"Does that mean Iget out of school too?" He looked at Russ with a cheeky grin.
"Only for thefirst couple of days, until you get used to your crutches." He flicked offthe light on the x-ray box and pulled down the film. "I'll let the plasterroom know to expect you. You can go home once they’re finished with you."
"Thanks, DoctorWilliams." Jack’s mother looked tired.
"He’ll be fine.It's a clean break and shouldn't give him much pain but let me know if anythingabout it worries you."
"Thanks." Shesmiled as Russ left the room and he could hear her talking in hushed tones toher son.
"Doctor, there isa lady in the waiting room who insists on seeing you." Lizzie stood at thedoor, her mouth pinched tight and a haunted look in her eyes.
"What's wrong,Lizzie?" Russ reached out to grip her arms but she stepped away from him,a world of hurt in her eyes.
"Your wife ishere, Doctor." She turned and tried to walk away, but he grabbed her armholding her back.
"I'm divorced. Idon't have a wife."
"Russ, oh Russ,thank goodness I found you." He looked up as Paula came running toward himwith her arms out. Lizzie wrenched free and walked away, her back stiff andRuss felt as though he’d been punched in the gut.
"What are youdoing here, Paula?" He held his hands out stopping her before she couldwrap her arms around him. "You are not my wife. I signed the divorcepapers, remember?"
"Yes, darling, youdid." She pouted at him and batted her eyelashes. "It's like this,Russ, I didn't sign. I've been having second thoughts and besides, I have newsfor you which changes everything."
"I don't need tohear it, Paula. Whatever you’ve come up with now, I don't want to know. As faras I'm concerned we are over." He turned to walk after Lizzie.
"I'mpregnant."
Russ stopped and closedhis eyes. This can't be happening. He took a deep breath and lifted hishead before turning back to Paula just in time to see Lizzie's back as sheraced away.
"What did yousay?" He walked toward her and the smile slipped from her face.
"You heard, baby,I'm pregnant."
Russ took her arm andled her into his office, slamming the door behind them. "Why don't Ibelieve you, Paula? Is this your idea to get more from me?" He gave abitter laugh and lifted his hands in the air. "Guess what, there isnothing else. I gave you everything except my car and personal belongings. Youhave everything I owned."
She pouted and took aseat, making sure to cross her legs and let her skirt slide up her thigh beforelooking back at him. "But honey, I want more. I want our child to grow upin the fabulous old home you now part own, according to my lawyer, surroundedby family and with everything you had, servants and house parties. Don't you thinkour child deserves that?" Paula leaned back in the chair and looked aroundhis office, a frown on her face. "I really think that as head doctor ofthe hospital, Russ, they could have given you a much fancier office thanthis."
He stood looking at thewoman who’d made his life hell for the last twelve months and wondered why shethought she could get away with this. "You and I haven't had sex formonths, Paula. That child can't be mine."
She smiled sweetly athim and shrugged. "Well, that may be the case Russ but you have to proveit, and in the meantime your reputation will be ruined. I'm sure you don't wantthat being the new doctor in town. I mean, really, don't you have a certainstandard you should be adhering to?"
He opened the door."Leave now, Paula, before I throw you out. This isn't going to work."
She lifted her head andgave a small, tight smile. "Really? I think it will, darling. I'm stayingin town at the Regent. It might be a good idea if you dropped by tonight and wehad a proper little chat about this problem. I'll expect you for dinner,Russ."
"I won't be there.This is over between us and any child of yours is not my problem."
"That is where youare wrong, darling. I'll make it your problem. Don't let me down, Russ. Seveno'clock, ciao baby." She got up and kissed his cheek in passing,her laughter hanging in the hallway as she walked out.
Russ stood frozen atthe doorway. This was the last thing he expected would happen. You fool. Youshould have checked to make sure the divorce had gone through properly. Hestarted when a cough sounded behind him.
"Doctor, your nextpatient is waiting in treatment room four." The nurse gazed at his facebefore turning and walking away.
Russ followed her andtook care of his patient, his mind far from the job at hand. When he wasfinished, he walked out to the nurse's station. "Where is NurseStanley?"
"She is on lunchbreak, Doctor Williams. Can I help with anything?" The young nurse lookedat him hopefully, her smile seductive.
Russ shook his head andwalked to the canteen looking for Lizzie. When he couldn't find her there, hetried her office. The door was shut and he tapped before opening it.
She looked up, her eyesred-rimmed and her nose shiny.
"Lizzie..."
"Get out."
"I have to talk toyou."
"No. You've hadyour fun, Doctor Williams, now you can go back to your wife."
Russ stepped in andshut the door, ignoring her. "I told you the truth, Lizzie. She is not mywife."
She stood up, pushingher chair back into the wall in a temper. Leaning on the edge of desk, sheglared at him. "From what I heard, she is. And pregnant to boot, what abonus. Get out of my office, Doctor, before I call security." She stoodstraight now, her mouth tight as the tears welled in her eyes again.
Lost for words, Russwalked out, closing the door behind him. He headed for his office to make acall.
"Tory, I needhelp."
Chapter Twenty
The drive back to thefarm was a mix of emotions for Cade. He had two more weeks to do the best hecould to mend his leg. If he lay in bed and did nothing it might help and ifthat’s what it took, then that’s what he’d do, even if it drove him crazy.Better that than
