Chapter 25

Jack wondered out of the hospital's car park and hailed for a cab.

"Where to Sir?" the cabby asked

Jack searched his mind for anyone he could go to "12 Palm Road please."

The cabby nodded his head and pulled off.

It took everything in him to not turn his head, to not get out of that cab and rush back to Audrey. No, this was the best he could do for her. Audrey would finally be safe, and she would be able to get on with her life. Even though if it was without him.

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Audrey woke up. Her eyes scanning the room. She saw her father in the chair, sleeping. She smiled softly. Looking around she tried to find the man that had been there only minutes ago, but he wasn't in sight. Audrey slowly raised her head from the pillow.

"Dad" she said softly.

Heller's eyes shot open "What is it Audrey? What's wrong?" his voice was full of care.

Audrey grinned "Its nothing don't worry I'm fine. I was just wondering where that man went?"

Heller looked down "He left Audrey."

Audrey was confused "He left?" Heller nodded his head, "I don't understand" she retorted, "I thought you said he loved me?"

Heller looked away. What was he meant to say? "Audrey…Don't worry about it, you just focus on getting yourself better."

Audrey simply nodded her head. It was probably good that the man was gone.

---

The cab pulled up outside the oversized house. Jack paid the man and got out of the cab. Carefully he walked up the stoned drive and up to the door. Knocking Jack took a deep breath. He couldn't believe he was doing this. But these people were the only people he had left. His family.

"Coming" said the woman's voice from inside. She opened the door, and then stood their astonished at whose eyes she was looking into. "Oh my God." was all she could say.

Jack broke their eye contact and looked down. "Hi Marilyn" was all he said

"Jack…What are you doing here?"

He brought his eyes back to hers. "I…I was just wondering if I could stay with you for a few days until-"

Marilyn interrupted him "Jack that's fine. Jesus, I haven't seen you…since that day."

Jack smiled.

"How's Audrey doing?" Marilyn asked.

Jack's face changed drastically, "Oh…um…I…I'm not sure I haven't seen her in awhile."

Marilyn nodded her head, 'good' she thought. "Well come in. Josh!" she yelled "There's someone here to see you."

Josh came to the top of the stairs and then stopped "Uncle Jack!" was all he said.

"Hey buddy" Jack smiled, "Wow you've grown since the last time I saw you."

Josh grinned "Yeah and you've gotten older too"

"Josh!" Marilyn shouted

Jack laughed "Its fine don't worry."

Josh smiled broadened "Come on Uncle Jack. I'll show you to your room."

Jack nodded his thanks to Marilyn and followed Josh up the stairs.

----

St Andrew's Hospital

Dr Smith made is way into the hospital room where Audrey was now sleeping.

"Mr Heller" he said.

Heller walked over to Dr Smith.

"I take it Jack has gone." Dr Smith asked.

Heller nodded his head, "Yes. He thought it would be best for Audrey." his voice trailed off. "What did you want?" he asked

"I just wanted to fill you in about Audrey. I will need to keep her here for a few more days, just to make sure she is fine and then she is free to go with you."

"Will she ever remember anything?" Heller asked desperately.

Dr Smith eyes dropped to the floor and then back to Heller's "I don't know is the answer to that. She could remember, she could not. But the best thing to do if she does remember is to show her all the pictures of Jack or the previous six years. Anything to remind her-"

Heller interjected "No, I can't show her pictures of Jack" Heller paused "I promised him that I wouldn't. To be honest with you Doctor, Audrey hasn't missed anything in those years, apart from being with Jack, the rest of them were of memories I'm sure even Audrey would want to forget." He said referring to his daughter being in China. " I think its best that I don't show her anything."

"Well that's your decision Sir." with that Dr Smith turned and walked out of the door.

Heller looked back at Audrey. Jack had been right; now his daughter could get on with her life and may be even meet someone else. Going back to his chair, Heller fell back to sleep.

TBC