This story takes place after episode 2-06. Parts in italics are from Doc Martin, Series 2, Episode 6 "The Family Way" - written by Dominic Minghella and Edana Minghella. Doc Martin belongs to Buffalo Pictures.

Without Interruption - Part 4
Martin and Danny

Martin returned to the surgery, thinking about Louisa. Maybe he'd go by the school during lunch. He also thought about Joan and how the visit to her farm with his parents had all gone so wrong. As usual, work precluded his having any quality time to figure out what to do about either of these dilemmas. But he admitted to himself they both meant very much to him, and he decided he would try his utmost to resolve them to the best of his ability.

He didn't see or hear his mother, or father, so just saw patients as usual. He was dealing with an insolent teenager and her mole, when Pauline entered and said Miss Glasson was on the phone. Thinking about his plan to apologise, he decided to take her call privately and went to the kitchen.

At first, he was trying to arrange to call her back after the current patient, but when Louisa convinced him Danny indeed needed emergency care, Martin was off. He grabbed his medical kit and rushed out the door.

It was at least a 10-minute trip to Danny's mother's house, and Martin had a long think while driving. He knew he wanted to apologise and explain to Louisa about his behaviour. He thought of what he could say to smooth things over. Like, "It was not the best time for your visit this morning," and, "I would like to thank you for your offer."

However, as he parked the car and was climbing out, Louisa rushed towards him.

"He's upstairs," she said hurriedly.

Martin tried one of his practiced lines. "Louisa, when you came to the house this morning, I'm afraid…"

Louisa was more frantic than he'd noticed at first. She now spoke urgently.

"Quickly! Come on!"

Martin got down to business. Even though he stayed focused on the job at hand, he did notice Louisa's fear. He realised how much he would like to comfort her.

Louisa watched Martin work. This was the second time she saw him do terrifying things to aid a patient. But she also realised how very comforting his presence was. She felt strongly certain about his capabilities as a doctor, but she also found she had a lot of trust in him.

Martin assessed Danny's condition, and rigged a method to aid his breathing. After that adrenalin rush, he looked at Louisa. He started wondering about speaking with her, but then the ambulance arrived.

She certainly didn't seem to have any thoughts of him as she worried over the paramedics, watching as they transferred Danny to the ambulance. Martin had a fleeting thought of her fussing over him, if he ever needed looking after. He sighed.

Knowing now wasn't the time to try and smooth things over, if there ever would be such a time, he announced, "I'll be off, then."

"Aren't you coming?"

"No, there's no need. They'll keep me informed."

"Well, shouldn't we just stay together?"

Wait, was she really asking for him to accompany her? Of course, as was usual for them, they were interrupted. An EMT asked, "You the wife, love?"

"Um, no. I-I'm..."

Martin blurted out, "There's a history."

Now Louisa just felt embarrassed. "What?!"

Martin explained, "According to Danny." Unfortunately, he still couldn't say the man's name without showing his dislike.

Her embarrassment made her angry and Louisa said coldly, "Martin, YOU shut up!"

Once again, not exactly knowing how that had all gone wrong, Martin deflated. Even though it pained him, he had been trying to be helpful, so she could ride along. He could only watch as she climbed into the ambulance, and then he did the same with his own car.

The ambulance soon disappeared, but Martin still sat in his car. Louisa was angry with him. Aunt Joan was angry with him. His parents were still staying at the cottage. He felt a strong urge to just drive away from Portwenn, without looking back. Instead, he started the car and returned to work.

End of Part 4