“Blake, sweetheart, there was an accident on the M4 this afternoon. Your mum was on her way from her place in London to her place in Somerset…”
“Oh my God,” Blake breathed.
“…seven cars were involved. There were four fatalities. Including your mum and her driver.”
“Oh my God,” Blake moaned.
“I’m so sorry, darling,” Ned said, and even over speakerphone, it was easy to hear he meant it.
“I don’t…I can’t…” Blake stammered these but said nothing more, so Dair pulled her even closer, and now Sorcha was feeling the atmosphere, so she was snuffling the bedclothes on Blake’s side.
“I know it’s hard to take in,” Ned said.
“Does Alex know?” she asked.
“I told you first. She’s my next call.”
“My God, I just…” Again, she couldn’t finish.
When no one said anything for a while, Ned stated, “I don’t know what to say. There’s nothing to say. I hate that you’re so far away from me. But I’m glad Dair is there with you.”
Like she forgot he was there, Blake turned from staring at the phone like it was an object of evil to Dair.
He didn’t take offense. He was too busy not allowing his chest to cave in at the expression on her face.
“Love,” he whispered.
“Mum’s dead,” she told him, like this call hadn’t come in on his mobile and he wasn’t holding it right then.
“I know, baby,” he cooed.
“I’m flying out. Tomorrow,” Ned told them. “I suspect Alex and Rix will be making arrangements too, once they learn the news.”
“Somerset?” Dair asked.
“That’s where I’ll be heading, yes.”
“We’ll make plans. Meet you there,” Dair informed him.
“Good, Dair. Thank you. I’ll keep you apprised of my arrangements. My PA is booking them now.”
“Great,” Dair forced out.
“Blake?” Ned called.
“I’m here, Daddy,” she said in a small voice.
“I know you’re not okay,” Ned said. “I won’t ask if that’s the case. I’m just so sorry, sweetheart.”
“Me too, Daddy,” she replied as if she wasn’t certain of her words.
“And I’ll see you when we meet in England,” Ned said.
“Okay,” she replied.
“Now try to get some rest, darling,” Ned encouraged. “I know it will be hard, but please try.”
“I’ll try, Daddy,” she mumbled.
