ChapterFifteen
Her lips trembling, Bea saw a rope being lowered. Her ankle was in excruciating pain but thankfully it wouldn’t be long before it was strapped up and she could numb the pain with medication. Trying to hold it together for Lucas’s sake, she blinked back the tears.
‘And who have we here?’ Drew asked, appearing on the rock kitted out in a helmet, waterproofs and sturdy climbing boots.
‘This is Lucas. He’s been on an adventure but lost a wellie in the process,’ reported Bea, still with her arm wrapped around him.
‘Would that be this one?’ Drew held up a yellow wellington boot and passed it to a now smiling Lucas.
‘And why are we hiding out in rocks in such torrential weather?’ asked Drew.
‘I was looking for pirates’ treasure,’ replied Lucas.
‘And did you find any? Because if you did, it’s only right you share.’
Lucas shook his head.
‘I’d say better luck next time, but if we could stick to looking for treasure in the glorious sunshine and not at night in the rain, I think we would have more of a chance of finding some.’ Drew high-fived Lucas before looking up at the rocks and shouting, ‘They’re both here, safe and sound. Are you okay Bea?’
‘My ankle is hurting, possibly a bad sprain. I’m hoping it’s not broken.’
Drew took a quick look at Bea’s ankle and shouted towards the top of the rocks again, ‘But we need medical attention for Bea; possible broken ankle and a deep cut to her chin. Can someone call an ambulance?’ Drew turned back to Bea. ‘I’m going to get Lucas to the top and then Nolan is going to come down and guide you back up. It won’t be long before we can get you some pain relief and back in the warmth.’
Bea hadn’t realised she was shivering and her teeth were beginning to chatter.
‘Right, buddy, let’s get you out of here. Your mum is waiting for you at the top so let’s get you up safely. I want you to climb on my back and hold tight around my neck. Do you think you can do that?’
‘Yes,’ replied Lucas.
‘Good man,’ said Drew, crouching down. ‘And don’t you move,’ he reminded Bea. ‘Nolan will be down for you in just a sec.’
‘I’m going nowhere,’ she said, wondering when and why Nolan had arrived back. This wasn’t quite the reunion she was expecting and she felt a little apprehensive about seeing him. Then, hearing a commotion at the top of the rocks, followed by a cheer, she knew Lucas had been reunited with his mum.
She watched as a pair of feet were lowered onto the rock and Nolan’s body came into sight. He turned towards her and grinned cheekily, putting her instantly at ease. ‘I can’t leave you alone for a minute!’
The second she set eyes on him, a shiver ran up her spine and she felt a blush to her cheeks. Even though Nolan had disappeared without saying goodbye her attraction to him hadn’t wavered.
‘You came back.’
His eyes skimmed hers. ‘Come here. You look like you could do with a hug.’ He crouched down beside her and opened his arms wide. Taking a deep breath, she slipped into Nolan’s arms. He held her tight, kissing the top of her wet hair. In shock, Bea began to sob. ‘It really hurts and I’m feeling a little sick.’ She closed her eyes for a second and put a hand to her chin, feeling the stickiness of the blood.
‘It’s a nasty cut, and you’ll probably need stiches. For now, you need to work with me to get up to the top. The rocks are slippery so go slowly and try not to put any direct weight on your ankle.’
Nolan slipped his arms underneath hers and gently pulled her to her feet. Lifting her ankle off the rock, she balanced on one leg as she clung to him for support. ‘Hold on to the rope. There’s a ledge up above you, try and put your right foot on there. I’ll push you but also Drew and Fergus are going to pull the rope from the top and hopefully we’ll be up in no time at all. Drew, Fergus,’ he called up. ‘We’re ready when you are.’
Bea gripped the rope with all her might, struggling to balance on one leg as the river splashed against the rocks. The sharp pain in her ankle took her breath away. As Nolan gently pushed from behind, she began to move, and very soon she felt two strapping arms pulling her up and placing her gently in a chair. She jumped as two wet arms engulfed her in a hug. Amy looked hysterically happy. ‘Thank you, I can’t thank you enough.’
‘It’s okay,’ replied Bea. ‘I’m just glad he’s safe.’
‘Oh my God, you’re hurt. Your face.’
‘I’m not sure which is hurting more, my ankle or my chin.’ She looked up at a man standing beside her.
‘Pleased to meet you, Bea. I’m Dr Ben Sanders, based at the doctor’s practice in Heartcross. We’re going to get you inside the Boathouse and out of the rain so we can have a look at you. The ambulance is on its way … in fact… Great timing! It’s here now. If you can lean on Fergus and myself, we’ll try and lift you inside the Boathouse.’
‘We really do need some type of water rescue out here,’ Bea managed to say as the men lifted her up and carried her the short distance to the Boathouse, where Julia, Isla and Felicity were waiting.
Julia was pouring hot water from the kettle and handing out polystyrene cups of tea. After passing a couple to Drew and Fergus she handed another to Nolan, before wrapping a blanket around Bea’s shoulders. ‘Now, I’m not sure this is in your job description,’ she teased.
