Her father’s voice rasped down the line. “Don’t panic, Bea. Everything’s okay.”
Her heart dropped and she set down the bag of coffee on the bench. “What? Why?”
“I’m fine, but I’ve had an accident.”
“What happened? Where are you?”
“I was spearfishing with Betsy, and I ran into a little reef shark. He had a nibble on my leg—mostly curious, I think. Nothing disastrous. The ambulance is on its way, and Betsy’s taking care of me. I thought you might like a phone call.”
Beatrice hurried into the living room and waved frantically at Aidan. “I’m on my way. Where are you?”
“I’m at the cove below the house.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can make it.”
“You should probably head to the hospital instead, and I’ll meet you there.”
“Okay. I’ll see you at the hospital, Dad.”
By the time she’d finished the conversation and hung up the phone, Aidan stood beside her, hands on his hips. The others stared in shock.
“What’s happened to Pa?” Dani asked, wide-eyed.
“Shark bite, but he says he’s okay. I’m going to the hospital. I’m sorry about dinner, everyone.” She turned to the right, then to the left, then spun in a circle. What was she doing? She needed something.
“Your purse?” Aidan asked.
She nodded. “Yes, and keys.”
“I’ll drive,” he replied. “You’re too upset.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“I’m coming too.” Harry stepped out of the kitchen and raised a hand. “I’m not staying here.”
“Me too,” Dani added.
“I’ll stay and get the tacos ready. I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Damien offered.
“Thank you, Damien. I appreciate that,” Beatrice said as Aidan slipped her purse over her shoulder. “Let’s go, then.”
The drive to the Coral Island hospital wasn’t a long one, but it seemed interminable. When Aidan parked the car outside the small redbrick building, Bea leapt out and hurried towards the doors of the emergency room, purse held close to her side.
“Wait, Mum!” Dani shouted behind her.
Aidan, Harry and Dani all jogged to catch up with her, and the four of them bustled through the emergency room to a desk behind glass windows where a woman in scrubs sat staring at a screen.
“I’m looking for Elias Rushton,” Bea said through the square opening.
The woman ran her finger down the screen and tapped it once. “He’s being seen by the doctor. I’ll go and check on him for you. Are you family?”
“Yes,” Harry replied.
Bea looked at her son. His face was drawn and pale. She shouldn’t have worried her family so much—Dad had told her he was fine. But then, he often downplayed when things went wrong so she wouldn’t be disturbed. She couldn’t help feeling anxious until she knew for certain that he was all right.
“It’s going to be okay, honey,” she said, rubbing Harry’s arm.
She turned to Dani, offering her a wan smile. “Pa is strong. I’m sure he’s fine.”
