, James hurried after him.
    â€˜Dr McGarva, I’m sorry, I’m not clear. I, eh, does that mean I’m being offered the partnership?’
    Ian McGarva paused and turned with a quizzical expression on his face. ‘Didn’t I make myself clear, James? Yes, of course you are. Thought that is what you wanted? Just pop upstairs and see the Practice Manager later on. The wee lassie will sort out the paperwork.’
    â€˜Thank you, Dr McGarva, I am honoured and delighted to accept.’
    â€˜No problem, James – and do call me Ian. Oh, and by the way, you will pick up those patients booked onto Tom’s list if he doesn’t make it in, won’t you?’ Without waiting for a reply, he strolled off through the waiting room.
    â€˜It doesn’t look as though I have an option, does it?’ replied a grinning James who, at that precise moment, would have agreed to see the entire practice list if asked.

8

    Barminster, East