“Alfie said you’d ask as soon as you woke up. She’s stable, that’s all I know. I’m sure Alfie will tell you the rest.” She fussed, getting the blankets just right around me. In the middle of summer it felt too hot for blankets but I didn’t complain. “He told me to give you this when you woke up.” She handed me a letter and I opened it eagerly.
Lola,
I wrote a note as I presumed you wouldn’t be ready to check your phone yet.
Please stay in bed and rest. I’m handling everything.
I’ve spoken to Natalie and Keira and assured them both that you’re fine. I haven’t mentioned the loss, only that you were in a car accident. The news is reporting on what happened, that there was a shooting and an attempted kidnapping. I’ve told them it was blown out of proportion. Natalie believed me, Keira didn’t, of course, but she accepted my word that you’re safe.
I’ve arranged security for Natalie and Ryan until this is over. They have no idea about it as I didn’t want to worry them. Please know I intend to keep all of them safe, I won’t fail them as I’ve failed you.
I’m sure you’ve asked Ada already but Maia is doing well. She’s recovering in hospital, I believe Eli is with her. I’m not sure what to make of that.
Finally, please let Ada look after you.
Know that I love you and I’m here for you.
If you need me just call, I’ll come running.
Alfie.
P.S. The glass is new but I didn’t have the chain replaced, only mended, so it’s still the one your mother gave you.
I opened the box and let out a sob. My necklace was inside, the clasp and glass both good as new. Before the waves could come crashing, I pushed them back. I wasn’t ready for grief crying yet. My body hurt too much to allow it. I asked Ada for help fastening the necklace and immediately, I felt better with it in place. My mother’s spirit settled around me like a warm blanket.
“You need a good breakfast,” Ada said. “Porridge and tea. Can I trust you to stay in bed while I fetch it?”
“Where’s Alfie?” I asked. He was what I really needed.
“He’s in a meeting right now. I’ll let him know you’re awake.”
“What meeting?” Was it to do with the men that had done this to me? Had he caught who was behind the photos?
“Just work.”
I frowned at her. Alfie wouldn’t be working right now. “You’re lying, Ada.”
She sighed softly. “I believe he’s speaking with his sister.”
“Grace is here? Why?”
“I expect she just came to check up on you.”
“Then I should go and see her? If she just came to check up on me. Which doesn’t make any sense by the way. Why would she travel hours to check up on someone she’s only met once?”
“Lola, you need to rest.”
“I need to find out what was going on. Now, you can help me or…” I left the rest to her imagination.
“You and Alfie are just as stubborn as each other,” she muttered under her breath. She helped me into a cardigan that Natalie had knitted for me and insisted on me at least taking some painkillers first. Not bothering to change out of my pyjamas I went to find Alfie. I’d scoffed at the wheelchair when she suggested it but after a few steps, I gave in. I couldn’t go traipsing all over Harrington with broken ribs.
Ada wheeled me along. Luckily, Alfie’s office was on the same floor. It wasn’t the same one he’d used years ago. This one looked more like a library, with couches and a fireplace accompanying the vast desk set before arched windows.
Alfie sat in a highbacked chair by the unlit fireplace, Grace sat on the couch and Elliot between them as if he’d been playing mediator. Or referee.
Alfie glared when he saw me, turning that steel on Ada.
“Don’t you dare glare at her,” I told him sharply. “Hi, Grace. It’s nice to see you.”
