Chapter 14
When
she left the hospital, Karen took out her mobile and rang the number Helen had
given her. It was late but she was sure Helen would be waiting for news of
Nikki and she was right because the phone was answered after only one ring.
“Helen,
It’s Karen. I’ve just left the hospital. I thought you’d like to know, Nikki
has come round and she’s going to be alright.”
There
was a sigh of relief from the other end. “Thank God for that and thanks for
letting me know, Karen.”
“She’ll
be in hospital for a few days and then transfer back to the infirmary, so if
you want to visit her…”
Helen
interrupted her quickly. “Not a good idea, Karen but thanks anyway. Will you
give me progress reports on how she’s doing, please?”
”Count
on it.”
“Well?”
Beverley demanded as Helen replaced the receiver.
“She’s
going to be alright.” Helen smiled for the first time that night.
“I’m
really pleased, Helen. Look, don’t you think this might be a good time to bury
the hatchet? Why don’t you go and see her?”
“No,
Beverley,” she replied.
Beverley
shook her head. When Helen got her ‘No, Beverley and a herd of wild horses
couldn’t budge me’ head on then it was time to give up. “Ready for bed?”
“You
go on up. I got some brochures from the estate agents. I haven’t had a chance
to look at them yet.”
“So,
you really are serious about buying a house then? You know you can stay here as
long as you want. There’s plenty of room and I enjoy the company.”
“Thanks,
Bev. I appreciate your offer and I enjoy your company as well but I think it’s
time I made a move. I can’t hide out here forever. Tell you what you can do,
come and see these houses with me. There’s nothing worse than looking round
empty houses on your own.”
“So,
what do you think?” Helen’s voice echoed around the empty room.
“Helen,
we have looked around six houses in as many days,” Beverley said tartly. “Do
you want to know what I really think?”
“I
just asked you, didn’t I?”
“I
think you’re buying a house for Nikki Wade!”
“What?”
Helen laughed incredulously. “Don’t be so bloody stupid!”
“Think
about it, Helen. You may not even be conscious you’re doing it. All the houses
we have seen have one thing in common, an enormous garden and you hate
gardening. God knows how you ended up with Sean!”
“Beverley,
it’s just a coincidence.”
“Admit
it, Stewart, you’re obsessed with her.”
“No,
I am not!” Helen protested. “Alright. The next house I look at won’t have so much
as a window box.”
“Now
you’re the one who’s being bloody stupid.”
“I’ve
had enough,” Helen said irritably. “Let’s get these keys back to the estate
agent and go for a drink.”
“You
know I’m right, Helen. Just admit it.”
“Aren’t
you always, Beverley? And nobody likes a smart arse! The first gallon is on
you.”
On
her release from hospital, Nikki, escorted by Dominic McAllister, entered G
Wing to cheering and wolf-whistles from the assembled inmates. Although she
felt slightly embarrassed at being the centre of attention, she acknowledged
them good-naturedly. “Thank you, ladies. Autographs later.” She sought out
Barbara and the two Julies and gave them all a hug.
“Who
the hell does she think she is?” Hollamby sneered as she waddled to a halt
beside Dominic.
“Give
her a break, Sylvia. She’s only just come out of hospital. She did save your
life after all,” he reminded her.
“If
it wasn’t for cons like her, I wouldn’t have needed my life saving,” she
retorted petulantly.
Nikki
spotted Hollamby and walked over to her. “Alright after your ordeal, Miss?”
Hollamby
sniffed contemptuously. “I see you’re back with us, Wade.”
Nikki’s
lips set in a hard line. Too much to hope the old cow would be grateful. She
forced a smile to her lips. “I never thought I’d live to see you with a woman’s
arms around your neck, Sylvia.” Her words were met with guffaws of laughter
from the other women.
“I
see your brush with death hasn’t stopped you being insolent.”
“And
I see your brush with death hasn’t stopped you having a face like a smacked
arse!”
“Why
you cheeky madam!” Hollamby spluttered. “I’ll put you on report.”
“Do
your worst, Sylvia. I’m off to the Infirmary. I just came to see my friends.
Later, girls.” She gave them a cheery wave and walked out with Dominic in her
wake.
“Hiya,
Nikki. How are you feeling?”
Nikki
looked up from her book and smiled at the speaker. “Fine thanks, Miss Betts. Is
there any chance of going back to my cell? I’m bored stiff in here with only
the nurse for company.”
“Even
though she is a pretty little thing?” Karen teased.
“Don’t
go for blondes much these days, Miss,” then added quickly. “Sorry, no offence.”
“None
taken,” Karen smiled and ran her fingers through her own blonde hair. “Although
I am relieved to hear it.”
“Do
you mean relieved to hear about the blonde bit or the no offence bit?”
“Nikki,
if I didn’t know you better, I would think you were winding me up.”
“Now,
whatever gave you that idea, Miss Betts?” she smiled broadly.
“I
don’t really know,” she laughed. “I’ll have a word with the doctor. If you
promise to take things easy I think he’ll let you go back to your cell. See you
later.”
“See
you later, Miss Betts.” Nikki watched as Karen went out of the ward. Nice arse,
she thought to herself but she was no Helen Stewart and she never would be.
Karen
went back to her office, a smile playing around her lips. If she hadn’t known
better she would have thought Nikki was flirting with her. Maybe she had a
penchant for women in authority, Wing Governors in particular.
She
picked up the telephone and dialled a number. “Helen, it’s Karen.”
“Hello,
Karen. How are things there?”
“She’s
fine, Helen.”
Helen
laughed. “I was asking generally.”
“I
believe you, Helen,” Karen joined in her laughter. “I’ve just been to see her.
She’s bored in the Infirmary, even with a pretty nurse for company,“ she said
pointedly.
Helen
felt a stab of jealousy. She knew Nikki was safe. Maybe now was a good time to
stop having progress reports and sever connections again.
“Would
you do me a favour, Helen?” Karen was asking. “I’ve got a kid here. She’s due
for release in a couple of months but if she doesn’t get help now she’ll be
back here in no time. I think she would benefit with a transfer to you. Would
you come and have a word with her, see what you think?”
“I
have a free morning, day after tomorrow. Would that suit you?”
“Fine.
I’ll see you then.” Karen replaced the receiver smiling secretively to herself.
She’d make those two see sense even if she had to bang their heads together!