After only a couple of seconds, a period of time which felt considerably longer to Jill, the boats moved with the swell of the ocean, creating a sufficient gap. The three men used their last reserves of strength to haul Jill quickly over the side of the boat. They attempted to lower her gently, but the boat lurched, sending them somewhat heavily to the deck.
Gordon immediately gathered her up in his arms, rubbing her back firmly, trying calm the violent shaking that had taken over his own body, as much as hers. He placed kisses into her hair, ignoring Barry and Andrew as they dispersed to the rest of the boat in search of its crew.
Jill clung to Gordon scarcely believing she was safe, yet having a hard time comprehending what had happened. There was one thing she was sure of; the pain engulfing her lower right leg. It was like nothing she'd ever felt. She smothered a sob against the wet material of his coat, determined not to give in to weakness.
"I'm going to take a look at your leg now sweetheart." He murmured close to her ear, placing a kiss on her cheek before releasing her gently. She supported herself with her hands planted behind her upon the wooden deck, as she watched him move to kneel beside her leg. He assessed it quickly. There appeared to be a great deal of blood, but he knew water always made a wound look to be bleeding more than it was. "Do you need any analgesia?" He was sure it was extremely painful, but he knew she'd appreciated being given the choice.
"Please." She nodded. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, determined not to cry.
"I'll give you Pethidine." He located the vial and syringe in his medical bag. The task of transferring the painkiller from the vial to the syringe was trickier than usual, given the sporadic lurching of the boat. Administering the Pethidine also concerned him. If he were to slip whilst he was injecting her...
He took a deep breath and looked up at Jill. Her eyes were shut tight, her lips pursed. The water running down her cheeks could have been rain drops, sea water or tears, he couldn't tell. But he could discern the pain in her features. He couldn't stall anymore with his fears. He had to relieve her of her pain.