He punched the 'end' button and put the phone back in his pocket. He stood framed against the sky and watched the Frontera as it wound its way up the hill, pulled off the road and drew up beside him.
Sarah looked at him uncertainly through her big, dark-hazel eyes as she reached her foot down from the driver's seat. She was around five feet six inches tall, but the car rode high off the ground. She wore a long Barbour jacket over her university suit, and blue rubber boots, tied at the top. In her right hand she carried her medical bag.
She ran a hand over her auburn hair, in an unconscious gesture. 'Bob?' It was a question.
`What are you doing here?' he said softly. He was unaware of Charlie Radcliffe sidling off towards the valley.
An edge to match his own crept into her voice. 'You're asking me that?'
`Too right I am.'
It's my job, remember!'
`No, it isn't. Not any more. Your job is in the University. There are other people to do this.'
I'm still on the strength as a Force ME. You know that.' `Sure, as holiday cover, and for police emergencies. Not for this!'
And what the hell is this if not an emergency?' It was the first time in her life that she had ever raised her voice to him in real anger.
His eyes flared at her shout, but his voice dropped to a whisper. 'This is a disaster. There's nothing you can do for anyone down there.'
Oh yeah — and which Med. School did you graduate from? Can you say for sure that there's no one alive down there? Can you say for sure when someone's dead?'
I can when his head is thirty yards away from his arse. Look, go back to University, go home. Go anywhere, just don't go down there.' His desperation broke through his anger, and she was touched, seeing how much he cared for her.
I'm sorry, Bob, but I took an oath that says I have to.' She turned away from him and strode towards the valley. He started after her, stretching out a hand to hold her back… and then his telephone sounded.