Chapter Forty-four
Flynn wasn’t sure whether it was better to be awake and in pain or drugged up with no control over what happened to him.
Either state wasn’t a lot of fun.
His parents filled him in on what he’d missed and told him they’d been by his bed since they’d arrived. He was astonished to discover that they’d met Molly, Brenda and Imogen, and had struck up an admittedly awkward friendship born of necessity.
‘They’re letting us see Esme later,’ his mother said.
‘I can’t believe I’m a great nanny. How is that possible?
I’m not old enough …’ She shook her head, tears filling her eyes.
‘I just can’t believe it and I’m thrilled, of course, but …
fancy never telling us about Molly. I’m finding it hard to forgive Brenda and Imogen for that. Very hard.’
Flynn couldn’t say he blamed them.
‘Not now,’ his father murmured. ‘Not here. Flynn doesn’t need it.’
‘It’s OK to feel angry and upset, Mum,’ Flynn said.
‘I – I haven’t even got used to it myself.
Imogen had her reasons for staying quiet.
I—’ He had to stop speaking partly because he still felt too weak to talk much, and also because his brain didn’t always connect properly with his mouth.
The thoughts had floated around at times, probably because of the drugs, but as they’d been gradually reduced, he was becoming more aware yet was also in more pain.
So many bridges needed building but he didn’t feel he had the strength to even begin the construction process.
‘OK. Another time,’ his mother said.
‘And at least we do know about them now,’ his father murmured, patting his hand.
Flynn closed his eyes but then opened them again. ‘Did you – have you spoken to Lara?’
‘Lara?’ They exchanged a glance. ‘Who’s Lara?’
‘My – friend. We work together at the castle. Does she know about the accident?’
‘Erm. I assume so,’ his mother said. ‘I think Harvey might have called the castle. We asked him to tell all your work mates because we were in no state to. We were only concerned with getting up here as fast as possible.’
Flynn nodded. ‘OK. I’ll ask him.’
His mum smiled at him. ‘He did text us a couple of times and ask how you were. He said he’d come and see you tomorrow. He was very worried about you.’
‘Tomorrow? I hope to be out of here by then … or soon afterwards,’ Flynn said, with a vehemence that left him coughing.
His mum offered him a glass of water. ‘I think they’ll want to keep you a while longer. You’ve had a serious accident and they need to make sure you’re OK.’
‘I don’t want to be in here a second longer than I need to,’ Flynn insisted. He pushed himself up on the pillows even though it hurt like hell. ‘Do you know where my phone is? Please?’
‘Sorry, son. It was smashed up in the accident,’ his father said.
‘Shit.’ Flynn sank back against the pillow.
‘If you really want to message anyone, you can borrow mine.’
‘No, it’s OK.’ Flynn desperately wanted to speak to Lara in private, and that thought forced him to work through the brain fog. ‘I could really do with a new one. Any chance you can get me a new one?’
‘You should be resting,’ his mum said sternly.
‘Yeah, but it would ease my mind.’ Flynn tried his best puppy-dog look but his mother folded her arms. ‘Please?’ It felt ridiculous to be like a child again, at the mercy of his parents being willing to help him.
‘I suppose we could,’ she relented.
‘Thanks. There’s a retail park near the hospital. I’m sure you can get hold of one now the shops are open again. I’ll settle up as soon as I can.’
His dad sighed then nodded. ‘Look, if it would make your life easier, we’ll buy you a new phone.’
‘Thank you.’ Flynn smiled, despite the pain.
If he could get in touch with Lara, he’d feel a whole lot better.
He was beyond grateful to the paramedics and medical staff who’d scraped him off the side of the road and saved him, but it was driving him mad to rely on other people.
Once he’d spoken with Lara, he could focus on getting out of this place and take charge of his own life again.