Chapter 57 Anna
Chapter 57
Anna
I’m sure I spot a shadow moving behind the shutters in Margot’s lounge. I know Nicu and the kids haven’t returned, so it can only be her. But she’s not answering the door. And she hasn’t replied to my messages for days.
It takes two more knocks – much louder this time – before finally the door opens a crack. In even this limited view of her, she looks worse than she did the last time I saw her. Her eyes are bloodshot, her make-up smeared and her unruly hair makes her looks like something the cat dragged in, ate, then vomited up. It’s clear she’s taking the split with Nicu badly.
However, I’m struggling to revel in her misery like I once would have. And I don’t know if it’s because my resolve has weakened or because, today, there’s something bigger than both of us to deal with.
‘Anna,’ she says huskily, but doesn’t invite me in.
‘Did you get my messages?’ I ask.
‘I’ve had a bug and haven’t left the house in a couple of days or turned on my—’
‘It’s Liv. She’s been hurt.’
Margot blinks rapidly, her red eyes opening wide.
‘Car accident,’ I continue. ‘Hit-and-run, the police think. She was out jogging yesterday afternoon when it happened. Brandon found her using a phone-tracking app. She’s in a bad way apparently.’
‘But she’s still alive?’
‘Yes.’
She releases a long breath that reeks of vinegar, and I pull my head back. ‘Oh thank God,’ she says. And for a moment, I think she might be about to cry.
‘She’s in hospital,’ I continue. ‘Brandon says she’s being kept in a medically induced coma until the swelling on her brain shrinks. She also has a broken arm, ribs and a leg.’
Margot steadies herself against the doorframe with her hand.
‘Are you alright?’ I ask. ‘You don’t look well.’
‘I’m okay.’
‘Brandon has asked if we can help him. The kids don’t know what’s happened and he’s asked if we can pick them up from nursery tonight and keep them until his mum can get here. She’s driving up from Cornwall.’
Margot’s face turns an even more ghostly shade of grey.
‘I don’t know . . .’
‘Why?’ I ask, a little irritated. ‘Do you have something more important to do?’
I’m being pushy. And I know why. I’m overcompensating because I’m terrified. I smelled alcohol on Drew when he returned home yesterday. He always takes the back road to the village and he was passing along it at the time the police told Brandon his wife was likely hit. I begged Drew to tell me he wasn’t responsible. He denied it, adamant it wasn’t him. And when I pressed further, he reacted by punching a hole in the dining room wall. I still don’t know if I believe him.
‘You’re right,’ Margot backtracks. ‘What can I do?’
‘I thought you could have the twins for a couple of hours, as you have more experience with kids than I do, and I’ll go to Aldi and make sure there’s plenty of food in their house.’
‘You’re sure Brandon wants my help?’ she asks hesitantly.
‘What happened between you and him will be the last thing on his mind right now. I’ll text you later about times, etcetera.’
‘Anna,’ Margot says as I’m about to leave. ‘Is Liv going to be alright?’
‘I don’t know,’ I reply. ‘All we can do is keep our fingers crossed.’