by J. A. Kerr
The operator asked did it have any windows. Niven’s gaze slid to the walls, now seeing the areas that surely had glass beneath. She moved towards it and ripped the sound proofing material away until yes, she could see glass but it was painted out in black. Could she find something to break it with, asked the operator? The police were using the mobile phone signal she was calling from to pinpoint her location. However, a visual description would help them get there faster.
Niven couldn’t find anything to use to break the window. Toby had removed anything of use and with no other choice, she grimly removed his boots, eyes averted, her mind focused on one thing and one thing only—Matt. She tied the laces of the two boots together and swung them with all her might at the window. The glass shattered and the fresh air rushed in. Niven looked out at the surrounding fields, searching for a landmark but saw nothing. The phone was her only lifeline.
***
Guy
Guy’s phone kept going off repeatedly. He whispered to Benedict that he’d need to make a call. His friend barely registered as he sat with Matt’s family. Guy left the room and walked quickly, looking for someplace quiet to use his phone when it vibrated again. When he looked at the screen, the number was withheld.
“Guy Walker.”
Benedict
Benedict feared Matt was weighing heavily on Guy’s mind; he knew he was still in a critical condition after the surgery to repair the damage the knife had inflicted. The doctor had told his family it was a miracle he was still alive and that the next twenty-four hours would be crucial, his chance of survival too close to call. With his nearest and dearest around him, Benedict knew Guy was the type that didn’t like to intrude.
Guy
“Niven?” he said in disbelief. “Okay, keep calm…breathe, where are you? Good.” A pause before Guy answered. “He’s in the hospital.” An anguished wail came from the phone. “Niven, please try to calm down, we’re here with him now.” Another pause. “We’ll wait for you. Yes, she’s here, they’re all okay. Breathe, breathe, take your time, I’ll stay on the line,” said Guy firmly. He spoke with a police officer who confirmed they would be arriving at the hospital in twenty minutes. He told them he’d be waiting.
Re-entering the room, the atmosphere was thick with misery. Matt’s family was quieter now. Shock and grief was etched on their faces. He motioned for Benedict to come outside. He hated to disturb them but knew they’d want to hear the news.
Benedict appeared, wheeling Siena. They looked at him expectantly.
“Niven has been found,” he said.
A look of terror passed over Siena’s face.
“Alive,” he said hurriedly, realising what he’d just said. “She’s alive.”
Siena burst into tears. “Thank God. Thank God.”
“How is she?” asked Siena fearfully.
“She’s okay,” was all Guy would say. “The police are with her now, she’ll be brought here.”
An uneasy silence hung in the air between them. “Did she get away from him?” Siena persisted.
“Yes,” said Guy, not elaborating.
“Good,” said Benedict distractedly. “That’s good but we need to stay with Matt’s family right now.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll go and see her,” said Guy, relieved to be doing something. The waiting was unbearable. He made his way to A&E.
***
Niven
Niven entered the hospital with only a towel and blanket around her. The right side of her face was badly swollen. After a brief assessment the doctor concluded she was concussed and traumatised but had no major injuries. They cleaned her up as Niven pretended she was fine throughout the process. She was finally permitted visitors and embraced Guy awkwardly.
“How’s Matt?” asked Niven.
“He’s still in surgery,” replied Guy grimly.
“Can I go there? I need to know he’s okay.”
Guy looked to the police officer, who nodded. Niven would not be leaving the hospital. He took her to the room where they all sat waiting. Matt’s family stared at her with suspicion. She told them how sorry she was. Helen gave her a hard look while Matt’s father, Ted, comforted his daughters. She gazed at them, both blonde and pretty. Even though their faces were ravaged from crying, she could see how alike they were. She felt so responsible and guilt weighed heavily on her heart. She couldn’t stay here. What was she to Matt? She hadn’t earned the right. She hugged Benedict and Siena and told them she’d rather wait outside. Guy asked to join her and after a moment’s hesitation she consented.
Niven rested her throbbing head against the wall and closed her eyes.
“Is he going to die?” she asked flatly.
“I don’t know,” replied Guy honestly. “The doctors are doing everything they can.”
Sobbing uncontrollably, Niven told Guy everything. How she’d met Matt at the club and their instant attraction. How they’d spent the next two nights together. Matt had insisted on dropping her off at her flat. He’d waited while she changed before heading to Siena and Benedict’s home. Matt hadn’t known about Toby, how could he? Niven had been happy, euphoric…Toby was the last thing on her mind. She had not seen him following them.
“Everything’s my fault,” she said brokenly.
Guy reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t give up on Matt. He needs your support more than ever.”
Niven went quiet and prayed with all her heart, the familiar verse a comfort.
When the doctor arrived, his face was grave. Against all the odds, Matt was clinging on. He’d been resuscitated twice, and was still fighting for his life, but he was alive.
Niven shook from head to toe as she whispered over and over, “Thank you.”
The doctor frowned as he looked at her. She felt sick again, her head ached, and the room was spinning. When she woke up she was in a hospital bed, where she would remain for several days until the swelling in her brain reduced.
Guy, Benedict, and Siena were frequent visitors to both of them. Matt’s recovery was slow. An infection set him back. He was fighting for his life for the second time. Niven, once recovered, never left his side, much to the annoyance of his mother and sisters. She was there when he opened his eyes and she was there when he closed them. She told Matt and the police everything. This time there was no cover up. A search of Toby’s flat revealed surveillance equipment. The police took his camera, phone, and computer. They found pictures of Niven. The letters pretending to be Niven’s mother were uncovered. He had been detailed, logging his surveillance times and movements but strangely not the dates. As time passed, the police discovered more and more about Toby.
The computer revealed his abduction plan; spreadsheets detailing the rental, food, and equipment. It was sinister reading and matched the equipment found at the recording studio. However, they could not trace the payments found in his account. The police were still working on it, surprised by how sophisticated it was. There was a long list of bogus accounts. Someone had gone to great lengths to conceal their identity. They searched Niven’s flat and recovered the envelope she’d discarded with another letter inside, which they were currently examining.
Niven’s only focus was Matt, but she knew she needed a lawyer. She cried quietly when Guy suggested Anna Dunbar represent her. A meeting was arranged, and she sensed Anna was an excellent choice. Niven and Siena’s friendship continued to grow. Siena updated her regularly. Her foot was healing well, but she did not return to their rented house. She was spending the remaining weeks with her parents until their new home was completed. Returning from holiday, they had been stunned and upset to hear what had happened. The wedding had been postponed while Matt and Siena recovered.
Finally the police gave the letter salvaged from the bin at her flat to Niven. They explained it was from her genuine birth mother, who had been contacted and her account verified. Niven was stunned. She cried and held Matt’s hand tightly as she read it.
My daughter, I came into the
country an immigrant from Romania. Your father didn’t survive the journey to the UK, the conditions were appalling. Barely surviving myself, I focused my strength on keeping my baby alive. I went into the hospital because it was warm and crowded. Afraid of the men who brought me to London, the room where we slept was filthy and no place for a child. It was near the hospital. I had no choice, I had to leave, and the hospital was the first place I found. No one paid any attention as I slipped inside A&E. I named you Alina and hid you against my body as I sat gratefully amongst the hubbub.
There was a buggy not far from me; I didn’t notice it at first. It was empty and nobody seemed to claim it. Hope soared through me as I edged closer and placed you inside, you didn’t stir. The buggy was facing the wall and you couldn’t be seen. Desperate and hungry, I didn’t want to return to the filthy room. I feared for my life and that of my child. When I saw the nurse staring at me, terror filled my heart but I had nowhere to run. I felt for my small blue Bible and remembered I’d tucked it into your shawl.
When I glanced up again, the nurse was still staring at me and talking to another nurse. I looked at the buggy, you were quiet. Scared, I saw the toilets. I thought I could hide until the nurse lost interest.
The police were waiting for me when I came out. The nurse thought I was acting suspiciously. She thought I was hiding something under my clothes. I was taken into custody. In my panic I made the agonising decision to leave you at the hospital, praying the authorities would look after you until I could. I never got the chance; I was detained, then deported.
I never gave up. All this time I lived in hope of finding you. I met and fell in love with a British aid worker. We married and worked around the world for many years. Sadly I had no more children; an untreated infection after you were born the cause of my infertility.
I contacted the British authorities, but with no formal paperwork they could not help me. Eventually I returned to the UK with my husband and made London my home. All this time, I never stopped thinking about you and often searched the personal ads, hoping one day I might find you. When I read your advert in the paper, I knew I had.
Niven could barely conceal her excitement. At last some good had come from the mess, but looking at Matt, it had come at a high price.
Chapter 57
The Braille Club, London, One Year On: The cards were collected as the last of the desserts were cleared. A hush fell as a spotlight appeared in the centre of the room and three hanging rings were illuminated. The show enabled the cards to be processed. The results showed a clear winner—table Viva Las Vegas had successfully protected all their identities. Delighted, they smiled at each other with renewed interest, all consumed by the same thought…were they all Braille members?
Siena
Siena walked down the length of the room on the arm of her father, head held high, her limp the only remnant of her ordeal. When she joined Benedict, her world came into focus again. She thought of everything they had endured to be together and her heart ached with love for him. Their relationship would always be volatile. He would always want complete control—something she was unwilling to provide—and so they must learn the art of compromise to survive. They had adapted, and so far, so good.
Their wedding at the Savoy Hotel had been cancelled, the venue moved to Matt’s hospital room, where his recovery was progressing. His bowel had been punctured several times in the attack and the colostomy bag he now wore was an unpleasant reminder. Matt had insisted he wanted to be there on their big day and so they had made it happen. She glanced around at the people she loved. Her future husband stood, his back straight, his beautiful face staring straight ahead. Thoughts of her first wedding stole uninvited into her head, making her shiver; she’d been in love then too. Everything tilted as fear gripped her. Trusting and innocent—that girl was long gone. Benedict turned, his gaze finding hers, and she was lost to him.
***
Benedict
Something else had healed; Benedict’s rift with Jessica. He had relied on his family in the days after the attack. Jessica had been wonderful and his father patient and loving with Siena and the twins. Ellie was…well Ellie, and always full of fun. The twins adored her. Alexander and Ava pitched in, making it truly a family affair. Benedict stood brooding; something about the case bothered him. Guy felt the same; that they were missing something important.
Benedict stiffened as the music played, his nerves taut. His wait finally over, he drank in the sight of his bride, his inner turmoil completely at odds with his cool, calm façade. She was ethereal in her beauty, her blonde curls subdued in an elegant twist, giving her a look of sophistication. Soft tendrils escaped around her face. The classic dress she wore clung to every curve, the lace and chiffon sexy but demur. It gave a glimpse of the body hidden beneath. As always he wanted her and none more so than today.
Looking into her eyes, he saw fear and felt his hands turn into fists. Nick Waters lived with them every day, occupied both their minds, and even now, on their wedding day, he was an unwelcome guest. Giving Siena a radiant smile, he hoped his face showed the love and devotion he felt for her, and only her. He was utterly committed, and after today they would be together forever. For him, there was no one else. His heart lifted as he saw the fear leave her face and her smile return. Deeply saddened by Matt’s injuries, Siena agreed when he suggested a change of venue. They had both wanted Matt at the wedding. However, Benedict knew he might have to wait many months until he was well enough to attend. He didn’t want to wait, so this had been the perfect solution. Once Matt was fully recovered, they would renew their vows and have a traditional wedding for everyone.
Benedict knew his old friend was struggling. He could see through the brave facade he’d erected. The Matt of old was gone, and he was worried. He had lost so much weight, his body just bones and flesh. His ready smile was gone too. Benedict sighed…why were the people he loved getting hurt? The clearing of a throat got his attention. The minister was looking at him. What had he missed? Thankfully he repeated his question. As he recited his vows his finger gently brushed away Siena’s tears.
“Siena, in the dark you were my light.
When I was blind you made me see.
In you I have found love.
In you I have found me.
Your touch is my salvation.
Your love has set me free.”
His heart filled with emotion as he finally slipped the engraved band on Siena’s finger. Benedict leant down and gently kissed his wife; he didn’t trust himself to talk. Guy was the first to congratulate them, his embrace strong and comforting. Then it was Siena’s parents and Niven, but when he looked at Matt, his eyes were closed.
Matt told Benedict that he and Niven were joined by the attack and yet had not spoken of it. They were both receiving counselling. He knew Matt was worried about the trial and Niven was worried about Matt. She told him Matt was the only thing getting her out of bed in the morning. He was hopelessly caught in the middle.
Benedict noticed how strained Guy appeared; he sensed he blamed himself for not being more thorough with Niven’s background. He’d told Benedict he was distracted but promised it would never happen again. The room was filled with conflicting emotions. Happiness and sadness, mixed with joy and regret.
As Benedict saw a tear escape and roll down Matt’s cheek, his arms stole around his wife. They said their goodbyes quietly, conscious of how quickly he tired. There would be challenges ahead for all of them but if they stuck together and supported each other, they would make it. Benedict took the pram that Carl had been pushing and gazed at his children as Siena joined him. She put her hand in his, her fingers touching his wedding band. They made their way to the taxi waiting to take them to the airport and their honeymoon. Only touch leaves a memory…and neither of them ever wanted to let go.
Epilogue
Nick
Nick’s fury was absolute. He wanted to hurt someone or something very badly. He paced up and down his cell. He w
anted to rip it apart, but instead flexed and tightened his shattered hand. The stiff joints screamed painfully in protest but Nick didn’t notice. As he stared at the image of Siena, a flood of emotions rushed through him. Her hair was down the way he liked it and she was smiling. She looked so happy, but her face was turned towards…Harrison. They were still together. Nick’s rage paralysed him for several seconds as Benedict Harrison’s face made his blood boil. Bitch, his mind screamed, her betrayal again confirmed in black and white by the image before him. How could he have been so stupid? They had probably been laughing at him all along.
He winced, his hand hurting as he tried to curl it into a fist but failed. The skin was tight and swollen as he stared at it in revulsion. They had told him his bones had been shattered, that they had done everything they could. He didn’t think so, but that was the drawback about prison, you couldn’t attend a private orthopaedic surgeon. The same applied to his leg, a bad break and complications. The physiotherapy had been almost non-existent but he had persevered with his exercises. His hand was so much stronger now, as was his leg. He was still limping but progress was being made.
He often questioned himself, wondering why he had not trusted his instincts. He had known something was going on as soon as he had arrived at the hospital in Spain but accepted Siena’s excuses. He had wanted to believe her lies, he realised with dismay, or was it simply that he had wanted her, loved her…in fact he still did…in his own way. That had been his weakness. He identified it like an enemy and then stamped it out. There could be no weakness in war, and he was at war.