Page 32 of Doc Defence

“Sure. Is there anything you need to do here?”

Hel shook her head. “No. We need to come back tomorrow in daylight, and the firies will take us into what’s left of the house.”

She was going to have nothing left, absolutely nothing. Everything she had collected in her thirty-five years of life was in that house. All her trinkets, certificates, jewellery, everything. She sniffed deeply, trying to stop the tears that threatened to escape.

“Let’s go. I’m exhausted, and you must feel even worse.” Clara reached down and took hold of her friend’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

“Yeah. I feel like crap.” Now the shock was wearing off, the chill of the night was beginning to seep into her bones, making her shiver.

Clara gently tugged on her hand, leading her over to her car.

Hel did a double take when she saw the brand-new car. “What happened to the shit box?”

Clara flushed scarlet and mumbled, “Taylor bought me this for my birthday.” She gestured to the shiny new BMW that was fitted with all the extras.

“That’s so great!” Hel was genuinely delighted for her friend.

It warmed her heart to see how in love Clara and Taylor were. It made her twinge a little in jealousy, but that was okay. She could be happy for her friend and a little sad for herself at the same time.

“Yeah. But it’s a little…” Clara paused, “extra.”

“Is that why you didn’t tell us?” Hel pulled the car door open, sniffing the new car smell which wafted from inside. She then inhaled her own scent. Smoke, lots of smoke. She shouldn’t get into her friend’s new car stinking like a house fire.

Clara pointed at the hospital blanket already covering the passenger seat. “I came prepared. You must be freezing. Get in.”

Hel only hesitated for a moment longer before she hopped into the car. Luxuriating in the plush interior, she ran a hand over the dashboard in appreciation.

Clicking her seat belt on and turning to her friend, who was staring straight ahead in embarrassment, she murmured, “This is nice.”

“I know,” Clara mumbled, pulling out into the road.

CHAPTER 12

FROST

Frostrolledoverinthe bed and groaned. He hurt all over, but the worst was the constant aching pain in his leg. It felt like someone was drilling into it.

He grabbed the button they had given him, staring at it. He couldn’t remember what they said it was for, but he knew it was important. Maybe it called the nurse?

“That’s for your pain,” a dry voice said from next to him.

Frost knew the voice, but in his hazy state, it took him a moment to recognise it.

“Coach?” he croaked.

“The one and only.” Coach Morgan reached forward and patted him on the shoulder. “They let me stay for a while. I’m supposed to tell you to press the button regularly, and it’ll give you a dose of painkillers.”

“Thanks.” Frost immediately pressed the button, hoping the relief would be instant.

But nothing happened, so he dropped it, his head flopped back on the pillow, and a huff of disappointment escaped his lips.

“They said it takes five minutes to kick in, and when the light goes back on, you can take another hit.” The coach placed the button back into his hand.

“Thanks.” Frost stared down at the button, waiting for it to light up again.

“How are you feeling?” Coach Morgan enquired.

“Like total…” he paused. “Do you mind if I swear?” The Coach was a stickler for ‘polite language’ as he worded it.

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