"I suppose it should explain why people have been looking at me with sympathy all morning, and why Mrs Holden said she was very sorry about the 'terrible news'."
"Yes, it would also explain why a patient saw me, promptly screamed and dropped her bags." He threw a small smile at her, hoping to try and make light of the situation. She returned his smile, but both knew that neither were genuine. "We're going to have to inform the police."
"I know." She sighed, tightening her hold on his hand. They were walking hand in hand down into the town centre, towards a bakery they both liked and frequented. She sighed again, suddenly weary of the whole situation. Why would someone do this to them? She just wished it would all just go away, but knew it was a futile wish.
"You okay?" Gordon looked over to her at hearing her sighing.
"Yes, I'm just so... angry!" She clenched the fingers of her free hand into a fist and hit it against her thigh, as if to emphasise her point. "Who thinks they have the right to do this to someone? No one has the right!"
"I know." Gordon said softly, leading her to the right, starting down a narrow deserted path, stopping when it turned, providing a secluded spot, unseen from the road. He pulled her against him, sliding his arms around her.
"It's just not fair." She said quietly, dropping her head to his shoulder and gripping him tightly.
"I know sweetheart." He murmured, his hand moving to the base of her head, his fingers alternately stroking the soft hairs there, and the nape of her neck. "I think we should tell Matron and Mr Middleditch. No doubt they'll hear gossip anyway." The only response he received was a nod against his shoulder so he continued. "I also think the rest of the staff should know, gossip does tend to become warped. It'll stop everyone asking the same questions." Again she nodded, murmuring her agreement.
They stayed like that for some time, both savouring the feel of the other against them, providing comfort and hope that the situation would, eventually be okay. Eventually, Jill pulled away, trailing her hands down his arms to hold his. "We should probably make a move. I'm hungry and we haven't got long until we need to be back." She released one of his hands and led him back onto the main path, pausing only to glance around as she reached the top, just in case...