‘Err.’
‘Don’t worry. Doc McLeod will check you over and you’ll be fine. I brought you some of my clothes. You’re sort of the size I was last year. I’ve put on a couple of pounds since I discovered chocolate Brazil nuts. Have you tried them? They’re moreish. Here, try this on.’ She thrust a black dress and thick black jumper at Liv, followed by a carrier bag. ‘There’s underwear, a new toothbrush that I was saving for when I go travelling, and hiking socks because I know Southerners feel the cold more than we do.’
‘Thanks, this is really kind of you.’ At least she wouldn’t have to put on her damp pants and jumpsuit. ‘I feel fine now, so I think we can cancel the doctor.’
‘But you still don’t know who you are. Do you?’
Liv had no option but to carry on with the lie. ‘No, but I’m sure I’ll be okay.’
‘I don’t think you will. You see, head injuries are dangerous.’ Effie was looking serious. ‘I saw a programme. They can cause all sorts of things like percussion.’
‘Concussion,’ corrected Liv.
‘That too? You see it’s important you see the Doc. Anyway has Fraser offered you breakfast?’
‘I’ve not seen anyone,’ said Liv.
‘Typical Fraser. I’ll get you something to eat. Back in a jiffy.’ And with that she was gone. Effie was a bit of a whirlwind, if a whirlwind talked as fast as it twirled.
Liv put on some borrowed flowery pants from the bag Effie had given her and the black dress, which was quite long with a white collar and cuffs. She pulled the black jumper on over the top but the white collar was still showing. A glance in the mirror made her think she looked like a vicar. She found the bathroom and felt better for a wash and for brushing her teeth. She made the bed and tidied the few things she had. She moved her car keys out of her hoodie and into the dress pocket. With any luck she’d be able to escape later on.
The hotel was eerily quiet as she walked carefully downstairs so as not to agitate her ankle. How come it was now completely silent and yet last night there were so many noises? She realised that whilst her sister’s place lacked character there were lots of benefits to a new build, not least the lack of ghosts.
Once downstairs Liv headed in the direction of the voices that were coming from the back of the building. As soon as she got the chance she was going to find her phone, because she’d need to call her mum and sister soon or they’d start to worry about her. There was a door with a porthole window, which she had a little look through. She was about to go inside when Fraser’s face appeared on the other side. She smiled. He scowled back at her. Fine, if that’s how he wanted to play it. She tried to push on the door but it wouldn’t budge.
‘Stop pushing,’ said Fraser from the other side. Liv did as she was told and the door instantly swung in her direction whacking her. Thankfully her forearm took the brunt of it. ‘Shit. I’m sorry,’ said Fraser, coming through the door looking concerned. He took in her outfit. ‘Good morning, Wednesday Addams.’
‘I’m fine, thanks for asking,’ she said giving her arm a rub.
His tone seemed to change. ‘You shouldn’t be in the kitchens. It’s for staff only. See…’ He tapped the sign on the door.
‘There was nobody about.’
He took a breath as if resetting himself. ‘Fine. Good morning, I trust you slept well?’
‘Yeah, I did actually apart from the whole freaky pigeon interlude. Thanks for your help with that.’
‘My pleasure,’ said Fraser with a smile at the edge of his lips.
Effie came through the door with a tray. ‘Stop bickering, you two. Daphne needs her breakfast.’
Liv stepped out of the way and Effie walked past. ‘Come on, Daphne, this way to the dining room.’
Liv wanted to know what the next level up from confusion was because she was definitely in a very strange place. ‘Is Daphne another ghost?’ she asked Fraser.
‘That’s what Effie has decided to call you,’ he said with a grin.
‘What now?’
‘Because you cannay remember your name, she’s decided thatto heryou look like a Daphne.’ He seemed to find this hilarious.
‘I don’t know what to do with that,’ said Liv. ‘I don’t mean to be rude but is Effie okay?’
He pursed his lips and leaned closer. ‘Effie is a kind soul but she just takes a bit longer than most to work stuff out. Because of that she had a tough time at school. She has a good heart but that means she can be easily hurt. So please be kind to her.’
‘I will. Thanks for putting me in the picture.’ They stayed looking at each other. Those were the words of a kind and caring soul. Fraser was beyond baffling.
‘Daphne!’ called Effie from the other room.
