7. Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Matt
I suck in the cold air as I run faster through the woods, my breath coming in sharp, ragged bursts. The sounds of Ryan's footsteps fade behind me as the distance between us grows with every stride. Just two more bends and the trees will give way to the open fields. We’re close to the top of Crowghyll but today I can’t focus on the breathtaking views or the tranquillity of the scenery.
I finally stop when I reach the summit cairn, bending over to catch my breath. My shirt is soaked, sweat pouring down my face and stinging my eyes. I change into a fresh shirt and guzzle down some water as Ryan catches up.
“Bloody hell mate, what the fuck’s gotten into you today?” he pants.
“Sorry I was lost in thought,” I mumble, offering a half-hearted excuse.
“Yeah? Any specific thoughts?” He studies me, and I just shrug, sitting down onto a large boulder next to the cairn. I take another sip from my bottle whilst Ryan changes his shirt and pulls on a jacket. The wind’s strong up here, biting and cold, and there’s a definite feel of autumn creeping in.
“I think that wanker is hurting her,” I say quietly, the words almost swallowed by the wind.
“Which specific wanker are we talking about?” he asks, dropping onto the boulder beside me.
“Nat’s boyfriend.”
“Oh. Okay. Hurting her how? Physically?” His voice is cautious like he’s trying to tread carefully.
“I think so, yeah. She had two bruises on her neck that look like someone grabbed her hard, like fingerprints when someone squeezes you.”
“When did you—”
“I was at Greenview Manor. She and her colleague found an injured fawn and I noticed the bruises when she was talking to me.” I try to sound calm but inside I’m a mess; panic and helplessness swirling around in my gut.
“Did you ask her?”
“Yeah. She said they were hickeys.”
“Maybe they wer—”
“No. No fucking way. They looked nothing like hickeys!” I snap, frustration boiling over.
“What are you going to do?” Ryan asks, his voice quieter now.
“That’s the thing. I spent all afternoon googling what to do if you think someone’s in an abusive relationship. I even called the national helpline. They told me to just be there for her, to let her know I’m around without judgment, and to encourage her to get help. But apparently I shouldn’t confront him or call the police unless she’s in immediate danger.”
“Are you serious?” Ryan says, his tone incredulous. It’s exactly how I felt when I heard it.
“Yeah. It’s bullshit. What if he hurts her worse?” My voice trembles. All I want is to keep her safe and make sure she’s okay but not being able to do anything makes me feel completely powerless.
“Have you let her know she can come to you for help?”
“Yeah, yesterday, before I even knew that’s all I could do. She didn’t want to talk about it so I just gave her my number and address and told her to call me if she ever needed anything.”
“Well it seems like you’ve done what you can do,” Ryan says, draining the last of his water.
Then why does it feel like I’ve done fuck all?
It’s been a whole week since I confronted Nat about her bruises and I haven’t heard a peep from her since. I even went back to Greenview Manor, pretending I was there to give them an update on the fawn, but she wasn’t around. I was told she’d gone out to pick up supplies.
I limp into the waiting room of my clinic and call out, “Next!” Jane waves at me as she and Ryan get up from their chairs, Rossi nestled in a carrier. I’ve got his lab results back and Jane’s not going to be thrilled with what I have to say.
“Why are you limping?” Ryan asks, a hint of concern in his voice.
“Shin splints,” I groan, feeling a bit sorry for myself. It’s my own fault really. I’ve been pushing myself with running and cycling, trying to keep my mind off Nat.
“Forgotten you’re not twenty anymore?” Ryan teases, making Jane giggle.
“Hilarious. No, I’ll always remember that I’m younger than you,” I grin back. “Anyway, about Rossi.”
Jane gently lifts him from the carrier. “It’s worms, isn’t it?” she asks, her eyes wide with worry.
“Ahem, no,” I reply. Ryan gives me a knowing side-eye; he’s well aware of what’s coming next.
“So what is it then?” Jane asks impatiently.
“You need to feed him separately from Buttercup,” I say. I’d texted Ryan the results yesterday and he practically begged me to break the news to Jane myself. He even promised me a free tattoo if I did. What a softie.
“But we do feed them separately. They each get their own bowl,” Jane says, looking puzzled.
“You need to feed them in different rooms,” I clarify.
“Why?” she narrows her eyes.
“Because I think Rossi’s been sneaking Buttercups’ food. That’s why she’s so tiny and he’s, well… not so tiny.”
“You’re saying he’s fat?” Jane gasps.
“More like full-figured,” I say diplomatically.
“I can’t believe it! I’ve been stressing out and it turns out he’s just a greedy little bastard. No more treats for you mister,” she scolds, lifting the ginger kitten and making him look at her. Rossi, of course, is clueless about the whole conversation.
“You could’ve just texted us. That would’ve saved you some time,” Jane points out.
“True, I could have,” I reply, not about to throw Ryan under the bus. He’ll owe me for this.
“Want to come over later for dinner… as a thank you?” Jane asks with a big smile.
“No, that’s alright. I appreciate the offer but I’m planning to rest my leg today,” I mumble. After Jane heads out to book vaccinations for the kittens, Ryan turns to me.
“Thanks!”
“You’re such a chicken,” I laugh.
“Only when it comes to my Princess,” he grins. “Any news from Nat?”
I shake my head. “It’s driving me mad, Ry. I want to check on her but I don’t know where she lives and I can’t just hang around Greenview Manor hoping to bump into her.”
“Give her time. She knows you’re there for her. And maybe get some help yourself,” he suggests before heading back out into the waiting room.
The national helpline said the same thing. But I don’t need a therapist, I need to know Nat’s safe.
I sink into my desk chair and pull out my phone. No calls. Zero messages . I’ll give her another week then head back to Greenview Manor Hotel and ask for her directly. That sounds like a plan I can stick to.
I glance at my diary. Two more patients to go: a dog named Lord Schnauzer and a guinea pig that’s managed to jump out of its cage and now sports a tiny splint. After that I’m taking the fawn to a wildlife reserve for recovery and, hopefully, a new family. Egon, Venkman, and I have a relaxing evening in front of the telly planned. Welcome to the thrilling life of a forty-something bachelor.