Series 39
With a weary sigh, she swiped to answer the phone, saying, “Hello…”
“Scarlet, come on, my dear! It’s been several days since you’ve been back—when will you make your way to the hospital?” The voice on the line belonged to Mr. James Rodgers, the middle-aged deputy director of Grand Plains General Hospital.
With a hint of irritation, Wren replied, “Why are you so eager for that? I’ve just come back to the country. Can’t I have a moment to settle in? Plus, I’m sure the Cardiac Surgery Department isn’t desperately in need of doctors.”
Mr. James replied, “We may not be short-staffed, but we certainly lack an expert surgeon—namely, you.”
Feeling cornered, Wren sighed.
In fact, she hadn’t envisioned committing to a hospital job at all.
Her obligation to Mr. James stemmed from a favor he had extended while she had been overseas, leading to his request for her to join the Cardiac Surgery Department in Grand Plains General Hospital upon her return.
Feeling indebted, she had agreed.
With a sense of resignation, Wren said, “Okay, I hear you. I’ll go there the day after tomorrow. Does that work?”
“Perfect! I’ll escort you to the department myself then,” Mr. James quickly said.
“No, that won’t be necessary!” Wren quickly said. “A formal escort by the deputy director would be too much. I’d prefer something more low-key. Just someone to point me in the right direction will do.”
“Alright then,” Mr. James replied.
After hanging up, Wren stepped out of the room.
Despite Edith’s offer to cook, Wren did not let her enter the kitchen. Wren prepared the lunch.
As they sat down to eat, Edith expressed her pleasure, saying, “I can’t remember the last time I had your cooking, Wren. Your cooking skills are as good as always.”
“Then have a little more,” Wren said with a smile.
“Okay, I will.” Edith returned the smile and then raised another topic, looking intently at Wren. “So, you’ve formally recognized Freddie and Lily as your godparents, right?”
“That’s right,” Wren responded nonchalantly.
