Dan loaded the dishwasher while Linda tidied the table. Before long, they settled down on the sofa together to watch some television. When Dan was busy with work, they often missed out on evenings like this. Linda sighed contentedly and rested her head against him and when his arm came around her, she snuggled into him. This was an evening to savour as all too often he had a call that made him rush away. Not tonight though.
While she was engrossed in Coronation Street, Dan let his mind wander. He didn’t particularly like soaps but was indulgent to his wife’s desire. The earlier conversation about Lucy and Samuel Williams made him remember the misgivings he’d felt when he’d had to arrest Samuel. He cast his mind back to the investigations he and Grant had entered into regarding that skeleton. He smiled as he recalled poor Farmer Price’s disgust at finding not one but two skeletons during the course of his work. In spite of the outcome, it was one investigation he’d enjoyed. Not all of his work produced such good results, or took him to various places in the country. At least Lord Smethwick had reason to be happy, ensconced in his new home on Dave Blackwood’s land, helping him with the vintage cars.
His thoughts then brought him round to his Sergeant, Graham Grant, who had met his future wife in North Wales and they were engaged. Dan wondered when he was going to lose Grant. He sighed heavily.
“What’s the matter, my dear?” Linda looked up just as the closing music for Coronation Street sounded.
“Nothing really. I was just thinking of Grant. I fear he’s going to leave us and I really don’t want to lose him. We work so well together.”
“You’re a good boss, Dan. You will cope if you get a new sergeant. Jenny’s a gorgeous girl and I don’t blame Graham for not wanting to take her away from her family. Try to relax, whatever is meant to be, will be.”
“You’re right, as usual, my dear. Do you fancy a nightcap?”
“I fancy a cup of chocolate.”
“Your wish is my command.” Dan kissed her and rose from the sofa. Making hot chocolate was his speciality.
Chapter 8
While his family were settling down to a reasonably happy new life in the village, Harry was in a place he did not wish to be. As the days went by and there seemed to be little sign that he would recover the use of his legs, he could hardly quell the panic rising within him. It seemed that only Linda, his therapist, understood how he felt. Even his mother, who came every day to visit, now seemed to accept his situation and she sat and chattered away to him about life in the village, the new friends she was making, Rowena’s new school and his father’s new job at Baxter’s Nursery. He barely listened to her. At first, he’d tried to be brave for her sake but as time went on, he sank deeper into depression and when she was there, he just wanted her to go. Not that he said so; he merely waited for the time to pass. With his neck still immobilised, he grew tired of his view of the ceiling. He knew all the little cracks and marks on it. As he watched a small insect making its way across, a small dark speck on the white, he sighed, envying the tiny creature its freedom of movement. Tears welled in his eyes and he felt one trickle down his face..
“Hello Harry.”
He turned his eyes carefully to the side and tried to focus on the blurry face. He felt a soft tissue pat his cheek and closed his eyes so they could be wiped, hearing the same voice say gently “There now, Harry, there, there.” The patting stopped and he opened his eyes, to see Lucy Baxter.
“Sorry,” he muffled. Embarrassed, he felt his chin wobbling.
“Don’t be sorry, my dear. You must be feeling pretty frightened and worried.”
At the sound of the sympathy in her voice, the tears came again and this time he couldn’t stop them and he sobbed helplessly, while Lucy soaked up his tears with her tissues and murmured softly to him. Gradually, the flow lessened and eventually stopped and he was able to open his eyes again. Lucy smiled as she wiped away the last of his tears. She stroked his hair as she sat on the arm of the chair at the side of the bed, so she was high enough for him to see her.
“I’m sorry, Lucy. You must think I’m a wimp.”
“Of course I don’t think that, silly lad. You’re being so brave but it’s good to have a cry – it helps, you know.”
Harry was surprised to find he did feel a little better, having let his feeling go for the first time.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do if I don’t walk again. I’m afraid.”
“That’s natural. Anyone in your situation would be. You must remember that the doctors are hopeful. You’ve had an operation and you have to exercise those muscles and get them used to working again. We are praying for you. The Reverend Trevithick prays for you in church on Sundays too, and I’m sure he prays for you every day. Try to have some faith, Harry.”
“I don’t really know how to have faith. We’ve never gone to church or anything. I don’t know God.”
“Well, He knows you and I’m sure He will help you. But the nerves and whatever that were damaged in your accident need time to heal. I know it’s hard to be patient and I’m sure the time passes very slowly in here.”
“It’s not too bad. There’s always something going on. Nurses checking everything, doctors stopping by, the physio-therapist comes every day and the meals. The food’s not too bad, I’ve had worse.”
“Hello there.”
Harry smiled at the sound of the other voice and Lucy turned to see an attractive, dark-haired woman in a track-suit and trainers.
“Hello, Linda. I’ve got a visitor.”
“So I see.” She turned towards Lucy and smiled.
“I’m Lucy Baxter. My husband pulled young Harry out of the river.”
“Oh, I’m pleased to meet you. I’m Linda, Harry’s physio-therapist. I’ve come to put him through his paces. I believe you know my husband.”
“Do I? Who…?”
“DI Dan Cooke. I’m Linda Cooke.”
“Oh! I’m very happy to meet you, Mrs Cooke. DI Cooke has helped me and my family a couple of times.”
“He speaks very well of you and has told me about your lovely home.”
“Has he? Well, I know he likes my cakes!” Lucy laughed. You must come and see my house. Get him to bring you.”
“I’d like that.”
“Right. I must go,” said Lucy, getting up. “I just popped in to see Harry because I was in town without my son. They said I could see him for a few minutes and I’ve already been here too long. It was nice to meet you, Linda. Cheerio, Harry. I’ll pop in again when I get the chance.”
“Thank you for – you know.”
She nodded, stroked his cheek gently in farewell, and walked swiftly away.
**********
Lucy almost ran through the hospital corridors, hurrying to get out before she was completely blinded by the tears welling up. Not able to reach her car, she sat on a bench outside and allowed herself to give way. Crouching sideways in an effort to hide herself from curious eyes, she let her sorrow for the lad overcome her.
“Are you alright, Miss?” a sympathetic male voice sounded beside her. She nodded, half turning towards the voice.
“Lucy?” An arm went around her and she looked up through her reddened eyes at DI Dan Cooke.
“Oh! Oh, Mr Cooke. I…I’m sorry. I’m being silly. I’ve just been to see Harry – you know, the boy Ken pulled out of the river? Oh, it’s so sad, the poor boy is so frightened he might not be able to walk again. He cried in my arms. I think he’s been so brave in front of his mother and family and I think he’s been sinking into depression. I didn’t want him to see me cry so I hurried out here.” She dabbed at her eyes. “You must think I’m very silly. I must look a sight.”
“You look just fine. At least, you will very soon. And I don’t think you’re silly at all. You’re a kind-hearted young woman. I understand you’ve allowed Harry’s family to stay in a house that belongs to you. Is it Sam Williams’ bungalow?”
“Yes it is. It seemed the best way to help them. How di
d you know about that? Oh, I just met your wife! I expect she told you?”
“She did. She’s very taken with Harry and of course they talk a lot when she works with him.”
“I’m glad he has someone to talk with. Your wife – Linda, was it? – seems very nice, very caring. I must go, I’m late already. Thank you, Inspector.”
She rose to leave and he stood too.
“I just popped in to leave a message for my wife,” Dan said. “I’m glad I did. Are you feeling better now?”
“Marginally. I suppose it doesn’t help Harry for me to feel like this. But I couldn’t help it.”
He patted her arm. “You wouldn’t be human if you could walk out without feeling anything. You’re doing all you can to help the family.”
They walked together towards her car.
“Well, the bungalow is fine for the three of them. But if Harry comes home and needs special facilities, I’m not sure what will happen then.”
“I suggest you take things one step at a time. From what I’ve gathered from Linda, Harry is going to be in hospital for some while so there’s no point in being concerned about that yet. There’ll be time enough when it’s known what condition he will end up in.”
Lucy nodded. “You’re right. I really must go. Poor John will think his mummy has abandoned him – or rather, his grandma will think I’ve left her holding the baby! Not that he’s a baby now, he’s a lively little lad. She’ll be tired out!”
They laughed as they reached her car. She opened the door.
“Goodbye, Inspector. It’s good to see you again, especially at a time when there’s no crime involved.”
He smiled. “I think you should call me Dan as there’s no crime involved.”
She climbed into the driving seat. He shut the door gently and she opened the window.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t stand there, Dan, I might drive over your toes – you know what terrible drivers women are!” she joked and gave an infectious giggle. He saluted and moved out of the way. She could see him through her rear view mirror, watching her, as she carefully drove out of the car park.
Chapter 9
The months passed, and the Thompson family loved everything that went on in the village. Rowena joined in the Halloween Party with enthusiasm, dressing up as a witch and bringing a couple of her friends to join in the fun. George and Netta didn’t go, they went to visit Harry. Their daughter came home from the party, bursting to tell her parents all about the Grand Wizard and his Lady and the amazing witch who performed a song on the stage and the ‘witch’s brew’, handed out for everyone to drink, which was an interesting plum colour.
“It’s a different colour every year,” she told them excitedly, “and the witch on the stage pretends to send her goblins to catch the children and they giggle and run away. It was great fun.”
“It sounds like a terrific party, Rowee,” said her mother. “I’m glad you had a good time.”
“Harry would love it. I hope he’ll be well enough to come next year.”
“But this is our home now! I love it, can’t we stay? Harry would love it too – and Daddy has a job here, he doesn’t have one in Manchester. And I like being at Whitecross School. What’s to keep us in Manchester? Oh, do let us stay.”
“We can’t make plans for the future just yet. We have to wait and see what happens with Harry first.”
Rowena went to bed, hoping against hope that somehow they would be able to remain in Sutton-on-Wye.
**********
November arrived and with it came a cold snap that brought out winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves. Netta, George and Rowena loved the Bonfire Night celebrations that took place on Lucy’s field, with the huge bonfire, the travelling fair and the remarkable firework display. They were really feeling part of the village now. Some of Rowena’s friends came up, brought by their parents to see the display, having been told it was going to be good. They agreed afterwards that it was. George had joined Kenny’s team preparing the field and the car park. Netta visited Harry in the afternoon and, when he heard about the coming bonfire display, he insisted that she go instead of visiting him.
The village firework display which Kenny did was excellent, every bit as good as the display put on in Hereford, if not better.
Later in the month, the Christmas lights were erected in Hereford although they had not yet been turned on. Even the little village of Sutton-on-Wye had colourful strings of lights and Kenny and his men erected a huge tree on the village green.
The Thomson family delightedly watched the Christmas preparations in the village and were determined to be involved in everything. They’d been told about the village Christmas Fayre which would be held on the village green later in December and were looking forward to it.
Baxter’s Nurseries had long since decorated and were selling products for the festivities; everything the keen gardener might want as gifts and lots of other things besides. One could do all one’s gift shopping at this place. To Netta, it was magical. She loved to wander around the large nursery shop, marvelling at all the wonderful things. As time went on, so the number of customers increased. One day, when Netta was once again wandering around the nursery, Sheila hailed her.
“Netta! Just the person I wanted to see! Can you spare me a minute?”
She hurried over to Sheila, who was behind her checkout as usual. “Hello Sheila, what’s up?”
“I understand you are used to shop-work, Netta. Would you be interested in helping us out during the next few weeks leading up to Christmas and again afterwards for the January sales? We need some extra help.”
Netta’s eyes shone. “Oh yes, I would indeed! Thank you very much. I love this place, it’s magical.”
Sheila laughed. “Not so much magical as hard work! When can you start?”
“As soon as you like.”
“Great. Hmm, it’s Thursday today, can you start on Monday? Saturdays are really busy but if you start Monday, I’ll have more time to show you the ropes.”
“That’s wonderful. Thank you very much. Won’t Kenny mind you asking me?”
“No of course not. He suggested it. In any case, he leaves the shop to me.”
Netta beamed. “Thank you, thank you. It will help a lot with Christmas coming on.”
“That’s what I thought. See you on Monday then?”
“You will indeed.”
*****
In her element working at the nursery, Netta was always willing to do extra – just the kind of employee that Sheila liked, especially at that time of year. She never tired of being there and gradually became acquainted with all the people who worked at Baxter’s. Her admiration for Kenny grew just as her husband’s had. Netta knew she would be sorry once the busy season was over and she’d have to leave. But she wouldn’t think of that yet. ‘Take a day at a time’, she would tell herself. That was all they could do anyway, with Harry’s condition. Everything rested on him.
So, Netta savoured every day and blossomed under the friendliness of those around her. She didn’t know when she had been so happy. If it were not for poor Harry, life would be perfect.
Chapter 10
“That’s it, Harry, you’re doing very well.”
Linda smiled as she watched Harry between the parallel bars, hanging onto each bar for dear life. His legs, strapped into callipers, were straight. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead and his face reddened with the effort as he tried desperately to will a leg forward. Linda’s male assistant stood behind the boy, his hand on Harry’s back. Linda stood beside him on the other side of the bar.
“Okay, that’s enough for today.”
Simon helped Harry back into a wheelchair, which stood ready behind them. Harry sank into the chair and closed his eyes.
“I – I can’t do it! I’ve tried and tried and I can’t do it! It’s no good, I’m useless, my legs are useless.”
Although he struggled manfully to hide his distress, tears rolled down his cheeks. Si
mon silently handed him some tissues and he dabbed at his face. Linda bobbed down in front of the wheelchair and laid her hand over Harry’s.
“I know you won’t believe me right now, Harry, but you are doing brilliantly. We have made so much progress. You can sit up on your own, and stand with help. The repair operation you had has made a terrific difference. But you have to re-teach your body to walk again, to hold your weight. You will do it eventually.”
Harry’s shoulders slumped.
“It will be Christmas in a month and I wanted to surprise Mum and Dad by walking by then. It’s the only gift I can give them. I want Dad to stop feeling bad about the accident and I want us to be a proper family again.”
“You haven’t even let your mum see you in a wheelchair, have you?”
“No. I’m always in bed when they come in the evenings. Mum hasn’t been coming in the afternoons since she’s been working at the nursery.”
“Which is good, because it’s given us the chance to have these sessions without her catching us out. Believe it or not, you will be walking by then – with crutches, but you will be on your feet.”
Harry’s eyebrows shot up.
“Really?”
Linda nodded firmly. “Really. You’ve made wonderful progress and we just need to make your legs a little stronger, get your muscles to do what your brain wants. You’ll be home for Christmas.”
“That would be wonderful. I don’t see how I can though, they are only in a little bungalow.”
“I’m sure that they would make some arrangements if they knew you are coming out. I’ll have a word with the doctors and then we’ll talk with your family. How about that?”
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