THE BUTTERFLY WHEEL by Short Keith

Author:Short, Keith
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independently published
Published: 2023-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

The hospital snack bar was busy when they got down to the concourse.

‘Over there, Mike. That family is just leaving.’

‘OK. You go and grab the table. I’ll get the drinks. Coffee?’

‘Large black, please.’

‘Planning on a long stay, then?’

The table was already being cleaned and two attractive young girls standing nearby had their eyes on it.

‘Sorry,’ one of them said when she spotted his wheelchair, ‘you were before us.’

This wasn’t the time for guilty feelings over the privileges that came with his disability. Besides, the girls had spotted another table by now.

‘That’s kind. Thank you, ladies.’

Mike arrived with the drinks. ‘There you go. One humongous black coffee to keep you awake for the rest of the week. Water for me, need to keep hydrated in places like this.’

‘So, what happened last night? Did you and Lesley see anything?’

‘Give me a chance, will you? I’ve only just sat down.’

‘Someone must have seen something.’

After a pause, Mike answered. ‘Lesley did.’

Jake sat up straight.

‘Everly had just left. We were going to stay on for another drink but, when Lesley saw how busy the bar was, she changed her mind. I needed to go for a pee so I said I’d meet her back at the car. Anyway, to cut a long story short, when I got to the car park, I found Lesley kneeling beside someone who looked like they’d collapsed. Then I realised it was Ev.’

‘What did you do?’

‘Called 999. The police and ambulance were there in minutes. Everly was unconscious and the paramedics were looking after her. We went back inside with the policewoman in charge and she took our statements.’

‘Did Lesley see the attacker?’

‘They interviewed us separately and she told me later she must have disturbed him. Whoever it was legged it before she could get there.’

‘Sounds like she was brave to go in like that. The bastard could have killed her. You say it was a man she saw?’

‘Well, no. It was dark and all she saw was a hooded figure. We just assumed it was a man who’d do this sort of thing.’

‘But did she get a look at their face?’

‘No. It all happened so quickly.’

‘So, from what you’re telling me, Lesley was leaning over Everly and there wasn’t another soul in the car park. But she must have seen which direction the attacker ran off in. You’re a fast runner, you could have set off after him.’

‘You’re pissing me off, Jake. We did all we could. How could you possibly think—’

‘OK, OK. I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve spent so much time being interviewed by the police lately, I’ve begun to think like them. You know I trust Lesley. And I’d trust you with my life.’

‘I can tell you’re on edge. But just don’t . . .’ Eyes full of bitterness, Mike pursed his lips and shook his head.

‘Just the same, I wouldn’t mind talking to Lesley myself.’

‘I thought I could feel my ears burning. Talk about what, Jake?’

‘Oh hi, Lesley. How is she?’

‘She’s fine.’ Lesley shook her head unhappily.

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