Page 125 of Heart of The Night

John waved a hand in the air. ‘I’m not a criminal law expert, but I know it depends on several factors, such as the extent of William’s injuries, whether Oliver is deemed a general danger to society, his criminal record, and whether he deliberately sought William out. Basically, it’s complicated. But he’s likely to serve a good few years at least.’

Dr Patel brushed away a lock of raven hair that had escaped her ponytail. ‘Fortunately, William’s assailant was interrupted in the nick of time – William will recover. However, we’ll be keeping him under observation in the intensive care unit for another three days to guard against infection and to monitor his head injury. After that, he’ll need to be transferred to another hospital that can offer the extended care he requires.’

Nodding, Jason folded his arms. ‘Has he said anything since he woke up?’

Dr Patel’s gaze flickered briefly toward me. ‘He’s asked what happened and where he is. After we explained to the best of our ability, he asked about Cara. He was worried she’d been harmed as well.’

I froze, my breath hitching in my throat. Words failed me; I was completely overtaken by the realisation that, amidst his own pain and confusion, William’s thoughts had turned to me. My heart swelled painfully with concern and love, the emotions surging through me with overwhelming force.

‘Oh, Cara,’ Daphné said softly, rubbing my back. ‘He’ll be so relieved to see you safe and sound.’

Dr Patel gave me a reassuring smile before addressing everyone. ‘You’re welcome to see him now, but I must insist that only two of you go in at a time, per the hospital’s rules. The rest of you will need to wait your turn to visit, which won’t be until tomorrow at the earliest. And please, be very gentle with him – he’s still experiencing some confusion.’

‘Only two?’ Jason frowned with disappointment. ‘Please, Dr Patel. Will would want to see all of us.’

She hesitated, her pause igniting a flicker of hope in me.

‘Can’t you make an exception?’ Jason implored. ‘Just for a few minutes. Ten, tops.’

Daphné gestured to Jason as she looked pleadingly at Dr Patel. ‘We’re basically two doctors here – we know how to handle him.’

‘And I’ve only just completed a placement in A&E,’ Jason added desperately.

‘All right,’ Dr Patel said, glancing toward the door leading to the major trauma centre. ‘Ten minutes, but not a second more.’ She turned back to us with a small, empathetic smile.

‘Thank you,’ Jason said on a loud breath of relief. ‘You’re an angel, Dr Patel.’

Pivoting on her heel, she led us to the major trauma centre. She swiped her card to open the door and guided us down the corridor to a small room.

‘Put on an apron, please, and make sure to sanitise your hands,’ she instructed. We quickly followed her directions, slipping on aprons and rubbing sanitiser into our hands. Once everyone was ready, she led us to a closed grey door marked with the number 125.

‘He’s resting in here,’ she said, gesturing toward the door. ‘Please, do not sit on the bed as it can spread germs. I must also ask you not to touch him too much, and to avoid touching any medical equipment he’s connected to, like the drip and catheter, as this can cause infections.’

We all nodded in understanding.

‘Ten minutes,’ she reiterated firmly, then opened the door for us.

‘Not a second longer,’ Jason promised.

John and Daphné entered first.

‘Mum? Dad?’ I heard William say, and my face twisted at the sound. His voice, normally filled with unshakeable confidence, was now hoarse and fragile, jolting me with its vulnerability. The stark transformation made my heart lurch, my eyes brimming with fresh tears. Until that moment, I hadn’t fully realised how profoundly every part of him, no matter how small, affected me. Just hearing him speak again was nearly enough to make me sob. After all the turmoil, it seemed like years had passed since I last heard his voice, and I had feared I might never hear it again.

‘Hello, darling,’ Daphné replied gently.

‘We’re here, chap,’ John said.

Jason, his eyes glistening with tears, gave my back a reassuring pat. ‘Let’s go, then,’ he said and walked into the room.

‘Jason, too?’ William sounded surprised.

‘The son of Jay has arrived, indeed. At your service,’ Jason quipped, though the joke failed to elicit a laugh from William. Had he forgotten that moment of banter?

‘Where’s Cara?’ William’s voice grew tense. Anxious.

‘She’s…’ Jason paused, glancing back at me standing in the doorway. ‘Come on, then.’

Taking a deep breath to steel myself against the surge of emotions, I stepped forward. I needed to remain composed, for William.

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