come equipped, deferring to her army medic colleague was going to become the norm. That feeling of inadequacy could defeat the purpose of her personal journey here if she didn’t get with the programme. This trip was primarily to bring medical relief to the people of the island and she could do without uncovering any new flaws to obsess over.
‘Do you know where you are, Joni? Or what happened?’ She wrestled back some control, determined not to let the issue of a pocket torch spiral into a major meltdown in her neurotic brain.
That earned her an Are you serious? glare. ‘I’m lying on the ground because you two won’t let me get up after I got hit in the face with a ball.’
Joe snickered as she was educated by her first patient.
‘Dr Emily’s making sure the bump on the head hasn’t caused any serious damage, smart guy.’ He ruffled the boy’s hair, clearly already acquainted with the child.
She figured he was using her first name to break the ice a little because she was a stranger. Either that or he didn’t know what surname she was currently going under.
It was a subject she hadn’t fully resolved herself. Greg Clifford was going to be someone else’s husband soon. She no longer had any claim over his name, or anything else. Yet reverting back to her maiden name of Jackson was confirmation that her marriage had failed. She’d been returned unwanted for a second time, like a mangy stray dog. The idea of going back on the singles market felt very much like waiting for someone to take pity on her and find her a forever home.
She tried to refocus her attention back from her ex to the present. He didn’t deserve any more of her time since all the years she’d given him had apparently meant so little.
‘Do you have any pain in your neck?’
Her choice of words had her patient sniggering at her again.
‘Come on, Joni. We’re trying to help you here. We need to know if you’re hurting anywhere before we get you back on your feet.’
It was comforting to find Joe had her back this time, even if his apparent seniority here was irksome.
‘I’m okay.’ As if to try to prove their fears unwarranted, Joni jumped to his feet, only to have to reach out and steady himself by grabbing Joe’s arm.
If Emily was honest, she’d have made a grab for the strong and sturdy desert island doc too in similar circumstances.
‘Really?’ Joe arched a dark eyebrow as he glanced down at his new small-child accessory.
Joni shrugged but made no further wisecracks.
‘We should really get him checked out properly.’ Although he bore no immediate signs of concussion, it didn’t mean they should rule it out altogether.
As well as getting a cold compress to prevent swelling, she’d prefer to keep him under observation in case of headaches or vomiting. He’d taken quite a wallop and although the skull was there to protect the brain there was always a chance the knock could cause the brain to swell or bleed. She didn’t like taking unnecessary chances.
‘The best option for now is to get him to Miriama’s.’ Joe crouched down for the patient to jump on his back. A piggyback was apparently the equivalent of an ambulance around here.
‘Isn’t there a medical centre we can take him to?’ A small bird of panic fluttered its wings in her chest. She’d been led to believe there’d be some sort of facility for her to practise from. He might be used to treating people in the field but she certainly wasn’t.
‘Of sorts, but Miriama is his grandmother and the closest thing they have to a medic. She can keep an eye on him until you make sevusevu and if his condition changes we’ll only be a few minutes away.’
It didn’t slip her attention that he intended coming with her. In the absence of her brother she supposed he was going to have to do as backup. At least this incident showed he could be a calming influence when the need arose and she trusted he would keep her grounded until she tracked down her sibling.
‘What about my things?’ As they followed the dirt trail further into the village she fretted over her worldly possessions abandoned on the hillside.
‘No one’s going to steal them. We’ll come back for the yaqona and send someone to take the rest back to Miriama’s later.’ He strode on ahead, unconcerned with her petty worries or the weight strapped around his neck.
She could picture him in his army gear, bravely heading into battle with his kit on his back, and it gave her chills. The idea of her brother in a war zone had always freaked her out and there’d been no greater relief than when he’d left the army. She was glad he was no longer in danger. Joe too. Life here might be more unconventional than she was used to but she didn’t have to worry about anyone getting shot or blown up.
With her imagination slowing her down, she was forced to run and catch up again. The sandals slapping against her bare feet really weren’t suitable footwear for chasing fit men in a hurry.
‘Why should my luggage end up at Miriama’s?’ That obscure snippet of information hadn’t passed her by.
‘That’s where you’re going to be staying for the next fortnight. Miriama’s your host.’
Although she hadn’t expected the luxury of last night’s five-star resort, she’d imagined she’d be staying with her brother rather than another stranger.
‘Peter’s staying with the village chief. He’s earned a great deal of respect from the community for his endeavours here.’ Joe headed off her next question before she could ask it. She couldn’t help but wonder what his own arrangements were.
‘And you? Where do you lay your head at night?’ Only when the words left her lips did she realise how nosy that sounded. She hadn’t intended prying into his personal life but this was all new to her. She didn’t know if he was presented with pretty young virgins and his own house to thank him for his services. It would certainly explain her brother’s reluctance to leave the village.
He cocked his head to one side, his mouth twitching as he fought a smile. ‘Well, there’s a new arrival in my bed tonight—’
She held her hand up before he went into graphic detail. ‘I shouldn’t have asked. It’s none of my business.’
‘So I’m moving from Miriama’s into the clinic.’
It took a second for the image of Joe cavorting with exotic beauties to clear and let his words sink in.
‘I’m taking your bed? Honestly, that’s not necessary. I’m more than willing to take your place at the clinic.’ She didn’t know what that entailed but she’d take it over the lack of privacy in someone else’s house.
Joe shook his head. ‘The clinic’s a glorified hut with two camp beds and a supply cupboard. You’ll find no comfort there. I, on the other hand, am used to kipping in ditches, or worse. It’s no hardship for me. Besides, you’ll be doing me a favour.’ He gave a furtive glance back at his charge to make sure he wasn’t listening. ‘I don’t want to offend Miriama but I prefer the peace and quiet of being alone. I’m not used to domesticity.’
Perhaps it was because he was the
