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The woman defensively crossed her arms at the sight of Hannah before she leaned back in her chair, which gave a loud and unimpressed squeak. ‘So, you’re adding to my department without even consulting me?’

It was like a cold frost had swept through the room. But Jackson seemed undeterred. He walked over and leaned against her desk, completely unbothered by her frown, and attempted to smile charmingly down at her.

‘Come on, Kirra. You even said it in our last production meeting. You need more help. I’ve brought you more help.’

Kirra remained unimpressed, but she eyed Hannah thoughtfully. ‘What are you? Doctor, paramedic, nurse?’

‘Nurse.’

Kirra sighed in exasperation. ‘I’ve already got a nurse. What’s your experience?’

Caleb wasn’t happy either and frowned at Jackson. ‘She’s signed a contract. I thought this was all settled?’

Kirra shook her head firmly and crossed her arms over her ample chest. ‘It’s not settled until I’ve signed it off. I may be a small department…’ Hannah glanced around at the cupboard-like room, Kirra’s voice cracking like a whip to grab her attention again. ‘But, as key medic, I’m still in charge of choosing my staff.’

‘But you said you needed a team of at least two for this production, and Caleb says that Lucas Richards requires at least one medic dedicated for his personal use at all times.’

‘He does,’ Caleb said firmly. Hannah glanced at Caleb for reassurance, but was only more worried when he avoided her eyes, looking over her head at Kirra.

Kirra scowled at both of them. ‘That’s fine, but I usually use the agency – they’re people I know and trust.’

Caleb smiled and went to stand the other side of Kirra. Hannah was convinced they were playing good cop and smarmy cop, except she wasn’t sure who was who. ‘I can promise you, Hannah will be an asset to your team.’

Hannah had had enough of these two fools advocating on her behalf, so she stepped forward, ‘I’ve worked nearly ten years in A&E at the Royal London hospital and done a stint with the air ambulance service. If you’d like to take a look at my CV, accreditations, and certificates before making your decision, I have them all with me.’ Glad – and not for the first time – for her obsessive need for preparation, she took out a folder of her paperwork and held it out for Kirra.

Chapter Sixteen

Respect dawned across Kirra’s face, and she took the folder with a nod, absently flicking through the plastic pockets of certificates and accreditations while asking, ‘Is Rick Harding still there? He worked out here for a time and then went back home to work in air ambulance in London.’

‘He was my flight physician. He’s also one of my personal references,’ said Hannah, glancing proudly at Caleb, who grinned back at her.

Kirra snapped the folder shut. ‘Good enough for me. But I’ll need electronic copies of all of this.’ She tapped the folder meaningfully. ‘And we’re not here to fuck spiders! Next time I say I need a team of three, I need a team of three. No cutting corners! And let me know when it’s approved – rather than employing someone without my knowledge.’

‘Sure thing!’ Jackson declared cheerfully as he rose from the table. ‘We’ll leave you ladies to get better acquitted!’ He grinned, oblivious to the fact he’d said the wrong word.

Kirra gave him a dead-eyed stare which he seemed immune to because he clapped Caleb on the shoulder and shuffled out with a cheery wave. Caleb gave her a sympathetic look that was almost an apology, and left with Jackson, muttering, ‘Can you give me a progress update on the production? Lucas will expect it to be running smoothly when he arrives.’

‘Sure thing, man!’ cried Jackson. ‘Let’s grab a bite to eat and catch up. I haven’t had any breakfast yet.’

After they’d left, Kirra gave a long-suffering sigh. ‘That fella doesn’t know his arse from his elbow.’

‘Or his acquaintances from his acquittals.’

‘Quite,’ Kirra said sagely, before pulling out the plastic chair beside her, and patting it firmly. ‘Right, let’s go through what the fool has sent you, and what else needs to be done. I still don’t understand why they put him in charge of stunts instead of Caleb. But I guess that’s how it goes sometimes – shit floats.’

Hannah took the seat and got out a notebook and pen. ‘Great, because I had a few questions.’

‘I like you already,’ said Kirra with a genuine smile that lit up her face.

Kirra proved to be a patient and organised manager. Despite her tiny office cupboard, her position was integral to production. The studio employed her as their full-time ‘key’ medic. She’d been a paramedic for thirty years and had got into on-set care by chance after feeling burnt out – Hannah could sympathise, and she’d only done ten years in A&E, let alone thirty!

Kirra explained that she’d be mainly working with a guy called Zach, an agency nurse who’d be joining them in a couple of weeks when filming began. ‘I’ve worked with him the last few years. He’s reliable and skilled.’ Hannah was beginning to realise that was high praise indeed from Kirra, who didn’t think much of anyone.

‘So, he only works during filming?’

Kirra nodded. ‘It’s good work for anyone with plenty of freedom and no commitments. Good pay and long periods off. Suits Zach perfectly.’

Hannah was beginning to think it would suit her, too. ‘I might want to do something similar. If this works out, could you let me know which agency you use?’