‘Me neither.’ Bea attempted a smile but her face was smarting.
‘The paramedics are here and they’re going to give you a quick check over before they take you off to hospital.’
Bea knew that she should go to hospital but all she really wanted to do was go upstairs, get warm and change her clothes. Then it hit her. ‘How the heck am I going to climb a ladder to my room if I’ve got a broken ankle?’
Julia patted her lightly on her shoulder. ‘Let’s worry about getting you dry and pain-free first. Shall I quickly pack you an overnight bag to take with you?’
‘Would you? That would be a great help. PJs, clean clothes, underwear, toothbrush and the book I’m reading is by the bed.’
‘Of course.’
With Dr Sanders by their side the paramedics introduced themselves and, after checking Bea over, administered some pain-killers. They confirmed she needed stitches in her chin, and said the sooner they got an X-ray of her ankle the better.
Amy and Lucas, who had been chatting to the local policeman, came over to Bea. ‘I’m sorry you’re hurting because of me,’ Lucas mumbled, looking sad.
‘It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re safe. But please promise me one thing in the future – don’t go anywhere without telling your mum first.’
‘Promise,’ replied Lucas, taking Amy’s hand.
‘We’re going back to the boat to get dry. Is there anything we can do for you?’ Amy asked.
Bea shook her head. ‘No, but thank you.’
As Bea watched them walk out of The Little Blue Boathouse, she thought back to that summer’s day by the lake when her friend had lost her life. Even though Lucas’s story had a happy ending it could have been so different.
‘Are you okay?’ Nolan bent down beside her.
‘I think so but the more I think about tonight the more I know this stretch of the water needs a life rescue.’
‘I agree,’ replied Nolan.
‘And where have you been?’ she asked Nolan as the paramedics pushed a wheelchair towards her.
‘We need to talk, but obviously not now.’
She wasn’t sure what Nolan wanted to say but he was right, this wasn’t the time or the place. After helping Bea into the wheelchair, one of the paramedics pushed her towards the back of the waiting ambulance.
‘Is everyone okay, have they found the little boy?’
Everyone looked up as Martha breezed through the door, lowering her hood from her head.
‘It’s brutal out there.’
‘Yes, Bea found him. But hang on, Granny, who has my children?’ asked Isla.
‘Don’t worry, I haven’t abandoned them. I’m not that senile yet. Rona stayed with them so I could come down here and help with the search.’ Martha noticed Bea in the wheelchair. ‘And what happened to you?’
‘This is the hero of the hour,’ chipped in Nolan, giving Bea a warm smile.
‘I wouldn’t go as far as “hero”. I slipped on the rocks, scraped my chin and busted my ankle looking for Lucas.’
‘Whom she found,’ Nolan added proudly.
Martha waggled her finger at Bea and gave her a knowing look. ‘I told you there would be danger! You’ve done well, my girl.’
‘I would prefer no more danger from here on out,’ replied Bea.
‘Martha?’ Nolan extended his hand. ‘I’ve heard all about your psychic readings. The best in the business, I believe.’
