The Midwife's Secret Child. Fiona McArthur

They did so, the man mumbling something, causing Faith to bend down near his ear.

      ‘It’s okay. You’ve been unwell but you’re looking better now. The ambulance is coming and they’ll take you to hospital.’

      He struggled to open his eyes and when he saw her he sagged back and relaxed, though his hand crept up to his chest. Whether from cardiac pain or bruising to his ribs from Raimondo, she couldn’t tell. ‘Faith. You. Thank you.’

      ‘We all helped. Lie quietly. The ambulance will bring oxygen and pain relief.’

      ‘Okay,’ on an outward sigh as he closed his eyes. She had no doubt he would have some significant pain.

      Five minutes later the ambulance arrived and everything moved quickly after that.

      Faith left Raimondo to assist and explain to the paramedics and took Dianne into the shop for a cup of tea as the older lady looked shaky after the excitement.

      Faith was feeling a little shaky herself. Cardiac arrest was not something she’d seen in the maternity ward, thank goodness, though, because it was possible, they all did their yearly competencies in resuscitation. It was reassuring she’d remembered what to do.

      ‘So lucky we had the doctor here.’ Dianne was still coming down from the good outcome.

      ‘Yes. Very lucky.’ She’d known Raimondo had finished medicine, but had thought he worked at the drug company, but he’d been as slick as an ED doctor. She guessed she’d find out. Six years was time for many things to change.