Page 17 of New Year, New Guy
‘That’s appalling.’
‘Yeah, well, they weren’t as aware of the possible long-term effects I guess.’
‘You need to be aware of any memory problems, trouble concentrating, personality changes and sudden sensitivity to light and noise.’ Laura sounded stern. ‘There are other symptoms too. I recommend regular check-ups because the sooner your doctor finds out something is wrong the more treatment options they have.’
‘Yes ma’am.’ Hunter closed his eyes and rested his aching head back on the pillow. Time to use the worn out patient card in case she started questioning him about his family again.
‘Sorry, you must be exhausted. I’m always telling hospital visitors to be considerate and I should take my own recommendations.’ Her cool fingers stroked his dry skin and Hunter felt like the lowest form of pond life. ‘They’ll ring me if your condition changes, otherwise I’ll be back in tonight around seven.’ Laura’s smile deepened. ‘If it’s any consolation none of the staff touches the mystery mince either.’
‘I don’t mean to be . . .’
‘. . . obtuse? Awkward? Secretive?’
‘The truth isn’t overly exciting.’
‘It often isn’t, but we still avoid telling it because we’re stubborn creatures.’ Laura fixed him with her gimlet stare. ‘Have you managed to recall any details yet of who did this to you?’
‘Nope.’
‘You’re an appalling liar. I can’t imagine why you won’t say.’
With a silent shrug he closed his eyes again and willed her to leave. He didn’t have the strength to lie again.
* * *
Laura couldn’t decide why his lie bothered her so much because this time next week Hunter’s brief foray into her life would be history.Really?She strode out of the ward without a backward glance and on the way to the car her mobile rang.
‘What’s the silly bugger done now?’ Johnny asked.
‘What particular silly bugger are we talking about?’ As if she didn’t know.
‘Pete Richards told me Hunter is taking up one of our scarce hospital beds.’
Trust the chatty young nurse’s reach to spread as far as the hospital’s finance department, Johnny’s domain. ‘Someone jumped him outside A&E and we’re keeping him overnight because he’s got a concussion.’
‘So he won’t be well enough to “surprise” me at the party tomorrow?’ Johnny scoffed. ‘Typical.’
‘I’ll break the news to Polly because you’re not supposed to know he’s here.’
‘Is he well enough for visitors?’
‘Not if you’re going to upset him.’
‘I wouldn’t!’
‘I mean it. They might let you pop in for a few minutes but if you cause any trouble, Senior Charge Nurse Painter will throw you out on your ear.’
‘He’s on Dracula’s ward?’
‘Yes.’ Leo Painter’s reputation was legendary. ‘I’m off home now before I drop, and I’ll ring Polly when I get there. I’ll see you at the Acropolis tomorrow.’
Half an hour later she’d changed into her old, blue flannel pyjamas and made a steaming mug of tea loaded with sugar.Before she had time to ring Polly her sister burst into the house in a whirlwind of white-hot anger and tears.
‘How could he not tell me something that important? He’s supposed to love me.’
* * *
Hunter studied the stream of visitors coming in and out before spying the ideal person for his mission. He couldn’t easily get the man’s attention at the nurses’ station because he’d been forbidden to leave his bed under threat of death. A slight exaggeration but the intimidating Leo Painter was only a few centimetres shorter than Hunter and weighed considerably more meaning he wasn’t about to take the chance.
