Remind Me Again Why I Need a Man : A Novel by Claudia Carroll

Author:Claudia Carroll [Carroll, Claudia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Published: 2012-09-09T20:34:22+00:00

“Is it a personal call?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Okay. Well, Simon actually left here some time ago, but I still have his cell phone number, is that any help to you?”

“That would be great, thanks.”

I scribble the number on the back of my hand and hang up, delighted.

Caroline is on the edge of her seat.

“Right,” I say, “now for the hard bit.”

“Oh, God, my nerves,” squeals Caroline. “Are you sure you want to do this now?”

“No time like the present,” I answer fi rmly, bracing myself.

I dial the cell phone number.

Caroline has to stuff a tissue in her mouth to stop her laughing out loud.

It rings. And rings. Eventually a woman’s voice answers.

Caroline and I look nervously across at each other. Could this be his wife?

I take the bull by the horns.

“Hello, is that Simon’s phone?”

“Uhh . . . yes. Who’s this?”

“Amelia Lockwood. I’m a friend of his from college.

Could I have a quick word with him, do you think?”

“Oh. You’re a friend of his?”

“Uhh . . . yeah.” I pull a face at Caroline. A total exaggera-tion, but what choice have I?

“Well, maybe you’d like to come and visit him, then?”

I think on my feet. Yes, isn’t this the whole object of the exercise?

“I’d love to, if that was all right.”

“That’s great. I’ll tell him to expect you. It’s just that of all Remind Me Again Why I Need a Man�

197

our patients, Simon hardly gets any visitors, you know.”

This time, Caroline and I look at each other in horror.

“Umm, I’m sorry, but . . . where exactly is Simon?”

“Here in St. Moluag’s psychiatric home, St. Killian’s ward.

Any time tomorrow would be great. If you come to the main reception desk, just ask for me. Nurse Sarah O’Loughlin.”

Chapter 20

The Cuckoo’s Nest

There’s no getting out of it. I have to go and visit poor old Simon, and that’s all there is to it. It’s a mad busy day for me at work, but I make up my mind to go and see him at lunchtime, when things in the office are slightly less manic.

Even Caroline gently admits that it’s the right and proper thing to do.

“You have to. Especially after the nurse told him to expect a visit from you,” she says during a sneaky phone call, when I’m meant to be holed up in the conference room reading scripts. “I’m just not very happy about you going on your own. Do you have to go at lunchtime? I have a checkup at one, but if you could wait till later in the afternoon, I’ll come with you.”

“Bless you for that, but I’m in meetings for the rest of the whole bloody day. It’s lunchtime or never, I’m afraid.

Besides, better to get it over with sooner rather than later.

If I leave it till tonight, there’s a very good chance I’ll think 198

Claudia Carroll

about what I’m about to do and then not do it and run in the opposite direction, very, very fast.”

“Okay, well, keep safe, and remember I’m only on the other end of a phone if you need me.

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