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Just A Matter of Time
By Denise E. Richardson iUniverse
Copyright © 2015 Denise E. Richardson
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4917-6416-9
CHAPTER 1
With her mind focused on her errands, Jessie drove down the cliff road towards town. Her first stop would be the hospital to check the job board for any open nursing positions. Although she was fairly certain that she would find nothing posted, she wanted to know for sure before moving ahead with her job plans.
For most of the twenty-six years that she and her husband, Ben, had lived in Kenton-by-the-Sea, Jessie Myers had worked in a local doctors' office. She had started out as the nurse for a long-time popular doctor and, after the beloved doctor's retirement, happily had stayed on with his successor. But against her better judgment, she had resigned her position to follow Ben when he decided to change jobs.
About a year ago, Ben had been looking for new challenges, and he had left his sheriff's job in the New England village to become a state detective in Portland. Unsettled by the situation, Jessie had reluctantly moved to the city with her husband, and the couple had put their village home on the market. It hadn't been long before they learned that Ben wouldn't be able to give his family any attention while in the demanding position, and the situation had almost cost them their marriage. After six months as a state detective, Ben had voluntarily left the job for his wife's sake and had been able to return to work as Kenton-by-the-Sea's sheriff when he and Jessie moved back into their unsold cottage.
Jessie hadn't been as lucky as Ben in resuming her former job. When she resigned as Dr. Kevin Stone's nurse, the office's long-time substitute, Sally Knight, had competently replaced her. Once she left, she had known that she would have no chance of returning to her old position and had often regretted her decision. Before going to Portland, she had considered staying in the seaside village and getting together with Ben on weekends, but in the end, she had chosen to leave her job to stay with her husband. She would always wish that the move to Portland had never happened, although she understood that it was impossible to change the past.
Accepting the circumstances as they were, Jessie resolved herself to move ahead now and look for a job to give her purpose. At this point, her only option seemed to be trying to get a registered nurse position in the Kenton Hospital. She knew that returning to work wouldn't be easy because she found her recovery from an injury she had received several months ago more difficult than she had thought she would. Even with her lingering injury, though, she believed she could soon be ready to deal with the rigors of a nursing job in the hospital.
The drive from the cottage into town was short, and soon Jessie pulled into the hospital parking lot. As she turned off the car, she reminisced about her former job and working in the doctors' office, which was located in the hospital. Realizing it was no good to think about things that could have been, she picked up her purse and made her way into the medical building.
Inside the hospital, Jessie headed down the hallway to look at the job board located beside the main office. Since it was Sunday, she could scan the notices at her leisure, and she wasn't surprised when she didn't see a nursing item posted. She knew jobs could open up at any time and would make certain to stop back the next day to talk to the administrator, Tom Casey, in person. She had a good rapport with Tom and believed he would be honest with her about her prospects. She was optimistic about turning in a job application tomorrow and receiving good news about her plans in return.
Thinking ahead to her visit with Tom, Jessie made her way back through the hospital to leave when she heard a familiar voice call out her name. She immediately paused and turned around to see Stewart walking in her direction. Ready to take this unexpected opportunity to see her friend, she stayed where she was and waited for him to reach her.
Stewart Jackson had spent his long and distinguished medical career in Kenton-by-the-Sea. He was well loved for his honest and compassionate nature, and the doctor's decision to retire after working past the usual retirement age had struck the town hard. Jessie had been his office nurse for over twenty years, and they had developed a close friendship during their working years together. Stewart had become a father figure to Jessie, and while he had four children of his own, he treated Jessie like a daughter. The pair had remained close after Stewart's retirement, and although she loved any time she could spend with him, seeing him in the hospital now made Jessie fearful that something was wrong with her dear friend's health.
"Well, hello there, Jessie," Stewart greeted her with a smile, "how's my favorite nurse?"
"Fine." Jessie greeted him with a warm hug, which Stewart returned. She released him and looked at her silver-haired friend critically. "What brings you to the hospital this morning?"
"That's the same thing I was going to ask you." Holding her hand, Stewart sized her up. "I hope everything's okay."
"Like I just said, I'm fine. How about you?"
"Great." Stewart glanced around him. "I don't know where you're headed right now and don't want to keep you from something important, but I'm all done here myself. Do you have time to join me for a cup of coffee in the cafeteria? It's been a long time since I've seen you, and I'd love to use this chance to catch up."
"I'm on my way to The Trap to meet Liz for lunch, but I have some time before I have to be there."
"Then let's take advantage of running into one another and head to the cafeteria for a few minutes."
Without wasting any more words, the pair started down the hallway towards the hospital cafeteria. They moved slowly for Jessie's sake, since she still limped on her stiff leg. As they walked, they talked about the recent weather and both agreed that spring in Kenton-by-the-Sea had been exceptionally good this year.
Once they reached their destination, Jessie and Stewart each bought a cup of coffee, and they sat down in a quiet corner of the cafeteria. They were silent as they milked their drinks, which didn't take long. Soon they had each taken a sip of the hot brew and turned their full attention to one another.
"So why are you in the hospital on a Sunday morning, Stewart?" Jessie asked with concern. "Are you visiting the emergency room?"
"Definitely not," Stewart replied, giving her a comforting smile. "I'm only here to visit Mike Selky. I heard he was admitted after a fall at home and wanted to check on him."
"Poor Mike. He's such a sweet elderly gentleman and was always one of my favorite patients of yours. How is he?"
"He's doing very well and amazing his doctor with his recovery from what he calls a little incident. It sounds like he could be released tomorrow. And while I was with Mike, Kevin stopped in, so I was able to catch up with him, too." Kevin Stone, who had been Jessie's boss after Stewart's retirement, was one of the retired doctor's partners, along with Vince Phelps, and Stewart still had a financial and medical interest in the practice. "Things are going well in the office, which is great to hear." He took a sip of his coffee with his eyes still on his companion. "What brings you into the hospital today? Are you and Ben okay?"
"We're fine." Jessie smiled in return. "Actually, I stopped in to see if there are any nursing positions posted on the job board."
"What?" Stewart sat back in surprise.
"There's nothing available at the moment, but I'm going to stop back tomorrow and submit an application for future consideration." Jessie looked at him skeptically.
"You seem stunned. I haven't worked in over a year, but don't you think I can still handle my nursing duties?"
"You're an excellent nurse and always will be. That's not what I'm thinking." Stewart's voice softened. "I'm wondering if you'll be able to handle the rigors of working in the hospital."
"Because of my silly leg?" When Stewart nodded, Jessie continued. "While it's not back to normal—and never will be—I believe it's good enough to get me through a workday."
"I'm not so sure about that. You're not as strong and steady on your feet as you should be in a normal walking situation let alone running the hospital floors for eight-plus hours at a time. I'm worried about you, young lady."
"I suppose you're right and I'm not as strong as I have to be. Since there aren't any jobs available right now, I'll make sure I'm ready to be on my feet for a whole shift by the time something comes along. I plan to exercise every day and take extended walks until I'm able to do it easily. I'll always have to watch myself and be careful, but I believe I'll be able to handle the work." Jessie smiled. "You have no reason to worry about me."
"I don't like it." Stewart shook his head. "The hospital would certainly benefit from your topnotch nursing skills and bedside manner, but you'll wear yourself out by being on your feet for so long." He watched her curiously as she sipped her coffee. "What does your devoted husband have to say about your plans?"
"Not much. We've talked about me going back to work at some point, and he says it's up to me."
"Does he know you intend to submit an application here tomorrow?"
"Because he's been so busy lately, I haven't had a chance to discuss it with him, but he knows I want to do this. It doesn't matter anyway."
"It certainly does matter, and I'm sure Ben will share my misgivings." Stewart leaned forward to make his point. "We only want what's best for you, Jessie, and from what this old doctor can see, you won't do yourself any good by taking a job in the hospital."
"I have to work, Stewart, and I've been without a job for too long. I need to feel productive and find my niche in life again. There's no way I'll ever get back into Kevin's office, and the only option I have is working in the hospital."
"There must be another choice. If you insist on going back to work, there has to be something that would be less strenuous on you than being a floor nurse. Yes, you need something that uses your outstanding nursing abilities to their fullest and working in the hospital would do that, but considering your physical condition ..."
"I'll be able handle it when the time comes," the determined woman interrupted him. "If you believe my abilities are still up to par, there's nothing else to say on the matter." She paused to finish her coffee and gather her thoughts. "You said you were here this morning to visit dear Mike, but that doesn't mean everything's okay with you. How are you doing?"
"Me?" Stewart took a few seconds to push aside his considerable concerns for his companion and was able to smile reassuringly. "I thought I told you that I'm great, which I am. My medical appointments are all up-to-date and clear."
"I'm relieved to hear it because I worry about you, especially when I haven't seen you or heard from you in a while. We should keep in closer contact, unless you'd rather not."
"Of course, I would! It's a darn shame that we don't see each other more often than we do."
"I hope you're not just saying that for my benefit."
"I'm saying it because it's true."
"Then let's make sure we do something about it. We could meet for coffee once a week. What do you think?"
"That's a marvelous idea. What day would work best for you?"
"Your schedule is more restrictive than mine is these days, until or if I go back to work. What's the best day for you?"
Taking a minute to think about Jessie's question, Stewart finished what remained of his coffee. "How about Thursdays?" he suggested. "I always seem to have free time on Thursday mornings, although I could meet you any day as far as that goes."
"Thursdays are fine with me. Ten o'clock at The Trap?"
"I'll be there starting this week."
"It sounds perfect." Jessie smiled. "I should get going now. I don't want to be late meeting Liz because she's busy at the souvenir shop and her time is limited."
"And I don't want to keep you from your date. Liz would never forgive me, and I wouldn't want that." As they both got to their feet, Stewart looked at her critically. "Thanks for taking some time out to humor an old man, and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. I'll want to hear how you made out with Tom."
"I'll fill you in if there's any news." Jessie picked up their coffee cups and threw them in the garbage can behind her. "I'm going to leave the car in the hospital parking lot and walk down to The Trap. Can we walk out together?"
"We certainly can. I'll enjoy my walk through town much more than I thought I would since I'll have the pleasure of your company."
Turning the conversation to their day's plans and getting together for their coffee date, the two friends headed out of the hospital and made their way towards their respective destinations.
With papers scattered in front of him, Ben concentrated on the report he was writing. While it was still early to expect his co-workers, it didn't mean he couldn't be busy himself. As sheriff, he could always find work to do if he needed to look, but these days he didn't have to look far to find tasks that required his attention, including the ever-present tedious paperwork. Arriving at the office early this morning, he was intent on finishing his latest report before his staff arrived.
Benjamin Myers had been the sheriff in Kenton-by-the-Sea for twenty-five years. With his newlywed wife, he had originally moved to the small New England village to take a job as deputy. Within a year of the couple's arrival in town, the sheriff at the time had retired, and Ben had been elected overwhelmingly into the position; the same had been true in subsequent elections. Dedicated to the people he served, he enjoyed his duties and took great pride and pleasure in working beside his current crew. He was confident in his trio of deputies' abilities and knew his secretary kept everyone in line.
It was early May, and while this was usually a quiet time in the tourist and fishing community, such wasn't the case this year. With a large housing development under construction on the village's north side, there was more activity in town than usual. The influx of contractors, workmen, and laborers had created an increase in minor crimes and incidents that had kept the law officers continuously on the move. Ben was always prepared to do whatever was required of him, and he tackled his recent heavy workload with his usual vigor.
Believing he was finally finished with his current chore, Ben sat back in his chair to review what he had written. The report concerned an arrest he had made the day before yesterday. The Kenton Motel's manager had discovered that one of his desk clerks, Stephen Davison, had been overcharging customers and pocketing the difference. The young man had denied the charges, but after the manager, Phil Martins, checked the books carefully, it was evident that the motel's patrons had been overcharged and only when Stephen was on duty. The defiant twenty-six-year-old was now out on bail, but the investigation would continue and his troubles with the law were just beginning.
Satisfied that his pressing paperwork was complete, Ben heard noises coming from the other side of his open door. Knowing that his co-workers had arrived, he was ready to make good use of their time. He picked up his finished report, shuffled the other papers on his desk into their respective piles, and headed into the main office to greet his staff.
The first person Ben spotted when he emerged from his private office was his secretary, Kristen Talbot. The modest, attractive woman had been Ben's secretary for twenty years, and she kept the office running smoothly as well as took wonderful care of her boss. She was dedicated to her duties and protective of the sheriff, even though she was devoted to her husband, Brad, and their seven-year-old daughter. She was the anchor that held the officers in place, and her exceptionally smooth coffee and caring smile made the sometimes-overwhelming law enforcement work as pleasant as possible under all conditions. Her presence this morning surprised her boss because it was Sunday and she wasn't expected, and he would take up the matter with her before too much time had passed.
"Good morning," Ben greeted the foursome. Holding his finished report, he leaned against the doorjamb of his open doorway and grinned.
"We didn't know you were in there, Ben," Sam, the senior deputy, remarked apologetically. "Sorry we disturbed you."
"You never disturb me, Sam, but I'm finished with what I wanted to do anyway."
Sam Dunning had been in the senior deputy position since before Ben came to Kenton-by-the-Sea. When the sheriff who had hired Ben retired, Sam had no desire to pursue the top job and was content in his long-standing role. He was trustworthy and observant, and although the tall, strong man made an authoritarian presence, he had an easy manner in dealing with the townspeople. Ben knew he could depend on Sam to handle any assignment, and the quiet middle-aged man was comfortable working under Ben's leadership.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Just A Matter of Time by Denise E. Richardson. Copyright © 2015 Denise E. Richardson. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse.
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