John was woken up by the incessant reversing beep of a delivery lorry. His skin felt dry to the point of irritation and he was ravenous, but he seemed to have slept well for a change. Obviously he needed to kneel in the traffic more often.
Shower first, then breakfast .. He could still taste the Tube dust in the back of his throat, and his hair felt greasy. Nothing that a solid five minutes under the shower wouldn't fix.
Lestrade texted him about an hour later.
Morning. Just heard from Agnes Reynard is conscious. She'd like to speak to you. Are you up for it? GL
John drained his tea and replied.
Good to hear it. Thanks for letting me know, Did you get the bastards who tried to clean her up? JW
We didn't, but Traffic on the A1 did. Want to meet up for a pint? GL
Sure. Text me when you're free. JW
John checked the UCH website for visiting hours, then headed downstairs. Mrs Hudson was in the lounge when he let himself in "Morning," he shouted.
"Morning dear." Mrs Hudson was waiting with two cups of tea on a tray. Come and sit down."
John did as he was told. They hadn't seen each other for several days, and the mutual air of concern had to be dismissed somehow. She sat down and sipped her tea.
"Thank you for the scones. They were a nice surprise."
"It's lovely to have someone to share them with. She paused. "And how was Inspector Lestrade?"
So she had noticed his arrival last night. "Oh, his usual self."
"I thought you were up at the Whittington last night. Don't tell me he pulled you out on a case after your shift."
"No." And with that, John filled her in on the events of the night, leaving out his panic and near collapse on the escalator. She had already lost one dear boy and he didn't want to add to her worries.
Mrs Hudson put on her most sympathetic face. "How is the young lady?"
"Conscious and talking. Wanting to see me, apparently. I'm going over to UCH a bit later on."
"Is she pretty?" she asked with a faint glimmer. John rolled his eyes.
"Believe it or not, I was more concerned with making sure she was ok. She was only just ahead of me on the crossing. "
"Lucky for her you were there. What time are you going to the hospital?"
"General visiting starts at two."
Mrs Hudson examined his appearance. "Well you've got time to change your shirt before then."
"This is not a date. She asked to see me, that's all. Maybe she just wants to say thank you."
"Perhaps. But you shouldn't pass opportunity to meet new people."
"Being witness to a hit and run is not the new speed dating. She asked me to see her and I said that I would." John suddenly found the pattern of the paisley carpet desperately fascinating.
Mrs Hudson couldn't resist one last attempt. "What's her name?
"Agnes."
"Beautiful name." She looked across at him. "Will you drop in later to tell me how it went?"
"Of course. See you later."
"Bye. Don't forget to change your shirt. Make a good impression."
John humphed, then nodded. He'd never hear the last of it if he didn't.
