‘Yes. Oh wait. I know how to get his surname. I just need to make a call.’
‘That’s good. Perhaps you could step aside and come back once you’ve done that.’
‘I won’t have to rejoin the queue, will I? It’s just that Tom is old and on his own and I’m worried.’
The receptionist glared at her and then seemed to mellow. ‘Come back to me and I’ll see what I can do.’
‘Thank you.’
Lara stepped aside and made the call.
‘Bonnie’s Diner. Maud speaking.’
‘Hello, Maud. This is Lara. We spoke earlier. About Tom.’
‘Yes. Hello. Did you find him? Is he okay?’
‘Yes and no. I mean. He will be. We found him in the kitchen, on the floor. He had a fall, I think. But he said a few words to the paramedics and they said they think he’ll be fine. The ambulance took him to Poppleton District General. I’ve spoken to his grandson and he’s on his way but he won’t be here for a while. I’m here now but the thing is, I don’t know Tom’s surname.’
‘Oh good heavens. That’s dreadful. Poor Tom. It’s kind of you to be there. This is such a shock. Oh. You wanted his surname, didn’t you? It’s Bright. His name is Thomas Bright. But I can come, if you want to leave.’
‘No. It’s fine. I mean, obviously you know him well and I don’t, but I think he’ll be with the doctor, having tests. I just wanted him to know that someone is here until his grandson arrives.’
‘You’re right. And they probably don’t want lots of anxious people hanging around. But you will let me know if you hear anything, won’t you?’
‘Absolutely. Thank you, Maud.’
‘You’re the one who deserves the thanks.’
‘No thanks necessary. I’d better go. The queue’s getting longer by the second. I’ll be in touch. Bye.’
Lara rang off and dashed to the front of the queue. ‘I was here just now. I’m not pushing in,’ she said to the next in line. Thenshe smiled at the receptionist. ‘Thomas Bright, number one, Old Oak Lane, Bluewater Bay.’
The receptionist was stone-faced as she checked the information on her screen. ‘A and E. Through those doors on the left.’
‘Thank you.’
Lara hurried to A and E wondering why she hadn’t simply looked for the reception area for that in the first place. Too late to think about that now. She shoved the doors open and stopped in her tracks as they swung shut behind her. She had expected it to be packed but there were only three people sitting on the row of plastic chairs, and no sign of Tom. There was, however, another receptionist. Lara braced herself.
‘Excuse me, please. I’m looking for Thomas Bright of number one Old Oak Lane, Bluewater Bay. An ambulance brought him here a short time ago.’
This time the receptionist smiled at her after scanning her screen. ‘Are you a relative?’
‘I’m … a friend. And Tom’s neighbour.’
‘I’m sorry. I can only give information to relatives. Unless you’re his carer or appointed contact.’
‘No. But I am the person who found him and who let in the paramedics. His grandson is driving down from London but he won’t be here for a while. I just want Tom to know I’m here, that’s all. Please. I’ve been worried sick about him.’ She couldn’t stop the tear that rolled down her cheek.
‘Don’t cry. What’s your name, and do you have any identification with you?’
Lara wiped her eyes and searched for her driving licence. ‘Yes. Here it is.’
The receptionist frowned. ‘This says you live in Woking. I thought you said you were his neighbour.’
‘I did. I am. I only arrived yesterday. Can’t you please just tell Tom I’m here? That’s all I’m asking.’
‘Lara?’
