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because we're also celebrating Shaun Blake's promotion. He's been given sponsorship and offered the chance to do research when his stint as senior house officer comes to an end.'
    'Yes, I heard about that. I'm pleased for him, and I know the fundraising effort is for a good cause—a new dialysis machine—but I just don't feel up to joining in any social events right now. I don't think I would be very good company for anyone at the moment.'
    Jamie interrupted them, waving his puzzle in front of her nose to show her how it was coming along. 'I done that bit, see?' he said.
    'You're doing very well,' Sarah acknowledged. 'Where does that piece go? Does it fit in there?' She pointed to one of the coloured sections, and Jamie studied it once more.
    'You don't need to put yourself out to be good company,' Mark said. 'Just being there would be enough.'
    She frowned. 'It isn't as simple as that, though, is it? I expect there will be a lot of wealthy people there, people who have a lot of clout, and I don't feel that I belong. I don't think I can add anything, and I'm not up to mixing with management chiefs and administrators and so on at the moment.'
    Mark said, 'Sarah, you shouldn't worry about having to fit in. You're not going to stand out from the crowd. Everyone from A and E who isn't on duty will be there to support Shaun. There aren't many occasions when we can socialise outside work, but this is a one-off and it's a chance for us all to get to know each other better. I'd really appreciate it if you would try to be there.'
    He wasn't saying that anyone would be put out if she didn't attend, but she wondered if Shaun would take offence. He had been all right with her the last time they had spoken, but he hadn't liked it when she had disagreed with his suggestion about introducing a competitive element in A and E. There was a faint possibility that he might take it as a slight if she didn't publicly acknowledge his success by attending the dinner.
    She said thoughtfully, 'I suppose I really should show Shaun some support. He's a good doctor, and I'm pleased for him. I know he's always wanted to do research alongside his work in A and E. I think he'll go far.'
    'So do I.' He gazed at her searchingly. 'Does that mean that you'll come along?'
    'I'll think about it,' she conceded. 'A lot will depend on whether or not my father agrees to look after Jamie.'
    'I could come and pick you up. Shall we say seven-thirty tomorrow evening?'
    He wasn't taking a chance that she might try to slide out of it, was he? She made a faint grimace. 'I'll let you know.'
    They finished their coffee, and Mark glanced down at his watch. 'I should be getting back to work. We've been really busy today.'
    A short time later they parted company, and Sarah and Jamie headed back towards Hannah's room.
     
    She told her father about the dinner that evening when they were having supper at his house. They had decided that it was easier for them all to live with him for a while, and Sarah could relax, knowing that Kingston could safely be left in the daytime.
    'I don't feel right about going out while Hannah and Ryan are so ill. I think that Mark realises that I probably won't be going.'
    'I think you should go with him,' her father said. 'I'm happy to look after Jamie. I'm not on call tomorrow evening.'
    She looked at him in surprise. 'I didn't expect you to say that. I thought you would agree with me.'
    He shook his head. 'I think it's a good idea for you to go. There's nothing you can do to help Hannah except to take care of Jamie and try to keep her spirits up, and there isn't going to be any change in her condition for a while yet. As for Ryan, his coma hasn't lessened, and it won't do any of us any good to sit around moping.'
    With even her father on Mark's side, Sarah couldn't see any way of getting out of it. Did she have any choice? She didn't want to be seen as having a sour-grapes attitude.
    When Mark rang to find out what she had decided, she reluctantly