Page 111 of A Long Way Back
Only the slight change in Ink’s breathing told Tay he’d heard what he’d said.
“Sleep now. I’ll look after you.”
Ink let out a shaky exhalation.“You don’t need me messing up your life.”
“You’re exactly what I need.”
TAY WAS WOKEN BY HIS phone vibrating in his pocket. He rolled away from Ink and pulled it out. It was his mother. Tay didn’t want to wake Ink so he grabbed his crutch and moved into the hall before he answered.
“Hi, just give me a minute.” He made his way to the main room and sat on the couch. “Hi, mum.”
“You’re on speaker. Your dad is listening too. Oh my God, Tay. How could you think we wouldn’t find out?”
His heart jolted. “Find out what?”
“What happened at Covent Garden,” she said. “It’s all over the news. Ink was like a…ninja. Are they the ones who wield the sticks? Is he okay? You didn’t tell us he’d been stabbed. Were you stabbed? Do we need to fly back?”
Tay reeled under the questions, but realised Ink’s biggest secret was safe. “No, you donotneed to fly back. I wasn’t stabbed. Ink got me out of the way. He saved my life. He stood between me and the guy with the knife and if it hadn’t been for Ink, a lot more people would have been injured. It was the bravest thing I’ve ever seen anyone do.”
His mother gave a muffled sob.
His father exhaled. “How badly was Ink hurt?”
“He was stabbed in the back twice. I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d worry. He lost a lot of blood, but he’s going to be fine.”
Tay wasn’t going to give away Ink’s secret. Maybe no one would find out. A plan was forming in his mind.
“If he’s been injured, who’s going to help you?” his mum asked. “Should we callHelperagain?”
“No,” Tay said quickly. “I’m feeling much better. Only using one crutch now. I’ve made a few decisions. I’m not going to stay in London.”
“Good,” his parents said at the same time.
“I can stay at the house, right? I have a key. Is the alarm code the same?”
“Yes,” his father said.
“Ask your sisters to get food in,” his mum said. “When you do think you’ll go home?”
“I’m not sure. I have stuff to sort out here.”
“When Ink comes out of hospital, will you call us so we can speak to him?” his mum asked.
“Yes.”
“Are you taking Ink north with you?” she whispered.
“Yes. And Dog.”
She laughed. “Keep us up to date with what’s going on.”
“I will and one thing… No matter what you hear, you’re not to come home early.” Should he have said that much?
“What does that mean?” His father’s voice was sharp.
“It means exactly what I said. Unless I specifically ask you to come back, please, please don’t.”
“What are you not telling us?” His mum sounded worried.
