Chapter Nine
Doris squinted through the cloud of cigarette smoke that hung over the tables in the pub like morning fog. The cacophony of voices, music from the jukebox, and cutlery on dishes reverberated inside her head. Why she’d agreed to come out after her shift was a mystery. Hours on her feet and hunching over the engine compartment of a particularly ornery ambulance had chewed up most of her day, topped off with a three-hour round trip for supplies.
She sighed and rubbed her forehead to ease the throbbing. Her eyes and throat burned. Next time she would provide a politely worded excuse then curl up on her bed with a book and a cup of tea.
Maureen poked her. “What’ll you have, Doris? Beer or wine?”
“Neither.” She smiled at the waitress. “Just tea and a glass of water for me.”
“Ri
