Grave Intention by M A Comley

Author:M A Comley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Melanie Comley
Published: 2013-02-03T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Ellen’s Saturday began with a leisurely morning in bed, which was followed by a stroll around the shops in Worcester city centre—anything to distract her from her mother’s plight. During the week, she had work issues to deal with, but at the weekend, apart from a brief progress chat about the case with Jim, she’d pushed Charles Dugan aside until Monday. She’d rung the hospital first thing and found that her mother’s condition had not changed.

Ellen passed by the little boutique where her mum loved to shop, and she took a step back when a beautifully coloured silk scarf in the window caught her eye. As Ellen entered, a little old lady who was bent over with age smiled cheerfully.

“Good morning, dear. Can I help you?”

Ellen pointed to the scarf wrapped around the mannequin’s neck. “I’d like to purchase that scarf please.”

“What a wonderful choice for you. The colours will go beautifully with your gorgeous red hair.”

Self-consciously, Ellen swept the fringe back off her face. “It’s for my mum. I thought it might cheer her up.”

“That’s lovely. What a kind and thoughtful daughter you are. She’s lucky to have you. Not all children think about their parents in such a kind way, especially nowadays.”

Guilt jabbed her like a cattle prod. If only that were true. If she hadn’t deserted her mother a few months back, maybe Irene wouldn’t be lying in hospital just then. Ellen paid the woman and waited while she swathed the scarf in gold-coloured wrapping paper and popped a bow on one corner. “That’s very kind of you.”

“Not at all. It’s all part of the service. We take pride in caring for our customers here. I hope your mother enjoys her gift.”

“I’m sure she will. Goodbye.”

Ellen went back to her car and drove out to the large Sainsburys to carry out her weekly shop. Lost in thought, she drifted down the aisles, not sure what she was actually putting in her basket.

Once she finished the mundane task of shopping, she rang Jim before heading home. “Hi. Are you going to call in at the hospital today?”

“I’m going in this evening. Want to tag along?”

“Yeah, if you don’t mind? I just bought Mum a present from all of us for when she wakes up. What time are you going?”

“Around seven. Why don’t you come over for dinner, and we can shoot off from here?”

“Great. I’ll see you around five.”

• • •

The boys were playing on their computer game when Ellen arrived. The house was alive with laughter and friendly banter. After dinner, Jim and Ellen set off to the hospital at ten minutes to seven.

The ward sister beamed at them when they arrived. “Fantastic news. Your mother woke up a little while ago. I was just about to ring you to let you know.”

Jim gave Ellen a squeeze. “See, I told you she’d be all right.”

Ellen’s eyes rose to the ceiling. “Yes, you did, brother dearest.” Turning back to the sister, she asked, “Is it all right if we see her? Is she up to having visitors?”

“I don’t see why not.

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