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TESS SHOT UP THE STAIRS and followed the lad into the main bedroom to be met with a scene reminiscent of A & E. Larry was stretched out on the floor with blood gushing out of a deep gash in his leg. Beside him was a cordless drill covered in blood and a knocked over stepladder.
‘Call an ambulance, say it’s urgent, a severed femoral artery.’ She knelt beside Larry whose face was pale and beaded with sweat. ‘It’s okay, Larry, I’m going to try and stop the bleeding.’ Charlotte appeared beside her, handing over a long silk scarf. ‘Will this help?’
‘Thanks. Can you put pressure on the wound while I make a tourniquet?’ Tess pulled off her cotton jacket and gave it to Charlotte who pressed down on the gash in Larry’s lower thigh while Tess tied the scarf tightly above it in an effort to stop the blood flow. She looked around and spotted a large tool box and pulled it under Larry’s leg to further reduce the blood flow. The jacket was soon soaked with blood but within a minute or two the flow slowed. Tess checked Larry’s pulse. Faint. His skin was glassy, but at least he was breathing.
‘What happened?’ she asked the lad, a teenager whose name she couldn’t remember but had seen before. He was shaking, wiping sweaty palms down his jeans.
‘Larry...was up the ladder, fixing battens...he was reaching out to drill a screw...leaned too far and the ladder...fell and the drill caught his leg. All happened so...quick. Nothing I...could do.’
‘It’s okay, I understand. Sounds like he misjudged it.’ The wail of the ambulance pierced the air and moments later the other workmen, who had crowded onto the landing, moved back to allow two paramedics through.
Tess explained what had happened and that she was a doctor while they checked his vital signs.
‘Lucky you were here, Doctor. He’s stable for the moment but we’ll get him to the PEH and warn them he’ll need surgery and a possible transfusion. How long’s the tourniquet been on?’
‘Ten minutes.’
‘Okay. I’ll need his details.’ The lad gave him Larry’s full name and address and Charlotte’s scarf was replaced by a medical tourniquet before the paramedics strapped him onto a stretcher. Once he was secure they carefully manoeuvred it through the door and down the stairs.
Tess and Charlotte were about to follow them when a breathless Jack bounded up the stairs into the room and stared, wide-eyed at the blood soaked floor.
‘What the hell happened?’ he shouted at the trembling lad who, Tess could see, was close to meltdown. She put her hand on his arm and squeezed. ‘It’s okay, I’ll tell Jack. You go and grab a hot drink, with plenty of sugar.’ The lad nodded and ran off. Tess took a deep breath and faced Jack, telling him what had happened. ‘An ambulance was called while we worked to stem the blood loss. I...I think he’ll be okay.’ She looked down at her blood-soaked jacket on the floor, idly wondering if she’d be able to wash the blood out.
‘My God! And you’re both covered in blood! I saw the ambulance leaving as I arrived and was told there’d been an accident. Look, you two need to clean up but the only tap’s down in the kitchen. Why don’t you wash your hands and I’ll send someone out to get coffees.’ Jack barked orders at a workman and led the way downstairs, Tess looking forward to sitting down with a strong coffee.
‘You okay?’ she asked Charlotte as they arrived in the hall, impressed with her friend’s calmness and prompt action earlier.
‘Fine. I was brought up in farming country and there was always someone falling foul of dangerous equipment. I must say, I thought you were brilliant, Tess, and you probably saved that man’s life,’ she added, quietly.
‘You didn’t do so badly yourself. Let’s sit outside for some fresh air once we’ve washed our hands.’
The tap in the kitchen was a makeshift job but they managed to clean themselves and Jack provided a fairly clean towel for drying.
‘Sorry, it’s a bit basic, but that’s the nature of a building site,’ he said, waving his hands at the stripped out kitchen area. ‘I’ll check the chairs are clean for you,’ he added, going outside. The women followed and found him wiping down the two chairs and small table left by Doris.
‘Thank you, Jack. What a relief to sit down after all the drama,’ said Charlotte, with a sigh.
Jack disappeared inside and they were left to their thoughts. Tess was just glad to sit and breathe clean air. Ten minutes later Jack reappeared.
‘Any update from the hospital?’ Tess asked.
‘He’s headed for theatre to be stitched up and should make a full recovery. No nerve damage, thank goodness,’ Jack said, perching on a pile of rubble. He stared at his feet, looking lost in thought and Tess was about to say something when a workman arrived with three coffees. Jack handed them round and Tess took a grateful sip. Although used to dealing with trauma at work, it was a whole different ball game to be confronted with a life or death situation without warning and without the back-up of a trained team, and she was feeling the after-effect.
‘On behalf of Larry and myself, I can only say thank you for what you did today, Tess. Seems like your prompt action saved his life and it was just so fortunate you happened to be here at the right time. Both of you,’ he said, nodding towards Charlotte. He looked drained, Tess thought, and she had the bizarre notion of wanting to stroke his hair and tell him all would be okay. She gave herself a mental shake. Where on earth did that come from?
‘I’m glad I was able to help. A few minutes later and it might have been a different story.’ She avoided his eyes, hoping her face didn’t reflect her inner, crazy thoughts.
‘How’s the young lad? He looked to be in shock,’ Charlotte said, gripping her coffee.
‘Pete? Yes, poor kid. He’s only been with us a week and is pretty shaken up. I’ve sent him home for the day and he’ll be okay tomorrow. Talk about a baptism of fire, eh? And I’ve had a word with all the lads about being more safety-aware when on ladders and using power tools. Even though I have insurance, they need to be careful. Larry should have known better, but,’ he shrugged, ‘they think they’re invincible.’
‘I know, I’ve seen the result in A & E often enough.’ Tess stood, draining her coffee. ‘We’d better get off, we need to shower and change, I think.’ She looked at the blood splatters on her jeans and T-shirt and Charlotte’s clothes were as bad.
‘Look, let me pay for anything you can’t get clean. It’s the least I can do.’ Jack stood and moved back to let them through.
‘Thanks, but I’m hoping they’ll be fine. Oh, my jacket! It must be upstairs.’ Tess rushed inside and up the stairs. In the bedroom someone had cleaned the floor, only a faint pink stain testament to what had happened. She found her jacket screwed in a red ball in the corner. Lifting it gingerly she realised it was beyond saving and dropped it.
‘That’s your jacket? Oh, God. Then please buy a new one and I’ll pay for it,’ Jack said, coming up behind her.
‘I don’t know...’
‘I insist. And I was also going to ask if you’d let me buy you dinner, as a thank you.’ He was close enough to touch and Tess, surprised, stepped back.
‘Well, that’s not necessary, but thank you. I...’
‘Please say yes. I owe you big time and I hate being in debt to anyone,’ he said, his eyes boring into hers. How could she refuse? She’d look churlish. And it might actually be fun.
‘Okay, if you insist,’ she said, with a smile.
‘Good. How about tomorrow night? I’ll pick you up at seven thirty from Andy’s. Okay?’
Blimey, he was sure of himself. But she didn’t have anything else on, even though it was Saturday night.
‘Yes, okay. Now I must go or Charlotte will wonder what’s kept me.’ With a quick nod, she moved past him and down the stairs to the entrance hall where her friend was looking bemused. Tess grabbed her arm and pushed her out the front door before muttering, ‘Jack’s invited me out to dinner tomorrow night. Says he owes me for what I did for Larry.’
‘Oh!’ Charlotte said, her mouth open in surprise. ‘Come on, let’s get in the car and you can tell me all about it.’
By the next morning Tess was having doubts about having dinner with Jack and said as much to Charlotte.
‘Honestly, Tess, don’t be a wimp! He’s a perfectly decent man and I’m sure will buy you a nice meal in a smart restaurant and may even prove to be a good conversationalist. What’s not to like? As I said to you yesterday, I think it’s a lovely gesture and if he does fancy you, well, it can lead to something else if you want it to. If not, you’ve had a pleasant evening.’ Charlotte stood in the kitchen, her arms crossed, the embodiment of an older sister, Tess thought, with a reluctant grin.
‘Okay, you win. I just think it could be awkward if we don’t hit it off and have to see each other while he works on my house.’
‘If that were the case I’d say it was more likely to be a problem for him, not you. You’re the client; you’re the boss. Now, what are you going to wear?’ Charlotte busied herself with the coffee machine while Tess collected the mugs. She hadn’t given clothes any thought. When she’d gone out in Exeter, whether with a boyfriend or girlfriends, she had generally plumped for jeans and a smart top. Comfort was more important than glamour.
‘I expect you’re going to say I can’t wear jeans?’ she said as Charlotte poured the coffee.
‘That’s hardly making an effort, is it? Jack’s only seen you in jeans so far and people usually dress up a bit on a Saturday night. At least, those without a toddler do,’ Charlotte said, wistfully.
‘I’m happy to babysit anytime if you and Andy want to go out–’
‘Thanks, I might hold you to that. But not tonight,’ her friend laughed, ‘tonight you’re Cinderella off to the ball and you must dress accordingly. Do you possess anything suitable?’
Tess mentally reviewed her wardrobe.
‘I do have a couple of dresses that might do, I suppose. But I’ll be pretty annoyed if Jack doesn’t make an effort.’
Charlotte nodded, sagely.
‘Oh, he will, don’t worry.’
After a day spent mainly outside, enjoying a bracing walk on Cobo beach and exploring the wooded area of the Guet, Tess was surprised to find herself looking forward to going out to dinner. Something normal and civilised after the events of the past weeks. After showering and washing her hair, she chose a short, slim-fitting dress in green which emphasised the green of her eyes. She styled her hair loose around her shoulders and applied a touch of make-up, accentuating her full mouth with lip gloss. To complete the outfit Tess chose nude high heels and matching bag. Studying her reflection in the full-length mirror she decided Charlotte would approve. As for Jack, well...
The doorbell rang on the dot at seven-thirty and Tess, who had been hovering in the drawing room, smoothed down her dress and went to answer it.
Jack stood with his hands in his pockets, looking relaxed but smart in a crisp white shirt, tailored jacket and slacks. A faint aroma of something woody drifted towards her. She took a deep breath.
‘Hi, you found us all right.’ Banal, but she didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t a date and it wasn’t business, either. She really would have to chill out or the evening would be a disaster.
‘Yes, no problem. Are you ready?’ Jack smiled, giving her an appraising look.
Feeling more confident, she said, ‘I’ll get my bag,’ and popped into the hall, catching a glimpse of Charlotte, peering round a door and giving her the thumbs up sign. Grinning, she waved and left.
‘I’ve booked a table at Fleur Du Jardin in Kings Mills. Do you know it?’ Jack said, opening the door of the Range Rover for her.
‘I don’t think so. I was too young for pubs when I left the island.’
He climbed into the driving seat and started the engine.
‘It’s more of a hotel with a damn good restaurant and bar and not far from here.’ He swung the car around and drove through the gates at the bottom of the drive and then turned right towards Rue D’Albecq. ‘Nice house they’ve got,’ he said, glancing towards her.
‘It’s beautiful, but what you’d expect for someone with Charlotte’s background and Andy’s experience as an architect. And I’m so grateful to them for putting me up.’
‘I’ve known Andy some years, but purely professionally. Always thought he was a decent bloke and Charlotte’s quite something, isn’t she?’
‘Yes, she is.’
They lapsed into silence as Jack negotiated the numerous bends and Tess enjoyed the chance to take in the scenery. It was a lovely evening, warm for June, and still light although the sun was hanging low on the horizon over Cobo bay.
‘I saw Larry today and he’s recovering well, going home tomorrow. He said to pass on his thanks to you both, although he doesn’t remember what happened after the fall. I told him you saved his life and he’s suitably grateful,’ Jack said, keeping his eyes on the road.
‘Oh, I’m so glad he’s better. I don’t expect he’ll be back at work yet; his wound will need time to heal.’
‘No, he’s been signed off and I’ve another guy coming in next week, hopefully a bit more sensible on ladders!’ he said, with a wry grin.
She smiled.
‘Ditto that!’
Again there was silence between them as Tess, for one, felt a tad uncomfortable in the intimate confines of the, admittedly large, car. It would be easier in the restaurant, she reasoned; more people, more space, food to focus on. Was Jack finding it awkward, too? He usually came across as uber confident, but that may be for work. Women might be a whole different scenario. She had asked Andy if he knew anything about Jack’s personal life and the only thing he could tell her was, to the best of his knowledge, Jack had never been married and had no kids. Which was something, she supposed, but not entirely reassuring. Tess gave herself a mental shake. Why did it matter? It was a ‘thank you’ meal, not a date. She spent the rest of the drive staring out of the window to avoid eye contact.
Jack slowed down as they came abreast of a lovely old farmhouse-style building and turned right into the car park. Tess had vague memories of passing this way as a girl, but didn’t think she’d ever been inside. Tables and chairs were set out on a terrace; some occupied with people enjoying a drink, others with plates of bar snacks.
The car park was busy but Jack found a space at the end of a row and pulled in.
‘We’re booked in the restaurant as it tends to get cool once the sun goes down, but I thought we could have a drink on the terrace first, if you’d like?’ he said, switching off the engine.
‘Lovely, thanks.’
She went to open her door, and before she could step down, Jack was there to help her.
‘Allow me.’ He smiled, offering her his hand.
His fingers were warm and strong and his touch sent a tingle through her veins. With a muttered, ‘thank you’, she stood on the gravel while he shut the door and locked the car. Jack led the way to the terrace to find a table. A waitress appeared and showed them to a table for two at the back before asking what they would like to drink.
‘Do you like cocktails?’ Jack asked, pulling her chair out.
‘Yes, I’d love a mojito, please.’
‘Good choice. We’ll have two mojitos, please,’ he said to the waitress.
‘This looks very nice. Is it a favourite of yours, Jack?’ she asked, gazing around her. The evening air was suffused with the aroma of garlic, fried fish and French fries from nearby tables and her mouth watered.
‘One of them. I live near the reservoir, just down the road. So, how long is it since you left Guernsey?’
She told him a little of her background and what a wrench it had been to leave, and how fortuitous it was to inherit her aunt’s house at this time.
‘Naturally I was sorry Doris died, but it sounds like she had severe health problems at the end and was struggling to cope. She didn’t let on or I’d have come over to see her. Makes me feel guilty about her leaving me the house.’ Tess bit her lip.
‘Old people can be very stubborn. My grandfather was too independent for his own good, living on his own in a cottage in Torteval and telling us he was managing fine. Then one day my mother went round without warning and found him passed out in his chair, drunk, an empty bottle of whisky on the floor.’ Jack paused as the waitress arrived with their drinks and copies of the menu.
As they picked up their mojitos, Jack said, ‘Santé!’ as he touched her glass with his.
‘Santé!’ she replied, and took a sip. ‘Delicious, thanks. What happened to your grandfather?’
‘My parents thought it was best if he went into a home as they were still working full-time and couldn’t look after him. He died a few months later. Nice old boy, taught me to fish when I was a kid. But life goes on, eh?’ He twirled his glass, looking thoughtful.
‘Are your parents still around?’
Jack looked up.
‘They’re alive, for sure, but moved to Australia when they retired about five years ago. My dad’s brother married my mum’s sister, they actually had a double wedding, and my aunt and uncle emigrated soon after. So when my parents retired they went over to join them in the sun. Can’t say as I blame them.’
‘Are you the only one here? No siblings or cousins?’
‘All alone, I’m an only child. But it’s fine, I’ve loads of friends and in such a small place you’re never really alone, are you?’
‘Suppose not.’ Tess felt a pang of sympathy for him, knowing how much she missed her brother.
Jack handed her a menu.
‘We’ll need to order soon, I can see the waitress watching us. And I can recommend everything; I’ve never had a duff meal here.’
Tess studied the choice. It all looked so good.
‘If you like tapas, I’m happy to share,’ Jack said, nodding towards the choice of starters.
They agreed on tapas to start and Tess chose slow braised lamb shank while Jack plumped for the fish pie. He ordered a glass of red wine for Tess and mineral water for himself. While they waited to be called to their table in the restaurant Jack asked Tess about her family. She told him about her brother in Canada and her parents in Exeter, not mentioning they were heading for divorce. Much too personal.
‘In a way, you’re in a similar position to me. On your own on the Rock, except your parents are a short flight away.’
‘I guess. My father’s coming over for a few days next week and he’s keen to see the house. He misses Guernsey much more than my mum does.’ Tess drained her glass as the waitress came to lead them inside. Jack had been right, the air was cooling and few tables remained occupied. They passed through a traditional, cosy beamed bar set with tables for diners, mostly occupied, into the large, light-filled restaurant with a pale painted ceiling and wooden floor. The girl took them to their table near a window and Jack helped Tess into her chair.
A waiter arrived with the drinks and a moment later the tapas, on a large board, were placed in the centre of the table.
‘This looks incredible,’ Tess said, admiring the choice, including chicken liver parfait, baked Camembert, smoked salmon, and garlic bread and dips.
‘Tuck in, before I beat you to it.’ Jack grinned as he spooned Camembert onto his plate.
The food, and the wine, helped Tess to unwind and she was pleasantly surprised to find Jack good company. When he asked a question, he actually listened to her answer, and was more interested in letting her talk than he was in talking himself. Made a nice change from some of the blokes she’d dated recently. Not that this was a date, but still, a man and a woman having a cosy dinner together wasn’t exactly business, was it?
‘What made you choose a place near the reservoir? I’d imagined you in one of those swish new apartments going up in Town,’ she said later, as they waited for the main course to arrive.
‘I may be a developer, but I prefer old properties to new. A run-down cottage in a quiet lane came up for sale a few years ago and I bought it as a personal project. I spent most weekends working on it over many months, wanting to do virtually everything myself.’ He scratched his chin, adding, ‘To be honest, I was trying to impress someone with how clever I was, but it didn’t work. On the plus side I ended up with a home I’m proud of, built almost entirely by my own not-so-fair hands.’
‘That’s impressive. A true Jack of all trades, then?’ she teased him.
He laughed.
‘You could say that. But in my case, a master of many. Perhaps I’ll show you sometime, get your opinion on my workmanship.’
Tess was taken aback. Was he thinking they might see each other again? Like a date? Did it mean this dinner was an excuse to see if they clicked? It put a whole new take on things and Tess was both flattered and wary. She was saved from answering with the arrival of the main courses, served by two waiters. The lamb shank oozed a heady bouquet of red wine and herbs and Tess couldn’t wait to tuck in, glad of the excuse not to talk.
After a few minutes of them both focusing on their food, Jack asked her how much she thought Guernsey had changed since she left. Feeling less sure of revealing her thoughts on anything now, she admitted for one thing she wasn’t impressed with the modernisation of the market area.
Jack agreed with her and then went on to explain some of the concerns of islanders, particularly in regard to locals being priced out of affordable housing, and how he would like the opportunity to build low-cost houses for those on lower incomes. Tess could only applaud his ideas and they became drawn into a discussion of what should change. By the time they finished the meal, she was surprised how quickly the time had passed and, in spite of her mixed feelings about Jack, how much she had enjoyed herself. And how extremely attractive he was. Drinking her coffee, she cast a sly glance at him as he settled the bill. He smiled at the waitress as he said how much they’d enjoyed the food. Then he turned his warm brown eyes on her.
‘Ready?’
She nodded and he came round to pull her chair out before gently resting his hand under her elbow as they threaded their way out. Jack nodded to a few other diners on the way, but didn’t stop to talk to anyone. Tess was glad, not sure how he would have introduced her. A client? A friend? The woman who saved his workman’s life? Outside, she shivered as the cool air encircled her.
‘Cold? Here, let me.’ Jack removed his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. ‘Better?’
‘Yes, thanks.’
He steered her to the car, saying, ‘You should buy yourself a jacket, and I’ll reimburse you, like I said.’ Opening the door, his hand rested on her back as she stepped in.
‘I will.’ She settled into her seat, hugging the jacket around her as she breathed in Jack’s scent embedded in the material. Something woody, masculine, with a hint of lime. Nice. Her stomach fluttered.
He climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine before pressing some buttons on the elaborate dashboard.
‘Right, heating and music’s on. Let’s go.’ He reversed out of the space as the sound of Coldplay’s ‘Paradise’ filled the air. Tess tapped her feet to the music as Jack drove onto the road. ‘You approve of my choice?’ he asked, glancing at her.
‘Yes, it’s one of my favourites.’
‘Good, we have something in common.’
Tess merely nodded, enjoying the sensation of being snuggled up in his jacket a mere inches away from him. A very different sensation than when he picked her up.
It seemed only a matter of minutes before Jack pulled into Charlotte’s drive and parked near the front door. Lights glimmered through the curtains downstairs, and glancing at her watch, Tess was amazed to see it was only ten o’clock. Jack came round to open the door and help her out. She removed his jacket and handed it to him.
‘Thanks for a lovely evening, Jack. I...I really enjoyed it.’
He shrugged into his jacket and moved closer to her.
‘You’re very welcome. And I enjoyed your company. Perhaps we could do it again sometime?’ He put his hands on her arms and brought his face close to hers. Her heart hammered.
‘Yes, I’d...like that, thank you.’
‘Well, no doubt we’ll be seeing each other soon, we’ll arrange something then. Goodnight, Tess.’ He dropped a kiss on each cheek and pulled back, smiling.
‘Goodnight, Jack.’ Tess returned the smile and hurried to the front door, shivering from the cool air or...what? She wasn’t sure.