Page 48 of The Vow We Made
There’s a sigh down the line and her voice is calmer. “You’re right, I tend to over-react. I’m sorry and I’ll do everything I can to help.”
The line goes silent while I wonder if the question on the tip of my tongue is appropriate, but my curiosity gets the better of me. “Steph, do you know what Victoria was doing in London? She wasn’t due back from Glasgow until tomorrow, so I’m curious.”
“She came back early to surprise you.” I can tell by the tone of her voice, she must be smiling, but guilt is the only thing I feel. “Fuck.” Victoria went out of her way to get back to me, only to suffer the most severe consequences.
“What’s wrong–” Steph is interrupted and I swear I hear my brothers voice in the background.
“Here you go treacle. Coffee, black. I don’t know how you drink this shit.”
“Shh, I’m on the phone,” Steph whispers before returning to our conversation. “I spoke to her briefly while she was on her way home. She wanted to meet you at the end of your shift.”
I’m about to respond when I hear Will again. “Me and your shit black coffee will be outside. Come and find me when you’re done.”
“Steph? Is my brother with you?” I’d recognise his voice anywhere, so I know damn well he is.
She laughs nervously. “What?”
“Is Will with you? I swear it was his voice I heard.”
“Oh, yes. He umm… I mean, yes. He came because I called him. I thought you might need some help. You know, emotionally.”
“Right.” I’m not buying this bullshit but, if Will can help her, then who am I to judge? “Lucky you had his number,” I tease and her silence says it all. “Tell him I’m fine, but it sounds as if he wants to hang around and keep you company.”
She replies with a shy giggle, “Now why would he want to do that?”
“I have no idea Steph, but I thought you might.” She giggles again. “Steph, I’m sorry I have to go, but I’ll check in with you later.”
“You’re running out on me again? That’s twice in a day. I’ll be getting a complex,” she protests, but the humour in her voice is obvious.
“At least you’re not on your own this time. I’m sure my brother can take care of any concerns in that area. Bye Steph.” I cut the line before she can utter another word and I get the feeling I’ll pay for my comment another time.
VICTORIA
“All I remember is the blaze of car horns and sudden screech of breaks, then I screamed like I’ve never screamed before, because I knew something was about to happen, but couldn’t stop it. The whole thing played out in slow motion, does that make sense?”
Officer Hasting’s briefly smiles. “You’re clearly exhausted Miss West and I think I’ve asked everything I need to. Sorry to make you go over it again, but it’s important in case you remember anything more.”
“I understand officer.” I can’t wait for the questioning to be over. The police have been fantastic and so kind, but I want to forget that horrible day as quickly as I can.
“You’ll be pleased to know we can wrap this up from here. I’ll just require the address of where you’ll be staying,” he asks, looking between me and mum. I haven’t given any thought to how I’m going to get about now my leg is in plaster for the best part of two months.
“We haven’t discussed where she’ll recover,” my mum answers, “but we can contact you when it’s been decided.”
“Thank you, madam. Just call the station when you’re ready and if you do happen to remember anything further, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.”
“I will and thank you, Officer Hastings.”
Sadly, the police have little to go on. Whoever it was on the motorbike was now untraceable. I’m told after the bike skidded across the road, the rider miraculously got up and drove straight off while the guy driving the car involved was so shaken, he doesn’t remember a thing. The street cameras picked up the accident, but only an unclear side view and not one witness managed to get the number plate of the motorbike. It’s another unsolved hit and run and I doubt there is anything more the police can do about it.
As soon as the officer has left my side, Mum is straight on the case. “Why don’t you come home for a while? Dad and I can take care of you.”
“Thanks, Mum. Can I think about it?”
“Of course.” She’s seems very calm all things considered. She panicked when I had to stay in hospital overnight and inside she’s probably bursting at the seams to get me back in the family home. I’m not sure it’s what I want at this stage and I have so much to sort out, I don’t know where to start.
I don’t have time to make a mental list because Steph has just arrived with Dr Trevelyan. She went to stretch her legs 20 minutes ago and now she’s back with my handsome doctor who, by the way, has been incredible and talked me through what was happening with my broken ankle from start to finish. Now he’s listing the rest of my minor injuries, but it’s the one on my face I’m unsure about. I have a full pad of dressing under my eye and no idea of the severity of my wound. He’s given me a mirror, which I’m hesitant to use, but I tell myself how lucky I am to be here. My injuries could have been much worse and I’ve got off lightly.
My doctor carefully removes the pad and underneath are four small strips of plaster.
