“Ach, I’m alright, Captain.” Ruth’s freckled hand tapped out a melody on her thigh. Hazel had watched her bake a dozen loaves of bread at midnight in this adrenal state. “Pair of lovely girls, big healthy ones, this morning. One with the cord twice around the neck. There were a few moments there. But they’re all resting comfortably now and the mum is happy.”
“Good. Let’s get these people into bed, then.” There was no sign of Lachlan. Hazel assumed he was on the ward already and expecting her to be there, too.
SHE HAD ALMOST FINISHED SETTLING the children. A few nurse’s aides worked with her, rubbing backs, offering sips of milk or apple juice, smoothing blankets. Three toddlers shared the crib in front of her. Two of the three were curled like cats against each other, asleep, but the thi
