"No, still asleep according to Stevie. He’s outside with the little one. They took the dogs for a walk." She bustled around the kitchen, taking a warm plate from on top of the stove and dishing up his breakfast. Essie placed it in front of him and wiped her hands on the apron tied around her waist. "Needs all the sleep she can get, if you ask me. A terrible business that, just terrible."
"She was very lucky Stevie was able to stop Stubbs. I can't say I'm sorry to see the earth rid of someone like that." Russ picked up his knife and fork, cutting the bacon before placing it in his mouth. A sound at the back door made him look up. Stevie walked in with Tam holding his hand.
"Uncle Russ, I told Daddy we should eat breakfast before Mummy wakes up. Then we can take her breakfast in bed. That's a good idea, isn't it, if she doesn't feel good?"
"I think that is a brilliant idea, Tam. She has to rest up a bit so she gets better sooner."
She held out her hands, gripping a couple of flowers she had picked on her walk. "These will look pretty in her room." She climbed up on the stool beside Russ. "Can I have some eggs for breakfast, Essie?"
Essie looked at her, an eyebrow raised.
"Please."
"Of course, child. Stevie, bacon and waffles for you?" She walked to the stove top and picked up a plate, ladling eggs out for Tam.
"Thanks, that would be great." He perched up next to his daughter and watched her eat.
"How did Rooney sleep?" Russ looked at him, hoping the low dose sleeping tablet did the trick.
"Yeah, good. She talked for a bit, then snuggled down and was out for the count. I left her snoring soundly when I heard Tam up."
"Keep an eye on her. Are you going in today?" Russ sipped his coffee.
"Later on I will. I'm going to take Tam to school then spend some time with Rooney. I can always stay here if I need to. She won't need for anything, you can rest assured on that."
"I know. It was always you for her. Glad things are working out for the three of you." He took his plate and placed it in the sink. "Better get going, I suppose." Russ picked up his briefcase and walked outside.
The door banged behind him and he looked up.
"Russ, a minute if you don't mind." Stevie walked up to him, his dark eyes watchful.
"I don't want to intrude on your business but Rooney and I were talking last night."
Russ tensed, waiting for the advice he was sure was coming his way.
"Yes."
"It's not well known around town but Lizzie has had a few issues. It's the reason she is…well I suppose you could call it standoffish. Rooney thought you ought to know in case you think she’s giving you a hard time."
"You may as well tell me then. To be frank, I could use some help after the way Paula did her best to destroy my chances the other day." He dropped his brief case and grinned. "Although I doubt she’s going to want to talk to me, I might have to make her listen at least. How do you know so much about it anyway?"
"You seem to forget I'm involved in the community now. I know more than you would think. She had a bad experience with her ex-boyfriend. Guy threatened her and all sorts of drama. I have a lot of time for her, she's a lovely person. Most people get the wrong idea thinking she’s snubbing them, but that's not it. Lizzie has been hurt more than most people and it's hard for her to let her guard down." He looked around the farm, his lips twitching at something only he knew. "All I'm saying is…be kind to her. Rooney wanted me to tell you to get off your arse and fight for her—her words, not mine."
"Sounds like her. Thanks. I appreciate you trying to help. She’s had a tough time and none of us were there for her. That makes me sick in the gut, but at least we all have a chance to make up for it."
"Have a good day and good luck." Stevie turned back to the house, leaving Russ alone.
He walked down to the barn and got in his car. Before he drove away, Russ tried to sort out in his mind what he was going to say to convince Lizzie to give him another shot.
Russ drove and thought, and by the time he pulled into the car park at the hospital, his mind was clear and focused. The drone of the lawn mower filled the otherwise quiet morning as he walked inside the hospital.
"Morning, Doctor Williams."
"Morning." Russ walked straight to his office and removed his jacket, hanging it on the coat hanger before putting on his white coat. He was doing up the buttons when Diane popped her head in the door.
"Doctor Williams, I wonder if I can have a minute." She walked in and shut the door behind her.
"What can I do for you?" Russ stood where he was, the prickles of unease sliding down his back.
"Well, it's like this." Diane ran her finger over the edge of his desk as she sidled toward him, her eyes half closed and a smile on her face. She ran her other hand over her hips, her gaze on Russ. "I think it's time you and I got together. I know Cold Fish Stanley doesn't do it for you, and she never will by all accounts, but if you’re looking for someone warm and friendly you've found your girl."
She lifted her top, showing off a wide expanse of bare belly. Before Russ could say anything, Diane launched herself at him, winding her arms around his neck and leaning in for a kiss.
"Stop right now!" Russ twisted away from her to avoid her lips, grabbing her arms and pushing her back. "I think
