Vulnerabilities

Chapter Ten

I am so sorry for taking so long, this chapter just didn't want to be written. Thank you so much to everyone who's reviewed, I really hope you continue to enjoy this.

Disclaimer: I do not own Holby City.

Jac Naylor wore a dark scowl as she strode along the corridor. She had argued with Sahira yet again the previous day, but to her irritation, Elliot seemed in no hurry to help. However, once she reached Darwin, her attention was diverted by the unusually serious expression on the face of Greg Douglas, a registrar who rarely seemed to stop smiling, even on the worst of days. It was not difficult to discern the reason.

"What's he done now?" she asked cheerfully. Greg started. Lost in a file, he had not heard her approach.

"What?" Jac rolled her eyes.

"Hanssen. I'm assuming he's the reason you have a face like a thunderstorm." Greg snapped the file shut.

"I do not, and his condition is none of your business," he replied shortly. Jac scowled at him.

"Excuse me for trying to help," she retorted. "I'll leave you to puzzle it out by yourself then." She turned to walk away and began a mental countdown. Three…two…one…

"Jac wait." Hiding a smirk, Jac turned back to her colleague.

"Yes?" she asked coolly. Greg sighed and slumped into a chair.

"I guess I could use some help," he muttered. Jac folded her arms expectantly and he sighed again. "Fine. I'm sorry. Will you help me please?" Jac smiled.

"There we go." She dropped into the chair next to him and held out her hand. Greg passed her the file and rubbed his eyes.

"It's his fever," he explained wearily as Jac scanned the notes. "The antibiotics aren't having the effect we expected." Jac nodded thoughtfully.

"What does Elliot have to say?" she asked.

"Haven't spoken to him yet," Greg replied. At her raised eyebrow, he hurried to defend herself. "Give me a break, I only got in half an hour ago. Anyway, he's away at a conference today." Jac closed the file and handed it back.

"Right then, let's go."

"Wait, go where?" Jac raised an eyebrow.

"So now you want me to make a diagnosis without even examining the patient?" she asked sarcastically. Greg scowled at her, but didn't argue the point. Smirking, the redheaded registrar got to her feet and moved away. Shaking his head, Greg followed her.

Jac didn't have to glance back to know that Greg was following her. Everyone on Darwin had noticed the changes in his relationship with the Swede; thinly veiled hostility had gradually given way to a more cordial tone. Now, Jac would almost say that there was a degree of protectiveness in the registrar's behaviour. How much of that was due to the growing friendship between Elliot and Hanssen she didn't know, but it was clear that she as not going to be given free rein on this case. She broke off her musing as they reached Hanssen's room. A single glance at the consultant told her why Greg had been so worried.

Hanssen was asleep, but it did not look like it was doing him much good. His normally pale skin was flushed, and even though he was shivering his forehead was beaded with sweat. A quick glance at the monitors told her that his temperature was several degrees above normal. She glanced at Greg.

"Are you sure you gave him the right medication?" Greg scowled at her.

"This isn't funny," he snapped. "He's only just recovered from the pneumothorax; an extended fever is the last thing he needs."

"Alright, I get it." She thought for a moment. "When did you start him on these?"

"Yesterday evening, when his temperature began to rise." Jac nodded.

"And is it still increasing?" Greg shook his head.

"It's been holding steady for the past couple of hours."

"Then I'd say they're beginning to work," Jac pointed out. "I think we should give them another few hours. Call Elliot if there's no change by lunchtime." Greg nodded.

"Alright," he sighed. "Thanks Jac." Jac smiled.

"No problem."

Jac shot Greg a speculative glance as they made their way back to the main ward. The registrar frowned at her.

"What?" Jac shrugged.

"I was just wondering why you care so much."

"What, about Hanssen?" Jac sighed.

"No, about Mrs Peterson," she said sarcastically. Greg glared at her and grabbed a new file. Jac hastily wiped the smirk from her face. "I'm sorry. I'm just curious as to why you're so concerned for a guy who was trying to get us all sacked a few weeks ago." Greg glanced up.

"He's a patient," he said slowly, as if speaking to a child. "It's my job to be concerned." Jac frowned.

"So, you're just ignoring the fact that he's a ruthless, cold-hearted b…"

"I don't care what he's like normally, he's ill and I need to get him better," Greg interrupted. "And I've had plenty of practice ignoring those particular personality traits," he said pointedly. Jac scowled at him.

"Yes, because you're such a charmer yourself," she muttered. Greg smirked at her.

"Anyway, can't stand around chatting," he grinned. "Lots of work to do today." He strolled off whistling, his usual good humour restored.

Jac stood glaring after him. It was bad enough that he had insulted her, but she hadn't even got a proper answer to her question. Jac hated not knowing things, and Elliot and Greg's change of heart towards the Swede had thoroughly bemused her. She just could not understand how they could care so much for someone who had caused so much turmoil. It couldn't just be because they were doctors. Despite popular opinion, Jac genuinely did want the best for her patients, but she found it extremely difficult to forgive people who hurt her. Greg's ability to look past that was one she almost envied. She snorted suddenly. She was jealous of Greg. She must be ill. Hurriedly, Jac picked up a file and returned to work.

Greg wore a satisfied smirk as he finished speaking to one of his patients. He loved getting the better of Jac Naylor, mainly because it happened so rarely. There was no doubting the fact that Jac was a superb surgeon, which just made her confusion over the situation with Hanssen even more amusing. It really wasn't complicated. The Swede's determination to perform the transplant operation, despite his condition, had proved to Greg that he genuinely cared about his patients, and that all his cuts were in their best interests. Further conversations with the consultant had convinced him of the man's sincerity, and Greg was happy to forget the past. Now that he was able to treat him with a clear conscience, the two men were getting on much better. And if it annoyed Jac, well that was a very nice bonus.

As he reached the desk, Greg saw Jac talking with Sahira. As usual, he couldn't help but smile as he caught sight of the beautiful registrar. She looked tired; there were dark shadows under her eyes and she was stifling a yawn, but she still exuded a sense of calm that he found reassuring. Sahira glanced up at his approach and gave a warm smile. He grinned back.

"Good morning Ms Shah," he said with exaggerated politeness. "How are you this fine morning?" Sahira laughed.

"Very well, thanks for asking." Behind them, Jac snorted.

"Oh, give it a break." Greg rolled his eyes at Sahira and turned to her.

"What? Am I not allowed to greet my colleague?" Jac scowled.

"I've got an idea." She smacked a file into his chest. "Get on with the work you're being paid to do." She stalked off angrily. Greg had the sense to wait until she was out of earshot before laughing.

"That is so much fun," he said gleefully. Sahira shook her head.

"You shouldn't wind her up so much," she chided gently. "You'd get on a lot better if you didn't." Greg snorted.

"Yeah right. You're always nice to her and she still acts the same way." Sahira shrugged.

"Well, that's her problem, isn't it?" She sighed. "Any news on Henrik?" she asked. Greg hesitated a moment. He had no desire to lie, but he hated giving her bad news. Sahira picked up on his reticence.

"What's happened, Greg?" Her usually gentle voice carried a distinct edge. Greg sighed.

"He's got a bit of a fever. Nothing too bad, but we need to keep an eye on it," he said, stifling the twinge of guilt. There was no point in upsetting her. Unfortunately, Sahira seemed to sense that this wasn't the whole truth.

"What are you not telling me?" There was an unmistakeable hint of danger in her voice, and Greg realised it would be foolish to procrastinate further.

"Okay, maybe it's a more serious fever," he admitted. Sahira's eyes narrowed, and he continued quickly. "It is under control. We've given him antibiotics and we should be seeing an improvement within the next few hours." Sahira nodded slowly, but Greg could see the anxiety in her brown eyes. He tried a reassuring smile. "Sahira, he'll be fine. You'll see, by the end of the week he'll be back to normal." Sahira glared at him.

"Back to normal? You don't even know what's wrong!" She broke off abruptly and turned away. Greg wanted to reassure her, but after her outburst, he thought it better to wait. After a moment, she turned back to him. "I'm sorry," she muttered. She took a deep breath. "What exactly is his prognosis?" Her voice was perfectly steady, but her eyes still showed her concern all too clearly. Greg let out a long sigh as he met her gaze.

"It really isn't too bad," he said calmly. "The antibiotics are working, albeit not as effectively as they should be, but his temperature is steady, and with any luck it should start coming down soon. I honestly think he'll recover fairly quickly." Sahira fixed him with a penetrating glare, but after a few seconds, her expression softened.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "That's all I needed to know." She sighed and glanced away. "I should get back to work." Greg frowned.

"Sahira, are you sure you're alright?" The registrar nodded, but did not look at him.

"I'm fine." Greg's frown deepened.

"No you're not. Are you still worried about Hanssen?" Sahira didn't reply, but her silence told Greg everything he needed to know. "C'mon, Sahira, I've told you, we're doing everything we can. Worrying about him isn't going to help." Sahira shot him an irritated look.

"I know you are, but that doesn't make it any easier!" She rubbed her eyes wearily. "I just hate seeing him like this," she whispered. Greg hesitated a moment, then pulled her into a hug.

"Come here," he murmured. Sahira tensed instinctively, before relaxing into him. Greg could feel her shoulders shaking and he held her tighter. "Everything's going to be alright." Sahira sniffed and pulled away, rubbing her eyes.

"I know," she muttered. She gave a shaky laugh. "I'm sorry, Greg. I don't know what came over me." Greg shook his head.

"Forget it. It's perfectly natural to be worried about a friend." He glanced round quickly. "Why don't you go and see him?" he suggested. "I can cover for you for a little while." Sahira beamed at him.

"You don't mind?"

"Nah. Jac's on the warpath though, so make it quick." Sahira gave him a quick hug.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I won't be long." She drew back and hurried off. Greg watched her go, then turned to check for Jac again. He had no desire to experience her temper again, but Sahira had looked so woebegone that he couldn't help but make the offer. Sighing he picked up the file she had left on the desk and set to work.

Sahira let out a long sigh as she sat down next to Hanssen's bed. Greg had warned her about Henrik's condition, but she still felt a sharp pang in her heart as she looked at him. Automatically, she checked the monitors, and noted with relief that his temperature was still holding steady. She would have been happier to see it lower, but at least he wasn't getting any worse.

To her surprise, Sahira found tears forming in her eyes. She had refused to allow herself to react so emotionally while Hanssen had been under their care, but this latest mishap was the last straw and she could not stop the tears from falling. Leaning across, she took his hand gently.

"Henrik, it's me, Sahira" she said softly. "Please wake up." Henrik shifted slightly in his sleep, but he didn't stir and Sahira felt her spirits plummet. She really did hate seeing her friend so ill and not being able to do anything about it. Contrary to Jac's belief, there had never been a romantic element to their relationship, but Henrik had been her mentor, and later her friend, for many years, and she cared deeply about what happened to him.

Angrily, Sahira scrubbed away the tears; his condition was not that serious, and she could not afford to lose control in the middle of her shift. Shakily, she got up to leave, but just as she reached the door, the monitor gave a sharp beep. Fearing the worst, Sahira spun back in alarm, but after a moment, her face split into a broad smile. Henrik was still asleep, but a glance at the screen told her that his temperature had finally started to drop. It would be a while before he was out of danger, but at least they knew the antibiotics were working. Barring any further complications, he would soon be fully recovered.

Feeling much happier, Sahira returned to the main ward. Greg glanced up at her approach. A look of puzzlement crossed his face at her mood change.

"What happened?" he asked. Sahira smiled at him.

"His temperature's going down," she informed him. Greg brightened at her words.

"That's great news," he said cheerfully. He shook his head in exasperation. "Trust him to get us all worked up for no reason." Sahira laughed.

"I don't think we can blame him for this," she pointed out lightly. She sighed happily. "It is a relief though." Greg smiled at her.

"I can see that." He turned to get back to work, but Sahira stopped him.

"Thank you for covering for me," she said sincerely. "I know you had your own work to do."

"Oh, no worries. I'm sure you'd have done the same for me." He gave a heavy sigh and turned to the mountain of files on the desk. Sahira followed his gaze.

"We should probably make a start on that," she said regretfully. "Thanks again, Greg."

Greg lingered for a moment after Sahira left. He was relieved that, after nearly a month under their care, Hanssen was finally on the way to recovery. It had been an interesting period to say the least, but he would be very gad when it was all over.

Well, this is nearly finished. There'll be one more chapter, which will hopefully be up a bit quicker than this one. Please let me know what you think.