Page 36 of Your Carriage Awaits in Crumbleton
‘Maybe you could start by having a look through the menu I’ve put together?’ said Michelle, bouncing to her feet. ‘I know I chose for you… but have a peep and let me know what you’d?—’
Michelle paused with the two laminated menus in her hand. Her phone had just started to buzz on the counter where she’d left it.
‘Sorry. Let me just put that on silent.’ She hurried over and frowned as she caught sight of the screen.
Danny Dalton.
‘Actually… sorry, guys,’ she said quickly, popping the menus on the table. ‘I should probably take this. Be right back.’
‘Go,’ said her dad, waving his Coke bottle cheerfully in the air. ‘We’re fine here!’
Her mum nodded, taking an enthusiastic bite of her burger, her eyes already scanning the menu.
Michelle dashed out of the room and hurtled along the hallway into the living room, pulling the door carefully closed behind her.
‘Danny?’
‘Michelle? Thank God. I’m really sorry to bother you, but I need to ask a massive favour.’ He sounded stressed, maybe even a bit panicked.
‘What’s wrong? Is it your dad?’
‘No, well, yes, but not in a bad way,’ said Danny. He blew out a long breath, clearly trying to calm down. ‘The hospital just called. He’s ready to be discharged. Finally. But they want him collected within the hour or he’ll have to stay another night.’
‘That’s brilliant news! Isn’t it?’ she paused. ‘Why do I sense there’s abut?’
‘Because there is abut,’ said Danny. ‘A big fat one. I’m on a call-out the other side of Crumbleton Sands. It’s going to take me at least another hour to get it sorted out and towed back. Total nightmare job.’
‘Oh no, that sounds… frustrating?’ said Michelle.
‘A tad!’ sighed Danny. ‘The thing is, Dad’s been desperate to get out of there all day. If I don’t show up soon, he’s threatened to discharge himself and walk home.’
‘He wouldn’t actually do that, would he?’ said Michelle.
‘Oh, he absolutely would. Stubborn old git.’ Danny let out a tired laugh. ‘Look, I know this is a huge ask, but… is there any chance you’d collect him for me? I’d call a taxi, but?—’
‘But my dad’s the only driver in town,’ Michelle finished for him.
‘Exactly. And I can’t exactly ask Brian Singer to do me a favour, can I?’ Danny sighed again. ‘Besides, even if your dadwasup for it, I’m not sure we should be testingmydad’s blood pressure limits right now.’
‘Good point,’ said Michelle. ‘But won’t me turning up in the Buick be just as bad? I mean… I’m a Singer too. He doesn’t know I’ve got the car.’
‘Actually, he does,’ said Danny. ‘I came clean when I visited him earlier.’
‘You did?’ said Michelle in surprise. ‘How did he take it?’
‘Weirdly, he was kind of chuffed that you’re using it,’ said Danny.
‘Really?’
‘Yep. Trust me, I was as surprised as you are!’
Michelle shook her head. Her mind was racing. Pick up Keith Dalton from hospital? The man her dad had been feuding with for decades? It sounded like a disaster waiting to happen. A bad, bad,badidea. But… it was also completely necessary.
‘Look, I’m really sorry to ask…’ said Danny, sounding desperate.
‘It’s no problem,’ said Michelle quickly. ‘Of course I’ll do it, as long as you think it won’t push him over the edge. Where do I need to go?’
‘You’re a lifesaver,’ said Danny. ‘He’s in the cardiac ward, Purple Zone, room twelve. His name’s Keith Dalton… obviously. Just tell them you’re there to collect him on behalf of his son.’
