Page 67 of The Black Trilogy

“Can’t you just call an ambulance?” she demanded, some of her attitude coming back. “One of those helicopter ones.”

“We’re half a mile into dense woodland. Where exactly do you think it would land?”

“Fine. A normal ambulance, then.”

“Which would have to drive a couple of miles up a rutted track in the snow. Not gonna happen, sweetheart. Plus, I lost phone signal at the start of that track, so I can’t call anyone from here, anyway.”

“You’re not being very sympathetic.”

“Nope. Sympathy isn’t one of my strong points. Getting things done is.”

“So what are you going to do? It’ll be dark soon, and there are wild animals out here.”

“The worst thing in these woods is a fox, and I can guarantee it’ll be more scared of you than you are of it. Now, let me look at your arm and ankle.”

Tia finally shut up and let me examine her. She shrieked when I touched her ankle, making Majesty leap in alarm, but at least she didn’t get too hysterical.

“Your arm’s broken. It’ll need to be pinned. I think your ankle’s just badly sprained.”

“So now what?”

“I’m going to strap up your arm then you can sit on Majesty while I lead you back to civilisation.”

“I’m not riding that evil horse! He bucks and rears.”

“Yes, I found that out first-hand, but he’s tired now. He’ll be fine if I lead him.” I gave her a saccharine smile. “Or you can wait here while I go for help.”

“Wait here? On my own?”

“There’s a few spiders around. Maybe some rats. They’ll keep you company.”

“You’ll have to help me get on.”

I found a straight branch to act as a splint, then bandaged Tia’s arm and ankle so they were supported. I gave her my jacket, and with the buttons done halfway up, it formed a makeshift sling. A handy log provided a step for her to get on board, I handed her the phone to watch for a signal, and we set off down the hill. Majesty pricked his ears forward, eager to be heading home. I knew that feeling. It was colder than Southern Siberia out here.

We’d got halfway along the track when Tia broke the silence. Good things never lasted.

“Why did you come?”

“What do you mean?”

“To find me. Why did you come to find me? I mean, you hate me, so why are you helping?”

“I don’t hate you.” It took a lot for me to hate someone, and usually resulted in the loss of body parts. “I care about your brother, and he’s worried sick about you.”

“But you must hate me.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I’ve been really nasty to you.”

“Yes, you have, and I’ll confess you didn’t exactly endear yourself when you got me sacked, but I can understand why you did it. You were looking out for your brother, in your own way, and you’re scared of losing him.”

My words must have hit close to home because a tear rolled from her eye.

“He’s all I’ve got. Apart from Mother, who ignores me, and Arabella, who only likes me when I’m wearing the right clothes and the latest accessories.”

“How about other friends at school?”

“Mother made me go to private school. It’s two towns away, and nobody except Arabella lives near here. They all hang out together after school, but I have to come home.”

“Can’t you go out with them in the evenings sometimes?”

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