‘You’re out late,’ Maggie said, allowing her inside. ‘I was just about to go to bed.’
Elliott’s face scrunched in disapproval at the lie. Mummy wasn’t going to bed, she had just opened a bottle of wine. He saw it on the coffee table next to her glass when he sneaked into the kitchen to refill his water bottle.
‘I was worried,’ Sarah replied. ‘You weren’t answering your phone.’ Sarah took an envelope from her bag and handed it to Maggie. ‘You know how I’m always entering crossword competitions? I won some Benetton vouchers. I thought you could spend them in Benetton Kids. They’re a bit too colourful for me.’
‘Thanks,’ Maggie said flatly, taking the envelope from her hand.
‘Is everything OK?’ Sarah said, her brows knitting together.
‘Sorry,’ Maggie sighed. ‘I’m tired. It’s been a long day. You’re too generous, Sarah, I don’t deserve your friendship. I …’ The words hung in the air. Maggie bowed her head. ‘Sorry.’
‘For what?’ Sarah said, touching her arm. ‘It was just a crossword competition. It only cost me the price of a stamp.’ A beat passed between them.‘Want to talk? It looks like something’s bothering you.’
But Maggie shook her head.
‘Have you been to see Lewis?’ Sarah said softly. ‘Is that what’s wrong?’
Elliott watched. Sarah was per-cep-tive. Like him. He only knew the word because Miss Grogan used it with him all the time. She said that it was a good thing, and it made him care a lot. Elliott had wondered if Miss Grogan had been per-cep-tive too.
He watched as Maggie nodded. ‘I went to see him this afternoon. It’s hard … you know? I miss him. But I don’t know how much longer we can go on like this.’
‘Then how about I take over his hospital visits for a while? It must be tiring, juggling your visits to Benrith with caring for Elliott.’
‘Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly expect you to …’ Her hand went to her wedding ring and she began to twirl it on her finger. ‘I mean, I wasn’t getting at that. It’s not as if he’ll be able to talk. Most of the time he doesn’t notice I’m there.’
‘I’m a very good wheelchair pusher,’ Sarah comforted. ‘We could go together if you prefer, wrap him up warm. Wheel him around the grounds. I used to wheel Grandad Noble everywhere. Great for toning your arms.’ Sarah winked.
‘No, honestly, I …’
‘Come on.’ Sarah’s smile was as warm as the sun.
‘OK. I’ll talk to the hospital. Clear it with them first.’
Elliott sucked his bottom lip. Maybe he could go too. Sarah would make everything alright.
Sarah glanced down the hall, a brief smile touching her lips as she caught him staring at them both. He ducked behind his doorway before his mother told him off.
‘I see you, Elliott,’ Maggie said. ‘Come on then, thank Sarah for the vouchers and get back to bed.’
Elliott didn’t need to be asked twice. ‘Auntie Sarah!’ he called, his feet thumping against the wooden floorboards as he ran to her.
‘Hey there, little man. Are you OK?’ Sarah beamed.
Elliott tugged on her arm before cupping the side of his mouth. He didn’t want to say this in front of his mummy. She was upset enough as it was. Sarah looked to Maggie, who took the hint without being asked. Allowing them some privacy, she walked a few steps down the hall. He wished he could explain what had taken root inside him. Jahmelia was past being cold, or hungry, or feeling anything at all. Her eyes were closed, and she had no more tears to shed. She was still alive. But not for very long. Her light was growing dim.
‘Please. Find Jahmelia,’ Elliott whispered, as Sarah bent to his level. ‘It’s too cold outside. Tomorrow is too late.’
As Sarah met his gaze her eyes were shiny with tears. ‘I’m trying, but I don’t know where she is.’
‘You will. Soon.’ Taking a step back, he looked at his mother then back to Sarah. ‘Thank you for the vouchers. You need to go home now.’ Only then did he realise that the darkness he’d felt wasn’t around him. It was coming for Sarah. That was all he knew. But Sarah was brave like Daddy. He hoped she would be OK.
‘Elliott?’ Maggie returned, resting a hand on his shoulder. ‘Are you alright?’ As he turned to his mother, he inhaled a breath of icy night air.
‘I’m OK now, Maggie,’ he said. He hugged her goodnight and said goodbye to Sarah. The pain of the scary feelings surrounding Jahmelia had faded. She would be found by tomorrow. The Midnight Game would soon be over. He hoped she would be alive.
50
Sarah flicked on the light switch, peering down her long, lonely hall. Still no sign of Sherlock. A lump rose in her throat. A feeling of gloom told her he was never coming back. As for Jahmelia … Elliott’s message had been given with such a sense of sincerity, that she had indeed come straight home. Unwrapping her new scarf, she hung it with her coat. Her hair was damp from the thick blanket of fog which had settled over Slayton. This wasn’t a night to be outside. As she looked into the hall mirror, Sarah saw her mother’s eyes staring back at her. Only now could she see the resemblance. At times like these, the absence of her family caused her physical pain. She touched her own reflection. What she’d give for one more moment with her mum. To hear the sound of her voice. The touch of her kiss …
