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‘Don’t mention it,’ she says.
I explain the plan to Poppy and her eyes brim with tears. ‘But I want to see Daddy.’
‘I promise you will. He just needs a bit more time to get better. And then I’ll take you tomorrow. How’s that?’
Reluctantly, she agrees, and Sarah seizes the chance to distract her, grabbing her hand. ‘Right then, girls, what shall we do today?’
There’s a silver Golf behind me as I pull out of Sarah’s road. I only notice it because it’s like the car I nearly bought before I settled on this one. After a couple of minutes, I drive past my road, and it’s still there.
And when I head through Battersea, towards Vauxhall, the car is right behind me, whichever turning I take, no matter how many lights I stop at or risk going through as they turn amber.
It’s too much of a coincidence that the car would also be going to St Thomas’ hospital from Putney. I glance in the rear-view mirror and try to get a look at the driver, but all I can tell is that the person behind the wheel seems to be male.
The closer I get to the hospital, the more uneasiness creeps in. Has this got something to do with Max’s attack?
Then just as I pull into the car park, the silver Golf speeds past me.
And I’m left wondering whether I’m panicking unduly, or whether I have more to fear than I’ve realised.
SIX
Extract from theWandsworth Timesonline:
Metropolitan Police continue to investigate the murder of thirty-year-old personal trainer Alice Hughes, whose body was found at the River Walk Hotel in Putney on Wednesday.
DCI Michaela Spears, who is leading the investigation, urges anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible. ‘This is a particularly horrific crime,’ she says. ‘And we’re doing all we can to support Alice’s family. They just want answers.’
DCI Spears confirmed that unfortunately at the time of the incident, CCTV cameras at the hotel weren’t operational. Therefore, police are relying on witnesses to come forward and are carrying out extensive interviews with everyone who was staying at the hotel.
The hospital feels less bleak with daylight filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a hive of activity this morning, unlike at night when most patients sleep, and the body language of staff suggests less urgency.
There’s a different police officer outside Max’s room, and he doesn’t smile as I approach. I’ve been told it’s for Max’s protection; they’re not sure if whoever did this to him will come back to finish what they started.
I’ve been severed in two; half of me wanting to run to Max and the other half wanting to runfromhim. I need to know how he’s tied to Alice Hughes.
Max is asleep, hooked up to a drip, machines beeping around him. ‘Do you know Alice Hughes?’ I whisper, leaning close to his ear. He doesn’t move, but I wonder if somehow my words will make it into his consciousness and stir up a dormant memory. If he opens his eyes, I will show him a picture of Alice, young and vibrant. Alive. And see if there’s any flicker of recognition on his face.
‘Morning.’ A dark-haired nurse walks in and begins checking Max’s blood pressure. She moves with purpose, brisk and skilful. ‘He had a challenging night,’ she says. ‘He didn’t sleep well, and got very anxious. He tried to leave several times, and ripped out his canula.’
‘Is he… will he?—’
‘He’s doing okay now. His body’s finally given in to sleep. The doctors are concerned about the bleed, and that he can’t remember the last few months, but that can happen with a traumatic head injury.’ She doesn’t look at me as she speaks, but continues checking Max.
‘Will he start remembering?’I need him to.
Her mouth twists. ‘Some do but others don’t. There might be a permanent gap in his memory.’ She looks at me, a thin smile on her face. ‘He’s doing okay, though.’
I nod, turning back to Max. ‘I need to bring our daughter in to see him later. But I don’t want her to be scared. Poppy’s only five.’
‘It’s your call, of course, but maybe it’s better not to shield kids from reality. I think they can develop more resilience by knowing the harsh realities of life.’ She glances at Max. ‘It might do him some good to see his little girl. He really is fighting against being here.’
For several hours I sit by Max’s side, watching as nurses and other medical staff go about their business.They have no idea about the man they’re looking after.
On my phone, I scroll through Alice’s Facebook and Instagram posts, even though I know every detail of them by now.
Max doesn’t open his eyes again. But when he does, I’ll be ready with a picture of Alice.
Eventually I force myself up. It’s time to bring Poppy here.
