AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘What’s this?’ Taking the letter, Ian looked at it.
‘I think you’re my birth grandfather.’ There, the words were out. She’d said it.
‘Sorry? I don’t understand...’
‘Do you know someone called Nancy?’ Her voice was barely above a whisper and as soon as she’d spoken them, the wind had whipped them away, but she knew Ian had heard her. She could tell by the recognition in his eyes. Her mum’s eyes.
Stepping back, Ian walked a few short steps to a bench and lowered himself down.
‘Ian, love, what is it? What’s going on?’ Looking from Brooke to Ian and back again, Elsie put her hand on Brooke’s shoulder and gently led her to the bench.
‘Brooke! Brooke!’
Looking up, Brooke watched as Ollie ran towards her. ‘Ollie?’
‘I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Annie’s rung me. Max was on his way back here. He’s given up the business. Everything. He’s moving back here to be with you.’
‘What?’ Standing up from the bench, she rubbed her forehead. ‘Max is coming back?’
‘Yes, no. He was, but there’s been an accident. He’s been in an accident. Annie’s been desperate to find you.’
She opened and closed her mouth. ‘An accident?’
‘Yes, a car accident. I’m not sure of the details, but Annie wanted you to know. He’s been taken to Trestow Hospital. I can take you up there now.’ Ollie held up his car keys.
‘Is he okay?’
‘I don’t know.’ Ollie looked down at the floor. ‘Annie said he’d been taken in for an emergency operation.’
‘No, I...’ Covering her mouth with her hand, Brooke sank back onto the bench. Max was in theatre. What if...? What if...?
‘I’ll take you, Brooke. I think we’ve got some talking to do.’ Rubbing his face, Ian folded the letter and stood up, his face ashen.
‘Okay, if you’re sure?’ Ollie looked from Ian to Brooke and back again. ‘Here, take my car. It’s closer than yours.’
‘Thank you, son.’ Taking the keys, Ian hugged Ollie before turning to Elsie. ‘I’ll see you later.’
‘Okay, love. Take care.’ Elsie nodded and stood up, holding her hand out for Brooke. ‘Max is a strong lad. I’m sure he’ll be fine.’
