'Mums in November

by Clare Revell

  “Umm, korma.”

  The waiter came over, and Jackson ordered for both of them, including several side dishes. As well as the drinks, he asked for a jug of iced water.

  The starter of poppadums and sauces came fairly quickly.

  Amber soon discovered she loved mango chutney and mint but didn’t care much for the tamarind sauce. She had a few bites of the peshwari naan, but wasn’t that keen on the strange taste. The curry came, and she began eating.

  “Not very talkative tonight, are you?”

  She glanced up. “Sorry.”

  Jackson smiled. “It’s fine. Anything happening on the job front?”

  “I applied for one today. It closes tomorrow, so I won’t get it.”

  “That’s a little defeatist, don’t you think?”

  She shook her head and scooped up a forkful of curry and rice. “There are bound to be at least eighty people going for the one job. There always are.”

  He winked. “Hey, if all else fails, we need a receptionist. Want an application form?”

  “Why not?” She rubbed her lips. They were tingling. Pins and needles jabbed her fingers.

  “OK. I’ll drop one in tomorrow for you.”

  “Thanks.” Amber swallowed, her throat constricting. Oh, no…not now. She reached down for her bag, recognizing the warning signs. But what had she touched? Had the curry or bread contained nuts?

  “Were… there…?” She wheezed, struggling to breathe past the growing lump in her throat.

  Jackson looked up, his brow furrowing. “Amber, what’s wrong?”

  Her movements slowed, the bag seeming to be miles away. The tingling increased. “Bag…” The glass of water went flying, somehow ending up in her lap.

  Jackson leapt up and rounded the table in an instant. He grabbed her bag, tugging the zip open. “EpiPen?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Can’t… breathe…”

  “Someone call an ambulance,” Jackson yelled.

  She felt the needle of the EpiPen as it jabbed into her thigh.

  Amber looked at him, struggling for each breath.

  He laid her on the floor. “Stay with me, honey.”

  The voices around her began to slide as darkness beckoned.

  “Amber, stay with me, honey.”

  “Jack—son….”

  ****

  Several words he had made every attempt not to use the last few years ran through his mind, but somehow Jackson stopped short of uttering them as Amber went grey and passed out in front of him. He pulled out the second pen and used it, praying it would work. He pressed his fingers against her neck.

  Her lips were blue and her breaths shallow.

  His only other option would be an emergency tracheotomy with a pocketknife and an ink pen or, worst case scenario, straws. Using whatever came to hand, in an unsterile environment, wouldn’t be the first time, but he’d rather not repeat the experience.

  Two green-suited paramedics appeared by his side. He filled them in quickly, just wishing he knew what had caused the reaction. Within minutes, she was on her way to the hospital. Jackson grabbed her things and headed out to the car to follow them.

  By the time he was allowed in to see her, Amber was awake, and looking pretty rotten. Jackson smiled, not letting on how concerned he was. “Hey. You sure know how to have a good time on a date.”

  “Sorry,” she whispered. Talking was obviously still hard.

  “No worries. It’s good you had the EpiPens. What are you allergic to?”

  “Nuts. Well almonds and macadamia to be specific.”

  He sighed. “Korma has almonds and so does the peshwari naan. I should have asked if you had food allergies. I’d have taken you somewhere safer or asked the chef to leave them out.”

  She slid her cold hand into his. “You saved my life according to the doctor here,” she whispered. “They don’t want me to stay in.”

  The curtain pushed aside. A tall man with steel-rimmed glasses and wearing burgundy scrubs came in. His name tag read “Dr. Jameson.” “Well, that isn’t strictly true. I’d like her to stay, but she’s insisting otherwise. Is there someone at home who could keep an eye on her tonight?”

  Amber nodded. “I’m staying with my cousin. He’s a firefighter.”

  Jackson rolled his eyes in despair. “Honey, if they want you to stay,” he began.

  Amber turned her green eyes on him, and he melted. “I’m fine, really. A couple of replacement EpiPens, and I’m ready to go. Besides, I’m sure Jared would let you sleep on the couch if you’re that worried.”

  Dr. Jameson handed over a bag and clipboard. “Here’re the meds. Sign these papers to say you’re going home against medical advice and you can go. Just make sure you go and see your GP tomorrow.”

  Amber signed the papers. “I’ll have to find one first.”

  “I’ll handle that,” Jackson said. That was one thing he could do. “I’ll register you with Julia. She’s one of the other doctors at my practice.”

  “Thanks. Can you take me home?”

  He nodded. “Sure.”

  Amber didn’t say anything the whole way back to the house, and Jackson glanced at her more than once, seriously considering turning around and driving straight back to the ED. He pulled up outside the house. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  She nodded. “Just tired.”

  “I’ll see you inside.”

  “No. I’ll be fine. I’m going straight to bed.”

  He shook his head. “I am seeing you in. You almost died tonight. It’s not up for debate. You can still go straight to bed, and I’ll tell Jared what happened.”

  “OK.” She nodded. “If he and Niamh are still up. I won’t wake them because I’m fine now. It seems silly to worry them needlessly.”

  He frowned. “You can take being independent too far, y’know.”

  She held his gaze for a moment. “It’s only ever been me, Jackson.”

  “That’s not true. There must be someone out there. Jared, for example, and Niamh.” He paused. “And me. I’ve always cared about you.” He got out of the car and rounded the vehicle before she had a chance to say anything. He opened the door and helped her out. “Do you have a key?”

  She nodded. “In my bag.” She fished for it.

  He slid an arm around her waist and helped her up the path to the house.

  Only the porch light was on.

  “They must be in bed,” she said, unlocking the door. “I’ll tell them in the morning.”

  “Promise?”

  Amber nodded. “Yes. Thank you for bringing me home. For being there. For caring.”

  Jackson nodded. “Get some sleep.” He waited until the door was shut before heading back to the car and pulling out his phone. She’d been sent home on the condition someone was there to look after her, so Jackson would make sure there was someone to do just that.

  ****

  “And me. I’ve always cared about you.” Jackson’s words echoed around Amber’s mind as she drifted off to sleep.

  Her dreams once more were full of images of a knife and screams, the same as they were every night since she’d run for her life.

  Joanne pleaded with Dirk not to hurt her as they argued about the kids not being his. Then Joanne fell, Dirk’s tie around her throat, before he turned and headed into the boys’ bedroom with a knife.

  Once more Amber tried to stop him, but failed, finding him turning on her with the knife. She ran and ran, but tripped, the knife arcing towards her…

  Amber sat bolt upright, shaking, her body sheened with perspiration. Her breath came in gasps, and she gripped her right arm tightly. Daylight came from behind the curtains and she rose, heading downstairs, in need of tea. Tears ran down her face, her whole body shaking as she entered the kitchen only to find Niamh standing there.

  “Amber, what’s the matter?” Niamh put the cup down and hugged her tightly. “Jackson rang last night to tell us what happened. Jared came in several times to check on
you. Are you all right? You’re not sick again, are you?”

  “Bad dream.” Amber sucked in several deep breaths, needing to regain control before she lost it completely. “And no, I don’t want to talk about it. It’s over.”

  “You sure? Talking does help and after last night…”

  “I forgot to mention my allergy when we ordered the meal, but fortunately, Jackson was there and knew what to do with the EpiPens.” She sighed. “I do my best to forget I’m allergic to almonds and avoid them successfully most of the time. I just didn’t think. It wasn’t listed in the ingredient list, which, on reflection, it probably should have been. I might write to the manager later on and suggest it. But I’m fine, honestly.”

  Niamh nodded. “OK. I was just about to bring you this and wake you.” She offered Amber the cup.

  “Wake me?” Amber glanced at the clock. “Oh, I didn’t realize it was so late.” It was gone ten and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept in past six-thirty.

  “Jackson rang about twenty minutes ago and said he’d made you an appointment with Dr. Chandler at ten past eleven. I’ll drive you in on my way to a meeting.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  Amber nodded, sipping the tea. “I’m fine. Promise.”

  ****

  Amber left the doctor’s and headed along the road to the chemist with the prescription she’d been given. Her phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket, not recognizing the number.. What if it was him? Yes, it was a new phone and a different number, but Dirk had his ways of tracking people, and he wouldn’t stop until she was dead. “Hello?”

  “Hey Amber, it’s me.”

  Jackson. She relaxed slightly. “Hello. How did you get this number?”

  “I had to give your number last night at the ED, so I looked at your phone and put your number in my cell, just in case. How did it go?”

  “It went OK. Bar the lecture I got on eating stuff that can set off the allergic reaction. She said I had a narrow escape. I also have to start asking them to leave out nuts in future. I’m on my way to the pharmacy now to pick up the meds she wants me to have.” She paused. “I owe you my life. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. If I haven’t frightened you about going out with me, can I take you to dinner tonight? I promise there won’t be a nut in sight...” He paused. “…except me.”

  Amber laughed. “I’d like that.”

  “Great. I’ll pick you up around six-thirty.”

  “Sure.” She paused outside the chemist. “I’d better go. I’m at the pharmacy now. See you tonight.” As she pushed open the door, she caught a glimpse of a man in the glass. Her breath caught in her throat. Was that him?

  His broad shoulders, dark hair and thin face were familiar, but that covered a third of the male population. He held a cigarette in his hand. His shades prevented her from making a definitive identification, and she went into the store, trying to shake off the feeling of unease. She was being silly. He’d be gone by the time she left.

  But as she came out, sliding the paper bag into her pocket, he was still there on the other side of the road.

  He crossed towards her.

  Amber began walking, his footsteps behind her. She sped up. So did he. She slowed down, and when she stopped, so did he. Her heart pounded in her throat and chills spread down her spine. She could only think of one person who’d follow her.

  Dirk.

  And he wanted her dead.

  5

  Panic tinged every nerve, and she pulled out her phone. Accessing her calls list, she hit redial. “Dr. Parker.”

  “Jackson, you have to help me. I’m being followed. And I don’t know what to do.”

  “Where are you?” His chair squeaked.

  She looked around. “I’m not sure. I’m still on the High Street, I think. Opposite the Three-Sixteen café. But if I go into a shop I’ll be trapped and out here I’m just not safe. I slow down and stop and he does. I speed up and he does.”

  “Go in to the Three Sixteen café. It’s run by the church. Ask if Pastor Jack or Pastor Carson are there. If they aren’t, then one the staff will contact them for you. Stay by the counter until they arrive, and don’t leave until I get there.”

  “How long will you be?”

  “As fast as I can. No longer than half an hour.”

  Amber crossed the road, narrowly missing being run over. The bloke kept pace with her. She ran into the café and over to the counter.

  A brunette with spiky hair and a name tag reading “Lia” was on the phone. She smiled and held up a finger, indicating she’d be done in a minute.

  Amber glanced anxiously over her shoulder. She didn’t have time to wait.

  Lia replaced the receiver. “Sorry about that. Can I help you?”

  “I need to speak to one of the pastors…” Amber managed as the door opened and the bloke strode in. Her heart leapt and she pushed closer to the counter, trying to make herself invisible. “Dr. Parker said…”

  “He just rang and explained. You must be Amber.”

  Amber nodded.

  Lia raised her voice. “Pastor Carson? Do you have a moment?”

  A tall man with short dark hair rose and came over. He smiled and held out a hand. “Hi. I’m Carson Armitage.”

  Amber recognized him as the pastor who’d preached on Sunday morning. “I’m Amber.” She glanced over her shoulder. The man who’d followed her was right there. She could feel his stare from behind those shiny sunglasses. It pierced her through, terrifying her. Perhaps this was a mistake. She should run, take her chances on the streets, rather than be trapped in here.

  “Dr. Parker rang and asked if you’d speak with her,” Lia said quietly. “He said she’s being followed. He’ll be here as soon as he can.”

  “Can we have two coffees to my table, please?” Pastor Carson glanced at her, and then turned to Amber. “Wait, what would you like to drink? They do more than coffee if you’d rather something else.”

  “Black coffee, please.” She fumbled for her purse.

  “This one’s on me.” The tall pastor glanced back at the barista. “One black and one flat white. Come take a seat, Amber.”

  She followed him to the table in the corner and sat, tucking her bag between her feet. She shook with fear and dread that Dirk had actually found her.

  “How can I help?” Pastor Carson asked.

  “I think there’s a man following me,” Amber whispered. “Jackson said I’d be safe here. But I don’t know that I’ll be safe anywhere.”

  “The man by the counter who can’t keep his eyes off you?” he asked quietly. As she nodded, he picked up his cup. “OK, just follow my lead here.” He raised his voice. “Sgt. Painter, do you have a moment?”

  Her stomach turned as a tall man came over. What had she done in coming here? Why’d he have to involve the cops and why was every single bloke in this town so tall? At five foot nine she wasn’t short, but even so, both the pastor and cop overtopped her by several inches.

  She shrank in her seat, wishing she really did have an invisibility cloak. Bringing the cops into this would just make things worse.

  The police officer sat down. “Sgt. David Painter,” he said holding out a hand.

  “Amber,” she whispered, shaking his hand briefly.

  “What’s up?” he asked.

  “Just trying to ward off some unwanted attention,” Pastor Carson said over the top of his cup. “Bloke by the door’s been following the lady. Jackson Parker sent her here to be safe.”

  “I don’t want to make a complaint,” Amber said quickly.

  “That’s fine,” Sgt. Painter said. “The pastor and I would do this for anyone who needs it.”

  “Do people get followed a lot here?”

  The police officer grinned. “It’s more often playground fights or one of the school kids chasing someone else, but this always has the desired effect. We’ll sit here and talk about the wea
ther. He isn’t to know that.”

  Try as she might, Amber couldn’t stop shaking. “Is he…?” She cleared her throat, trying to stop her voice betraying her. “Is he still there?”

  Pastor Carson glanced across the café. “He’s sat by the door, cup in hand, not doing much drinking.”

  She shrank further into her seat. Coming in here was a bad idea. She was now trapped.

  “Do you know him?” Sgt. Painter asked.

  “Yeah,” she whispered. “I think.” She caught sight of the man’s reflection as he pulled off his shades. Her whole body went numb. It was him. “I have to get out of here. I don’t feel too good.”

  “OK.” Sgt. Painter stood. “I’ll distract him while Pastor Carson drives you home.”

  Amber stood, not sure she’d make it as far as the door.

  The man stood to intercept, stepping around Sgt. Painter.

  Amber backed away, panic filling her. He’d kill her now with witnesses if that’s what it took to silence her. She had to get away.

  The café door swung open and Jackson came in. He moved over to her. “Leaving already? I’m not that late am I?” He wrapped his arms tightly around her and nuzzled her ear. “Calm down, you’re perfectly safe.”

  Pastor Carson kept his gaze on the two figures on the other side of the room. “I was getting ready to drive her home.”

  “Thanks, Pastor,” Jackson said. “I’ll take her.”

  Pastor Carson nodded, standing on the other side of Amber as the two men escorted her from the café.

  Amber leaned into Jackson, letting the smell of cologne wash over her. In a matter of seconds she was in Jackson’s car with the doors shut.

  Jackson stood outside for a moment or two talking with Pastor Carson, before he jogged around the car and got in.

  Amber rubbed her hand over her eyes. Wasn’t she safe anywhere? How had he found her? She’d been so careful.

  The central locking clicked on. “OK, honey, who is he? David says you don’t want to press charges or make a complaint, which is your right, and the guy hasn’t actually done anything other than follow you. It could be a coincidence that you both went the same way. But I want to know who’s got you so scared you can’t even walk.”