Page 38 of Fast Track to Forever
There's a strangled noise from Nikos’s direction. Both John and I turn to look.
Nikos snaps like a twig and collapses to the ground with a sob. His uncle is on the ground, almost unconscious. I exhale and get up to see what's got into him.
I pat his back uncomfortably. “Hey man, it's okay. Kat's dad had a lot on his plate, with the flour mill being closed. He’s going to be okay.”
Nikos sobs even harder. “I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry. It shouldn't have come to this.”
John narrows his eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Yeah, Nikos, what do you mean?” The concern I’d felt for Nikos is churning into something else—dread. This isn’t a man concerned for his uncle. This is a man who’s done something wrong.
Nikos blows his nose on his sleeve. “Whenshefirst told me about it, it sounded like a little harmless fun. Earn some money,take you two down a peg or two… I didn't want to hurt anyone, I swear!” He sobs again.
The ambulance siren draws closer, and they park up behind us. I sigh and toss the keys to John.
“Okay, I'm going now. Talk to John. John, tell me what's up later. I know it's going to give me a headache.”
John nods before he hoists Nikos up, and takes him back to the car.
The paramedics transfer Mr. Featherstone to the ambulance. I purse my lips, and climb in, while dialing Kat's number.
“Liefie… don’t be scared.”
“Oh God. What do you mean, Will?”
I shouldn’t have started with that. I swallow. “Your dad is going to A&E.” Something catches in her throat, and all I hear is a raw, aching cry that terrifies me. “I’m with him in the ambulance. I’ll see you there.”
“Yes… yes.” But her voice is muted, like she’s somewhere else far away.
“I love you.”
But the only answer I get is silence. She’s already hung up. I shove my phone in my pocket, knowing Kat’s scared voice will forever give me nightmares.
I lean back in the ambulance. I need to stay strong for her. Then I can investigate what Nikos was saying.
Chapter 15
29th December
Queenstown, NZ
Kat
The hospital roomis white and sterile, the walls lined with machines and monitors with blinking lights. The sharp edges of medical equipment glint under the fluorescent lights, casting a cold, clinical glow.
Inhale, exhale. Stay strong for mum. I can only fake cheerfulness so long. My cheeks hurt from the forced smiles.
My face droops, but I readjust it to at least half a smile. My mum caresses my dad's forehead, as he lays on the hospital bed. One of the very few tender moments I've ever witnessed between them.
“Will helped me, darling.” My dad sounds fatigued but impressed.
“Shhh, yes,” my mom says. “Good they found you. Now rest, darling. The doctor said it's not a heart attack, just angina. You need to go on a diet and take it easy. Now close your eyes, I'll be close by.”
“Is Kat okay?”
I step closer. “I'm right here, Dad. I'll go home soon though now that I know you're better.”
My dad nods and closes his eyes.
