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      CHAPTER ONE

      IT HAD to be the Monday morning from hell.

      The aggressive burst of steam that escaped as the autoclave hatch opened clutched viciously at Janet Muir’s fingers. She dropped the stainless steel tongs she was holding and swore softly but vehemently.

      ‘You should open the door a bit more slowly.’

      Janet’s gaze flew to the speaker. ‘Thank you, Dr Spencer.’ Her tone was unappreciative. She snatched the tongs from the floor. ‘If I had ten seconds to spare I would have done exactly that.’

      ‘Sorry, Jan.’ Oliver Spencer’s smile was contrite. ‘Is your hand OK?’

      ‘Only third-degree burns. I’ll live.’ Janet pulled the tray clear of the autoclave and deposited it onto the waiting towel.

      ‘Has that lab result on Jessica Andrews come through yet? She still hasn’t shown much improvement and I think we’ll need to change antibiotics.’

      ‘Try the fax machine,’ Janet suggested. ‘I haven’t had time to look yet. I had no idea how chaotic things would be with both Josh and Toni away on their honeymoon. Has Dr Singh arrived yet?’

      ‘No.’ Oliver Spencer looked worried. ‘I’m just going to try ringing her again. Did she usually turn up on time when she was doing that week’s locum for me?’

      ‘Always. In fact, Toni told me she asked for a key so she could turn up early.’

      Oliver glanced at his watch. ‘I wouldn’t call 10 a.m. early. I’ll give her a call while I’m in the office.’ Oliver turned away, then paused. ‘On second thoughts, I’ll do it in my room. Who is making that racket?’

      ‘Sophie’s next patient.’ Janet sighed. The wailing of a fractious baby was a sound that would get on anyone’s nerves in ten seconds flat. The staff of St David’s Medical Centre had been subjected to ten minutes’ worth so far. ‘Maybe Dr Singh will arrive any minute and rescue us.’

      There was no sign of any assistance when Janet hurried back into the main office a few minutes later. The young receptionist, Sandy Smith, was looking harassed.

      ‘I can’t find the file for Joshua Young anywhere and he’s Sophie’s next patient.’

      ‘Try Josh’s office,’ Janet advised. ‘There are often a few files lurking in a corner. Has Oliver had any luck tracking down our locum yet?’

      ‘No.’ Sandy bit her lip and looked even more harassed. ‘I’m supposed to ring the agency. I got distracted, hunting for that baby’s file. He won’t stop crying and the phone never stops ringing. See?’ Sandy pointed to the offending device as the telephone rang to illustrate her point.

      ‘I’ll get it.’ Janet grinned. ‘You go and see if you can find the file. Don’t worry too much if you can’t. I’m sure Sophie will cope.’

      Janet dealt quickly with the phone call. She was about to summon her next patient when Oliver beckoned from the office doorway.

      ‘I’ve got May Little in my room. Could you do a repeat ECG on her, please?’

      ‘You’re kidding!’ Janet’s dismay was evident. ‘I’ve got an eighteen-month check and immunisation waiting, and Mrs Endicott is here early for her iron shot and blood test. Miss Little’s ECG last Friday took me half an hour!’

      The patient’s name was ironically inappropriate. May Little was morbidly obese and the undergarments she used to try and give her bulk some semblance of shape made Janet think of attempts on Fort Knox. She was also a rather odd lady and Janet sighed at the prospect of another encounter so soon.

      ‘Is she undressed?’ she asked Oliver pointedly.

      Oliver was backing out of the office rapidly. ‘Not quite. I’ll send her down to you.’

      ‘Can’t you do it?’ Janet pleaded, but Oliver was now conveniently out of hearing range. Janet stepped out of the office and stood beneath the archway that separated the waiting room from the hallway. ‘Sorry, Mrs Endicott. I’ll be a few minutes yet.’

      ‘I’ve got an appointment with my hairdresser at eleven. I can’t wait all day, dear.’

      Janet smiled apologetically. Sandy appeared in the hallway, waving a manila case file triumphantly, and Janet’s smile brightened. ‘Good for you,’ she congratulated her.

      The front door opened as the telephone rang yet again. Janet hesitated but went back into the office to help Sandy cope for a minute. The new arrival was a woman who was balancing a child on one hip.

      ‘I’m Ruth Prendergast,’ she told Janet. ‘I haven’t got an appointment and we don’t even live in Christchurch. We’re just down here visiting my mother but Katy has been to see Dr Cooper once before and she’s really not very well this morning.’

      ‘What’s the problem?’ Janet smiled at the girl who did look rather pale.

      ‘I