Chapter 19
NINETEEN
Evie’s face floods with relief as the consultant confirms that Lina hasn’t had a stroke.
‘A stroke mimic experience may be more traumatic than actually having a stroke, though.’ He addresses me, assuming, I think, that I’m related in some way.
‘It’s not always the case, but people with mimics are just as likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder as those with a confirmed stroke. She will need keeping a close eye on.’
‘We’ll make sure to look after her,’ Evie assures him.
He smiles in her direction. ‘I’ve asked the dietician to pop up and have a word about her diet and general health,’ he says. ‘Once she’s had a chat, your gran will be good to go.’
After thanking him, I turn to Evie. ‘Well, that’s good news, isn’t it?’
Evie nods. ‘She’s definitely going to need someone around now,’ she says, looking more determined than ever, and I realise I can’t backtrack, however displeased Jack might be about my inviting Lina to live in the annexe for a while.
The alternative is that Evie might well make up her mind to move into her flat. I shudder at the thought of that.
‘I’ll wait for the dietician,’ Evie says, with another decisive nod. ‘You go and get some rest. You look terrible.’
‘Thanks,’ I say with an amused eye-roll.
She’s immediately contrite. ‘No, I didn’t mean…’
I smile at her embarrassed expression. ‘Don’t worry, I’m feeling pretty terrible, to be honest. I’ll take up your offer of a break, but I’ll keep my phone on. Call me when you’re ready to leave. We’ll probably need to collect a few things from the flat. The rest can be sorted out later.’
Evie smiles gratefully. ‘I will,’ she says, hesitating for a second and then surprising me with another firm hug. Pulling away, she heads back to Lina’s cubicle. ‘Good job someone reminded me to charge my phone,’ she says, waving it behind her.
I leave her to it, marvelling at the change in her and thinking that Lina is very lucky to have her. After calling a taxi, I try Jack. He’s not answering, possibly having switched his phone to silent to try to get an hour’s sleep. Or else he’s gone straight to work.
I’m on my way home, checking my phone, when I realise Jemma’s been trying to get hold of me. Needing a voice of sanity, I call her back.
‘Are you all right?’ she asks as soon as she picks up. ‘Jack called me about a job I want him to do and he mentioned Lina. I can’t believe she just turned up out of the blue like that. I hadn’t realised he was still in touch with Natalia’s family.’
‘He isn’t. Or he wasn’t.’ I sigh wearily, and vaguely outline the situation, telling her that Lina appears to be very confused. ‘She’s convinced her daughter didn’t commit suicide,’ I confide.
‘Oh no,’ Jemma sympathises. ‘Poor thing. Poor you. That’s a difficult one, isn’t it? You being stuck in the middle of it, I mean.’
‘Very,’ I agree with another sigh.
‘Look, if you need an ear, you can always drop by for coffee and a chat,’ Jemma says. ‘My appointment’s cancelled and I don’t have anything else on this morning.’
I’m so tired my bones ache, but I’m definitely in need of an ear. ‘I’d love to,’ I say. ‘I’m about ten minutes away.’