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Mitch moved into the ambulance closer to Holly. ‘I got rid of the crowd. It’s all reality TV and social media these days. Some kid had his mobile phone out, recording.’
Holly removed her mask. ‘Thanks. And thanks for raising the alarm.’ She stopped herself from saying, but couldn’t help thinking,now run along back home and leave me alone.
‘I still can’t believe it.’ Mitch shook his head and his dark hair flopped forward. ‘If there’s anything I can do?’ He peered at her.
Holly shook her head as she stared into his ice-blue eyes, unable to think of anything to say.
‘Is there anyone I can call for you?’
The paramedic appeared again, placing his hand on Holly’s shoulder. ‘Yes, Holly, who’s your next of kin?’
Holly felt dizzy. ‘I don’t have any. Apart from an aunt up north, in Oldham.’
‘Any friends?’ Mitch asked.
‘My best friend’s in Exeter overnight. There are my staff – but I don’t want to bother them.’ Only Val lived in the village and she did not want to drag her out of bed.
‘So, you don’t have anyone to accompany you to the hospital, then?’ the paramedic said.
‘No, I’m not going to the hospital.’ Holly felt the palpitations start. Holly had not been to the hospital since she had identified her parents’ bodies.
Mitch raised his hand. ‘I can come with you.’
Holly spoke quickly. ‘Oh no. Not necessary.’
‘Well if you could move up further inside the ambulance. I can take you in,’ the paramedic said.
‘No. No, please. I’m fine. Please, I can’t go.’
Holly turned to Mitch, he raised his eyebrows. ‘I’ve got a spare room.’
‘No.’ Holly certainly did not want to stay at Booth Farm.
The paramedic shook his head. ‘We can’t leave you here, on your own. You need to have other people around you for at least twenty-four hours, in case you have any issues. I need to take you to the hospital.’
‘She can definitely stay at mine.’ Mitch nodded.
Holly hated asking others for help – least of all a Booth. But hospitals reminded her of death. Of her parents’ deaths. She was pretty sure that, while Mitch might be happy for her to join him for a sleepover, his uncle would be far from impressed.And his wife might not be too chuffed either,she thought.‘I don’t think that would be a good idea.’
Mitch pointed in the direction of his farm. ‘You can stay in the guest room. It’s got an en-suite and it’s recently decorated. You’ll have your privacy. There’s a herdsman coming for a trial at the weekend so the room’s already prepared for his visit.’
‘I couldn’t,’ Holly said. ‘I don’t think your uncle would like that.’
‘Sid’s sick – really sick. He rarely gets up without assistance these days and has a carer in the next room with an alarm fitted to rouse her if he starts moving about. He won’t know you’re there.’
A fireman approached the ambulance. ‘The flames are out but it may continue to smoke for a while. The damage is extensive I’m afraid.’ He rubbed his hands. ‘We’re getting off now but one engine will remain until the temperature of the site reduces to an acceptable level. We’ll review the situation when it’s light and let you have our report for your insurance company and the police. They need to eliminate arson.’
‘Arson?’Holly shuddered. ‘You don’t think it’s that, do you?’
The fireman shook his head. ‘No signs at present, it’s just procedure.’
The fire engines rumbled out of the nursery carpark. A bleeping noise came from the front of the ambulance and the paramedic moved towards it then returned. ‘We’ve had another call come in. We need to get you to the hospital right now.’
Holly thought she was going to be sick, imagining the bleeping machines and nasty sickly smells.
Mitch held out his hand to her. ‘Come on, come to mine. It’ll only be for a few hours. You can get some sleep. Honestly, it’s no bother and it’s the easiest option.’
‘I’ve got to wait for the RSPCA.’ She folded her arms. ‘The police called them out.’
