‘I see,’ replied Jasper, looking at him thoughtfully.
‘Hmm. I… I also see a physiotherapist now,’ added Fletcher a little cautiously.
Jasper frowned. ‘For how long? You never said.’
Adira gave Fletcher a knowing look and raised her eyebrow.
Oh damn it, he thought,I might as well tell him.
‘I went to see the quack,’ he confessed.
Jasper immediately stopped eating, giving his full attention. ‘When?’ he retorted.
‘A couple of weeks ago. It’s nothing to worry about, just went for something to ease the old aching bones.’
‘What did the doctor say?’
‘Well, she gave me painkillers, which have helped a lot, and told me to watch my weight and exercise a little to loosen my joints.’ He stared almost defiantly at Jasper, as if challenging him not to make a fuss.
Adira intervened. ‘It’s worked wonders for you, hasn’t it, Fletcher?’ She placed a hand discreetly on Jasper’s lap, willing him to be tactful.
‘Good. I’m glad to hear it, but I wish you’d told me, Fletcher,’ Jasper said with concern.
‘Bah, I’m fine. Fighting fit.’ Then he frowned and looked at the kitchen clock. ‘I thought Lilly might be here by now, she was so looking forward to seeing you.’
Adira was surprised not to see her as well, especially given the late hour. All three of them had had a good lie-in, recovering from the late night. Usually Lilly would have been at The Laurels pottering about by now.
Just then, the phone rang.
‘I’ll get it.’ Jasper stood up and went into the hall. Fletcher and Adira remained silent, straining to hear who had rung. ‘Oh no. How is she, Ruby?’
Fletcher and Adira looked sharply at each other. Fletcher’s face suddenly drained colour as they stilled to hear the conversation.
‘I see. Yes, yes of course, I’ll tell him. If there’s anything I can do, Ruby, please just ask.’
Fletcher shut his eyes and put his head in his hands.
Moments later, Jasper sat back down with a grave expression. ‘Lilly’s had a fall. She’s been taken to the hospital,’ he told them.
‘Oh poor Lilly,’ cried Adira.
‘Will she be all right?’ asked Fletcher grimly.
‘She’s badly bruised, in shock, but stable,’ Jasper said quietly.
Fletcher’s chin started to wobble, Adira covered his hand with hers.
‘Don’t worry, Fletcher, I’m sure she’ll be fine,’ she tried to console him.
‘How can you be sure?’ he snapped back, making her flinch.
Now Jasper put his hand on her back, in support. ‘Let’s all stay calm,’ he spoke gently.
But Fletcher started to cry, making Adira’s eyes fill too. ‘Lilly… my Lilly all bruised…’ he sobbed, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
‘Oh Fletcher,’ Adira rushed to his side and put her arm round him. Then she turned to Jasper. ‘Can we see her in hospital?’
‘Yes. Ruby asked if I’d take her this afternoon—’
