p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Sitting in the waiting room on her own Audrey waited for news on her husband. Marjory had gone to get her a cup of tea while the brigadier was arranging with John and Brabinger on how to get Mrs Poo back from London where she was visiting her friends./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"The door to the waiting room opened and a policeman entered "Mrs DeVere, I'm Constable Peters I will be investigating the attack on your husband."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Oh yes hello Constable, is there any news about who did this?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Constable Peters shook his head "Not yet I'm afraid but I wonder if you could help us Mrs DeVere? We have recovered the cctv footage from the camera on the front of the manor and it clearly shows the faces of the perpetrators. I thought maybe you might recognise them if you watch the footage?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Wanting to do anything she could to help catch these thugs she agreed, "Yes of course if it helps catch the people who did this to my husband"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Constable Peters took Audrey to a room in the hospital that had the equipment needed to view the footage and played her the footage. Sitting there watching her husband being savagely beaten Audrey felt sick "Oh Richard" she whispered./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Noticing her face pale Constable Peters apologized "I'm sorry Mrs DeVere I should have warned you"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""It's alright sergeant, but I'm sorry I don't recognise anyone"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Can you think of anyone who would want to harm your husband?" /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey had no idea who would want to harm Richard he was well liked in the county but she wondered about the city, "No I...well he has had some trouble with the board of his company recently, I don't want to point fingers constable but a Mr Gayforth has been acting very aggressively towards my husband"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""That's a great help Mrs DeVere I'll follow up on that. I will keep you informed of any developments."span style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;" *******/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"30 minutes later and Audrey and Marjory were back in the waiting room and still waiting for news on Richard. /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Marjory touched Audrey's hand "He'll be alright Aud" Audrey just nodded, trying to make small talk Marjory continued "Where's Mrs Poo?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""She was visiting friends in London. I phoned her when we got here the brigadier has made arrangements to bring her back she's on her way now."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"The door to the waiting room opened and in walked the Doctor, Audrey lept out of her seat "Mrs DeVere I'm Doctor Ford I have been treating your husband" he reached out and shook her hand./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Your husband has been very lucky Mrs DeVere, the stab wound was more of a slash so it wasn't to deep, we have stitched him up and he should heal very well although he will have a scar there. He has a few bruised ribs, a minor concussion and some cuts on his face that required stitches. We'll be keeping him in overnight just to keep an eye on him then he can go home tomorrow./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Relief flooded through her "Thank you doctor, can I see him"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Yes of course follow me"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey opened the door to the private room Richard was in and found him sitting up in the bed, his eyes open staring at the style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"He was wearing a hospital gown but she could see the bandage on his stomach through it. Now clean of the blood that was there she could see his face was bruised, butterfly stitches on the cut just above his eyebrow, a black eye and a split lip./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Slowly she shut the door "Hello darling, how are you feeling?" walking over to his bed and taking his hand in hers she ran her fingers through his hair with the other./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Better now that you're here darling"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey leaned down and carefully kissed his lips avoiding his cut lip./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""When can I get out of here. I want to go home"span style="max-width: 100%;" Richard moaned/span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""The doctor says you're going to be fine they just want to keep you overnight to keep an eye on you" /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard nodded "Have they caught them?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She shook her head "Not yet but there is a Constable Peters working on the case" she paused knowing she would have to tell him what she told the police./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Darling…don't be angry but he asked me if anyone had a grudge against you, so I told him about the trouble you've been having with Mr Gayforth"span style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard smiled at her "I'm not angry darling, you're right he might have been tempted do something like this you did the right thing" he squeezed her hand to reassure her./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She sighed with relief "I phoned your mother, she's on her way"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard rolled his eyes, "Oh no I bet she's going to give me a lecture"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""No she won't she'll be pleased that you are going to be alright" Audreys voiced wobbled as she finished speaking./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Hearing the angst in his wife's voicespan style="max-width: 100%;" /spanand seeing the tears in her eyes Richard felt the need to explain to her why he confronted the gang and reassure her he would never do such a thing again./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""I'm so sorry Audrey I shouldn't have approached them on my own my instincts just took over, I never thought they'd have a knife" /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey nodded rubbing his cheek with her hand "It's alright darling but please don't do it again"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"He put his hand over hers where it rested on his cheek "I promise darling"span style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""When I saw you laying there not moving...I've never been so scared in my life" a tear escaped her eyes and ran down her cheek Richard wiped it away. Pulling her down he rested his forehead on hers "I promise you my darling that is the last time I do anything like that again"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey smiled and sat on the side of his bed their hands still clasped together both seeking the comfort and reassurance the other offered./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Is John picking you up?" Richard asked changing the subject/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She shook her head "No he's not I'm staying with you."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Darling, I don't think they will allow that, besides you need to rest too"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She stroked her thumb over his knuckles "Richard I won't rest unless I'm with you...I need to be close to you right now"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard brought her hand up to his lips for a kiss "I need you to darling"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;" There was a knock on the door just before it opened "Excuse me for interrupting but I was wondering if Mr DeVere would be able to give a statement now?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Come in Constable" Audrey said standing from the bed./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Darling this is the policeman I was telling you about, Constable Peters" Peters reached his hand out to shake Richard's./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Nice to meet you Mr DeVere" Richard nodded/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Now I've got the cctv footage from the manor and I have followed up on the lead Mrs. DeVere gave me. We have arrested Mr Gayforth and two of the men who attacked you."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Oh that is good news Constable, where did you find them?" Audrey askedspan style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""We found the two men inside Mr Gayforth's house when we went to interview him, we're still looking for the other two. I just need your statement to add to the case file Sir."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard gave his account of what had happened to Constable Peters who thanked him and then left with a promise to inform them immediately of any further developments./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;" ******* /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Mrs Poo had arrived shortly after Constable Peters left and had cried at the sight of her only son's appearance but calmed down soon after Audrey had told her that there was no permanent damage and few days rest would be all he needed to get bether./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She had stayed until visiting hours ended leaving him in Audrey's capable hands "Now Bedrich you be good for Audrey don't be a bad patient" she said wagging her finger at him./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""I'll be a good boy mother, don't worry"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"As Richard had said it was against hospital policy to allow Audrey to stay but after she had made her case rather forcefully to the Hospital Administrator And the staff had relented./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"They were now laying together in Richard's hospital bed sharing a pillow. Her arm was carefully placed across his chest avoiding the wound on his stomach while he had his arm wrapped around her shoulders bringing her close to his side. He felt her shift slightly./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Are you comfortable darling?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Smiling at him Audrey whispered "I am when you're holding me darling" she leaned in and kissed him style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She chuckled to herself "I told you your mother would be just pleased to see you in one piece didn't I "/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard ran his hand up and down her back "Yes you were right, although if she gets hold of those other two blokes before Constable Peters I don't fancy their chances."span style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"The door to the waiting room opened and a policeman entered "Mrs DeVere, I'm Constable Peters I will be investigating the attack on your husband."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Oh yes hello Constable, is there any news about who did this?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Constable Peters shook his head "Not yet I'm afraid but I wonder if you could help us Mrs DeVere? We have recovered the cctv footage from the camera on the front of the manor and it clearly shows the faces of the perpetrators. I thought maybe you might recognise them if you watch the footage?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Wanting to do anything she could to help catch these thugs she agreed, "Yes of course if it helps catch the people who did this to my husband"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Constable Peters took Audrey to a room in the hospital that had the equipment needed to view the footage and played her the footage. Sitting there watching her husband being savagely beaten Audrey felt sick "Oh Richard" she whispered./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Noticing her face pale Constable Peters apologized "I'm sorry Mrs DeVere I should have warned you"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""It's alright sergeant, but I'm sorry I don't recognise anyone"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Can you think of anyone who would want to harm your husband?" /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey had no idea who would want to harm Richard he was well liked in the county but she wondered about the city, "No I...well he has had some trouble with the board of his company recently, I don't want to point fingers constable but a Mr Gayforth has been acting very aggressively towards my husband"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""That's a great help Mrs DeVere I'll follow up on that. I will keep you informed of any developments."span style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;" *******/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"30 minutes later and Audrey and Marjory were back in the waiting room and still waiting for news on Richard. /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Marjory touched Audrey's hand "He'll be alright Aud" Audrey just nodded, trying to make small talk Marjory continued "Where's Mrs Poo?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""She was visiting friends in London. I phoned her when we got here the brigadier has made arrangements to bring her back she's on her way now."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"The door to the waiting room opened and in walked the Doctor, Audrey lept out of her seat "Mrs DeVere I'm Doctor Ford I have been treating your husband" he reached out and shook her hand./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Your husband has been very lucky Mrs DeVere, the stab wound was more of a slash so it wasn't to deep, we have stitched him up and he should heal very well although he will have a scar there. He has a few bruised ribs, a minor concussion and some cuts on his face that required stitches. We'll be keeping him in overnight just to keep an eye on him then he can go home tomorrow./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Relief flooded through her "Thank you doctor, can I see him"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Yes of course follow me"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey opened the door to the private room Richard was in and found him sitting up in the bed, his eyes open staring at the style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"He was wearing a hospital gown but she could see the bandage on his stomach through it. Now clean of the blood that was there she could see his face was bruised, butterfly stitches on the cut just above his eyebrow, a black eye and a split lip./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Slowly she shut the door "Hello darling, how are you feeling?" walking over to his bed and taking his hand in hers she ran her fingers through his hair with the other./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Better now that you're here darling"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey leaned down and carefully kissed his lips avoiding his cut lip./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""When can I get out of here. I want to go home"span style="max-width: 100%;" Richard moaned/span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""The doctor says you're going to be fine they just want to keep you overnight to keep an eye on you" /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard nodded "Have they caught them?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She shook her head "Not yet but there is a Constable Peters working on the case" she paused knowing she would have to tell him what she told the police./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Darling…don't be angry but he asked me if anyone had a grudge against you, so I told him about the trouble you've been having with Mr Gayforth"span style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard smiled at her "I'm not angry darling, you're right he might have been tempted do something like this you did the right thing" he squeezed her hand to reassure her./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She sighed with relief "I phoned your mother, she's on her way"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard rolled his eyes, "Oh no I bet she's going to give me a lecture"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""No she won't she'll be pleased that you are going to be alright" Audreys voiced wobbled as she finished speaking./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Hearing the angst in his wife's voicespan style="max-width: 100%;" /spanand seeing the tears in her eyes Richard felt the need to explain to her why he confronted the gang and reassure her he would never do such a thing again./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""I'm so sorry Audrey I shouldn't have approached them on my own my instincts just took over, I never thought they'd have a knife" /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey nodded rubbing his cheek with her hand "It's alright darling but please don't do it again"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"He put his hand over hers where it rested on his cheek "I promise darling"span style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""When I saw you laying there not moving...I've never been so scared in my life" a tear escaped her eyes and ran down her cheek Richard wiped it away. Pulling her down he rested his forehead on hers "I promise you my darling that is the last time I do anything like that again"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Audrey smiled and sat on the side of his bed their hands still clasped together both seeking the comfort and reassurance the other offered./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Is John picking you up?" Richard asked changing the subject/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She shook her head "No he's not I'm staying with you."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Darling, I don't think they will allow that, besides you need to rest too"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She stroked her thumb over his knuckles "Richard I won't rest unless I'm with you...I need to be close to you right now"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard brought her hand up to his lips for a kiss "I need you to darling"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;" There was a knock on the door just before it opened "Excuse me for interrupting but I was wondering if Mr DeVere would be able to give a statement now?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Come in Constable" Audrey said standing from the bed./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Darling this is the policeman I was telling you about, Constable Peters" Peters reached his hand out to shake Richard's./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Nice to meet you Mr DeVere" Richard nodded/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Now I've got the cctv footage from the manor and I have followed up on the lead Mrs. DeVere gave me. We have arrested Mr Gayforth and two of the men who attacked you."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Oh that is good news Constable, where did you find them?" Audrey askedspan style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""We found the two men inside Mr Gayforth's house when we went to interview him, we're still looking for the other two. I just need your statement to add to the case file Sir."/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard gave his account of what had happened to Constable Peters who thanked him and then left with a promise to inform them immediately of any further developments./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;" ******* /p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Mrs Poo had arrived shortly after Constable Peters left and had cried at the sight of her only son's appearance but calmed down soon after Audrey had told her that there was no permanent damage and few days rest would be all he needed to get bether./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She had stayed until visiting hours ended leaving him in Audrey's capable hands "Now Bedrich you be good for Audrey don't be a bad patient" she said wagging her finger at him./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""I'll be a good boy mother, don't worry"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"As Richard had said it was against hospital policy to allow Audrey to stay but after she had made her case rather forcefully to the Hospital Administrator And the staff had relented./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"They were now laying together in Richard's hospital bed sharing a pillow. Her arm was carefully placed across his chest avoiding the wound on his stomach while he had his arm wrapped around her shoulders bringing her close to his side. He felt her shift slightly./p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;""Are you comfortable darling?"/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Smiling at him Audrey whispered "I am when you're holding me darling" she leaned in and kissed him style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"She chuckled to herself "I told you your mother would be just pleased to see you in one piece didn't I "/p
p style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: #1b1b1b; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"Richard ran his hand up and down her back "Yes you were right, although if she gets hold of those other two blokes before Constable Peters I don't fancy their chances."span style="max-width: 100%;" /span/p