Secrets

Secrets

a Hope Bay novel

by

Angela Verdenius

(BBW Romance)

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2018 Angela Verdenius

Cover images courtesy of © Loredana | Dreamstime.com,

© Ryhor Bruyeu | Dreamstime.com , © GlobalStock | istock.com,

© yavuzunlu | Shutterstock.com, © Seregraff | istock.com ,

© Anna_Om | istock.com

Cover by Angela Verdenius

Smashwords License Statement

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, resold, copied or given away in any form without prior consent of the author & publisher.

All characters, places and happenings are figments of the author’s imagination and bear no resemblance to any person living or deceased.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Glossary

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

Bio

Other Books by this Author

Foreword

This is a romance, and I did not want to get bogged down in legal issues and drawn-out battles, so for the sake of the story I have skimmed over legalities and taken some liberty in regards to:

1) The law to do with evidence, and the laying and withdrawing of charges.

2) Hospital policies & procedures on theft and accusations.

There are policies and procedures in place at every hospital for legal issues that arise.

The law has policies and procedures in place for laying charges and withdrawing charges.

Enjoy the romance and the HEA!

Cheers

Ang

Glossary

I found that some overseas readers were having difficulty with the Australian slang, so I thought a list of the slang I’ve used will help while reading the following story. If I’ve forgotten any, I do apologise! Also, you’ll find some of our Aussie words have different spelling to the US. Interestingly enough, as I’ve grown (gracefully) older, I find a lot of our slang is bypassing the younger generation, so if a young Aussie says they have never heard a certain word, don’t be surprised! But trust me, I’ve used these words all my life growing up, and so have a lot of my family and friends. Does that make me an older Aussie? Heck yes! LOL

Cheers,

Angela

Australian Names/Terms/Slang

AFP - Australian Federal Police

Ambos - ambulance officers

Arse-End Arnold - usually the soldier guarding the rear of a platoon when in the field.

Arvo - afternoon

Barbie - BBQ

Beaut - beautiful, awesome, great, wonderful

Berko - berserk

Bewdy - as in ‘awesome, great’

Biccies - biscuits. The same as cookies

Bikie - biker, person who rides motorcycles.

Bloke/s - man/men

Bloody - a swear word ‘no bloody good’, in place of ‘no damned good’

Blowies - blow flies

Blue - fight, argument - as in ‘they’re having a blue’

Boofhead - idiot, simpleton, etc. It’s an insult, though sometimes we use it as a term of affection. It depends on how it is said and meant.

Boot (of a car) - trunk

Brown nose - currying favour, sucking up. Has a cruder description, but let’s not go into that here. Means the same thing!

Budgie smugglers - men’s bathers, small, brief and tight-fitting

Buggered - many Aussie use it as a slang word for ‘broken’ (it’s buggered), ‘tired (I’m buggered), and ‘no way’ (I’m buggered if I’m going to do that). Just some examples

Bung/Bunging - as in ‘bunging onto something’, putting on something (bung veggies on a plate, putting veggies on a plate), usually in a careless or ‘easy’ manner.

Bush rangers - outlaws/thieves/robbers.

Caramel Crowns - one of Arnott’s totally awesome chocolate and caramel biscuit. Gooey yumminess!

Cark/carked - die, died.

Chips - in Australia we have cold crunchy chips from a packet, or hot chips known in some countries as French Fries

Chippie - carpenter

Crash cart - resuscitation trolley in a hospital or medical setting - used for life threatening situations such as cardiac arrest

Dander – temper

Dial - face

Digger - Australian soldier.

Dill - silly, idiot

Dogs - (as in attached to a truck) - trailers, enclosed or not, that carry goods or are empty.

Dooks - hands

Doona - like a padded quilt that fits inside a cover and lies on the bed. Can have the warmth of two, three or four blankets, etc.

Donger - penis. Also another meaning is a place people sometimes sleep in, such as ‘dongers’ on mine sites.

Dunny - toilet. When used in the terms ‘built like a brick dunny’, it refers to something built solid, unmoveable.

Fire bug - arsonist

Firies - fire fighters

Garbo/s - the person/s who drive and/or load garbage onto the garbage truck.

Gee-gees - horses

Giggle-box - TV, television

Gob - mouth

Got his/her/their goat – annoyed him/her/them

Hardifence - corrugated fibre cement sheets

Hoon/s - person/people who indulge in antisocial behaviour. Great explanation in Wikipedia

Iced Coffee/chocolate - a milk drink flavoured with chocolate or coffee

Jarmies - pyjamas

Jumper - sweater

Kick up a stink - make a fuss, get angry

Local rag - local newspaper

Lolly - sweetie, candy

Loo - toilet

Lug - face

Marie biscuits - Arnott brand of plain sweet biscuit - delicious.

Milo - chocolate malt drink. Can have it hot or cold. Yummy!

Moosh - slang for face/mouth

Mobile phone - cell phone

Mozzie - mosquito

NAD - No Abnormalities Detected

Nong - idiot

Nooky - sex

Paddy wagon - four wheel drive police vehicle carries four police in the double cab and has a filled-in imprisonment section in the back to place prisoners.

Panadol - paracetamol, similar to Tylenol in the US

Pav/s - Pavlova/Pavlovas - best dessert ever!

PCYC - Police and Citizens Youth Club

Pedal Pushers - three quarter pants/knickerbockers

Porking - having sex

Primapore - sticky patch with a pad in it, a medical dressing

Pub – hotel

Quack – derogatory term for a doctor

RAC - Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia. Covers insurance, holidays, loans, etc

Red backs - poisonous spider, black in colour with a red stripe on its back.

Root - sex

Rotty – Rottweiler breed of dog.

Rubbers – condoms

Sack - bed - as ‘in the sack’ meaning ‘in bed’

Sandgroper - slang for a West Australian

Servo - service station

Shag - sex

Sheila – female

Slab – carton of beer.

Smoko - morning tea and afternoon tea break

Snaggers - sausages

Soft drink - soda, fizzy drink

Sparkie - electrician

Spider (drink) - soft drink of choice with a scoop of ice cream in it

Spunk - good-looking man

Stiffy - erection, boner

Subbies - sub contractors

Tea - some people call the evening meal dinner. In my family, we’ve always called it tea, as in breaky, dinner and tea, or breaky, lunch and tea.

Thongs - worn on the feet, same as ‘flip flops’

Tickled pink - delighted

Tim Tams - a brand of Arnott’s Biscuits. Yummy!

TLC - Tender Loving Care

Togs - bathers, swim suit

Torch - flashlight

Toot - toilet

Tradies - tradesmen

Trots - diarrhoea

Tucker – food

Twistie – a brand of cheese-flavoured snack food. Yummy!

Ute - small truck

Vegemite - most Aussies find this spread yummy, many non-Aussies find it too salty. Here’s the hint - if you ever have Vegemite, use it spread thinly, never thickly!

Vollie - volunteers

Wacky baccy - marijuana

Wanger - penis

Waterworks - crying

Whopper - a lie

Yamaha & Suzuki - ‘brands’ of motorcycles.

You wally - silly

Chapter 1

"No. I didn’t do it."

"You did! How could you?"

"I swear. She was getting desperate. I swear, I didn’t do it!"

"You did it! I’ll have your job for this! You lying piece of trash!"

"Please. Throat choked, tears filling her eyes, heart hammering. Please, I’m telling the truth. Please, just listen to me, I couldn’t have-"

"No, you listen. I’ll have your job, your reputation, and you’ll have a black mark on your record. You’ll never work in this field again!"

Her heart thumped heavily, her stomach pitched sickeningly. This was fast becoming a nightmare, a nightmare.

A nightmare.

A NIGHTMARE!

**

Jerking awake, Emma sat bolt upright in bed, her breath coming out in ragged gasps. For several seconds the world pitched in front of her eyes before she slowly came to her senses, came awake to the gratifying realisation that it was just another dream. Another nightmare.

It’s okay. Flopping back onto the bed, she stared up at the ceiling. It’s over. It’s all over. A wet nose poked her cheek and she turned her head to meet the gold eyes staring back at her. Just a nightmare, CK.

The long, lanky ginger cat stepped up onto Emma’s belly and sat there looking down at her.

You’re hungry. Glad for the normalcy, she fondled CK’s ears, the rich purring breaking out into the room a comforting and reassuring sound. I’ll get up and feed you, hey? Some fish?

Forcing the nightmare to the back of her mind, to the dark recesses where it dwelt to erupt now and again just to remind her to remain on guard, Emma listened to the faint sound of the ocean crashing onto the shoreline a few streets away. Outside the window the sounds of birds calling in the wattles heralded a new day.

A new day in a small country town on the coast.

A small country town as far away as she could get from the city where -

Not going to think about it. Gently pushing CK off her belly, she sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Got things to do. She switched off the alarm clock that had yet to peel out a wake-up call. A cat to feed, a walk to have, breaky, the usual.

Crossing to the window, she pulled back the curtain and yanked up the blind to reveal the dawn. The sun was just spotting the horizon and it promised to be a beautiful day, warm and breezy.

Moving quickly, Emma fed CK, leaving her eating in the kitchen while she brushed her teeth, sprayed on deodorant, bundled her wavy hair into a ponytail, yanked on a pair of pedal-pushers and an old t-shirt, slid into a pair of thongs and left the house, locking the door behind her.

Walking down the pathway lined with daisy bushes never failed to delight her, even after living in the old house for the last six months. The little lawn each side of the pathway was green and springy, and the golden shower wattles that had also been planted in each corner of the front yard were glorious with their cascading wattle.

Shutting the little gate, she looked back at the house. With a red tin roof, a rose-strewn archway leading onto the bull-nose veranda, it was so delightfully old-fashioned and screamed home and sanctuary.

It had definitely been her sanctuary. That her boss had rented it to her at such a low cost still amazed her. Now all she had to do was talk him into letting her buy it, she loved it that much.

Walking the street towards the beach still made her feel as though she’d stepped back in time. Stone and brick houses, a mix of old styles, neatly tended gardens and a variety of fences. She felt as though she’d stepped back into the early 1900s. True, Hope Bay had streets of more modern homes, but the majority was still old style.

She hoped it stayed that way.

Reaching the beach within minutes, she kicked off her thongs and walked along the damp sand, letting the waves lap around her toes. Seagulls whirled overhead, and in the distance she could see the big hotel that was built near the beach, the dock going down to the ocean. No tourists stirred but the staff would already be at work, just as they were in the different areas of town - the newsagent, the little corner store, the local café, and the service station. The cop shop was manned at all times, as were the ambulance, fire station and the small hospital.

Tilting her head back, she inhaled deeply of the sea air, enjoying the solitude.

By the time she returned home, more walkers were out and about, along with several tourists riding push bikes while taking in the sights of the quaint old coastal town, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, she was ready for work, this time with her hair pulled back in a claw grip and a light application of lipstick. Energized by the walk, the remnants of the nightmare erased by the tranquil air of the morning, she gave CK a quick smooch on top of her head and left her dozing on the windowsill in the sunshine.

The day was so promising, and she was in such a good mood that she decided to buy lunch. Humming, she turned the car in the direction of the café which, at this time of the morning, would smell of Daz’s famous hot coffee and delicious pastries. Pulling up in front of it, she turned off the car and reached for the strap of her handbag that was coiled around the gear stick, a habit she’d fallen into while living in the city and continued, as even country towns had crime.

Emma muttered a curse as she fumbled the strap and the handbag fell back to the floor. Leaning over to retrieve it, she straightened and shoved open the car door with her other hand.

There was a loud thump followed by the car rocking slightly as someone collided with the door.

Not to mention a particularly vile swear word.

Horrified, she swung around to find part of a bicycle showing under the car door, along with a pair of muscular legs encased in shorts and sneakers.

Oh no! Scrambling from the car, careful not to get tangled in the bike wheel, she slammed the door shut to look down at the man sprawled on the ground. Are you all right?

He glared up at her. Didn’t you look before you opened the door?

"I am so sorry! Embarrassed, she crouched down beside him, her gaze running assessingly over him for injuries. Are you hurt?"

He shoved the bike back off his leg. No.

Relieved, she offered her hand to assist him up, only to wither inside a little as he gave her hand one narrow-eyed look before pushing upright, leaving her standing with her hand still held out.

I really am sorry. Biting her lip, she dropped her hand and stood as well. Is your bike okay?

It’s fine. The reply was brusque.

Not quite knowing what to say, she watched him bend over and brush the dirt from his knees. He had some grazes but nothing too bad. Of medium height, he was nevertheless taller than her by a head. His well-worn t-shirt hugged a well-built chest and a flat abdomen. Absentmindedly, she wondered if he sported a four or six pack beneath the t-shirt, assuring herself a little belatedly that she was medically assessing him, nothing more.

Right. It’s not those nicely flexing biceps and triceps doing anything for me. It’s not that light brown hair cut very short, the strong jaw line, that firm mouth or the laughter lines at the corners of those grey eyes.

She loved laughter lines, the indication of humour.

Unfortunately, his laughter lines were definitely not crinkling for her. That was evident when he glanced up. You could have done some serious damage throwing open your door like that without checking. His scowl had eased into annoyance.

I normally do check. She held her hands out, palms up. Like I said, I’m so sorry. Can I offer you a ride to wherever it is you’re going?

Straightening to his full height, the man frowned down at her.

Emma cleared her throat. Really, I’m sorry.

His frown didn’t fade.

Several cars passed on the quiet street, the drivers getting a good eyeful, and her embarrassment climbed a little higher, her cheeks going redder the longer he looked at her.

Finally, not knowing what else to do, she muttered, If there are any damages to your bike, you can contact me on this number. Leaning back into the car, she snagged her handbag and drew out a small pad and pen. Pulling back out of the car, she quickly scribbled down her phone number and handed it to him.

At first she thought he wasn’t going to take it, but then he slowly took the paper from her and studied the number.

It’s my real number, she assured him.

Those sharp grey eyes cut back to her.

Cheeks going a little redder - and she thought they couldn’t possibly get any hotter - Emma slid behind the wheel of her car, but before she could shut the door a masculine hand caught it and the man leaned down to study her through the open door.

Mentally, she braced for some verbal abuse.

You shouldn’t give your number to strange men, he said.

Her mouth dropped open in surprise.

Even in country towns, he continued. Nor should you be offering rides to strange men, regardless of what happened.

She stared at him. Was he really warning her about personal safety? Especially after what she’d just done to him, however unwittingly?

Still frowning, he glanced away as another car passed before returning his attention to her. Though his expression remained stern, his expression eased, the frown disappearing. Be careful.

Oh, I will. She nodded quickly. I’ll make sure to check before I open the door again.

That also goes for strange men. With that surprisingly firm order, he shut the door and bent to retrieve the bike.

Silently, Emma watched him walk a few steps before he swung himself back on the bike and pedalled away, his brown hair catching a glint of sunlight

Only then did she relax, slumping back against the seat. He hadn’t called the police, hadn’t made a fuss, and to be fair he hadn’t been nasty, either. It had been her fault.

Blowing out a breath, she grabbed the steering wheel and put the car in gear, checking the traffic behind her before pulling out into the street and continuing to work.

She had to pass him, however, and did so with definite care, unable to help glancing in the rear view mirror as she did so. His face was serious, firm jaw set, but he rode with a relaxed air. She hadn’t seen him around town before, so he had to be a tourist. This was one memory he wouldn’t want to take home with him, for sure.

Indicating, she turned the corner and he was lost from sight. Relief filled her as she continued to the clinic. At least she’d probably never see him again.

Still, she had to admit it had been a close call and a silly thing for her to do. It was a timely reminder. It could have been an older person or a child, and definitely could have been worse. He could have broken an arm or worse by simply landing the wrong way.

It could also have been so much worse than simply his angry disapproval. And to be fair, he hadn’t verbally lashed out at her.

Didn’t stop her from feeling two inches tall, however.

Pulling in behind the clinic, yet another lovely old home that had been turned into a practice many years ago, she locked the car and walked through the back door into the hallway, turning into the kitchen on the right that was put aside for the staff. Her gaze fell on the ‘fridge and she realised that she’d forgotten to buy lunch.

Knocking a man off his bike would do that to a girl.

Ah well, she’d make do with the Sao biscuits and Vegemite that was always kept in the kitchen for snacks. It was another yummy option.

Placing her handbag in the cupboard set aside for the staff to use for their belongings, she spotted the plastic bag sitting on the bench with her name on it.

Opening it, she pulled out one of the three pale blue, button-up shirts and shook it out, holding it up to appreciate the tiny checked pattern at the neckline. ‘Hope Bay Clinic’ was embroidered on the right shoulder.

Good morning. Harriet, the receptionist, entered the room holding a steaming mug of coffee. See you found your new uniform tops.

Yep. Thanks for that. Emma’s nose wrinkled a little. Sorry you had to get them altered. Those available on the rack were a little too small for my above-average build.

No worries. Those old work shirts were falling apart. Can’t have you coming to work naked.

That’d clear out the waiting room in five seconds.

You’re not that big.

I’m not that small.

Harriet flapped a hand in the air. Stop gabbing and try it on.

Disappearing into the bathroom, Emma whipped off the shirt she was wearing and slipped the uniform top on. Stepping back, she studied herself in the mirror. The shirt actually fitted nicely, for which she was grateful. Not too big at the top, fitting nicely at the bottom, it gave her some shape in comparison to some uniform tops she’d had to wear in the past. It even covered the generous curve of her bum. Teamed with the navy blue slacks, she looked professional.

Doc Armand’s seamstress cousin could sew, no doubt about it. Maybe she’d see her about making some other clothes. Lord knew buying plus-size clothes wasn’t always easy or cheap, not if you wanted clothes with pretty little prints rather than big blocky flowers and squares. Hope Bay didn’t have much in the way of clothing stores and size options.

When she came out of the bathroom and pirouetted for Harriet, the receptionist nodded approvingly. Nice.

Thanks. I feel more part of the practice now.

We could be twins, Harriet agreed.

Emma looked wryly at the skinny, elderly receptionist in her neat skirt and dark blue top. Absolutely.

Oh, one other thing. Harriet held up a little gold badge. It’s new. Arrived last night after you left.

Taking the gold badge, Emma read, ‘Nurse Emma.’

Doc’s into friendly.

He sure is. His badge reads ‘Doc’.

Man of few words. Harriet gave a snort of laughter.

Did I hear my name taken in vain? Doc’s grey head popped around the corner of the door. Looking good, Em.

Thanks, Doc.

We’ve got a full book this morning, girls. Gotta get our skates on.

Harriet peered at him over the tops of her glasses.

Of course, you have it all in hand, he said.

When don’t I?

Emma grinned.

Don’t laugh, Harriet drawled. You’ve got the Harper twins for their vaccinations this morning.

It’s all good.

This time it was her turn to get Harriet’s scrutiny.

It’s all bad?

You’ve not met the twins.

I’m taking it that’s a good thing?

Doc and Harriet exchanged smirks.

Right. A sense of foreboding filled Emma.

As they all entered the hallway, Doc said, Oh, by the way, remember the surprise I mentioned a couple of weeks ago?

Remember? Harriet replied. I’ve been trying to find out what it is with no luck.

Doc looked reprovingly at her.

Hey, you said surprise. I had to know.

And did you find out?

Harriet’s mouth turned down. No.

Good. This has been a top-secret surprise. I’d have been very disappointed if it had come out.

Now you’re going to put us out of our misery? Emma queried.

Lunch time. His eyes twinkled.

That was one of the things she loved about her boss. Easy-going, happy, and definitely a father-figure to a lot of his patients.

You’re not retiring, are you? Harriet squinted at him.

Emma’s heart jumped with sudden dread. Doc, you’re not?

Are you both nuts? He rolled his eyes. "Where do you get these crazy ideas from, Harriet? And Emma, stop looking like someone stole your favourite toy. I am not retiring."

All right, then. Harriet walked down the hallway to the front, entering the waiting room to take up her usual position behind the desk.

Whew. Emma wiped the back of her hand across her forehead. You scared me there for a minute.

No, Harriet scared you. Doc patted her shoulder fondly. You’re all right, Emma. You’ll be just fine.

She looked suspiciously at him.

Trust me, he said. Now we gotta move our backsides. Skates on, kid, here we go!

He wasn’t kidding.

Being the only nurse in the doctor’s practice kept Emma busy. Along with the list of appointments made that she had to deal with, she also got the odd patient added by Doc needing attention that couldn’t wait for a treatment room appointment.

The morning passed swiftly. Ensconced in the treatment room with the two reclining examination chairs, a desk with a computer, a filing cabinet containing information handouts and educational pamphlets, a small ‘fridge containing a handful of vaccines and other medical equipment needing to be kept cool, and cupboards containing dressing packs and a myriad of other equipment, along with a sink for hand washing, Emma felt right at home. It was her own domain, and Doc let her have free rein over it.

Her work was mostly in the treatment room, but she also assisted Doc in the small OT room - the place where he stitched up wounds, removed lesions, inserted or removed IUDs and contraception implants, and whatever else could be done in a small OT. When the situation required it, she was also the chaperone in his consult room. She also kept track of the temperature of the vaccination ‘fridge in the store room, along with ordering stores and keeping everything stocked with which Harriet also helped.

The Harper twins proved to be a handful. When they arrived they weren’t well-behaved - jumping up and down, squealing, and basically hyped up on sugar. It was pretty easy to see, considering the half empty bag of lollies Charlotte held.

Such energetic little things, she explained, watching her off-spring almost ping off the walls as they tried to inspect everything in sight.

Personally, Emma thought the twins needed more loving discipline and less loving spoiling, especially when Charlotte simply admired her little darlings’ antics while they refused to sit still and even attempted to open some of the cupboards and paw through the contents.

That’s when Emma drew the line.

Close the doors, Johnny, she said firmly, pausing in the drawing up of the vaccine he was due.

I’m just looking, he whined.

This is a doctor’s practice, not your home.

But-

Now, Johnny, honey, Charlotte said. Be a good boy and Mummy will take you to the toy shop after.

Bottom lip thrust out, Johnny kicked the door shut.

Taking a deep breath, Emma continued drawing up the vaccine.

Jenny stuck her tongue out at her brother and he retaliated by pulling her pigtail, resulting in a full-on howl from his sister.

Charlotte flapped around, Johnny sniggered and Jenny kept howling.

You first. Emma pointed at Johnny.

He eyed the needle. It’s going to hurt, isn’t it?

Only if she used the blunt drawing up needle, but apparently that was against the rules, so Emma played the other card. I thought you were a big boy.

"I am a big boy."

So show your little sister how brave you are.

He glanced at Jenny who was peeking at him from the