Page 69 of Where Angels Hide
Dr. Carchedi explained they would be moving Rachel to a private room on the general ward within the hour. Ballina Hospital didn’t have a palliative care unit, and the palliative care team were based in Lismore. Zep had no doubt the police would arrive before them. He needed to act now.
“Is Mum awake?” Abby wiped her face with the back of her hands.
“She is, but she’s very groggy.”
“Can I sit with her?”
“Of course.”
They all stood.
“Dr. Carchedi?” A nurse called from down the hall.
She smiled. “I have to go, but I will be in to see you once Rachel gets to the ward.”
“Abby, I need to talk to you.” Zep turned to her.
She kept her eyes forward. “I just want to see Mum.”
“Sure, but first we need to talk.” He placed a hand on her upper arm, hoping she wouldn’t force him to make her listen. “It’s important.”
Whether it was his tone or a moment of weakness, Abby nodded. Zep glanced around. He didn’t want to leave Rachel unprotected. “Let’s sit.”
They took their seats, Abby continuing to stare straight ahead while Zep watched her.
“The explosion that almost made us crash on the way over here? It was a bomb.”
Now she looked at him.
“Rachel’s cottage… it’s gone.”
Her eyes widened and her shoulders rose as she inhaled. “They tried to blow us up?”
He nodded. “It’s up to you how much you tell Rachel, but if she leaves this hospital, it won’t be to go home.”
Abby released a shaky breath. “My house?” she whispered.
“I’m sure the cops will have the bomb squad checking it out.”
Her head shot up. “Scott?” There was panic in her eyes.
“He’s with the cops at Rachel’s.”
“What will he tell them?”
“Whatever he needs to.”
Up ahead, two uniformed officers were standing at the nurse’s station. They looked in their direction.
“They’ll be here to act as a security detail. They might want to speak to you and Rachel.”
“Are you leaving?” There was a hint of fear in her question.
Zep shook his head. “Not if I can help it.” They stood and Zep gathered the bags. “I’ll go into Rachel, you talk to the cops.”
Abby hurried to meet them while Zep ducked between the curtains. He piled the bags onto a chair in the corner before approaching the bed.
Rachel lay against the pillows, her face still grey in contrast to the stark white. He sat beside her on the bed, taking her hand in his. It was cool to the touch, and he closed both of his hands around hers, trying to warm her hand. Her eyelids fluttered, the corner of her mouth lifted ever so slightly. He leaned over and pressed his lips to her forehead.