‘What have you done, woman?’ a voice roared from the doorway, startling Emma and the woman whose eyes grew wide with fear. The man raced over to them, and Emma realised with sickening horror she was staring into the eyes of Jason Knight.
Jason slapped the woman hard, across the face sending her sprawling to the floor next to Emma. He scowled down at her. ‘I told you to wait. You always stuff everything up, Mary.’
That’s right, Emma thought, Mary was Zoe’s grandmother. She and Ben were in danger, and she needed to get Ben to a doctor, fast. He laid limp on her lap, unconscious now. She rested two fingers against the pulse in his neck, it was beating strong, which was a good sign. But for how long she didn’t know. She wondered if she could grab Ben’s phone in his jean pocket by distracting Jason for long enough. It was ringing, and so was her phone. No doubt someone was trying to warn her. Too late.
‘Where’s Zoe?’ Jason’s gravelly voice demanded.
‘She’s not here. They came alone,’ Mary said and went to stand before being kicked in the chest by Jason’s well-aimed boot. She grunted as she fell back beside Emma.
‘I know, you stupid bitch,’ he sneered at Mary. Then he turned back to Emma. ‘Where is she?’
Emma had to think on her feet. ‘She’s at a respite for the weekend. She cries all the time. I needed a break.’ Emma hoped the lie would buy her some time. Instead, though, Jason roughly grabbed her by her shirt front and reefed her up to stand. She heard Ben’s head hit the carpet when he was thrown from her lap. She winced.
Jason brought his face up to hers. I’ll ask again, and if I have to ask a third time, you’re going to regret it. Where’s Zoe?’
Emma stared into Jason’s eyes, hatred pulsing through her veins for the man. She was sure he could see how much she detested him, but she hoped she was giving off a vibe that he didn’t scare her in the slightest. ‘Like. I. Said…’ she accentuated each word, ‘… Zoe is at respite in Newcastle.’
A burning sensation tore through her face as Jason slapped her across the cheek. ‘Don’t get smart with me, pig.’ He grabbed her face roughly in one hand, bringing it back so her eyes met with his. ‘Yeah, that’s right, Constable Emma McIntosh. I know who you are. I know everything about you. But you’re not such a brave cop now, are you? You left like the coward you are.’ He spat in her face. ‘Axel should have finished the job on you. Worthless piece of shit.’ He struck her again, this time across the mouth, and Emma tasted the metallic tang of blood. Then he pushed her back down on the floor, and she landed on top of Ben. She felt him stir underneath her. Least he was still alive.
‘I’ll take you to her. I promise. I don’t want her anymore, you can have her. She’s too much hard work. I thought I could look after her, but I can’t,’ Emma pleaded. She was still trying to buy time, hoping help arrived soon. Her phone rang again. She looked over towards it ringing in her handbag near the door where she had dumped it. As soon as it finished ringing, Ben’s phone started ringing in his pocket. She saw him try to lift his head off the carpet but fall back down. ‘I’ll take you to Zoe, but first of all, I’m going to have to answer my phone. Whoever is trying to ring me will be here shortly if I don’t answer. They’ll be worried. Police will be looking for you. They’ll be here shortly if I don’t answer the phone.’
Emma was unceremoniously picked up by her injured arm, and she cried out in pain. He pushed her towards the door where her phone was. It started ringing again. ‘When it rings, answer it on speaker.’ Jason lifted his eyebrows at her as if to say don’t try and do anything stupid. He took a pocket knife from his pocket and held it to her throat. ‘Don’t do anything stupid. I don’t care about the rug rat, but…’ he looked over to Mary, who was propped up with her back against the lounge, ‘… she does. I couldn’t care less if I kill you before I get the kid. All I’m here for is to kill you. You got that. But your little boyfriend over there doesn’t have to die. He will, though, if you try anything stupid. Understand?’
Emma nodded and picked up the phone as it began to ring again. ‘Roy.’
‘Emma. Are you alright?’ She could hear the concern in the sergeant’s voice.
‘I’m fine. Ben and I were a little caught up…’ she laughed nervously, ‘… if you catch my drift. Zoe’s at respite so we thought we’d make the most of it.’ She hoped beyond anything in the world he knew Zoe didn’t go to respite. Surely, he’d know that, and alarm bells would trigger.
‘Oh, right.’ She could see Roy’s face going beetroot red in her mind. ‘Um. Look. Jason Knight didn’t show up to his parole officer this afternoon. A warrant has been issued out for his arrest.’
‘Oh, okay. I’ll keep an eye out for him. Ben and I will head over to see Daphne and make sure the place is secure and let her know to look out for Jason.’ Surely, she had left a big enough clue for Roy now. Daphne was dead, he’d have to question why she would say she was visiting her.
‘Right. Good idea. I’ll be in touch when I know more.’
‘Will do. Thanks for the call. See you, Sergeant.’ Emma pressed the end call button on her phone. Hopefully, the oddness of the call would be enough for Roy to worry and send a patrol car. The pressure of the knife on her throat eased a little, but she felt the sting of the tiny nick it had given as a warning during the call. He grabbed Emma around her throat and pressed hard. She made a choking sound in her throat, struggling to take a breath as the pressure of his hand intensified, cutting off her oxygen supply.
‘I’m going to enjoy killing you. Listening to you scream will be music to my ears.’ He turned to Mary, his hands still choking Emma. ‘Go get as much of the kid’s stuff as you can find.’
As Mary went to leave the lounge room, she saw out of the corner of her eye, Ben on all fours swaying. He was making his way to a standing position, venom in his eyes as he looked at Jason with his hands around Emma’s throat.
Mary cried out. ‘He’s getting up.’ She gave him a shove with her foot, and Ben stumbled back but kept his balance.
Jason let go of her neck, and Emma broke away, clutching her throat taking in big gulps of air. Jason moved quickly over to Ben. Before Emma realised what was happening, Jason stabbed Ben in his chest. Emma screamed. ‘No!’ Ben staggered back, swinging a punch at Jason and missing. Jason threw his head back and laughed before raising the knife at Ben again. Emma charged over, leaping at Jason, kicking him in the back with a flying kick. He fell forward diving onto the coffee table with a thud, breaking it. The knife fell out of his hands onto the carpet, and Emma kicked it out of his reach behind her. She was about to grab his arms and perform a citizen’s arrest when Mary came at her with a guttural scream. Facing Mary, Emma aimed at her nose jabbing upwards with an open palm. Mary staggered backwards, falling on the lounge, blood gushing from her broken nose. The woman clutched her nose and then screamed when she pulled her hands away to see all the blood.
Emma had no time to check on Ben as Jason came up behind her and grabbed her in a headlock. ‘I’m going to kill you, bitch,’ he screamed at her. His grip tightened around her neck as he tried to choke or break her neck whichever came first. Emma turned her head towards Jason’s side and with her hand, struck him hard in the groin. His knees buckled, and he bent forward loosening his grip enough for her to free her head. She struck him while he was bent over with two closed fists across the base of his neck and then kicked him behind one of his knees, buckling them and sending him pitching forward.
With no chance to recover, Emma saw Mary charging at her with anger in her eyes. Emma steadied her position, placing her hands out, ready to strike, but she fell short as Ben placed his hands out and grabbed Mary around the ankle, sending her sprawling onto the floor. It was at that moment Emma heard the voices, saw the red and blue lights flashing through the blinds and heard the sirens. The police seemed to swarm in from everywhere. Knowing they would have both Jason and Mary in custody in no time, Emma hurried over to Ben who was losing a frightening amount of blood from both hi
s head and stab wounds. She placed her hand over the wound in his chest, he groaned as she did and looked up at her. ‘Em?’ He looked terrified.
She screamed out to whoever would listen. ‘Help. Someone, help him.’
Fiona rushed over to them and turned white as she took in all the blood coming from Ben’s body. She squatted next to him, taking his hand. ‘Ben, an ambulance is on its way.’
Emma looked over to Fiona, worry etched in her voice, ‘What’s the ETA?’
Fiona stood. ‘I’ll find out. Yell out if his condition changes.’
Emma nodded and with her spare hand, brushed his hair off his forehead. It was clammy. His pallor was grey, and Emma hoped the ambulance wasn’t too far away because she wasn’t sure how much time Ben had left.
He lifted his hand searching for hers, and she placed it in hers and squeezed. ‘My beautiful man. We’re going to get you fixed up in no time at all. The ambulance is on its way.’ He opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t seem to make the words come out. He was trying to say something, and Emma bent her ear lower to his lips so she could make out what he was saying. ‘I…’
‘Step back, please.’ Emma jumped back as two paramedics squatted beside Ben. She let go of his hand and moved back to let the paramedics do their job. She could see Ben’s eyes panicked, searching for her. She yelled out to him, ‘I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.’ She placed a hand over her mouth and let the tears stream down her face. What if he died? She loved him, they had only just started. It would be cruel for God to take that all away before their life together had even started.
She looked over to see Jason and Mary Knight were handcuffed and being led out of the house.
Roy came to stand beside her placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. ‘We’re notifying his folks. Where’s Zoe?’
Emma started. ‘Oh my God, I totally forgot about her. She’s out at Will and Lottie’s place with the rest of his family and friends.’ Emma watched as Ben was placed on a stretcher. ‘I promised I wouldn’t leave him, but what about Zoe?’
It’s okay. We’ll get Zoe to you. Don’t worry. You go with Ben, he needs you. I want you checked over as well.’
‘I’m fine.’ She didn’t feel fine, though. Her heart was breaking watching the man she loved being carried away on a stretcher. What if she lost him? She felt numb as she followed the stretcher out to the ambulance and hopped in. She sat by his side holding his hand the entire journey as the ambulance sped towards John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.
Ben felt groggy. He could hear voices around him, felt pressure on his arm, felt something on his face and smelt sterility. Where the hell was he, and why was it so bloody hard to open his eyes?
He pried his eyes open to see a light above his head. It hurt his head looking at the light, and he slowly averted his eyes, turning his head to where someone was touching his arm. Was that a nurse? ‘Welcome back,’ she said as she smiled down at him.
Ben moved his hand to the mask covering his face and lifted it. ‘Where am I?’ His voice sounded raspy, and he cleared it.
‘You’re in John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. You’re in recovery. You were operated on for a stab wound.’ Ben touched his chest, remembering with terrifying clarity the night’s events.
‘Emma?’ he asked with concern.
‘Is fine, I believe, and has been asking about you along with the rest of your family.’
Ben felt a weight lift knowing Emma was fine. The last thing he remembered was watching her fighting off Jason and then seeing Mary coming for her. After that, everything was a blur.
‘Where? Where are they?’ Ben nodded.
‘They’re in the waiting room. You can see them when we transfer you to the ward. But for now, close your eyes and rest. You’re doing well. I’ll tell them you’re awake.’
Ben replaced the oxygen mask and closed his eyes. The next time he opened them was to someone holding his hand. It felt small and chubby, and he didn’t need to turn his head to know who it was. Zoe. He plastered a smile on his face and turned his head looking up to see the adoring eyes of Emma and Zoe looking down on him. ‘‘Bout time you woke up,’ Emma said with jest.
‘Give the man a break, it’s not every day you get stabbed and hit over the head.’ He winced. ‘Speaking of head, I have a killer headache.’
Emma brushed her hand across his head. ‘I bet you do. I’m so glad you’re okay. You gave us all such a scare.’
‘How bad was it?’
‘Bad. The knife penetrated your chest, and you needed surgery to fix it. Thankfully, though, the knife missed any major arteries and your heart and lungs. You’re so lucky. You wouldn’t be here today if it had. As for the knock to your head, you had a concussion and needed stitches.’
Ben puffed out a sigh. ‘Wow, well, I feel like shit, to be completely honest.’
‘You look like you’ve been hit by a bus.’ Emma smiled and leaned down, placing a kiss on his forehead.
‘Aww, thanks.’
‘You scared me.’
‘I was so scared for you. It was like I knew what I had to do, but I couldn’t make my body move. I feel bad I couldn’t help you.’
‘Don’t.’ She placed a finger over his lips. ‘I can take care of myself.’
‘So, I saw, but I wanted so badly to help you. I felt hopeless. You were amazing, by the way. Did you learn all that kung-fu stuff from being a cop?’
‘Yeah, and a self-defence class Mum and Dad made me take when I started going out on the town.’
‘Speaking of Mum and Dad. Where are they?’
‘They went to grab some breakfast. Will and Lottie have gone to pick up your sister from the airport.’
‘Geez, if she’s coming home, she must’ve thought I was a goner.’
‘Hey, stop speaking about your sister like that.’ Jackie came breezing into the room, leaned over with coffee in hand, and planted a kiss on Ben’s cheek. ‘You gave us such a scare. Don’t ever do that again.’
‘Like he had any choice,’ Thomas said as he came over to the bed and gave Ben a long embrace. ‘But your Mum’s right, don’t ever do it again.’
Ben looked seriously at Emma. ‘So what about Jason and Mary? Did they get arrested?’
Emma swapped Zoe to her other hip. ‘Yep, they are due in court this morning. They’re both looking at extensive time in prison.’
Thank God. For them to be going to prison was a relief. It meant Emma didn’t have to feel scared anymore, and she and Zoe would both be safe. He looked up at her, concerned. ‘How are you?’
‘I’m good.’
Thomas butted in, ‘She gave the woman a broken nose. I wish I’d been a fly on the wall to have seen that.’
‘No, you don’t, Dad,’ Ben said. ‘It was horrific. Not something I ever want to go through again.’
‘I’m so sorry, Ben. If we hadn’t been together, none of this would ever have happened. I put you in danger. You could have died.’
Ben reached up and took her hand in his. ‘Hey, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m not sorry at all.’
Emma leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. ‘We’re going to head off. I have to go make a statement. The police will probably be in later to speak to you, too.’
Ben nodded. ‘Will you come back later?’
‘Yep. I promise.’ She lifted Zoe’s hand to wave. ‘Say goodbye to Ben.’ Zoe waved but then shocked the hell out of him when she brought her hand to her mouth and blew him a kiss. Lucky he was laying down because the next thing she did would have brought him to his knees. She said, ‘Uv you.’
Ben saw the shimmer of tears in Emma’s eyes as she quickly picked up her handbag and left. Ben had to give himself a moment to compose himself too. Tears sprung in his eyes, and he blinked them away.
His mum came into his vision. ‘Well, I never.’
Ben scrunched up his nose. ‘What?’
‘You’re in love.’
‘What if I am?’
‘I never thought I’d see the day. I’m so happy for you, sweetheart.’ She hugged him then, holding him tight, not letting go for a long time.
Emma was putting the finishing touches on a cheese platter for a customer when the bell above the door jingled. She looked up to see Ben’s sister, Lucy, coming through the glass doors. ‘Hi, Lucy. How’s the patient today?’
‘Difficult would be an understatement. I actually think I liked him better in the hospital.’
Emma laughed. She had taken an immediate liking to Lucy. She was so much like her brothers—dark hair, tall, stunning, with a good sense of humour. Emma couldn’t put her finger on it entirely, but she got the feeling all wasn’t right in Lucy’s world. It was none of her business, though. She only hoped she had someone close she could talk to about whatever was bothering her.
‘He’s going crazy with boredom. He’s so used to working on the farm, he doesn’t know what to do with himself. And telling me everything I’m doing wrong while I’m cooking dinner is getting on my nerves.’
‘I’m heading out to see him after work with Zoe. I’ve put together a bit of parcel for him with all his favourite movies, chocolate, and some magazines.’
‘He’ll love that. I shouldn’t complain about him, he’s been through a lot, and I don’t get to see him much.’
‘When are you headed back?’ Emma placed a bunch of grapes on the cheese platter and covered the board with cling wrap.
‘Two days.’ Emma definitely detected a sound of sadness in Lucy’s voice. Lucy picked up a jar of apple and rhubarb paste. ‘Is this good?’
‘It’s beautiful if you have a sweet tooth. I can give you a sample if you like.’ Emma reached down below the counter to get a sample paddle.
‘No thanks, but his majesty wants some double-cream brie. He was actually trying to find Mum’s keys to the Landcruiser, so he could drive in to get some.’ She looked up at Emma and smiled. ‘If you ask me, it was an excuse to come in and see you.’
‘I think you might be right.’ Emma found the double-cream brie and began to wrap it. She threw in the cranberry and walnut crackers she knew were his favourite. ‘So how did you stop him from coming in?’
All of You Page 21
