BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS
ELLEN DEAN
Published by
COLBERE PUBLISHING
Copyright © 2009 Ellen Dean
Ellen Dean has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. All rights reserved.
Ebook: Smashwords ISBN 978-0-95596748
Ebook: Amazon ASIN B003SNK3S0
Ebook: Amazon ASIN B003SNK3S0
Paperback: ISBN 978-0-9559679-1-7
This book is a work of fiction.
All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, (electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to the publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
CHAPTER ONE
Adrenaline pumped through Beth’s body, making her glad to be alive. Today was her first official day at St. Gregory’s and it was the first time she had felt this good in over a year.
She forced down a bowl of porridge and a cup of weak tea. Her mother always insisted you should start the day with a good healthy breakfast, especially on cold mornings. She went to the hall mirror to check her appearance. Her long, sleek, brunette hair elegantly swept up into a stylish knot enhanced Beth’s sparkling brown eyes and fine chiseled features. Her pristine white coat glowed in the lamplight. Fashion conscious to the end, under the white coat she wore a cream cheesecloth top over a long denim skirt, and neat designer shoes. Light makeup, and diamond studs in her ears completed her ensemble. She believed it was important to look good for the patients.
She glanced back into the mirror to adjust her collar: a faint image of a blonde woman stood behind her. It was just the briefest glimpse and then she was gone, but it was enough for Beth to see that the woman was offering her a necklace.
Beth shivered as if someone had poured icy water over her. Oh no, not again. I don’t believe this. ‘Leave me alone,’ she shouted. ‘I don’t want any psychic interruptions today.’ She gripped the sides of the mirror as she spoke to it. ‘This is the second time I’ve seen you. Who are you? What do you want with me?’ She took a deep breath. ‘Go away; please leave me in peace.’
She grabbed her duffel coat, picked up her stethoscope, and switched off the lamp. Shutting the door firmly behind her, she stepped out into the dull, chilly February morning.
During the short walk to the hospital, Miss Elizabeth McConnell, Surgeon, heard a chorus of wolf whistles and loud shouts from a gang of friendly Geordie builders working on a nearby building site.
‘Mornin, hinny.’
‘Hi, gorgeous.’
‘Wot yer deein’ tonite, pet?’
She felt the blush, but turned to smile at the builders and gave them a wave. Glancing at her watch, she quickened her step. Better ten minutes early than five minutes late.
She reflected on the events of the past year; events that had brought her here today when to all intents and purposes she would have still been in Edinburgh.
