Chapter 4

"So, doc what's wrong with me?" George Henry sounded remarkably relaxed he already had an idea what was wrong with him, he just wanted confirmation of it. Luc Hemingway had run the ECG and as he suspected the results showed that Mr Henry had suffered a heart attack.

"The results are conclusive you've had a second heart attack." George Henry looked disappointed but not surprised.

"Oh well, so much for me giving up the ciggys then."

"Believe me, giving up smoking is the best thing for your health Mr Henry."

"I should have packed it in sooner but it's such a hard habit to break. My family will say 'I told you so.'

"The main thing is, you're still alive and we will need to operate to widen the arteries in your heart. This is called a coronary angioplasty." Sensing Mr Henry's nerves Luc was quick to reassure him. "Don't worry, I know surgery is a big step to take, but we really have no other option in your case."

"I know, it's just the thought of someone cutting me open scares me stiff, but you look like the kind of bloke I can trust."

"I'll get a Nurse to prep you for theatre." He walks over to he nurses station, where Eddi and Max seem to be sharing a private joke. Neither Luc or Eddi had spoken properly to each other since Luc had rather abruptly walked out of Eddi's flat.

"Nurse McKee, George Henry needs to be prepped for theatre. Can you do it now please?"

"Yeah, just give me a second." Eddi types something on the computer. Max Schneider looks smugly amused with himself. "I was wondering if you really did exist? Luc Hemingway isn't it?" Max's mouth formed into a smirk. He offered his hand to Luc, who grudgingly shook it. "Yes it is. Mr Spence has told me about you."

"All good things I hope?" Luc didn't reply, but smiled as politely as he could. Both Michael and Sacha voiced their opinions on Mr Schneider to Luc, giving him the distinct impression the 'charm and smiles' were hiding deep flaws in this man. Now they weren't the only ones with strong reservations.

I'll go and prep Mr Henry." Eddi hastily gathered up some untidy papers which she hadn't filed and knocked over the remains of her coffee. "Damn, this is all I need!" She dabbed at her uniform frantically with tissues making the stain even worse.

"Hey, don't worry Eddi calm down," crooned Max in that lazy nonchalant way of his. Luc thought Eddi looked ill, her face was pale and her eyes looked small with dark circles underneath them.

"You better get changed, I'll ask Sister Williams to prep George Henry."

"Thank you," she gave him a cursory glance. Before rushing off for a change of clothes. Luc walked off without saying a word. Max Schneider was not his kind of person, and he doubted that he was what Eddi needed right now, but then it wasn't up to him it was Eddi's judgement to make. But he was going to talk to Sacha again and find out more about Schneider before making anymore conclusions. Apparently Eddi had been making mistakes at work, which according to Sacha coincided with the relationship that had started between them.

Meanwhile Eddi was now changed into a clean uniform, she cringed as saw her shabby reflection in the mirror. The door opened making her jump.

"You look much better". Max was now standing behind Eddi his hands on her shoulders.

"Well I feel bloody awful, I look like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards," she moaned trying to finger comb her unkempt hair.

"Rubbish, you look fine to me." She smiled at him, he knew just what to say to make her feel good, she felt wanted at last.

"Have you taken anything this morning? If not I've got exactly what you need." Max took the packet of Comoxidan out of his trouser pocket, and raised his eyebrows questioningly at her.

"No, I can't Max, I don't want to rely on them too much."

"Relax Eddi, it's only a couple, it'll help with the stress what harm can it do?"

"I suppose you're right." he placed them in the palm of her hand.

"Trust me Eddi", before adding with a broad grin, "I'm a doctor."

Sorry I haven't updated as reguarly as I would like. But hopefully the next chapter will follow fairly soon.

As always your feedback is appreciated. Thank you.