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Murray.

CHAPTER 6
     
     
     
    Sara looked wildly around her. There was nowhere to hide and she couldn’t just turn around and start walking back up the beach. Craig had seen her already. It would be too rude. She tried to compose her face into some kind of neutral expression and met his deep blue eyes as nonchalantly as she could, as he slowed down and came up to her.
    He was wearing a light blue T-shirt which moulded itself to his broad chest and shoulders, coupled with a pair of black board shorts that showed off his powerful legs. His feet were bare and his dark brown hair was slightly ruffled by the strong breeze blowing off the sea.
    “G’day. Sara… isn’t it?” He smiled at her.
    Sara was surprised that he knew her name and even more surprised by his smile. Where was the cold, impatient man from yesterday?
    “Uh… yes.” She shyly returned his smile. “I wasn’t expecting to meet you here, Dr Murray.”
    “Please, call me Craig,” he said with an easy grin. “Yeah, I usually do a morning jog along the beach. Guess it’s an old habit left over from my Clubbie days.”
    “Clubbie?”
    “It’s Aussie slang for a surf lifesaver.”
    “Sorry, I don’t even know what a surf lifesaver is,” said Sara, laughing.
    “They patrol the beach, keep an eye out for anyone who might be getting in trouble in the water, go out to rescue them—”
    “Oh, a lifeguard! You were a lifeguard?” Sara raised her eyebrows.
    “Don’t look so surprised.” Craig laughed. “I used to be in much better shape.”
    “No, I didn’t mean that… I mean, you’re in fantastic shape now… Not that I was looking, of course, but you know, you can’t help it when… er… I mean…” Sara blushed furiously. Oh help, she thought. I need a hole to swallow me up now . She looked up to see amusement in Craig’s blue eyes. She took a deep breath. “I mean… I thought being a lifesaver would be like a professional job, you know.”
    “There are paid lifeguards, but the surf lifesavers are different. We’re mostly volunteers who are part of a community organisation. We train in skills like Powercraft, Aquatic Rescue and Emergency Care, and take part in a roster to patrol the coastlines, so that we can help provide a safe environment for Australian families to enjoy the beaches.”
    “Wow,” said Sara. “That’s really amazing that people do all that and give up their free time to volunteer to help others.”
    He shrugged. “It’s an Aussie tradition, I guess. It’s what we call ‘mateship’. I used to be really active when I was in my teens and even in vet school, but after I took over the practice, I just couldn’t find the time anymore.” He shook his head regretfully. “I try to still help out when I can, though, with the nippers.” Seeing Sara’s puzzled look again, he explained. “That’s what we call the little ones. They start from five years old and learn things like beach safety and awareness. For example…” His eyes roved over her face in a way that made her self-conscious. “Have you slip-slop-slapped?”
    “Have I what?” Sara stared at him, baffled.
    Craig grinned. “Slip on a T-shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat. It’s a popular slogan from a big health campaign that started in the early eighties. The UV index is really high here because we’re so close to the hole in the ozone layer and we have sunny weather all year round. Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world, you know—it’s practically known as ‘the national cancer’.” He sobered. “People like you with fair skin would be particularly at risk.”
    “I did forget to put sunscreen when I came out this morning,” admitted Sara. “But I’ll remember for next time.”
    “Best to stay out of the sun during the middle of the day too. And wear a hat. That’s what we tell all the kids.” He smiled again. “Anyway, being a nipper is a great way to have fun, learn teamwork and make friends. And get the