Nobody's Perfect

by Steve Kirby

  Colin stopped smiling he knew then he had totally crossed the line from now on his life had changed, he stepped back into his house.

  Sam was taken to Dewsbury Police Station and charged with assault and ABH; because they could smell drink on him he was kept in the cells overnight to sober up even though he told them he had only the one can.

  His solicitor stated that Sam was not a violent man and this was just a culmination of his son running away and Mr Wilson’s verbal attack on him and his family.

  When he was released at 7 o’clock the next morning he was warned not to approach or threaten Mr Wilson in any way shape or form, otherwise he would be re - arrested and they would apply to the courts for an order banning him from going back to his house.

  Sam went to the desk to collect his belt, shoelaces, key’s and mobile phone, he gave it a quick check he had 8 missed calls from a number he didn’t recognise.

  The desk Sergeant, Sergeant Danny White a twenty-five year veteran, pulled a piece of paper from under Sam’s things.

  “Ehrm... I have some distressing news for you Mr Hawksworth, Your son is in the Intensive Care Unit at Dewsbury hospital apparently he tried committing suicide last night.”

  Sam’s face drained of blood his legs buckled and he just managed to stop himself collapsing onto the floor, the Sergeant ran round from the back of the counter and helped Sam to a chair.

  “Look Mr Hawksworth I believe he is going to be alright they got to him in time, things are a little sketchy at the moment, but you need to get up there for your wife.” The Sergeant looked around Sam didn’t know what for he put his hand on Sam’s shoulder.

  “I’m not supposed to do this but if you hang on for a second I’ll get someone to run you up there OK?” Sam gave him a half-hearted smile his mind was racing.

  What had he done, is he badly hurt could he die, was he already dead and they won’t tell him.

  He began to shake; the Sergeant went and got him a glass of water, Sam refused it.

  “I’m alright thanks, Just need to get to the hospital.” The Sergeant got up and put the glass on the counter, he turned to Sam.

  ”Right then let’s get you up there, follow me.” He led Sam through two sets of steel doors and they emerged in the car park at the back of the building where Sam had been brought in last night.

  The Sergeant pointed to one of the car’s parked opposite the entrance.

  “We’ll take this one you’ll have to get in the back its police policy.” Sam got in and they set off like they were going to a shooting Sam grabbed the seatbelt and buckled up quickly, the Sergeant flicked on the sirens and they cut through the traffic.

  Looking through the rear-view mirror, He could see the concern and worry on Sam’s face.

  “Two minutes now Mr Hawksworth, try not to worry too much, he’s in the best place now.” Sam never heard him his mind was still a jumble he just sat shaking his head in disbelief at what was happening to his family.

  Sergeant White brought the car to a screeching halt outside the main entrance; he turned to look at Sam.

  “Hang on a second I’ll have to let you out.” As he opened the door for Sam he put his arm across barring Sam’s way.

  “The ICU is on the second floor, Good luck hope everything is ok.” Sam looked at the sergeant and gave a slight smile.

  “Thanks, and sorry for being a prat last night.” The Sergeant laughed.

  “You were no problem, we’ve had a lot worse and you were upset and rightly so, Right get off, your family need you.”

  Sam didn’t bother with the lift he took the stairs two at a time, he barged through the door to the ICU department, he stood in the corridor for a second looking up and down, wondering which way to go.

  To his right at the far end of the corridor was a nurses station on the junction with corridors to the left and right, a nurse in a dark blue uniform was stood looking towards Sam, there were three other people stood to the left of the workstation A uniformed police officer, a tall dark haired guy in a white coat, which Sam assumed to be a doctor and a small bald headed guy with glasses and a ill fitting suit, Sam presumed he was also Police.

  Sam walked up to the counter, the nurse smiled as he approached, Sam coughed.

  “Erm... I’m here to see my son, Jack, Jack Hawksworth I, was told he was here.” The nurse gave a quick glance towards the three men, the suit turned to face Sam.

  “Mr Hawksworth? I’m Detective Inspector Baldwin from Dewsbury CID; could we have a word with you please before you see your son?” He continued not waiting for Sam’s answer.

  “I am investigating your son’s apparent suicide attempt, and I would appreciate it if you and your wife would spare me some time later to try and get some ideas as to what made your son do this.” Sam just nodded he was beginning to get agitated; he turned back to the nurse.

  ”Could you tell me where my son is, please?” The nurse pointed to the corridor to her left.

  “I’ll show you Mr Hawksworth.” The man in the white coat came up alongside Sam.

  “I’m Doctor Fellows. What do you know about what has happened to Jack.” Sam looked at the floor feeling ashamed.

  “Well er nothing really I’ve been at the police station all night.” He coughed.

  “Well you Son tried to hang him last night from the bridge above the river down Station lane.” Sam looked confused.

  ”How did he get up there to tie a rope?” The Doctor stopped and put his hands in his pockets.

  “The rope was already there under the bridge, the local kids use it for swinging across the river, Jack just climbed down from the Millennium Cycleway.

  Anyway he apparently got under the bridge, pulled the rope up, looped it round his neck and jumped off, now fortunately for him it snapped when his weight hit it but he was twenty feet up and he crashed onto the boulders at the edge of the river.

  A man walking his dog heard him hit the rocks and called the ambulance services, if we hadn’t been alerted that quickly then well...” Sam looked down at the floor trying to hold back his tears, he swallowed deeply and breathed out slowly, then he looked back up at the doctor.

  “So, what’s he like then Doctor?” Now the Doctor breathed deeply through his nose.

  “You mean what are his injuries?” Sam nodded slowly.

  “Well apart from the bruising to his throat he has broken both legs, his left ankle is shattered, his pelvis is broken he has six broken ribs, possibly some spinal damage and severe head injuries, we have put him in a coma until the swelling on his brain goes down.” Tears were rolling down Sam’s face and dropping onto the floor.

  Doctor Fellows put his hand on Sam’s shoulder.

  “Come on Mr Hawksworth, He’s just in here.” He pushed open a door and allowed Sam to go through.

  The was in darkness apart from the small light above the bed, the door closed behind Sam who stood for a second taking in the scene before him, he could hear machines beeping and clicking he noticed movement to the right side of the bed then Becky came into view.

  Sam grabbed her pulling her tightly to him he buried his head into her neck and sobbed.

  “I’m sorry, It’s all my fault I should have been there for you and for Jack.” Becky put her hands on Sam’s shoulders and leaned back looking him in the face.

  “Don’t you blame yourself Sam we were both as bad.” Sam looked down at his son laying there tubes and pipes keeping him alive tears came again.

  “Why didn’t he come and talk to us Becky?”

  “He did try Sam but we never believed him did we?” Sam sat on the bed and picked up his Son’s left hand he looked at his son’s face he saw that happy little child he used to carry round on his shoulders, the happy child he used to play football with and he hated himself for seeing the face of this child the one who was lost, alone and had no-one to turn to.

  Sam put down his Son’s hand, he stood up and turned to Becky tears still streaming down his face, he took a deep and shaky breath.


  “That’s it we almost lost our Son, it ends now, I want my family back.” Sam marched past Becky who grabbed at his arm.

  “Sam? What are you going to do? Please don’t do anything stupid, He’s not worth it, we don’t want to lose you now Sam we have to be strong for Jack. Sam? Sam please.” Sam held Becky’s hand he leaned forward and kissed her on the lips, she could taste his hot tears in her mouth. he looked her in the eye there was no expression on his face.

  “I’m doing what I should have done months ago. Don’t worry.” Becky gripped Sam’s arm again. Confusion in her face.

  “Look Sam we have to leave in half an hour when the Doctors come round to assess him we can nip home and grab a shower.

  Sam moved his wife’s hand and gave her a slight smile.

  “I need to do this Becky I’ll see you back at home.” He turned and left, Becky sat on the edge of the bed and sobbed, what was he going to do?

  Chapter 16.

  The “For Sale” sign was up before Becky got back from the hospital. She stood on the end of the drive looking at the sign a strange wave of relief flowing over her.

  “Now that’s a nice sight.” The voice brought Becky back to reality; she looked over to see Colin and Rachel standing in their doorway smiling.

  Becky just looked at them both the look of vehemence on her face made Rachel back into her house and out of sight, Colin just stood smiling.

  “Hope your lads alright, nasty business.” Becky turned away she knew if she looked at him with that smug expression on his face she wouldn’t be able to control herself, she pushed her shoulders back held her head up and walked into her house.

  It only took three months for the house to sell, by the time Jack was released from hospital they had moved into a rented house in the small village of Heartshead, Rose Cottage was a beautiful house three bedroom semi detached with a very big garden.

  The owners a lovely couple William and Mary Pearson, they were in their late sixties and lived in the house next door, they had bought the house for their daughter Katherine as a wedding present to surprise her when they got back off honeymoon but sadly they were both killed in a car crash in June 1999 while crossing the Alps from Austria into Italy near a small Alpine town of Balpratso, their car was caught in a landslide and plunged 2000ft down the mountain.

  The house had been empty for almost two years, now William and Mary had decided to move on they didn’t want to sell the house to anybody so they decided to rent the property with a view to selling to the right people.

  Two month after moving into Rose Cottage Jack was released from hospital he still hadn’t fully recovered; he had only 20% vision in his left eye and would need further operations to slowly rebuild his shattered left ankle, but he was home and alive.

  Zoe Croft called in on Jack to see how he was doing and give him a get-well card, she explained that due to the circumstances she would no longer be visiting them but if they needed anything to get in touch.

  Sam had a surprise for him in the garage a brand new off road bike and after the Doctors gave him the all clear he was back out riding with Thomas and his Uncle Martin.

  After two years of renting Rose Cottage the Pearson’s decided Sam and Becky were the right people for the house, Mary loved Jack and Lizzy she used to spoil them rotten, they in turn helped Mary and William to come to terms with their loss.

  ***

  Colin scraped the ice from his windscreen, he hated winter this according to the met office was the coldest February on record.

  Colin got into his car and sat for a while letting some feeling come back into his hands, he cupped them and blew into them trying to speed the process up he had a meeting with the Directors at nine o’clock about a new customer it would be worth thousands for the company if they could land it and he wanted to have his presentation perfect.

  As he sat there he looked into the next-door garden, he noticed their shrubs and bushes were running a bit wild and raggedy, he looked thoughtfully at the sight in front of him.

  “I’ll have to have a word with Suzie and John about that it’s beginning to get out of hand, needs tidying up this weekend.” He set out of his drive making a mental note to go round tonight and have a word with them.

  Colin had a quick look at the dashboard clock as he drove up the hill under the bridge at the top of Station Lane, Twenty to nine.

  “Christ I’m going to be late.” He began to panic and accelerated over the crest of the hill and down the other side towards the river.

  At the bottom of Station Lane the road turned sharp right and ran along the side of the river.

  Colin was doing fifty as he came over the top of the hill, he didn’t see the black ice, he put his foot on the brakes to slow down, the wheels locked and the car seemed to pick up more speed, Colin’s eyes widened as he saw the wall along the riverbank straight in front of him the wall was five courses high topped with a spiked railing three feet high , he kept his foot hard down on the brakes and braced himself waiting for the inevitable impact everything slowed as he sat unable to do anything except watch the wall getting closer and closer.

  The impact was muffled by the air bag surrounding Colin’s face, the car had stopped dead, as the air bag deflated and the air cleared Colin looked through the windscreen, a four foot section of the wall had been catapulted into the river and was standing up the railings sticking out of the water like gnarled fingers pointing towards the sky.

  Colin slumped back into the seat his heart hammering at his chest, he sat with his eyes closed breathing slowly trying to calm down, after a few minutes he opened his eyes blew out a huge breath and undid his seatbelt, he pulled the lever of the door but it wouldn’t move the impact had buckled it, Colin held onto the handle and slammed his shoulder into the door it moved slightly spurred on by this he leaned further towards the passenger seat and again he slammed the door, the window shattered sending shards of glass everywhere.

  He thought he felt blood run down his face he looked into the rear view mirror just in time to see the black Ford Focus stolen half an hour ago come barrelling over the hill at breakneck speed the two joy rider’s inside oblivious to the scene in front of them.

  “Fucking hell Brandon!” Scott screamed as he saw the car.

  Brandon sat up quickly then seeing the car started grabbing for his seat belt and pushed himself back into his seat, he looked across at Scott his eyes full of fear.

  “Slow down Scott!”

  “I can’t, I‘ve got no breaks, Hang on!” Scott pulled on the handbrake which started the car turning to the right they were now sliding sideways down the hill towards the car.

  Colin was trapped, panic took over him he turned in his seat and with both hands he started pounding on the door after a second which to Colin seemed like hours the door finally burst open. Colin got one leg out but it was too late the Focus slammed into the back of his car catapulting it through the gap and over the river twenty feet below.

  On impact the Focus had stalled there was an eerie quiet , the silence was broken by hysterical laughter, the driver’s door opened and Scott Ryder fell from the car, he got to his knees and looked back into the car.

  “What a fucking rush, Brandon are you alive mate?” There was a slight moan from the car as Brandon crawled across the driver’s seat.

  “What the fuck happened there?” He said as he pulled himself from the car he caught his foot in the seat belt and fell to the floor with a thud.

  “Don’t know mate.” He said still laughing.

  ” Brakes didn’t work, couldn’t stop. Anyway let’s get the fuck out of here before the coppers turn up.

  “Come on!” Scott turned and ran across the road and onto the footpath leading up to the millennium way, followed by Brandon half running half limping.

  The force of the impact had thrown Colin back into his seat his head hitting the headrest with such force he blacked out, as he started to come round he was aware of a buzzing noise it sounded like a
bee trapped inside the car with him he looked round then looking down he saw his leg sticking out of the open car door blood was oozing from a hole in his trousers just below his knee the hole had been caused by what appeared to be a white piece of plastic sticking out, it then dawned on him that piece of plastic was his bone, he started to breath short sharp breaths his eyes widened at the sight he waited for the inevitable pain to kick in, nothing.

  He tried to move but he was unable he pulled his left leg back to make sure he wasn’t trapped under the pedals, his leg was free but he still couldn’t move, the buzzing seemed to be getting louder.

  The car began to creak loudly it was slowly sinking into the river water started filling the foot well, Colin became aware of a burning sensation in his back, the buzzing was constant the water was rising higher it was now level with the seat the car was still sinking slowly.