She brought out some fresh fruit. He winced, saying he couldn’t face another grape, but ate the apples one after the other, munching through them like a kid. All the while, he gave her a running commentary about the other patients; he had her laughing as he mimicked them, using funny voices. It was a while before he calmed down and then reached over to take her hand.
‘You sure about taking me on, sweetheart?’
‘I have never been more sure about anything. Besides, your flat has a walk up four flights; I’m only two flights plus a lift and my flat is all on one floor, so it’s obviously the better place. Added to that, you’ll have me to cook and look after you.’
‘I don’t need mothering, Anna.’
‘Who said I’d be doing that? I want you fit and back to work as soon as possible, because I know you are not going to be easy.’
He grinned, then frowned. ‘Keep it quiet though. I don’t want visitors. I don’t want to see any of the old team, not until I’m ready.’
‘Whatever you say.’
‘I’ve made a list of stuff I’ll need to be brought in for me to go out looking the business.’
He handed it over and she slipped it into her handbag. She did not open her briefcase, which still contained the case file and his own folder of press cuttings. The time passed very quickly as they kissed and hugged each other. She was very tearful when he whispered that he loved her.
‘I love you too, and you are going to get back in shape, I know it.’
He cocked his head to one side. ‘I have to, because no way am I going to be shoved into some desk job, not me. I’m coming out and I’ve got a lot of unsolved business to sort!’
She felt very uneasy, but he clasped her hand.
‘Don’t get that worried look on your face. I won’t be doing anything dumb, but if you know me and I think you do, you know it’s not over.’
She gave a sad smile. ‘I know.’
Chapter Six
Anna had been called by Langton four times on the morning she was due to collect him. He wanted some chocolates for certain nurses; then he rang to say to bring some good bottles of wine. Next, had she got the right suit and tie? Then again, to make sure she remembered to bring the gifts. Anna could hear the excitement in his voice, like a kid, as he checked the time for the pick-up on every call, constantly reminding her not to tell anyone he was discharged.
She drove to Glebe House as instructed, to be there for two-thirty. She arrived slightly earlier, due to a traffic-free M4; she handed over his suitcase and said she would wait in the lounge. He did not appear until almost three. He looked fantastic, and very smart, taking the wine and chocolates from her to hand out like royalty to the staff.
A number of staff stood to wave him goodbye as he walked towards Anna’s Mini. She carried the suitcase filled with his laundry and odds and ends. She opened the passenger door for him and then walked round to put the suitcase into the boot. By the time she stashed it and closed the boot, he was still standing, waving, and holding onto the edge of the door. He stood there until the staff had disappeared inside, then with a grimace he began to ease himself into the seat, which she had pulled back as far as possible, earlier on. It took quite some time, as his knee obviously pained him greatly. He swore at her for having such a bloody small car but eventually managed to flop down and haul his bad leg inside.
As they drove home, he sighed deeply, as if still in pain; every time she asked if he was all right, he said he was fine. By the time they reached home, he was rubbing his knee and wincing.
‘It’s because I’m so cramped,’ he said.
‘Well, let me get the case inside first, then I’ll come back and help you out.’
‘I don’t need any help, just go on inside. I’ll follow you in a second.’
Anna took his case up into the flat, and then returned to the car. He was still unable to get out of the seat. She bent down to suggest he swing his legs out first, and he swore at her.
‘I’m just getting my breath! Don’t tell me what to do.’
Anna stood back and watched as he painfully eased one leg round, and then used both hands to lift his right leg. He was forced to hold on to her to stand upright. The sweat rolled down his cheeks as he attempted to straighten up. It was a very slow walk to the lift, then, from there, the few paces into her flat; each step was obviously agony for him and, much against his will, he was still forced to cling to her.
As they went into the lounge, he almost fell onto the sofa, rubbing his leg and muttering how it was all because of being in such a cramped position in her car. She unpacked his case, and left him to cool down. She then asked if he was hungry, and would he like to go out to eat, or dine at home.
‘Oh, let’s run down to the local Italian!’ he said sarcastically.
‘I was joking! I’ve got steak and salad and a good bottle of wine.’
‘Come here.’ He held out his hand and clasped hers, drawing her down to sit beside him on the sofa. ‘I’m a sourpuss and an ungrateful son of a bitch, but if you get the pills in the blue-labelled bottle, it’ll help ease this housemaid’s fucking knee. Christ only knows how housemaids deal with it; mind you, they’re not on their hands and knees washing down steps any more, are they?’
She kissed his cheek; it felt cold and clammy. The pills were in a black leather shaving bag. She was surprised how many bottles of different prescriptions he had been given. After he’d taken two with a glass of wine (which she doubted was the best way to take them) the pain obviously lessened and when she served dinner, he ate hungrily and said it was the best dinner he’d had since he’d been injured. It was not until they had coffee (or she had one — he was still drinking) that he became quiet and serious.
‘It’s not going to be easy, is it?’ he said.
‘I never thought it would be, but then I never thought you’d be home this quickly. In fact, you just being here is a miracle.’
He smiled, and lifted his glass. ‘To my sweet Anna!’
She blew him a kiss. ‘Right, I’ll going to clear up, and then we can watch TV — or have an early night; maybe you should do that. It’s been a big day for you and you don’t want to tire yourself out.’
‘Let me tell you when I’m tired.’
‘Fine, just sit then. I won’t be long.’
She had just wiped down the kitchen counters and had put the dishwasher on when she heard him calling her. She went over to him.
‘I can’t get up,’ he said quietly.
It wasn’t easy getting him up onto his feet; he was like a dead weight. They had to walk very slowly towards the bedroom. He gasped for breath at each step; twice they had to pause whilst he gritted his teeth before being able to move another step forwards. He was embarrassed at being unable to take a piss without her helping him, but he was incapable of retaining his balance.
She helped him undress, ready to take a shower. He had grown silent; time and time again he winced with pain, but said nothing. She took his dirty clothes into the kitchen to put into the washing machine and to give him some privacy, but when she returned to the bedroom he was still sitting, naked apart from a towelling robe around his shoulders.
‘I can’t stand up again,’ he said, head bowed.
‘That’s okay. For goodness’ sake, it’s your first day home.’
She leaned forwards to put her hands under his armpits to try and haul him up, but he was too heavy; she eventually managed it by letting him lean his weight forwards onto her and then very slowly standing.