He chewed over the idea while sipping the cold brew before he got up and threw the empty can in the trash. Logging on, he went to the site for medical vacancies and trolled through the job opportunities. A few years in a country practice is starting to sound just like what I need to get myself back on track.
He thought briefly of going overseas and spending some time in the French countryside where he’d back-packed as student with a group of friends. Quickly, he discarded that idea in favour of staying in Australia where his roots were.
Doctor needed. In charge position. Small country hospital. Immediate start, housing provided.
Russ gazed at the words, his heart pounding as he thought about. Small towns didn't have the rush of humanity found in the big cities. The pace was more relaxed and certainly friendlier. You actually got to know who your neighbour was. Here Russ had no idea who lived next door. The thought of coming home in the evenings and waving to people he knew was appealing. His wounded pride could do with the change of pace and he looked at the closing date for applications.
Shit, today. Doesn't give me much time. I can always say no if I get it and don't like the terms and conditions.
Foregoing dinner, Russ filled in the application form. When he'd completed the process, he hit the send button. Shrugging his shoulders, he stretched his hands over his head until he loosened up, and rose from the chair.
He walked into the cold state-of-the-art, stainless steel kitchen and made himself a sandwich, too tired to worry about a decent dinner. After cleaning up, he fell into bed exhausted, dreaming of a more peaceful life.
The following day he was in the tea room having lunch when the Director of Medicine walked in.
"I hear you’re thinking of moving to the country." He poured a coffee and waited, standing near the door.
"I applied for something last night. I haven't heard anything though."
"Well, I just got off the phone to the employment agency and they seem pretty keen on you. I gave them a glowing recommendation from us. Good luck with it." With a wink, he was gone.
Russ smiled to himself. The thought of moving on was beginning to take hold and grow. With any luck, he would hear something soon. Then he could start packing his meagre possessions and leave his messy, gut wrenching divorce behind him. Starting fresh, where he was the new guy in town. It became more appealing the longer he thought about it.
He was driving home when his phone rang. Touching the blue-tooth button on the steering wheel, Russ answered the call. "Hello, Dr. Williams speaking."
"Dr. Williams. This is Neeta Prior from the employment agency. I wonder if we could schedule an appointment for you to come in and discuss the position of In Charge Doctor you applied for yesterday?"
"I'm sure that would be fine. When were you thinking of?" He turned left and headed down through the main street, careful to avoid the cyclists darting between the cars on the busy city street.
"Tomorrow perhaps? I've been asked to procure a doctor immediately and since all your referees highly recommend you and your paperwork is in order, there is just the face-to-face interview." Russ heard the shuffle of papers over the line.
"When would I have to go to the hospital? Surely the board will want to check out my credentials?" He turned onto the freeway and left the tall buildings behind him as he drove home to the suburbs. Russ cringed at the sameness of the huge houses lining the streets. Was it too much to wish he was passing the quaint cottages in his home town instead of the stark concrete structured apartments and mega mansions.
"Actually, no, they’ve left it in my hands. I do all the recruitment for the hospital and the board trust my judgement. Doctor Williams, the position is desperately in need of filling as soon as possible. Your current employer has said you can leave when you are ready."
"My term here is almost up. I have been a locum for the last six months, as you are probably aware. I have no problems packing and moving as soon as possible Actually, I would prefer it. What time tomorrow, Ms Prior?"
"I have a nine a.m. available if that suits you?"
"Fine, give me the address and I'll see you then." Russ listened as she gave the address and thanked him for his time. The soft lilt of her voice made him smile and he repeated her instructions before he hung up. Then he cursed himself for not asking for the name of the town where the hospital was.
By the time he pulled into his garage, the excitement was building. He picked up the mail on his way up the stairs and threw it on the kitchen counter before he grabbed a cold juice from the fridge. Russ stood in the kitchen and sorted through the envelopes. A redirected letter from his family's solicitor caught his eye and he put the orange juice down, a feeling of dread curling around his heart.
Dear Dr Williams,
It is with a great deal of sadness I inform you of the passing of your father. I have tried to contact you via the phone number listed but was informed you no longer live at that address and the person I spoke to refused to give me a phone number for you. If you would be kind enough to make contact with me as soon as possible, we have rather urgent matters to discuss regarding the will and the family property.
Sincerely,
Tory Daniels.
Russ's legs went weak and he held onto the counter for support before making his way to the nearest chair.
Shit, I never saw that coming. The old bastard was bulletproof, indestructible. Cade, I wonder if he knows? I’d better call him. How the heck am
