Page 66 of Skipping Stones
What he’d said sank in. “You called Derek?” She could only imagine how that went. She’d poured her heart out to Derek many times while she and Mac were together.
“He’s worried about you.”
“Thank you. Still, I should talk to Jake.” She raised the phone again and squinted at the screen. “Can you help get me some new glasses?” He looked relieved to have something useful to do and jumped up quickly. “And then, Mac?” He turned back to look at her. “Go home. You look like hell.”
* * *
When the TCN “breaking news” theme music started playing—Linney had programmed Derek’s phone with it years ago as a joke and he’d never changed it—he answered quickly. He’d never been so happy to hear the sound.
“Linney?”
“I’m okay, Derek. Tired and hurting, but okay.”
“It’s so good to hear your voice. I’m so sorry about what I … we’ve been so worried about you.”
“I don’t think I’m going back to Syria any time soon,” she said, her mouth twisting up into a wry smile.
“What do you need? Do you want me to come to Germany? Whatever you want. We’re all here for you.”
“Don’t come. At least not now. I need some time to figure out what’s next.”
“You’re not alone, are you? Mac’s still there?” It pained him to ask, but he didn’t think she should be alone.
“He’s here, but I’m trying to send him back. He’s got work and I can’t have him here feeling guilty about this. It’s not good for either of us.”
Derek waited as he heard Linney suck in a breath between her teeth and then whimper. She was clearly in a lot of pain.
“Did he tell you about Ernst?”
“He did. I’m so sorry for your loss, Linney. And I’m sorry for what I said.”
“We all knew the dangers.” She swallowed hard. “And we weren’t in love. But I’m going to miss him.” A wave of exhaustion came over her. “I’m so tired, Derek. Can I call you back later?”
“You can call me any time of day,” he answered, and he heard her yawn. “You rest now and I’ll give Jake a call to keep him up to speed.”
“Don’t let him come,” she mumbled, as sleep overtook her and the phone fell from her hand to the bed.
Derek pulled up Jake’s number and proceeded to pass on all the information he had.
“Have you spoken with her doctor? What does he say?” Jake was desperate for information.
“I haven’t. I didn’t think that was my place. But Mac gave me his name and I have the number of the hospital. I’ll text you the details when we’re done.”
“Honestly, Derek, how did she sound to you?”
“She sounds weak and tired, but that’s to be expected after what she’s been through. She did at least attempt a joke, so that’s a good sign.”
“I need to get on a plane.” Jake wanted to take action.
“I know what you mean. I feel the same way. But she doesn’t want it. Not yet.”
“I’m not sure my sister gets a vote in this. I need to get on a plane,” he reiterated.
“Jake, listen to me for a minute. They don’t keep people in the hospital long for hip surgery these days. This may be a little more complicated because of her other injuries, but I expect the hospital will want to release her sooner than we think.”
“Release her?! They can’t do that!”
“Exactly. I have a feeling they’ll find a local rehabilitation centre where she can recover and get physiotherapy. And when she gets there, that might be a better time for visitors. I’m guessing after that, TCN will get her back to London.” Linney had kept her Notting Hill flat.