Lily pushed through the door of the hospital with minutes to spare before her shift. Her head was fuzzy with exhaustion, but the busy hum in the corridors revived her as she made her way to the cloakroom to drop off her bag and cloak.
Opening the door quietly, she was immediately aware of hushed voices arguing around the corner of the L-shaped room. ‘I said I’d look after him last night.’ It was Vi’s voice and Lily held her breath as she waited to see who she was talking to.
‘He was having a nightmare again, Vi. You want me to come get you every time he needs something!’
‘You’ll use any excuse to hold his hand. How would you like it if I were constantly pawing at your fella?’
‘He’s not your fella!’
‘He might not be yet, but he will be. So stay out of his way, all right? And if there’s night nursing to be done, then I’ll be the one to do it.’
Lily groaned silently. Not this again . . . Bloody Bert couldn’t help himself.
‘You really think that he’d have his head turned by me?’ Dot whispered back.
Vi let out a scornful laugh. ‘As if. But that don’t mean I want you holdin’ his hand, so steer clear, understand?’
‘It’s not me you should be worried about. It’s him. Cos if you think that once he’s out of here he’ll give you a second glance, then you’re in for a big disappointment.’
Lily jumped back, flattening herself against the wall as Dot strode round the corner, her eyes suspiciously bright. But her friend didn’t seem to notice her as she wrenched open the door and walked out.
After hanging her coat and bag on the nearest hook, Lily raced out before Vi could see her and headed straight for the ward to see Bert before her shift began.
‘What’s going on?’ she demanded, walking up to his bed.
Bert grimaced. ‘Good morning to you too, sis,’ he said dryly, but though his tone was light, his eyes looked heavy and troubled.
‘Sorry, love,’ she said guiltily. ‘How are you feeling? I heard you’re still having nightmares?’
Bert sighed. ‘I suppose Vi told you. I know you don’t like her much, but she’s been good to me in here. And yes, I have nightmares. And she helps a lot with those too.’
Lily frowned. ‘Vi does? But I thought it was—’ She shook her head; this was none of her business. ‘Listen, I don’t have long, but I’ve got tons of news.’
Bert stiffened. ‘Is Jim all right?’ he asked anxiously.
‘Oh, so you know that him and Reenie are getting married today! They told us last night. But not just that . . .’ She started to tell him about the events of that night, but she could tell Bert wasn’t listening.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘Reenie deserves better,’ he muttered.
Lily stared at him in astonishment. ‘Better than Jimmy? What are you talking about?’
‘As for him, he’s a fool!’
‘For marrying Reenie!’ Lily was infuriated. ‘That’s rich coming from you. After everything that’s happened because of your girlfriend! And now you’ve got Vi panting after you, and if you think she’ll leave you alone once you’re out of here, then you’re the bloody fool.’
As she turned to go, Bert caught her hand. ‘That’s not what I meant,’ he said. ‘But Jim doesn’t love her, and she deserves better. As for Vi . . . like I said, she’s been good to me.’
Bert seemed genuinely upset, and Lily softened. Considering his injuries and the ordeal he’d suffered, she should be more understanding. ‘If you could’ve seen them last night, you wouldn’t be worried. Jim does love her – anyone can see that. So keep your thoughts to yourself. They deserve their happiness.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘Everything will be all right, you’ll see.’
As she walked away, Bert stared sightlessly at the ceiling, feeling helpless. If Jim thought marriage would solve his problems, then he was in for a disappointment. He was sure, too, that they’d not heard the last of Terence’s threats. The man was ruthless in his pursuit of money and he couldn’t see him giving up the smallest opportunity to wring more from them.