by Brook, L M
“Suki, I need your help, can you collect me from hospital as soon as you can?”
I sense a shocked reaction.
“Of course, are you ok?”
“Not really, I was attacked. Suki please don’t tell anyone that you’re coming to collect me.” I anticipate her intention to call Anthony. “Can I borrow a pair of jeans and a sweater?”
“No problem, do you need anything else?” Suki yawns and I can hear her moving around.
“What size boots are you?” My head feels dizzy as my heart beats faster and adrenaline kicks in.
“Four; why do you want me to bring my Hunters?” Suki’s feet patter on wooden floor “anything else?”
“That would be great, do you have a cap?” With one bandaged hand I unsuccessfully fiddle to release the clasp on my locket around my neck.
“Yes I’ll bring it along with me, see you in about half hour.”
The nurse arrives to detach the tube that is inserted in my arm and then helps me reach the bathroom.
“Could you help me remove my locket please Nurse?” I stare at my pale face in the mirror with a slight blush returning to my cheeks. “Do you have an envelope that I can put my locket into and a piece of paper and pen so I can write a note?”
The nurse looks curious at my request. “Of course, I’ll be right back.”
After quickly washing I sit back on the edge of the bed dressed in my gown as I clumsily hold the pen in my right hand. Leaning on the bedside table I slowly scrawl which resembles a child’s scribble.
Dearest Anthony,
I enclose my locket for safekeeping; I think it is best that we don’t see each other for a while. Freya and your family need you right now and I have to make sure that my Mum isn’t in any danger by being around me.
I love you with all my heart and I hope that Freya is making a good recovery.
Please don’t try to find me.
DarceyX
I fold the note and the locket inside the envelope; neatly writing Anthony’s name on the front.
Suki arrives promptly and helps me dress, tying back my untidy curls and placing the cap on my head. She doesn’t ask any questions and watches the pain crinkle my face as I feebly attempt to pull on her Hunter boots.
“Let me do that for you.” Suki quickly assists noticing the hand written letter addressed to Anthony. “Do you want me to give this to the nurse?”
“Yes please.” I pull myself up from the bed feeling weak but determined to immediately escape the hospital ward. “Could you ask her for my medication as I would like to leave now, thanks.”
Suki returns with the nurse carrying a white paper bag. “Darcey here’s your medication; take one antibiotic tablet three times per day and pain killers as and when you need them, no more than four in a day.” She smiles as I accept the package “I’ll give Mr Hunt the envelope when he arrives; he called earlier to check it was ok to drop in this morning.”
Suki stares at my unresponsive expression as I twist to grab my handbag from the bed. “Thank you nurse for your help, we’ll contact the police to make a statement later today.”
As our lift door closes I spot Anthony and Nick through the opening lift doors opposite. Talking to one another they don’t notice us. My heart is pounding as I will the doors to close faster. Suki’s eyes relay panic as she also registers their arrival. The doors ping open when we reach the ground level and then speedily walk the length of the foyer before flying through the exit. Nearing a sprint we approach Suki’s jeep at the far end of the car park. Once inside we catch our breath with a sigh of relief. Suki starts the engine and hits the accelerator as I spin in my seat to look back at the revolving glass doors of the hospital. Anthony and Nick hurtle out into the car park looking up and down. We’re out of sight as we mingle with traffic pulling onto the main road.
“What happened Darcey, did Anthony do this to you?” Suki’s face exhibits shock and horror.
“No Suki, I was attacked by someone that Anthony is mixed up with.” I relax back in my seat facing forwards.
“So why are you running from Anthony?” Suki glares sideways “why don’t you both go to the police?”
“Suki it’s complicated, we don’t know who to trust or who’s involved. It’s best for everyone if I disappear for a while.” I watch Suki as she stares straight ahead. “I’m sorry to have tangled you up in this. If you want to drop me off somewhere I will understand.”
“Don’t be stupid Darcey; you need my help and somewhere safe to hide.” She turns to smile stroking my arm. “You look pale and tired, lay back and rest. It’s an hour’s drive to Alex’s place.”
She is right I’m exhausted as the gentle rocking of the car sends me into a light slumber. Mellow music plays on the stereo as Suki softly swerves the car through winding country roads. Rain starts to patter on the sunroof rhythmically sending me into a deeper sleep.
I’m abruptly woken by the shrilling of my Mum’s mobile phone inside my sweater pocket. Startled I retrieve the mobile noting Lesley calling.
“Darcey, are you ok?” Mum’s voice is high and panic stricken. “Anthony tells me a woman collected you from the hospital, where are you?”
I should’ve guessed he’d go straight to Mum and Lesley. “Mum I’m fine. Is Anthony there with you?”
“Yes, he wants to speak to you.” She hands the phone to Anthony.
“Darcey, where are you?” He sounds relieved but also calm.
I close my eyes listening to his soothing tone. I choke back my tears unable to respond.
“Darcey, just listen to me, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you. I should’ve never trusted Garner.” He stops and I can hear him breathing. “Please tell me where you are, I want to come and collect you.”
I splutter trying to speak “Please Anthony……leave me.” I can hardly string words together. Suki looks over concerned at my distressed state.
“Darcey I love you, please tell me where you are…you’re not safe.” His words are now urgent.
I press end call knowing that hearing his voice is killing me. I want to be in his arms, safe and happy but that’s not an option tight now.
Suki pulls over into a clearing “Darcey you need to get rid of the phone, anyone will be able to track you.”
I know she is correct as she holds out her hand. I place the handset in her palm as she opens the door, walks to the front of the car throwing the mobile into a meadow.
The rest of the journey is in silence as we both gather our thoughts. We turn into a track road that leads down to a small farmhouse. Suki turns the engine off and stares across to me.
“Come on let’s get you inside, you need some breakfast, a hot bath and one of my shoulder massages!” her smile is so comforting and welcome.
The house is cosy and warm with low ceilings and beams. I follow Suki through the inner hallway into a galley kitchen, where solid stone floors meet pastel green hand crafted units.
“Do you like toasted muffins with blueberry jam?” Suki is scouring cupboards and then down below from a hidden fridge. “My father would always make me toasted muffins when I wasn’t well.” Without turning around she is busy slicing them in half and dipping them into a toaster. “Alex always orders in muffins for me, he knows I love them.”
“Where is Alex?” I lean back against the cupboards happy to watch her prepare breakfast. I’m actually feeling quite hungry.
“He’s away on business for a couple of days. Would you like tea?” She selects two mugs from a shelf and grins.
“That sounds like the best offer I’ve had this morning!” I look around noticing pictures of Suki and Alex happily lounging on a small boat and another snuggling together in front of a beach bonfire as the sun dips into the sea behind them.
“You two look so in love.”
“Yes we have our moments, just wish we weren’t so often apart.” Suki hands me a plate with two toasted muffins smothered with blueberry jam as she carries our mugs of tea. “Bring th
em upstairs and I’ll run you a bath while I search for some comfy pyjamas.”
The muffins are delicious and the tea pacifying as I soak back in the bubble bath. Suki can be heard crashing around in cupboards in the adjoining bedroom. “Here they are! I knew I had soft pink pyjamas here somewhere.” She sinks into the window seat sipping her tea and laying the pink fabric beside her. “Would you like me to wash your hair?”
“That would be wonderful.” I tip my head back to drench my curls with warm water and close my eyes as her kneading fingers rotate around my scalp. This is heaven, muffins, tea and a head massage! Dipping back in the water again, all my worries seem to wash away.
I sit up to meet her waiting fingers, tilting my neck forwards as her subtle hands glide across my shoulders. With each sweep and manipulation with her thumbs I exhale any remaining tension. My mind wanders and I can’t help but think of Anthony and Suki. “Did Anthony meet you and Alex here for sex?”
Her fingers slow and then pull away “Darcey we didn’t have that sort of relationship.”
I can sense her uneasiness at discussing their encounters. “So how often did you all meet?”
“Darcey, it was drugs and alcohol fuelled sex in hotel suites. It wasn’t making love if that is what you are asking?” Suki sits back on the window seat as I stare at her almost ashamed appearance. “Darcey what you have is true love and devotion, Anthony and I were merely fulfilling a need that no longer exists for either of us.”
There is a loud knock at the door downstairs. We stare nervously at one another. Suki looks out the window and then steps backwards “Shit it’s Anthony; I’ll try to get rid of him.” She walks out onto the landing and down the stairs.
I quickly step out of the bath and dry myself off. From the partially open bathroom door I watch while I dress in the pink pyjamas.
Suki gingerly opens the front door. “Hello Anthony, what are you doing here so far from Dorton?”
“Hi Suki, I’m here to take Darcey home.” Anthony stands in the porch as she holds the door slightly open.
She continues with her story “I’ve not seen Darcey since Saturday.”
“Is that why her handbag is on the dresser behind you?” Anthony shifts stance staring impatiently back at Nick who is waiting in the car. “Suki let’s cut the crap, I know she’s here and I’m not going anywhere until I see her.”
Suki looks down and sighs “She doesn’t want to see anyone.”
He spins around to face her and stares up at the stairs “Darcey, please talk to me.”
Holding my breath I flinch stumbling backwards away from the door. What do I do? He knows I’m here, what is the point in pretending otherwise. I open the bathroom door and walk out onto the landing. Anthony looks up at me and Suki opens the front door wider as she steps back into the hall.
“Shall I leave you both to talk?” she looks up at me.
I smile down at her “ok.” Anthony and I maintain eye contact as I slowly tread down the stairs until I’m two steps from the bottom.
He steps into the hall and stands at the foot of the stairs. His eyes glaze filling with tears as he looks down at my wounds. He gently grasps my hands with his and kisses them softly. Tears tumble down his face and not a word is spoken. My heart is shattering inside knowing the torment he must be going through and the anguish his mother is suffering.
He buries his head into my stomach and wraps his arms around my thighs. I run my fingertips through his hair and along his strong jawline as I step lower to look into his eyes.
“I love you Anthony but it’s just not safe to be together right now.”
He kneels on the stair below me “Darcey, I’m so sorry. I let you down.”
I watch his sorrowful gaze. “Anthony you have your mother to worry about and I’ve mine. I never want to see that helpless, terrified look on her face ever again.” The thought is so painful I close my eyes. “I was so frightened.”
“Darcey, I promise you’ll be safe with me at Sebel House. Simon is collecting Rose and Lesley.” He rises up and cups my chin with his soft hands “I’m not taking any more chances.”
“Anthony I’m keeping away from everyone, too many people get hurt when they are around us.” My words are smothered with his lips as his tongue searches for mine.
He pulls back and looks deep into my eyes. “Darcey you have to come with me now, you’re both in danger. One call is all it took to find you, they’ll do the same.”
I’m filled with dread knowing he’s right and that Suki is now also at risk because of me.
“We need to make sure Suki is safe on that flight to New York.” He scoops me up in his arms. “Nobody is going to take you away from me.” His mouth reclaims mine as he carries me out of the house and towards his car. Nick opens the rear door as we approach and Anthony places me down onto the back seat.
“I’ll be back with Suki in a moment.”
“Hi Darcey,” Nick stares at my attire “nice pyjamas!” He closes the rear door and climbs back into the driver’s seat.
Anthony returns with Suki opening the rear door for her and then places her suitcase and my handbag in the boot. He takes a seat in the front beside Nick and then turns to smile. “Seatbelts please ladies.”
This is the most bizarre day I’ve ever experienced, being literally taken in pink pyjamas and thrown in the back of a car. Anthony fiddles with his mobile texting somebody which is irritating me and then turns to Nick without one word to me. “Let’s go home.”
I’m not talkative and feel sulky like a child who hasn’t got her own way. I slouch facing the window tucking my bare feet underneath me. The car motion is smooth and sways me gently; before I know it my eyes are droopy.
Suki and Anthony are talking as I stir. I’m content and comfortable, in a slightly better mood but decide to block everyone out keeping my eyes closed.
“So how can you be certain that this will all stop after Friday?” She has a sarcastic tone to her voice.
“They won’t be interested in us” Anthony is quite sure and assertive. “They’ll be busy trying to secure their wealth.”
“Anthony people hold grudges when someone pisses them off!” Her comment rings in my head as I fall back to sleep.
The car door slams and wakes me suddenly. No one is seated in the front or beside me as I quickly sit up realising I’m at Sebel House. Suki is talking to Anthony while Nick places her case in Simon’s car.
Suki swings her handbag onto her shoulder “Take good care of Darcey.”
Anthony tenderly kisses her on her cheek “Don’t worry; Darcey is completely safe here. Suki be careful, any problems call me.”
I swing open the car door as they turn to look in my direction. “Suki are you leaving without saying goodbye?”
She smiles stepping forwards. “Darcey if you need me, just call.”
“Thank you for looking after me, I’m sorry I dragged you into this.” Suki pulls me into a hug and then calmly walks towards Simon. He opens the rear door as she waves stepping inside. I suddenly feel abandoned and not sure whether I can trust anyone.
Anthony is beside me in seconds acknowledging my concerned expression. “Are you ok?” His warm eyes assure me that everything is fine. I nod as his arms sweep around my back and under my legs lifting me up close to him. Tucking my face into his neck I breathe in his body scent. I’ve missed him so much.
Mum and Lesley greet me at the main entrance. “Darcey thank goodness, you’re alright, don’t ever run off like that again.”
“I’m fine Mum.” She looks overwhelmed and tired. The hall stone floor feels cold on my feet as Anthony puts me down. “How is Freya?”
Tom materialises from the kitchen and greets me with a kiss “she is doing really well Darcey. They may let her come home this weekend.” He is staring at my pyjamas “Why are you still dressed in pyjamas?”
I’m so happy to see his chirpy face “Anthony didn’t give me a chance to dress.”
Anthony’s fingers
wander around my hand and lead me towards the kitchen. “You need to eat, Marc has prepared lunch.”
“Anthony I’m really not that hungry.” I can tell my weak protest is being ignored.
“Darcey you need to build up your strength.” He continues into the kitchen with Mum, Lesley and Tom following. “After lunch you’re going to rest.”
There’s no point in arguing and Marc’s tomato and chilli soup looks fantastic. We all sit around the conservatory table but are instantly interrupted by the phone. Rosie makes her way to Tom’s den to answer the call.
“Anthony, its Colonel Garner for you.” She quickly covers the receiver “Shall I tell him you’ll call him back after lunch?”
“No I’ll take it, thank you Rosie.” Anthony puts down his napkin and heads into the den pushing the door behind him.
We can hear Anthony talking and Mum tries to smother his conversation with silly talk of growing chilli plants. His voice becomes raised and Tom’s eyes rise to meet mine.
“Garner, she’s staying here!” He is silent as he listens to Garner before interjecting. “I’ll get Simon to collect Richard tomorrow before coming here. Nick and I will escort Darcey. I’ll need you to collect Marie.” There’s another period of silence. “Did you change the flight? Good I’ll let them know…Ok ……speak to you tomorrow.”
Anthony joins us at the table as Tom puts down his spoon “Everything Ok Son?”
“Yes everything’s fine, Darcey I’ll be taking you tomorrow evening and Richard will be escorting both Lesley and Rosemary.” Anthony tucks into his soup as the rest of us watch in astonishment at his cool performance.
“Mum is coming with us?” I can hardly contain the smile spreading across my face.
“Yes and Rosemary, Nick and I will be flying to Dubai with you on Saturday, so ladies you may want to go shopping and pack this afternoon. I’ll arrange for Nick to take you both as soon as he’s back with Darcey’s clothes.”
I instantaneously hug Anthony’s face with both bandaged hands. “I love you.” I slap a kiss on his tomato chilli lips as a satisfied grin appears.
