The Maker Read online

  His fingers brushed up against her arm and despite the fact she’d never been attracted to men who were old enough to be her father, she shivered from the contact. Her body’s instinctive response annoyed her. Even if he were twenty years younger, the fact remained that he was her boss. Her married boss. She had strict rules against dating both types of men. It wouldn’t do to offer him any encouragement. She moved away and turned to open the curtains. The other members of the team stared at her curiously.

  “How did you know what it was?” the woman with the graying hair asked.

  “What did it look like? It sounded gross,” one of the young men asked.

  Tanya was madly scribbling notes.

  “You’ll all get your turn to examine a patient and provide me with your diagnoses,” Doctor Baker interjected. “Doctor Munro performed very well, but I’m nothing, if not fair. You’ll all have your chance to wow me with your brilliance.”

  He smiled and Chanel found herself smiling back. He was an excellent physician who truly cared about his patients. He might have been her married boss, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t respect and admire him from afar.

  * * *

  Detective Sergeant Bryce Sutcliffe pressed the security button that locked the squad car and made his way across the expanse of asphalt parking lot to where it joined the cobblestoned path that ended at the front doors of the Sydney Harbour Hospital. His partner of three months, Detective Jett Craigdon, strode along beside him. A light summer breeze blew up from Circular Quay, ruffling their hair. It provided cool relief from the heat of the day and helped to divert his thoughts from the inevitable feelings of dread that weighed him down whenever he stepped inside the cold and sterile corridors of a hospital.

  “Where have they put Wales?” Jett asked, referring to the prisoner who’d been brought in by ambulance after a foiled bank robbery an hour earlier. Bryce was glad for the distraction and answered quickly.

  “Ward Five. He’s waiting to be operated on. The guard’s bullet sheared off a piece of the asshole’s liver on its way through his gut.”

  “Too bad it didn’t hit anything vital. No doubt they’ll repair the damage, stitch him up and he’ll be as good as new, ready to terrorize another group of innocent citizens.”

  Bryce grimaced, hating the fact that much of what Jett said was true. “Let’s hope the judge slots him for the maximum this time.”

  At their approach, the automatic doors to the entry of the hospital slid open on a whisper of sound. Bryce spied Marjorie behind the information desk and threw her a wave. Her face broke into a wide smile.

  “Good afternoon, Detectives. I hope the day’s been treating you well?”

  “You, too, Marjorie. How’s Dottie? I haven’t seen her for a while.”

  “Oh, she’s just dandy, Detective Bryce. She’s having a few days off to visit her grandbabies up on the central coast. Her daughter lives up near Gosford. She should be back on board next week.”

  “Good to hear it,” Bryce responded with a grin and a wave and then headed in the direction of the elevators alongside Jett.

  Stationed at the City of Sydney Police Station, both of them were more than familiar with the layout of the hospital. Bryce had been alarmed to discover upon his transfer to the busy station that at least three or four times a week, the officers attended the emergency room and other areas of the hospital to take statements from victims of crime. Every now and then, an alleged offender also required hospitalization. Today was one such instance. Over the years, he’d done his best to tolerate being in a hospital but it was not his favorite place.

  Ding. The elevator doors were barely halfway open when a woman wearing a white lab coat stepped out and ploughed straight into him. The stack of papers in her hands went flying.

  “Damn,” she muttered and shot him a frown before bending low to collect the scattered paperwork.

  Bryce reeled back from the brilliance of her almond-shaped eyes. They were as blue as the Pacific Ocean.

  “I’m sorry,” he said and automatically bent down to help her.

  She flashed him a grimace that was now tinged with laughter, her displeasure of a moment ago no longer visible.

  “Don’t be. I should have been watching where I was going. It isn’t your fault.”

  Something moved deep in Bryce’s gut and warmth spread through him. At the same time, he noticed the identification badge pinned to her lapel: Doctor Chanel Munro. A doctor… A surge of irrational anger went through him and he dropped his gaze and turned away, using the excuse he was helping her collect her papers to avoid looking at her. A moment later, holding out a stack in his hand, he had no choice but to make eye contact with her again.

  “Here.”

  She took the proffered paperwork and murmured a thank you and then gave him a smile so genuine he felt it all the way down to his boots. Her blond hair swung in a thick, jaunty plait. Despite himself, his eyes were drawn to its movement. The color of her hair was reflected in the golden tones of her skin. It looked like she spent many lazy weekends at the beach. His gaze skimmed down her body and images of her in a skimpy bikini came to mind. He frowned, annoyed at the direction of his thoughts.

  “Bryce, are you coming?”

  Jett’s voice intruded on his musings and Bryce swung away from the woman and nodded in response.

  “Sure.” Steadfastly keeping his gaze off her, he followed Jett into the elevator and pressed the number for the fifth floor.

  * * *

  Chanel adjusted the paperwork in her arms and strode away from the bank of elevators, her mind on the man she’d collided with. She’d barely stepped out of the elevator and there he was. If she hadn’t been so engrossed in the notes she’d made during her first rounds with Doctor Baker, she might have seen him in time.

  Thinking of the stranger’s sexy good looks, her heart skipped a beat. He’d been much more to her liking and closer to her age. His coloring was as dark as one of her brother’s and she wondered fleetingly if he had aboriginal heritage, like she did. His dark hair and even darker eyes certainly pointed toward some interesting ancestry.

  She made a noise of impatience at the back of her throat, unable to believe she was wasting even a second thinking about his background. The odds of seeing him again were next to none. Sydney had a population of over four million and a hospital had a huge turnover of patients, visitors and staff.

  Besides, why would she want to see him? She’d largely shunned dating and boyfriends for all these years. She refused to lose sight of the prize so close to the finish line. She didn’t want anything to distract her from her goal of achieving lofty heights in the medical world. Men had a way of complicating things and right now the last thing she needed was another handsome-man-type complication.

  “Chanel! Wait up!”

  Chanel turned to see Tanya striding as quickly as her short legs would carry her over the polished linoleum floor that stretched across the vast ground level of the hospital. Like Chanel, Tanya also hefted a file under her arm and was headed in the direction of the exit. By the time Tanya caught up with her, the woman was puffing slightly from the exertion.

  “Hey, I’m glad I caught you. I was hoping we’d be able to go and get a coffee and dissect the day’s events.”

  Chanel considered Tanya’s suggestion and nodded. “Sounds good. My head’s still in a spin after Doctor Baker’s whirlwind introduction to Sydney Harbour Hospital. Do you have anywhere in mind? I’m new to the city.”

  “Sure, follow me. There’s a great little coffee shop right around the corner. Their tarts are to die for. You wait and see.”

  Chanel fell in step with her new friend and a comfortable silence ensued. A short time later, Tanya led the way across a quaint stone courtyard and through the door of a small, but cosy café. Its wooden walls were decorated with original paintings of vibrant garden scenes. The colors were reflected in the bright checked tablecloths that graced the dozen or so tables that filled the room. Tanya chose a
table beneath a window that looked out upon the busy city street.

  “So, what do you think of the scrumptious Doctor Baker? Is he something, or what?” Tanya pulled out a chair and winked at Chanel.

  Struggling to keep her blush in check, Chanel busied herself by taking a seat opposite and arranging her handbag and file full of paperwork on the vacant chair beside her. Knowing that Tanya expected some kind of response, she fished around for something to say.

  “Yes, I guess so. There’s certainly something about him that commands attention.”

  “I bet he was hot in his younger days. He’s still as sexy as hell and he must be in his fifties. I can see why every female within a five-mile radius of the hospital twitters at the mention of his name.”

  “Too bad he’s married.”

  Tanya shrugged and opened the menu. “Single, married. Does it really make that much difference?”

  “It does to me. I guess I’m a little old fashioned in that regard.”

  “Is that the reason for the lamentable love life you described earlier? Are your standards too high?”

  Chanel might have taken offense if it weren’t for the teasing sparkle in Tanya’s dark brown eyes.

  “I’m not sure it has anything to do with my standards. More like my determination to be the very best doctor I can. For years I’ve done almost nothing but study like crazy and work hard to further my career. I can’t complain. It’s gotten me this far. Being accepted onto Doctor Baker’s team was a dream come true. I never imagined I’d make the cut.”

  “You and me both, despite the fact my dad assured me I’d get in. He had more confidence in my ability than I did. Lucky for me, he was right.”

  “He sounds lovely. Very supportive. What about your mom? What does she think about you being a doctor?”

  Some of the light faded from Tanya’s face. “Mom died when I was young. Breast cancer. It was very sudden. She was thirty-three. I was five. I remember her a little. Odd flashes of memories here and there. I think I mostly remember her presence and how loved I felt. Dad’s been on his own for the last twenty-five years.”

  “They must have loved each other very much.”

  “Yes, I guess they did. I was too young to understand their relationship, but the fact he hasn’t found love with anyone else tells me what they had together must have been very special.” She grimaced. “Sometimes I feel guilty for not moving out of the house. Every now and then I wonder if he would have found company with another woman if I weren’t still there. Now that I’m more than an adult, I wonder if it isn’t time he had his life back again. He’s spent the past two decades watching over me.”

  “He loves you,” Chanel guessed.

  “Yes, he does. And I love him. But I’m thirty years old. Maybe it’s time I stood on my own two feet and gave him some space…”

  “But what about all that money you’ve managed to save? You wouldn’t be able to do that if you were renting or paying a mortgage elsewhere.”

  “You’re right, but how much money do I need? I already own an investment property and I’m an only child. Everything Dad owns will come to me eventually and he’s done very well for himself.” Her eyes began to sparkle with good humor. “And that’s before I find an even richer husband to support me in my dotage.”

  “Ah, so you’re not progressive enough to thumb your nose at a traditional institution such as marriage?”

  “Of course not, but it doesn’t mean I don’t intend to enjoy myself along the way.” She grinned and Chanel couldn’t help but respond.

  The waitress arrived and Tanya ordered for them both. “Trust me,” she said. “You’re going to love their custard tarts. The pastry melts in your mouth and the filling is beyond divine.”

  After the waitress had disappeared with their order, Tanya eyed Chanel curiously. “So, tell me more about yourself. You mentioned three brothers who live in Sydney. Where do you fit in the family?”

  “I’m the baby. Five older brothers and one sister. My parents are still alive and still together. A big traditional family.”

  “Ah, so you’re the spoiled one,” Tanya joked.

  Chanel gave a mock gasp of outrage. “No way! Mom and Dad made sure none of us grew up feeling entitled. We were far from poor, but we were made aware of how fortunate we were, don’t worry. All of my brothers are in law enforcement and my sister’s a child psychologist and married to a police officer. We were raised with a sense of the importance of giving back to our community. I guess it’s one of the reasons why I became a doctor. Helping and healing people when they’re ill seemed like a noble thing to do.”

  “And it is. I wish my reasons for applying to med school were as noble as yours.”

  Chanel smiled. “Okay, so tell me Tanya Singh, what was it that inspired you to become a doctor?”

  “I wanted to make my dad proud,” she said simply. “He and my mother left India for Australia as a newly married couple, seeking a better life. They wanted to raise their family away from the poverty and desperation that infiltrated so much of the Indian way of life. They wanted more for me.” She shrugged and looked away. “The least I could do was study hard and do something with my life that would make them proud. It’s sad that my mom didn’t live to see the outcome of her sacrifice, but my dad tells everyone he comes into contact with about his daughter who’s a doctor.”

  Chanel swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. “That’s a wonderful story and just as noble a reason as mine to become a doctor. Your dad must be a very special man.”

  “He is and I’d love him to find someone to love again. Let’s face it, I’m going to have to move out some time. I hate the thought of him living there all on his own.”

  “Have you ever spoken to him about it?”

  “Not really, but maybe it’s time?”

  “Maybe he’s even wondering himself whether he should get out again? He must realize he won’t have you home forever.”

  “Yes, maybe you’re right. I’m going to talk to him about it. I don’t know what I’ll do if he agrees it’s time I found a place of my own,” she laughed.

  “I’m sure he’s not about to kick you out on the street. Besides, you could always share with me. I’m about to advertise for a roommate. I’m renting an apartment on the north shore. It’s a great little two-bedroom place with fantastic views of the harbor and it’s only fifteen minutes from the hospital… But all of that doesn’t come cheap. I need someone to share the expenses.”

  Tanya’s expression sharpened. “You’re kidding, right? You’re looking for a roommate?”

  “Yes, I have the advertisement in my backpack. I meant to find the staff noticeboard and pin it up today. I was so busy doing rounds with Doctor Baker, it slipped my mind.”

  Tanya stared at her and then nodded, as if coming to a decision. “I’m going to speak with Dad tonight. It’s way past time we had the chat. If he’s okay with it, I’d love to move in with you.”

  Chanel grinned. “Really? I won’t be bringing you any cups of coffee in bed. You might want to give the idea some thought before you make a drastic change like that.”

  Tanya laughed. “No coffee in bed? What kind of roommate are you?” Her smile slowly faded. “I think it’s way past time I gave Dad some space. Since I was born, he’s spent all of his life taking care of me. It’s time he took care of himself.”

  The waitress arrived with two mugs of steaming coffee and a small tray containing cream and sugar.

  “I’ll be right back with your tarts,” she said and disappeared in the direction of the kitchen.

  Tanya picked up one of the mugs. “Here’s to new friendships and new roommates.”

  Chanel touched her mug to Tanya’s and echoed the toast. “And here’s to surviving a year working under the esteemed Doctor Baker. May his bark be worse than his bite.”

  Tanya winked. “To Doctor Baker.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  With his arms loaded, Bryce used his hip to shut the doo
r of his unmarked squad car and headed toward the front gate of the old weatherboard terrace he called home. Juggling the briefcase and paperwork he held in his hands, he unlocked the front door and shoved it open with his shoulder.

  “Hi, Grandma, I’m home. How was your day?”

  He was met with silence, but forced himself to remain calm. She was eighty-three and rather frail, but that didn’t mean she’d suddenly up and left this world. With increasing frequency, he cautioned himself to be prepared for that day, but it didn’t mean the moment was upon him now. She was probably in the back of the house, unable to hear him.

  The sound of the television, tuned to her favorite sitcom, reassured him somewhat and he made his way further into the house. A moment later, he heard the flush of a toilet and by the time his grandmother appeared in the corridor, his face was wreathed in smiles.

  “Bryce, you scared me nearly half to death. I didn’t hear you come in.” The tender look she gave him softened the harshness of her words and he stepped forward and gave her a hug.

  “Sorry, Grandma. I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m home a little later than I expected.”

  “Another busy day at the office?”

  “Aren’t they all?”

  Virginia Tilocca patted her head in an effort to contain the few strands of snowy white hair that had come loose from her usual bun nestled low on the back of her neck. With measured footsteps, she made her way slowly past Bryce and into the vintage circa 1950s kitchen. As she opened drawers and looked for utensils, Bryce couldn’t help but notice how much she favored her left foot.

  “How’s your foot feeling today?”

  “A little sore. My own silly fault, no doubt. It was such a lovely day. I decided to go for a walk. I only went down the hill and around the corner to that little park. I sat and enjoyed the sunshine for bit and then headed home. I think it was the uphill climb that did the damage.”