Read Online Remote Rescue by George Ivanoff - Free Book Online Page B

his leg. This can cause permanent damage. So we need to get him into surgery as quickly as we can.’ She paused a moment. ‘Now, I’m not one hundred percent sure that’s what itis. I’m just saying it’s a possibility due to the fact that your dad seems to be suffering some increased pain and there is bruising around the area where the broken bone is pushing against the skin. It might be nothing. But I think it’s better if we get him looked at by a surgeon as quickly as possible … just to make sure.’
    Dawson could feel his hands starting to sweat and shake. Permanent damage? What exactly did that mean? He wasn’t sure he wanted to know.
    He looked at Dad, lying on the stretcher. He looked so helpless.
    Dawson leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

    â€˜I switched on my mobile and there were all these messages. I tried calling your dad, but his phone’s switched off.’
    â€˜His phone broke when he fell,’ said Sam.
    She was at Leigh Creek airport, talking to Mum on the phone in the manager’s office. It was so good to hear her voice.
    â€˜Well, at least I’m speaking to you now. You don’t have to worry about anything. I’ve arranged it all.’
    Sam noticed how Mum’s voice was calm and controlled – too controlled. Her voice was normally quite relaxed, but she was obviously in her full-on Mum Damage-Control Mode. This is how she sounded whenever there were problems at work. It was like some sort of switch had beenflipped and Mum was taking charge of everything and fixing it all herself.
    â€˜I’ve spoken with the manager and arranged for a charter flight later this afternoon, so I’m afraid that you’re stuck in Leigh Creek until then,’ Mum continued. ‘I’m on my way to Adelaide Airport now to meet Dawson and Dad, and then we’ll head to the hospital. As soon as I get off the phone, I’ll call Aunt Marg and make sure she’s at the airport to meet the two of you when you arrive. So don’t worry about anything. Okay?’
    â€˜Okay,’ said Sam.
    â€˜Love you,’ said Mum.
    â€˜Love you too.’
    Sam closed her eyes, still pressing the phone to her ear even though no one wasthere. She was relieved. Relieved that Mum was now taking charge. Relieved that Dad was on his way to the hospital. Relieved that she didn’t have to worry anymore.
    â€˜I’m hungry!’
    Sam’s eyes opened to see Em leaning in the office door. She put the phone down.
    Food! It suddenly occurred to Sam that they hadn’t eaten since the stale and soggy cereal they’d had at breakfast. She’d completely lost track of time. Her stomach – now that she was listening to it – told her that it was past lunchtime, but she had no idea how far along.
    She walked over to Em and took her hand. ‘Come on, let’s go get something to eat.’
    Sam and Em went to the vending machines. As Em gazed through the glass atthe chips and chocolates, Sam searched her pockets for some change.
    â€˜I got you some sandwiches,’ said a voice from behind.
    Sam turned to see Gwen’s smiling face.
    â€˜But I want chocolate,’ said Em, hands and face pressed up against the vending machine.
    â€˜I’ll get you some after you eat your sandwich,’ said Gwen.
    Em grumbled, but after taking her first bite she gobbled up the rest.
    Sam plonked down into a seat and nibbled half-heartedly at hers.
    â€˜You okay?’ asked Gwen.
    Sam shrugged.
    â€˜I know this has all been rather difficult,’ said Gwen, sitting down beside her, ‘but you’ve done amazingly well.’
    â€˜Done?’ Sam snorted. ‘I haven’t done anything. I couldn’t find help for Dad. Dawson did that. And Dawson looked after him too. I just sat around doing nothing.’
    â€˜That’s not true,’ insisted Gwen. ‘You took care of your