Coming Home (Williams Siblings) Read online

  He thought briefly of going overseas and spending some time in the French countryside where he’d back-packed as student with a group of friends. Quickly, he discarded that idea in favour of staying in Australia where his roots were.

  Doctor needed. In charge position. Small country hospital. Immediate start, housing provided.

  Russ gazed at the words, his heart pounding as he thought about. Small towns didn't have the rush of humanity found in the big cities. The pace was more relaxed and certainly friendlier. You actually got to know who your neighbour was. Here Russ had no idea who lived next door. The thought of coming home in the evenings and waving to people he knew was appealing. His wounded pride could do with the change of pace and he looked at the closing date for applications.

  Shit, today. Doesn't give me much time. I can always say no if I get it and don't like the terms and conditions.

  Foregoing dinner, Russ filled in the application form. When he'd completed the process, he hit the send button. Shrugging his shoulders, he stretched his hands over his head until he loosened up, and rose from the chair.

  He walked into the cold state-of-the-art, stainless steel kitchen and made himself a sandwich, too tired to worry about a decent dinner. After cleaning up, he fell into bed exhausted, dreaming of a more peaceful life.

  The following day he was in the tea room having lunch when the Director of Medicine walked in.

  "I hear you’re thinking of moving to the country." He poured a coffee and waited, standing near the door.

  "I applied for something last night. I haven't heard anything though."

  "Well, I just got off the phone to the employment agency and they seem pretty keen on you. I gave them a glowing recommendation from us. Good luck with it." With a wink, he was gone.

  Russ smiled to himself. The thought of moving on was beginning to take hold and grow. With any luck, he would hear something soon. Then he could start packing his meagre possessions and leave his messy, gut wrenching divorce behind him. Starting fresh, where he was the new guy in town. It became more appealing the longer he thought about it.

  He was driving home when his phone rang. Touching the blue-tooth button on the steering wheel, Russ answered the call. "Hello, Dr. Williams speaking."

  "Dr. Williams. This is Neeta Prior from the employment agency. I wonder if we could schedule an appointment for you to come in and discuss the position of In Charge Doctor you applied for yesterday?"

  "I'm sure that would be fine. When were you thinking of?" He turned left and headed down through the main street, careful to avoid the cyclists darting between the cars on the busy city street.

  "Tomorrow perhaps? I've been asked to procure a doctor immediately and since all your referees highly recommend you and your paperwork is in order, there is just the face-to-face interview." Russ heard the shuffle of papers over the line.

  "When would I have to go to the hospital? Surely the board will want to check out my credentials?" He turned onto the freeway and left the tall buildings behind him as he drove home to the suburbs. Russ cringed at the sameness of the huge houses lining the streets. Was it too much to wish he was passing the quaint cottages in his home town instead of the stark concrete structured apartments and mega mansions.

  "Actually, no, they’ve left it in my hands. I do all the recruitment for the hospital and the board trust my judgement. Doctor Williams, the position is desperately in need of filling as soon as possible. Your current employer has said you can leave when you are ready."

  "My term here is almost up. I have been a locum for the last six months, as you are probably aware. I have no problems packing and moving as soon as possible Actually, I would prefer it. What time tomorrow, Ms Prior?"

  "I have a nine a.m. available if that suits you?"

  "Fine, give me the address and I'll see you then." Russ listened as she gave the address and thanked him for his time. The soft lilt of her voice made him smile and he repeated her instructions before he hung up. Then he cursed himself for not asking for the name of the town where the hospital was.

  By the time he pulled into his garage, the excitement was building. He picked up the mail on his way up the stairs and threw it on the kitchen counter before he grabbed a cold juice from the fridge. Russ stood in the kitchen and sorted through the envelopes. A redirected letter from his family's solicitor caught his eye and he put the orange juice down, a feeling of dread curling around his heart.

  Dear Dr Williams,

  It is with a great deal of sadness I inform you of the passing of your father. I have tried to contact you via the phone number listed but was informed you no longer live at that address and the person I spoke to refused to give me a phone number for you. If you would be kind enough to make contact with me as soon as possible, we have rather urgent matters to discuss regarding the will and the family property.

  Sincerely,

  Tory Daniels.

  Russ's legs went weak and he held onto the counter for support before making his way to the nearest chair.

  Shit, I never saw that coming. The old bastard was bulletproof, indestructible. Cade, I wonder if he knows? I’d better call him. How the heck am I supposed to get in touch with Rooney when she has made it quite clear she wants nothing to do with the family?

  It was too late to call Tory about the details now. Even though they had been best mates at school, Russ had no idea where he was living since finishing law school. He had no idea his father had become one of Tory's clients. It would have to wait until morning when Russ could call him at the office listed on the letter.

  By the time he got it together enough to call his brother, it was dark. When the call went to voicemail, he left a message. "Cade, it's Russ. We need to talk. Give me a call as soon as you get this message regardless of the time. Ta."

  Russ walked into the bathroom, stripped off his shirt and threw it on the floor. He looked in the mirror at the man standing there. His mother's colouring but his father’s looks. She was as fair as his father was dark. Unruly blond hair curled around Russ's ears. He’d given up worrying about it long ago, content to let it go where it wanted to. His eyes were his best feature according to his ex-wife.

  Tiredness mapped his eyes with red, the vivid blue dulled to grey and the usual piercing intensity replaced with sadness. He wished he had made up with his father before now. Unlike his mother who’d supported her children, the old man hadn't. He was too stubborn to admit they deserved to choose their own career path. Where she gave them free rein, his father had expected them all to follow in his footsteps as a cattle baron.

  Nothing could sway Russ to work the land. His goal had always been to help people and since his mother died, the need to heal the sick was even stronger than before. He tried to ignore the knot in his stomach as he stripped his trousers and boxer shorts, throwing them in the clothes basket. He needed to look his best for the interview tomorrow. He rubbed his hand over his jaw. The 5 o'clock shadow rough against his palm.

  I hope my grey suit will be appropriate. I doubt I would make my best impression wearing my usual hospital garb of jeans and polo shirt. I wonder where my good bottle of Armani aftershave is? Funny, I haven't seen it around. Paula probably decided she wanted that as well. He frowned looking through the small drawer in the cabinet coming up empty handed. Looks like its Old Spice again.

  Russ flicked on the shower and walked under the spray, his shoulders slumping as the heat massaged his tired muscles. I'll set the alarm early and have a shave then, too damned tired tonight. He stood letting the spray wash over his face before giving himself a quick scrub. When he stepped out of the shower and dried himself, Russ walked to his bed. Throwing back the blanket, he collapsed down onto the cool sheets. He was exhausted, excited and apprehensive all at once.

  ***

  The chiming of his phone woke him just after midnight.

  "Yo, brother. What's up?" Cade’s voice was slurred and Russ knew he must have been out on the town.

  "I got a letter fr
om the solicitors. The old man died."

  "Fuck, really?"

  "Yeah really. Listen, where are you? I need to call Tory in the morning and we will no doubt have to head home for the funeral and a meeting." He thought quickly. "Can you get away later tomorrow? I can pick you up and give you a lift down."

  "No, it's okay. I have stuff to do before I leave here, I'll tell you when I see you. Give me a call after you've spoken to Tory and let me know what's happening. I'd rather meet you down there if you don't mind."

  Russ promised to call back tomorrow and disconnected. He dropped his phone on the bedside table and lay back on his pillow. Now he was awake and his mind turned things over. Doubting he would get back to sleep in a hurry, he got up and flicked on the lights as he went.

  ***

  "The job is yours, Doctor Williams. When can you start?" Neeta Pryor looked over the rims of her steel-framed black glasses.

  "We haven't discussed the location, Ms Pryor."

  "Oh gosh! Sorry about that. I have to say this position was stressing me out until I saw your application. Singleton in the Hunter Valley. Beautiful spot. I'm sure you will love it there."

  Russ sucked in a quick breath and she frowned. "Is that a problem for you, Doctor?"

  "Uh…that’s where I grew up actually. You took me by surprise."

  "So," she chewed her bottom lip with even white teeth, "will it be a problem for you to return?"

  Russ swallowed and looked past her out of the window. He needed something quieter than working in the city. Singleton offered him everything he wanted. With his father gone, there was no reason why he shouldn't go home and work his way back into the community. It was his father who forced him away. That didn't mean he had to stay away forever.

  Smiling at Neeta, he swiftly made up his mind. "No. That won't be a problem for me. When do I have to be there?"

  "Can you start next week? Monday?" She shuffled her paperwork and drew out a sheet, handing it over to Russ. "If you could sign this for me accepting the position, I can draw up the contract and have it delivered to you later today. There are doctors’ quarters at the hospital you can use if you require or you can find your own place. Your call."

  "Thanks, I'll let you know." He signed the paper and pushed it back over the desk. "You know where I am and I'll be there until five tonight so you can send over the contract." He stood and reached for her hand, shaking it. "I appreciate the opportunity. Funnily enough, I’ve been thinking of heading to a small country town for some time. I just never thought I would be going back to where I was born."

  "The staff are brilliant and you will find them very helpful. I should know, I found most of them. Your contact down there will be Elizabeth Stanley. She is the Nurse Unit Manager and a fantastic person. I've known her for several years and she is a brilliant young nurse. Get in touch with her as soon as you arrive to work out a tour of the hospital and anything else you might need to know." Neeta smiled at him. "I hear she is looking forward to getting things settled rather quickly. It’s been hard on her the last few weeks dealing with more patients than normal and having no permanent doctor on staff. Although the local doctors have been fantastic coming in on call, she’s had to deal with a lot."

  "Fair enough. Once again, thanks and I'll get that contract signed and returned this afternoon." He walked out the door and hurried to his car wondering if he’d made the right decision.

  Sliding behind the wheel, he pulled out the phone and pushed the key pad. "Tory, Russ Williams. I got your letter last night."

  "My condolences, Russ, your father will be missed by many."

  "What happened?" Russ looked out the windscreen of his car as he listened to his childhood friend and family solicitor.

  "Apparently he had a heart attack in his sleep four nights ago. Listen, can you get hold of Cade for me?"

  "Already done. I spoke to him last night. I can't help you with Rooney though. She seems to have disappeared off the face of the planet. No one has seen or heard from her, although Heaven knows I tried enough."

  "I've already spoken to her. She can't make the meeting but I can fill her in later. Can you and Cade be here the day after tomorrow? I've put off the funeral until I could find you but I think we need to meet and discuss things first. Then you can decide where you want to bury your father."

  Rooney was still around? God, he missed his little sister. Russ was gutted when she ran away from home and didn't contact him. He had left first so he understood if she felt he had deserted her. Both he and Cade had left her at the mercy of their father and being a girl didn't save her from the discipline.

  "Of course, but it goes without saying he will be laid to rest next to our mother at the family property. Listen, I can be there but Cade wants to make his own way down. I'll call you when I get closer to town and see if you are free."

  "No problem, I can set a time to suit you both. Tell Cade the same thing, will you?" There was a slight pause. "It will be good to catch up again, Russ. It's been too long since we all threw a ball around together or stopped for a beer. I have lots to tell you about what’s been going on."

  "Thanks, Tory. Call you when I can. "

  Chapter Three

  Rooney Williams slid the needle into the vein, holding the dog’s leg and crooned in a soft voice to keep the animal calm until the drug took hold. "There, there pet, shh now." She ran her hand over the head of the brown and white wire-haired terrier and glanced at her assistant. "Thanks Tara, I should be fine with him now. I'll yell if I need any help."

  She positioned the small dog on the table before reaching for the instrument tray, pulling it closer so she had everything within hand’s reach. Rooney poured cleaning solution into a bowl and, taking a swab from the packet she tore open, cleaned the jagged tear in the dog's belly as best she could.

  "What were you thinking, little man? This is the second time you've ripped yourself open on the fence chasing those blasted cats. I'll have to have a serious talk with your dad when he picks you up. There has to be a way to curtail your fence jumping." Once the wound was clean, she checked the dog's internal organs and breathed a sigh of relief. There was no damage inside. With deft hands, Rooney threaded a needle and pulled the skin together. She joined the edges of the wound with tiny neat stitches.

  Once the sleeping dog was inside a cage in the recovery room, Rooney cleaned the operating table and prepped it for the next emergency. Voices sounded in the waiting room and she poked her head out the door.

  "Pete, hi." She moved forward and kissed the older man on the cheek. "I didn't know you were coming in today."

  He looked over at Tara and dropped his gaze to the ground.

  Rooney's stomach lurched. Pete was normally so happy and relaxed. Now his shoulders were slumped forward and he was doing his best to avoid making eye contact with her.

  "What's wrong, Pete? Has something happened with Julie, has there been an accident?"

  Rooney put her hand on his shoulder, gripping with tense fingers while her knees trembled.

  "No, no nothing like that. My wife is fine although frail as you know." He finally met her gaze with watery eyes and gave a feeble smile. "Rooney, can we go and talk in the office."

  She managed to nod her head and slipped her arm through his for the short walk down the hallway, past the sterile operating room to her office. Closing the door behind them, she walked over and sat on the edge of her desk, her gaze on the face of the man who had been her mentor and father figure the last eight years.

  "This is hard for me, honey." He wiped a shaking hand over his chin and sat down in the old brown leather chair in front of her. "You know Julie is having health issues, has been for years. We spoke to the specialist yesterday and I'm afraid it's worse than we thought." He gave a bitter laugh that ended on a strangled sob. "Alzheimer's, Rooney. My darling wife is being taken away by the most devastating disease of all, and there is nothing I can do to stop that from happening."

  Rooney gasped and lifted her hand
to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. "No. God Pete, I'm so sorry."

  "Yeah, me too. I thought now I’d retired and you were taking care of the practice for me, Julie and I could do things. Travel the world and spend time with the grandkids. All the things we’d planned to do and now…" his voice caught, "now I have to think about how to care for her."

  "Pete, if there is anything I can do, just ask. You and Julie have been there for me always. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you guys." She reached over and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, feeling the tremors running through his body. "Did you want me to come over after surgery tonight? I can sit with her if you have anything you need to do. You only have to ask."

  "I know you would, dear but there is something else. You know I was making noises about selling the practice? Well, I think it's time."

  "But I don't have enough money saved yet, Pete. I have a good down payment but it will take me a while longer to get what you would expect for a vet practice this size. I doubt the bank will look at me for another year or so at least."

  She gazed into his eyes and suddenly she knew. Her stomach lurched and the breath stalled in her throat. "You've already sold it, haven't you?"

  "I have an offer but I haven't said yes to it yet. I'm sorry, Rooney, truly I am. But when this guy approached me I decided it was a deal too good to turn down and the way Julie is…well, the kids are trying to talk me into it. I know you wanted it but the money the prospective buyer is willing to pay is going to come in handy if we have to put her into care. I don't know if you would be able to match it."

  Gathering all the strength she could muster, Rooney smiled and squeezed his hand while forcing down disappointment and the need to scream in frustration. "It's alright, Pete. You needed to do what's best for you and Julie. Between the two of you, I’ve had the best foster family I could wish for."

  She ran her fingers over his brown speckled hand, taking note of the tremors running through his body. His pain was greater than hers would ever be and she understood his reasons for letting someone else buy what she needed. "You helped me through all my problems and pushed me into university to get my degree when I needed it. I don't begrudge you selling the practice to someone else. You have enough on your plate without having to worry about me."