* * *
The announcement of the winners took place a little later than expected, but most of the spectators were still there. Pretty much everyone knew what had happened, and wanted to know how things would be resolved.
Matt had had a lengthy conversation with the head judge, and when she approached the microphone, she held a piece of paper in her hand. Clearly what she was about to say had been carefully scripted.
She started by giving the news that the young man who had been injured was doing well. Then she praised each of the teams for their performances today. Suddenly she looked up from her notes, staring straight into the camera.
‘I’ve mentored medical staff in training for many years, and today I saw a fine example of the values that we teach. Hannah and Matt have asked that the results of this afternoon’s heat stand, as a tribute to the many medical professionals around the country who put their own interests second and respond to a higher calling on a daily basis. So, after a brave comeback, I’m happy to award the medals to Laura and Jack of the yellow team. Ladies and gentlemen, you are all winners.’
There was a moment’s silence. Then a piercing whistle sounded from the crowd. ‘Go, Laura and Jack... Go, Hannah and Matt.’ Sophie was shouting at the top of her voice, and as everyone else took up the chant, she and Sam performed the victory dance.
‘Your words?’ Hannah nudged Matt, whispering up to him.
‘I just explained how we felt. I thought she put it very well...’
Before they could say any more, Laura and Jack had come over to shake their hands. Then the others, and before Hannah knew what was happening, she was being propelled forward. Laura and Jack beckoned to the others, and all eight of the competitors stood at the front of the stage together, waving at the crowd.
Hannah felt tears tumbling down her cheeks. She wanted to share this with Matt, but he was further down the line of competitors. She waved at Sam, and he waved back, obviously shouting at the top of his voice, although the sound was lost in all the cheering.
By the time she managed to escape and walk down the steps of the stage, Hannah’s legs were shaking. She wanted to cling to Matt and hear him tell her that they were in this together, Flash and Robin, teammates...and maybe more? She shook the thought out of her head as the chairman of the hospital board hurried across to her.
‘I know you’re disappointed, Hannah. But you showed a very fine example today.’ He took her hand, shaking it vigorously.
‘Thank you.’ This was the first time that Dr Gregson had even spoken to he
r, and she couldn’t think of anything else to say.
‘This is your little boy...?’ Dr Gregson gestured towards where Sophie and Sam were hovering, Sophie holding onto Sam’s hand to stop him running forward.
‘Yes. Sam... And my ambulance partner, Sophie Turner.’
‘Sam...’ Dr Gregson bent down, smiling, and Sam looked up at him with the clear-eyed look of someone who had no inkling of hospital hierarchies. ‘You must be very proud of your mum.’
‘She’s the best. Do you want to see our victory dance?’ Sam flung his arms above his head, ready to start doing the victory dance again, and Sophie grabbed hold of him. Dr Gregson laughed.
‘I’ll leave you to your celebrations.’ He glanced down at Sam again. ‘Keep doing that victory dance, young man.’ Dr Gregson turned, making a beeline for Matt and shaking his hand.
‘That went well.’ Sophie was staring after him.
‘Yes, I’m glad he understood.’
Sophie nodded. Matt had extricated himself from Dr Gregson’s grip and was walking towards them, smiling.
‘Hey, Sam. How’s your day been?’
‘We won!’ Sam probably didn’t understand quite how or why they’d won, just that they had.
‘That’s right. Go, reds...’
Sam reached up towards Matt in an unmistakable gesture. Matt hesitated for a moment and then picked the boy up, settling him onto his shoulders. His obvious affection for her son was always accompanied by a slight awkwardness.
‘I’ve got to go in a minute.’ Sophie looked at her watch. ‘Got a date with the new A and E doctor. He’s intrigued by my parking.’
Matt chuckled. ‘Obviously a man of great insight.’
‘So what about you two losers?’ Sophie grinned. ‘Off to celebrate?’
‘Enough of the losers. We can still win.’ Hannah saw Matt’s jaw set in a determined line.