Disclaimer: Neither author claims to own Casualty, or any of the plots or characters in this story.
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When Connie arrived at work on Monday morning, the place was already over-run with patients. Sighing, she glanced longingly back at her car before walking through the front door.
"What's going on?" She snapped at a passing nurse who looked startled before he finally stuttered a reply.
"St J-James is diverting everyone here, and we're short staffed."
Connie shut her eyes momentarily as she shed the last of the happiness she'd felt from spending all Sunday with Grace. "Ok, I'll sort out the staffing issue and speak to St James'. And just because we're busy, does not mean leaving your uniform in that state is acceptable!"
As Connie stalked away, the nurse looked down with dismay. He hadn't even noticed the blood that covered his top. It was going to be one of those days.
...
Inside her office, Connie looked at the staff rota and then began calling her staff, hoping she wouldn't have to resort to calling an agency; those nurses were always more trouble than they were worth. She left one name until last, unwilling to call him unless the situation was desperate. Unfortunately for her, it was.
"Hello?" Jacob answered just has Connie was about to give up.
"Ah… Good morning. I was just wondering if you'd be able to come in? St James' are diverting patients, the department is a mess, and-"
"And you need my help?" Jacob interrupted.
Connie was silent for a few seconds before she swallowed. "Yes. I need your help."
Jacob looked down at the invitation that lay on his bed next to a black suit. 4pm. He'd been trying to talk himself into going to the funeral all morning, but here was a solution: he could tell his mother he was needed at work. "Okay. I'll be there in fifteen and I'm expecting at least a smile for getting you out of a hole, Queen Bee."
When Jacob hung up, Connie finally allowed a slight smile pull at her lips. Between them, they'd be able to sort out the department.
...
"So where d'you want me, sweet cheeks?"
Her head turned sharply when she heard his voice, and her expression softened visibly from one of stress and agitation as he walked purposefully into resus fifteen minutes after she had called.
"Okay, this is Katy, suspected fracture to the left tib, and multiple head lacerations. She's had morphine, but she needs..."
"X-Ray. I've got it, I'll call you back when they're done."
She paused momentarily, a thank-you wavering on her lips before the doors opened and another young girl was wheeled in.
"Bella!"
"No, no Katy you need to lie back down, she's in good hands." Jacob quickly moved to coax Katy back down, looking to Connie as he did so.
"She's my sister! Bella..." She looked to Jacob, her eyes frantic. The other girl was covered in blood and she was unconscious, and he saw how Connie's face fell as she saw her, and how young she was.
"Right, on three..." She could barely hear Iain's voice, she could only see how the girl's chest barely rose or fell, and how she was so unresponsive to her surroundings.
"Mrs Beauchamp?"
"Iain, I'm coming... Can you just..." Jacob gestured to another nurse to stay with Katy, before moving quickly to assist Iain. He stood next to Connie, and gently touched his hand to hers, where it gripped the cold metal of the bed.
"Con..." He spoke softly, and her eyes turned to look to his.