‘I was born here and I love it,’ she said simply. ‘But there are lots of lovely little coastal towns in Australia for doctors to choose from, and most of them aren’t as far from the city as this. Doctors want restaurants and private schools and universities for their children. We’ve been advertising since my last partner left two years ago. We haven’t had a single response.’

‘So you’re it.’

‘I’m it.’

‘Hell.’

‘It’s not so bad.’ She ran a hand over the smooth silkiness of her braid and sighed as she looked down at Charlie. ‘Except sometimes. Except now. I’m so glad you were here-so I know that there was nothing else that could have been done to save my friend.’

‘I can see that.’ He, too, looked down at Charlie’s limp body. ‘Damn.’

‘It was time for him to die,’ she said softly.

‘Like it’s time for you to go to sleep.’

‘Nope.’ Another weary sigh. Then Em pulled herself together, and her usually laughing eyes managed a smile. ‘There’s no rest for the wicked, Dr Lunn,’ she told him. ‘Or should that be Mr Lunn?’

‘Make that Jonas.’

Jonas…

It sounded nice, she thought. Right. ‘OK, Jonas,’ she agreed. The undertaker was pulling up outside. ‘Let’s say our goodbyes to Charlie and then I’ll get on with my morning’s work.’

‘You heard what I said,’ he growled. ‘You see my sister, and then I’ll take over until you’ve had a rest.’

The temptation was almost overwhelming. She had two patients in hospital who she really should be with now. If she left Dr Lunn-Jonas-with the surgery, she could see them, have breakfast-cum-lunch and maybe even have a nap before afternoon clinic.

‘Do it,’ he said, and she could hardly resist. Heavens!

But to hand over her work to a stranger was totally irresponsible.

‘I’m fully qualified,’ he told her, sensing her last qualm. ‘A quick phone call to Sydney Central will confirm it. I promise.’