Vince was asleep when Liz visited. He’d had surgery within hours of arriving at hospital and had been resting comfortably, according to the person she’d managed to speak to. She’d slept for half the day herself, exhausted on a level she rarely reached. After a couple of hours at the station, she’d had to come to see for herself he was alright. She’d made the right decision, going to Melanie first that night. Hadn’t she?
‘Why so worried, Lizzie?’
His eyes were on her, and she smiled and sat beside the bed. ‘How are you doing?’
‘Better than you. Did someone die? I have some pleasant painkillers and am alive.’
‘And you wonder why I worry?’ She took his hand. ‘I thought we’d get there too late and when I arrived and saw the cottage... and I am so sorry about it. And then you lying there…’
He squeezed her fingers. ‘But you must have seen Lyndall and the shithead and neither of them were crying. Surely you could tell I was fixable.’
‘That shithead saved your life. Him and Lyndall.’
‘Yeah… well Pete and I made our peace. For now.’
‘Thank God for that.’
‘What happened, Liz?’
She released his hand and leaned back. ‘Short version? Farrelly had you lined up with a kill shot. You were already down from the shot in the leg and unable to find cover. There was no time to negotiate with the creep, so he got a couple of bullet holes into his chest.’
‘Yeah. I get that bit. But Pete had three rifles. Farrelly’s and his I recognised but the other one… oh. Lyndall?’
‘Got it in one. Pete says she shot first but he won’t put that in a statement in case it comes back to bite her. And he reckons she was a long way from Farrelly, up the hill. She shot, unloaded the rifle, and handed it to him without a word.’
There’s a story there with Lyndall. People don’t become expert marksmen without some special training.
‘Is Melanie alright?’ Vince grunted as he pushed himself into a more upright position. ‘She was unbelievable, Lizzie. Did everything I said and more despite being terrified.’
She couldn’t help the small smile. ‘I got a lot of hugs, that’s for sure. But once she knew you were going to be okay all she cared about was the cottage. Not for her own things she’d just lost but for you. For your photographs and carved birds and because it was Susie’s home.’
Vince looked away, blinking rapidly.
‘We recovered your backpack and everything is dry inside. Nothing broken. Would you like me to bring it to you?’
He nodded, still not meeting her eyes.
She glanced around and spotted a jug of water. ‘You need to stay hydrated. Any idea how long you’ll be here?’ She poured him a glass and took it to him.
‘Um, thanks. Not long.’
‘You and Melanie are welcome to stay with me if it helps.’
Now, he grinned. ‘Unless you have moved recently, I am not sure where we would fit.’
True. Her flat had one bedroom and one bathroom and was up three flights of stairs.
‘Actually, scrap that. The elevator hasn’t worked in weeks, and I doubt you feel up to climbing those stairs with crutches.’
‘You need to report the landlord. In fact, you need to move to something nicer.’
They’d had that conversation before and he was right, but she didn’t have time to look for another home. And had her own reasons to stay there.
‘Did you know Lyndall has a panic room?’
His eyes widened. ‘I did not.’
‘Melanie told me all about it. Bed, bathroom, lots of food and water. Monitors which let her see who was outside the room. She thought it was, quote, very cool. So, at some stage, I’d love to have a chat about your neighbour.’
‘Maybe.’ He looked at Liz and his face brightened. ‘They’re here!’
Liz kissed his cheek. ‘Behave yourself and phone if you need me. I’ll get the backpack to you a bit later.’
‘Grandad!’ A blur of child rushed past.
Liz passed Lyndall near the door. The other woman gripped her hands and although she said nothing, there was warmth and gratitude in her eyes.
‘He’ll be pleased you’re here.’
With a nod, Lyndall released her hands and stepped inside.
When her phone buzzed a message, Liz stopped outside the window to read it. When she glanced into the room, all she could see was love and relief from all three of them.