Gladioli in August Read online

  “Are you really a pilot? I mean, don’t take this the wrong way, but you wear glasses.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “And you’re a nurse with very long, painted nails. They’ll last two minutes once Danny sees them. Less, if Kevin sees you first.” He turned on his headphones. “OK, tower, this is November niner-niner-zulu ready to go.”

  “The varnish will come off tonight when I cut my nails.” She pushed back into her seat as the small plane hurtled down the runway. She closed her eyes, always hating the lurch when the plane left the ground sending her stomach twisting into motion sickness. This time it didn’t come.

  “Are you all right?”

  She opened her eyes. “Yes, I…Oh…” She gazed out of the window. The ground was several hundred feet below her already, and as she watched, the land gave way to a vast, sparkling blue ocean.

  Micah smiled. “Were you expecting a bumpy take off?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, and motion sickness, but there wasn’t either.”

  A slight frown creased his brow. “You throw up in my plane, honey, and you can get out.”

  Jael snorted. “With or without a parachute?”

  He paused. “Either works.” Then he chuckled. “Tiampu is part of the Lease chain of islands.” He tilted his head. “But I assume you did your homework and worked all that out.”

  “Yeah.” She leaned back in her seat, watching the waves below them. Her eyes gradually slid shut, and she must have dozed because the next thing she knew, Micah was shaking her arm. “There she is.”

  Jael pressed her face against the window. The huge cone of the volcano rose into the sky. Kyle’s worries came back to her. “It is extinct, right?”

  “Who knows? The volcanologists refer to her as dormant. She last erupted in 1723 and hasn’t even stirred since. You have villages all around the island, plantations, vineyards, farms. Most have dirt airstrips, so you’ll get your bumpy take offs and landings there. The base one is tarmacked…well, most of it is. That also serves as the town’s main runway. The actual airport isn’t much more than a hut with a couple of security people on duty to man the radio, but we get by. We’re not set up for anything bigger than small planes like this one.”

  He turned on the radio. “Achor, this is Micah on approach from the east.”

  “Hi, Micah. Runway is all yours.”

  “Cheers.” He put the radio down and guided the plane straight in.

  Jael closed her eyes as the plane bounced. That seemed like a terribly lax radio conversation to her, nothing like what she’d imagined, or like the one with the control tower at East Timor.

  “And here’s Danny to meet us.”

  Jael opened her eyes to see a tall man coming across towards the plane. She jumped down and was instantly hit by a wall of intense heat and humidity.

  Micah dumped her bags on the ground. “Danny Taylor, this is Jael Stevens, your new nurse and her many cases and bags. I shall leave the two of you to get acquainted, and I’m off to bed.”

  “Oh, night.” Jael watched Micah head off and then turned to the other man. “Is he always like this?”

  “Pretty much.” He held out a hand, his accent clipped and distinctly American. “Danny Taylor, in charge around here.”

  “Jael Stevens.”

  “Pleased to meet you. Just call me Danny. We don’t stand on ceremony around here. The place is too small and busy for that.” He grabbed a couple of her bags. “Come this way. We’re currently doctorless. Kevin got called to one of the other islands, Bantu, this morning. They have a smallpox epidemic, and he won’t be back for some time. That means you’re it.”

  She followed him with the rest of her luggage. “Talk about being thrown in at the deep end,” she said, trying to keep up with his long strides. “I can assure you, I’m fully qualified.”

  Danny nodded. “What about the language? Here they speak Tiampian, Indonesian, and Malay. A few of the Dutch descendants speak English, but they’re in the minority.”

  “A little Malay, but I’m a quick study.”

  “Good, that will be a help. The clinic is there, dispensary, stores, offices…”

  Jael tried to keep up as Danny nodded to buildings as they passed them.

  He led her into a brick building. It was much cooler than outside. “These are the living quarters.”

  Jael followed him up three flights of stairs and down a dingy hallway.

  “There is a light switch by each fire door. It stays on long enough to get from one end to the other, but we don’t use them during daylight hours.” Danny stopped outside a door with her name on it and slid the key into it. “This is you.”

  The door swung open. He carried her cases in and set them on the floor. “I’ll see you in my office in twenty minutes to go over your schedule and fill in all the paperwork. Micah’s room is right next to yours. It’s easier that way in case you’re both needed during the night.”

  “OK.” Jael took the key from him and wandered over to the small window. She could see Gunung Berapi in the distance, snow on its peak and trees lining its sides. Perhaps on a day off she could get over there somehow.

  Turning around, she glanced around the room. It was small, bordering minute, containing a bed, sink, chest of drawers, wardrobe, and bed. The furniture was basic and shoehorned into the available space, which gave the room a cramped, almost claustrophobic feel.

  To one side was a tiny ensuite, containing a toilet and shower. But she’d stayed in worse in her student days. That hall of residence had a shared bathroom between twenty of them. She let out a deep breath and sat cautiously on the bed. At least it didn’t squeak. She lay back for a moment and closed her eyes.

  Micah’s snoring was clearly audible though the walls. This was going to be a long six months.

  Jael closed her eyes and prayed. Thank You for bringing me here safely, Lord. Oversee my time here and let me make a difference somehow.

  2

  Micah had always been an early riser. By seven AM he’d checked the plane, refueled it, and done a three kilometer run. He hit the shower, singing off key as the hot water streamed over him. He used the last of his shower gel, and rolled his eyes at his forgetfulness. He’d meant to pick some up yesterday and had totally forgotten. The stuff in the local store smelled revolting. Perhaps they’d have soap or something he could make do with instead.

  Ten minutes later he headed over to the dining room. Everyone ate breakfast and the evening meal together. That tradition had been going since the base had been founded ten years ago, and no one had ever complained. Everyone was there except the new nurse.

  Danny was already refilling his coffee but paused as Micah approached. “Would you mind fetching Jael?”

  “Not at all.” Micah replied and turned back to the entrance. He jogged back across the compound and up the three flights of stairs toward his room. He banged on the door of the nurse’s quarters. “Hey, Jael, you awake in there?”

  After a moment or two, just as he was about to knock again, the door opened. Jael’s hair hung in bedraggled hanks over her shoulders, and her pj’s were awry. “What is it?”

  He grinned. “Good morning to you too, honey. It’s breakfast time.” He tried not to stare at her, but it was hard as she looked so cute all half asleep.

  “It’s only seven-thirty.”

  “And everyone’s waiting. We eat together before the day starts, and we get busy. Five minutes or it’ll be cold.”

  “I didn’t realize. I’m sorry.”

  “No probs. I’ll see you over there.” He headed back across to the dining room and took his seat.

  Five minutes later, Jael ran in wearing a uniform dress and heels. “Sorry.”

  All the men rose until she slid into the empty chair next to Micah.

  Danny remained standing to say grace, and then he sat.

  Micah tucked in hungrily. He loved breakfast. There was just something about bacon and eggs that set the day off to a perfect start. Light chatter filled the
room, along with the chinking of cutlery on plates. They were probably interrogating the new nurse, but he tuned them out. He topped up his cup, needing the caffeine.

  Once the meal was over, Danny tapped on his cup. Silence fell, and everyone brought out their Bibles, except Jael.

  Micah realized too late he should have told her. He shared his Bible with her as Danny led them through the Morning Prayer and Bible study.

  As the room emptied, she glanced at him. “Thanks for sharing your Bible.”

  He nodded. “I should have warned you in advance, sorry.”

  “It’s fine. Is everyone here a Christian?”

  He rose. “I think most are, and those that aren’t, never complain. It’s a nice way to start the day.”

  Danny came out of the office as they passed. “Jael, here’s your list of calls for this morning. Routine visits mainly–eleven of them. If anything else comes in, I’ll radio you the details.”

  Jael took the clipboard. “OK, thanks.”

  “Micah will show you where the dispensary is so you can pick up what you’ll need.”

  Micah raised an eyebrow. “I will?”

  “You will.”

  “Isn’t that the doc’s job?”

  “Kevin won’t be back for at least two weeks. He’s in quarantine for smallpox, so yes, you’ll be showing Jael where things are. I need you both back here by three as Jael has a clinic scheduled at that time. Have fun now.”

  Micah pulled a face at Danny’s retreating back. “Fine. This way, then.” He led her swiftly to the clinic, mentally working out how long each visit could be in order to get back in time for clinic.

  Jael wandered around the room, looking in cupboards, drawers, and shelves.

  He tapped his foot. “We don’t have time for this. Just pack what you need and let’s go.”

  “OK.” Jael packed a couple of bags and boxes. “That should do it.” She picked up the clipboard and started scribbling on the sheets.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Flight order.”

  He frowned. “Huh?”

  “Putting the visits in order of medical priority.”

  He shook his head. “Oh no, you don’t. It doesn’t work like that. My plane, my route.” He looked her up and down. She looked downright pretty in that dress and her legs were amazing, but it was the most impractical outfit he’d ever seen. “And you might want to change into something else.”

  Her face was a picture. “Why? This is my uniform.”

  “It’s a dress. And are those tights or stockings?”

  “Never you mind.” She stuck her hands on her hips. “Why?”

  Micah rolled his eyes, forbidding his mind to show him the images stockings produced. “Let me get this straight. You’re going out in a dress, stockings, and…” He broke off, raised an eyebrow and pointed. “And heels?”

  “And?”

  He shrugged. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, honey. Are you ready?”

  “Yeah. And don’t call me that. It’s what my brother calls his wife.”

  “Good.” He shoved the clipboard on top of the boxes and grabbed them. “Take the bags and let’s go.” He headed off, hearing her heels clicking on the floor tiles as she struggled to keep up with him. He wasn’t going to make this easy for her. She’d have to learn the hard way.

  ****

  Jael pored over the map in front of her as Micah did the final pre-flight checks. “Why don’t we go this way?” she asked, tracing the line with her finger.

  He gave her that really irritating stare over the top of his glasses. “Because we’re going the other way.”

  “But look.” She pointed to the map. “It’s quicker and makes more sense to go this way because we can do a visit on the way.”

  “Are you a pilot too?” There was a definite edge to his voice now.

  “No, but…”

  “Then let me handle the flying and the route. You stick to the medical stuff.” He picked up the radio. “Achor base this is Mike Romeo November, come in, over.”

  “Hey, Micah, why are you still here? How’s it going?” Danny sounded way chirpier than anyone had a right to sound.

  “Swimmingly.”

  On the cusp of losing her temper, Jael growled. “Look, this should go in the order of patient priority if nothing else.”

  “No.”

  “Why?” she demanded.

  “Because I already filed the flight plan. Now, shut up.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Shut up?”

  “As in do not speak. Be silent.”

  “I know what it means.” She pushed back into her seat and folded her arms.

  “Good. Danny, we’re sticking to the usual east-west route.”

  Danny laughed. “Roger that. You kids play nicely, now. Out.”

  Micah put down the mic and took off much faster than Jael anticipated, the sudden acceleration forcing her back into the seat.

  She looked out of the window. “How long have you been flying?”

  “I got my license when I was nineteen, so about eight or nine years now. I love it.”

  “You don’t fancy jet liners or the military?”

  He shook his head. “And be responsible for hundreds of lives or follow orders? Nah. I’d rather be my own boss. How long have you been nursing?”

  “Six years.”

  “Always general nursing?”

  She twisted in her chair to look at him. “No. I’m on a six-month break from the ITU unit I’m a sister on.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “So the machines do all the hard work?”

  “No. It’s just as hands on as any other nursing, just a different kind. I fancied a change which is why I’m doing this.”

  Micah landed the plane on a field next to the house. A rather bumpy field. He turned off the engine. “This is the Blanchet’s place.”

  “Blanchet…” Jael ran her finger down her list. “OK…dressing change.” She unbuckled her straps, pausing when he didn’t move. “Aren’t you coming with me?”

  “Nope,” he said. “I’m not an escort.”

  “I don’t know these people. I have no idea where to go from here.”

  “Fine.” He undid his harness and leapt from the plane. “Well, come on then…”

  Jael grabbed her pack and followed his long strides four-hundred meters across the field to the house. The uneven ground and her heels meant her ankles twisted several times.

  Micah tapped loudly on the wooden screen door. “Mrs. Blanchet?” There was no answer. He called again.

  “Maybe she’s hurt.” Jael gripped the screen door to open it.

  Micah stilled her arm. “You don’t just walk into people’s houses. I don’t know what you consider normal where you come from, but here we wait until we’re invited in. If there is no one else in and they want the doc to go straight in, then they leave a note on the door frame.” He banged harder. “Mrs. Blanchet. It’s the flying medics.”

  Finally, the door opened and a young girl stood there. Jael reckoned she must be about ten.

  “Hi,” Micah said.

  The child spoke rapidly in what sounded like double Dutch.

  Jael frowned. She turned to Micah. “I didn’t understand a word of that.”

  Micah rolled his eyes. “She says Momma has gone to town in the cart. Papa is inside waiting for you, but he can’t come to the door.”

  Jael took a deep breath and spoke hesitantly in Malay, hoping the child would understand her.

  The child nodded and opened the door. “Come on in.”

  “Go on,” Micah said, as Jael hesitated. “I’ll wait here. Me pilot, you medic, remember?” To emphasize his point, he folded his arms and leaned against the decking wall.

  Jael tightened her grip on the box and followed the child inside the building. It was dark inside, and it took her eyes a moment to adjust. Her patient sat on the couch. “Hi. I’m the nurse from the Achor medical base. My name is Jael.” Her Malay didn’t sound right to her,
and for all she knew she could have told him she was a Martian come to kidnap him.

  The man on the couch smiled. “Symon Blanchet,” he replied. He pointed to his leg. “Cows need tending to. I need you to be quick.”

  “Sure.” She dropped to her knees beside him, snapped on a pair of gloves, and began to remove the old dressing. “How did you do this?”

  “I thought you were here to work, not to chat.”

  Her face burned, and she buried her discomfort by working swiftly.

  “This time isn’t convenient,” he told her. “Can you make it later tomorrow?”

  “Sure.” She finished up. “What time would you prefer?”

  “Eleven. I will have finished with the cattle by then. They need tending to early.”

  Jael stood. “Sure. Is there somewhere I can wash my hands?”

  “Water pump outside.”

  She gathered her things and fled as quickly as decently possible. She brushed past Micah and headed to the pump in the middle of the yard. Dumping the box by her feet, she tried to get the rusty handle to produce water. It wouldn’t. Frustration and disappointment built, making her eyes sting.

  What was she doing here? Maybe Kyle was right and she was making the biggest mistake of her career.

  A strong firm hand covered hers, sending sparks shooting up her arm. “Let me,” Micah said gently. “There’s a knack to it.”

  She moved back as he swiftly jerked the handle a couple of times to send water gushing from the pump. Gratefully, she shoved her hands under the clear, cold water. Maybe it would bring her to her senses. That was not attraction she just felt. No way. No how. “Thanks.”

  He picked up the box. “How does it feel to have your first patient under your belt?”

  “He wants us to come later tomorrow. Around eleven.”

  “Not possible.”

  “That’s what Mr. Blanchet wants. He was pretty insistent.”

  “No way.” Micah stomped back to the plane, his mood changing in an instant.

  Jael scrambled after him and wrote on the clipboard. “We just need to redo the schedule a little and—”

  “I said no,” he snapped.

  “He said it isn’t an option.”

  Micah scowled as he took off. He didn’t say another word until they landed again. He simply pointed to the house and sat back in his seat.