The Summer Guest by Emma Hannigan

Author:Emma Hannigan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HeadlinePublisher
Published: 2014-02-02T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

Kathleen woke to the sound of a phone ringing. Sitting bolt upright in bed she gazed around in confusion, trying to figure out where the noise was coming from. Unaccustomed to the sound of her new cell, it took her a few moments to establish what she was hearing.

‘Hello?’ she said, diving at it just in time. She didn’t see who was calling.

‘Ah, hello,’ said a man’s voice.

Kathleen inhaled sharply. She didn’t recognise the tone and was about to hang up when he continued: ‘It’s me, Rodger.’

‘Hello there!’ Kathleen said, relieved. ‘How are you?’

‘Ah, not too bad. You’ll be delighted to know I’m in St Mark’s hospital,’ he said, laughing.

‘Oh, no, poor you. Of course I’m not delighted,’ Kathleen said. ‘Would I be right in assuming you … Did you have your surgery?’

‘Yesterday,’ he confirmed. ‘That’s why I didn’t answer your kind text then.’

‘Well done, sir,’ Kathleen said. ‘How’s the pain today?’

‘Not as bad as I’d anticipated,’ he said. ‘I’m taking a whole host of tablets, though.’

‘Good. That’s what they’re for.’

‘I feel it’s a bit of a cop-out all the same. I’ll try to cut down on the painkillers tomorrow.’

‘Your body won’t heal if you’re in pain. Besides, there are no medals for being a martyr.’

‘That’s true.’ He chuckled. ‘You’re a breath of fresh air, Kathleen. I’m glad I called.’

‘Would you like a visitor?’ she asked spontaneously.

‘Uh …’

‘Oh, shoot. You don’t have to say yes. I’m doing it again, being too pushy. Forget I said anything.’

‘I’d love you to visit if you have the time,’ Rodger said. ‘To be honest, it would be great to see someone who doesn’t look at me as if I’m a nuisance. My children say they’re glad I finally had the surgery but I feel as if I should be bounding around playing soccer in the corridor to show I’m totally fixed.’

‘I’m sure they don’t expect that.’

‘You’re probably right,’ Rodger agreed. ‘I can’t help feeling I’m a burden on them all the same.’

‘I’ve no plans today,’ Kathleen ventured. ‘Shall I pop in?’

‘That’d be great. They aren’t strict with visiting hours in this section of the hospital, so any time would suit me. I’m not going anywhere.’

‘I’ll be there in about two hours. How’s that?’

‘I look forward to it.’

Kathleen hung up, invigorated. She was thrilled to have a purpose. She’d walk to the village and buy some fruit before getting the DART to the hospital.

The ritual was oddly comforting. She’d grown so accustomed to visiting Jackson in hospital over the years that she was enjoying the chance to make herself useful again.

By the time she arrived at the stop near the hospital, the rain was coming down in spits. Beneath her small umbrella, she made quick progress. Rodger had texted his exact location, so she followed the signs and found his room easily. She’d already knocked on the door before she had time to think.

‘Come in!’ Rodger called.

Feeling suddenly shy, Kathleen’s heart thumped as she strode in. All too late, she realised she was in a private room with a near-stranger, who happened to be a man in bed.

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