The Haunting of Highdown Hall by Shani Struthers

The Haunting of Highdown Hall by Shani Struthers

Author:Shani Struthers
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction & Literature
Publisher: Crooked Cat Publishing Ltd
Published: 2014-04-24T23:00:00+00:00


Chapter Fourteen

Back at his flat, Ruby and Cash continued to soothe a highly agitated Rawlings; Ruby terrified that today might spawn another casualty. She suspected that at his age his heart might be weak, perhaps prone to angina which could easily lead to a heart attack. However, after keeping a careful eye on him, he gradually calmed, eventually asking them to go.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Ruby was worried still.

“Fine, I’ll be fine,” he said, but his voice was subdued.

Having settled him in his armchair with a fresh cup of tea, she found a tartan blanket in his bedroom, thrown on top of a hard-backed chair in the corner. Sniffing it, it didn’t smell too bad. She returned to the living room and tucked it round his legs. Next she switched the TV on.

“Leave it on BBC1,” he ordered, “always rubbish on the other side.”

Doing as she was bid, some drama in full flow, she turned to him. “I’ll phone you tomorrow and perhaps I’ll come by later in the week? Check you’re okay.”

“Suit yourself,” the old man grunted in reply. Before she and Cash took their leave, however, he spoke again.

“I know what I did,” he said, his voice so low Ruby wasn’t actually sure he meant them to hear. “I know what I was, I’m not proud. And I am sorry. I hope she finds peace soon.”

“Me too,” whispered Ruby, gently shutting the door behind her.

***

Outside on the street, Ruby phoned Theo.

“She had to have four stitches,” Theo bluntly informed her.

Theo and Corinna often worked together; there was a strong bond between them, almost like that of a mother and daughter.

“Tell her... please tell her I’m sorry. Where is she now?” asked Ruby.

“At home, with her parents. Resting. She’s exhausted.”

“Yes, of course she is, I’ll call her tomorrow.”

“Do that,” said Theo before adding, “I think we need a meeting soon, set a few things straight.”

“Yes,” said Ruby meekly. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow too.”

After hanging up, Ruby felt the burden of guilt weighing heavily upon her.

“Hey,” said Cash, putting his arms around her and drawing her close. “What happened to Corinna, it’s not your fault. You were doing what you thought was best.”

Comforted by his embrace, she felt tears prick at her eyes but she would not let them fall. She was stronger than that. Unfortunately, her emotions refused to cooperate with her steadfast thoughts and several tears escaped, spilling rebelliously onto her cheeks. Quickly she pushed Cash away, wiping roughly at her eyes with the back of her hand.

“I need... I need to get back to the office,” she said hastily. “I’ve got admin to do. I’ll drop you back home.”

Cash must have sensed she meant it; he didn’t push further. Instead, he walked with her back to the car; the subsequent drive from Brighton to Lewes a silent one.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Cash’s voice was concerned but firm as he got out of the car. “Okay,” was all she could manage in reply.

Ruby was already dreading tomorrow.



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