TWENTY-ONE
I grabbed my bag and trotted down the ward. I'd allowed plenty of time, but I hadn't counted on my shift going overtime by more than two hours. ED had been hectic, but the general surgery ward had its own drawbacks – not to mention a spate of winter colds and flu that had kept them short-staffed all week. Now I had to make it to the car and fight peak hour traffic to get to the airport on time. I quickened my pace.
"Ooh, hang on!"
The voice was a moment too late – I slipped on the wet floor and nearly face-planted on the carpet at the end. The voice's owner thrust a sizeable hand in front of my face.
"Let me help you up, doctor."
Forcing myself not to shudder at the prospect of being touched by a stranger, albeit a very helpful one that I worked with, I managed to rise wi
