Chapter 31

The Essence of Waiting

0545 – London, UK

Waiting…..it was not one of his strong points. Despite the arduous, painful hours required to earn his SAS Badge, Elvis had yet to embrace patience. He was a doer, not a follower, so being required to wait out in St. George's A & E was beginning to unravel his legendary composure.

When the mechanical doors began to close, and a nurse held up her hands preventing him from inching his way in, he stared down at her, knowing full well he had to wait.

"I'm sorry," she said.

His expression did not accept the apology.

"Once she is settled in and they do a thorough examination, they will summon you back."

Elvis' mouth flattened and he bit down on his lower lip. His emotions were churning. He was tired, hungry, and distraught. Even he would not deny the day's burden at this point. If only Georgie were here. She could tell him loads about Laura's condition and what to expect. He nodded his defeat, backing away to stand alone amongst a roomful of strangers. His mind swirled with accusations. What he could have done differently. Had he found her too late?

He saw Eddie's face flash before his eyes. That gnarled grin taunting him as the police car drove him away. The vision caused Elvis to clench his fists, wishing his fingers were wrapped around Eddie's throat instead.

He looked up at the clock on the wall. 0600 hours. Twenty-four hours ago, he was preparing to escort Laura home. He did everything he could to keep her safe. Somehow everything was not good enough. Pushing the destructive thoughts aside he quickly thumbed Debbie's number into the satellite phone. He paced, waiting for her to answer. How can he explain to her that Laura is in the A & E? How can he tell her how he found her? Adrenaline pumped his heart beat faster.

Xxxxx

Debbie mulled over the scribbled notes she had taken whilst speaking to her father. She wanted ammunition ready to fire back at Reginald should he attempt to dissuade her from a complete separation. The unexpected sound of the mobile ring tone sent an anxious jolt through her. The caller ID was a mystery but she answered anyway.

"Hel….."

"Deb!"

"Who…..who is this?"

"Deb it's me! Listen….."

"Elvis! Have you found her?!"

Elvis gulped at the sound of her strained voice. It stung. He knew how she felt.

"Yeah. I found her."

"Oh thank God! Well can I talk to her? Are you on your way?"

"No. Ya can't talk to her Deb. I ain't bringin her home….."

"What!? Why not? What is it Elvis?! Tell me!" It was no time for his abruptness.

Elvis wanted to sit down but needed to keep moving. "Deb…she's in the A & E at St. George."

"A & E?! What's happened to her?!"

"Some fuckin prick attacked her. Doctors are checkin her over now."

"Attacked her?! What do you mean? Never mind. I'm on my way"

"No! My boys are comin to pick ya up."

"No need."

"Deb, don't fight me on this. They've already been dispatched. Probably on your doorstep as we speak."

A wave of nausea almost took her breath away. "Is it bad Elvis? Please just tell me the truth!"

He dragged a hand down his face. "She got worked over pretty good, but she's gonna be alright. She's a tough kid." He barely convinced himself.

His response felt like a solid punch to her midsection. Debbie grabbed the notes and swung around looking for her handbag. "Was she able to talk to you?"

"Yes."

That gave her a glimmer of hope despite the horrible scenes she was conjuring in her mind. This was the call she was waiting for, except not like this.

"Is Office Pratt still there?"

"No. He was called away." Debbie said shakily making sure she had everything she needed in her handbag.

"I don't want 'at wanker Gwain anywhere near Laura, ya read me?"

"Absolutely," Debbie said wiping the streaks of tears from her cheeks. Her footfalls clip-clopped on the marble flooring as she made her way through the foyer. Peeking out a side window she straightened her spine and said, "they're here."

Xxxxx

0630 – Hereford, UK

Toni waved an arm in the air before she shut the car door. Georgie held little Daniel close as she watched her friend's car pull away. The rear lights shedding a muted glow in the hours before dawn. Iris' kitchen window was bright, awaiting the arrival of her charge. Georgie stepped carefully over the stone walkway, pausing briefly when she reached the back door, to reposition Daniel on her hip. She was used to fatigue and mustering through it, but a sleepless night driven by worry left little reserve for carrying on today. One knuckle tap to the door was all that was needed. Iris anticipated the drop off as usual, but never expected it to be Georgie handing Daniel over when she unlatched the door.

"Georgie!" Iris said opening wide to let her neighbor in. She also leaned out to scan the garden, wondering where Elvis was.

"Good morning Iris," Georgie said dropping Daniel's ruck sack on the floor.

"Morning. Where's Elvis?"

"He's in London. Took Laura back yesterday," Georgie said leaning down until Daniel planted his tiny feet on the floor.

"Oh, oh I see. Well then, how's my boy?" Iris said crouching down for a hug. The older woman could sense something felt off. She looked up at Georgie. The dark circles of fatigue around the eyes raised her concern. "My dear, is everything alright?" She said, standing slowly and gauging Georgie's reaction.

"No. Everything is not alright," Georgie said with a drawn-out sigh.

"Please don't tell me it has to do with that hijacking yesterday."

"Actually, it does, and the worst of it, is that Laura is now missing."

"Missing?! Was she taken by the hijackers? I thought they apprehended all of them."

"They did, yeah. It's complicated."

"Come, sit down. I've just brewed some tea," Iris said reaching for two mugs.

"Thank you, no. I can't stay. I've got a job to do. I can't just call in."

"Of course not. But you're human Georgie. You've been up all night waiting haven't you?"

It was almost unbearable.

"Yeah."

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had lovely holidays! Xx