Page 45 of Mistaken Intention

I hadn’t realized he and Drew had a sister, but I do my best to hide my surprise. “What about her?”

“Ella lives at the house in Newport, too. That’s to say, she’s got an apartment in the main building. She lives there with her fiancé, Mac, and their baby boy. But the doctor’s just said it’sprobably going to be best if she keeps her distance for a while. Is that right?”

I nod my head as I recall him mentioning someone called Ella on the day of the accident. I think I heard the name ‘Mac’, too, although I can’t be sure. “Yes,” I say. “It’s best to let Drew call the shots… to come to her when he’s ready.” He lets out a sigh. “I’m sorry. I know it’s gonna be hard for her, just like it is for you, but he needs time, and to be honest, his recovery needs to be managed.”

“What do you mean?”

I wonder if I should have said anything, but I’ve started now, so I may as well go on. “Drew’s got a lot to cope with. He’s got short-term and long-term memory problems.”

“Is that why he couldn’t remember me being here with Livia the other night?”

“Yes, and to be honest, reminding him won’t help. That’s why I stepped in just now. He remembered your visit at the time, because he asked about you later on that night, but the memory is gone now, and in reality, he’s got bigger things to recall… like who he is, who you are, and what your relationship is to him, as opposed to why you were here.”

“I see.” He nods his head. “We’ll be guided by you, Josie.”

That’s a relief. “I can’t claim to be as knowledgeable as Doctor Sweeney, but I can promise to put your brother’s needs first. You might not always agree with what I’m doing, but…”

“No,” he says, interrupting me. “If it’s in Drew’s best interests, we’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll call ahead before we leave and let Ella and Livia know what’s happening. They’ve been going quietly insane over the last couple of days, but hopefully, the relief that Drew’s coming home will be enough to appease them for now. I’ll also arrange for the kitchen at the cottage to be re-stocked with food.”

“Re-stocked?”

“Yeah.” He nods his head. “Drew asked me to get our housekeeper to stock it up for him before his flight back from Rome, but after the accident, she divided the contents of Drew’s fridge between the main house and Ella’s apartment, rather than just let everything go to waste.”

“I see. So, can Drew cook?” I ask him.

“Yes. Why? Can’t you?”

“I can. I just wondered whether he could. It might be a good trigger for him.”

“Oh, I see. He likes to cook, but never had much time to do it.” He pulls two phones from his back pocket, shaking his head. “I’m getting into such a muddle. They gave me Drew’s phone, but it’s identical to mine.” He looks up. “To be honest, I’d turn his off, but I guess I shouldn’t in case someone important calls, wanting to know how he is.”

“It’s probably wise.”

He pockets one phone, looking down at the other. “I’ll give you my number and if you need anything or you have any questions about him… about how he was before the accident, just call me.”

“Okay.” I pull out my phone, adding his number to my contacts. “Do you want to take mine, too?” He nods his head, putting it into his phone. “And I guess you’d better give me your address in Newport so I can drive down there.”

He frowns. “Sorry… I kinda took it for granted you were gonna come with us. Drew would be more comfortable with you in the car, wouldn’t he?”

“Yes, but I’ll need to go home and collect some things.”

“That’s okay. I’d assumed you would. I thought we could go there first and then I’d drive us all to the house in Drew’s car. It’s more practical than my Ferrari, and I figured that way, he’ll have a vehicle in Newport if he feels like driving anywhere himself.”

I shake my head. “He won’t be driving for a while, but maybe sitting in a familiar car will help. It might trigger a memory. Did he used to enjoy driving?”

“Yeah, he did. He’s had quite a few cars over the years, but he bought the Range Rover because he can fit all his equipment inside.”

“His photographic equipment?” I ask and he nods.

“Yeah. When Drew’s ready, I’ll drive us all over to your place. You can pack whatever you need, and I’ll take us to Newport.”

“Thank you.”

He frowns, shaking his head. “Don’t thank me, Josie. What you’re doing for Drew… for all of us…” His voice cracks and I put my hand on his arm.

“It’ll be okay.”

“I know. I just hate that he has no idea who we are… or who Maisie is.”

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