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I pick up my phone and dial Leah’s number. It rings, and I hold my breath. When it clicks to voicemail, I immediately redial.
When the same thing happens, my muscles tighten. Why wouldn’t she be answering? Unless she doesn’t want to speak to me, or face me?
“No answer,” I whisper.
There’s a pause. “There may be an explanation. Maybe her phone has died, or she’s dropped it,” Caleb says.
“Or she doesn’t want to talk to me,” I say, laying my thoughts on the line.
“I can’t see Leah doing that. She’s an upfront woman,” Caleb says.
“Is she? No one knew for two months her engagement had ended.”
“All I’m saying is, try not to read too much into it.”
There’s a knock at my door. I look up to find an ashen-looking Amanda in the doorway.
“Sorry to interrupt, Gabriel. There is a Stella Long on the phone. Apparently, Leah has been in an accident. She’s at the hospital.”
I’m on my feet before I can think. “Where?”
“St Andrew’s,” she says.
“Gabriel, I’ll meet you there,” I hear Caleb shout before the telephone goes dead.
I grab my jacket and make my way to the door.
I pick up Amanda’s phone. “Talk to me, Stella.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” a teary voice comes over the line. “Leah’s in hospital, she was in an accident... she’s unconscious. Since her phone was smashed, I came through reception.”
“I’m on my way,” I tell her. “Stay with her.”
“I’m not going anywhere. See you soon.”
I put the phone down and turn to Amanda.
“Go,” she says, her own face filled with emotion. “I’ve got everything covered.”
I race to the elevator, smashing the button over and over until it finally pings. I head to the reception. Taking my car would be pointless. I’ll never park. I grab a taxi that is dropping off and steal it from another couple.
“Sorry, an emergency. My girlfriend has been taken to hospital,” I say.
“Go,” they both say. “We hope everything is okay.”
I nod, amazed, as I never talk to strangers, but it seemed the right thing to do. Leah has that effect on me.
“Please, Lord, let nothing have happened to her or the baby,” I whisper, hoping someone is listening.
I throw money at the driver as he pulls up outside the hospital, then race inside. Caleb is waiting for me.
“Breathe,” he says, grabbing both my shoulders and giving me a shake. I’m not sure whether the motion is more for him or me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Caleb look rattled.
“Leah’s in A&E. They’re running tests.”
I step away, moving towards the entrance, but he grabs my arm and pulls me in the direction we need to go.
“Come on,” he says. “Let’s go and find your girl.”
