Page 11 of Four of Hearts

‘The sound of it, Harry,’ said Matt, who was staring out the window. ‘Near deafened me. It slammed into the back of me, next thing I know, the world’s gone topsy turvy, then I’m on my side, sliding and spinning. Got quite dizzy, actually.’

‘You didn’t get a numberplate or anything?’

‘Too busy being crashed into,’ said Matt.

Arriving at Matt’s bungalow in Bainbridge, Joan met them at the door. Harry followed them both inside. The bungalow was well suited to Joan’s wheelchair, and she zipped down the hallway to take a left into the lounge.

‘I’ll not stay,’ Harry said. ‘Just wanted to make sure he got home, Joan. You okay?’

‘Thanks for bringing him,’ Joan said. ‘And yes, I’m fine. How are the plans going for the big day? Matt’s very excited.’ She then gestured for Harry to lean in close, and she whispered, ‘He’s written a speech. Just thought you should know.’

Harry smiled, said nothing, looked at Matt, who was now slumped on the sofa.

‘Thanks, Harry,’ Matt said, then glanced at Joan. ‘Mike’s lending us a car. Ours is a write off, but we’ll no doubt have to wait a while for the insurance to pay out for a replacement.’

‘If you need anything, just let me know,’ Harry said. ‘And Matt, if you remember anything else about what happened ...’

Matt nodded.

‘I’ll tell you, don’t worry.’

Harry let himself out, happy to leave Joan and Matt to themselves.

Once back in the Rav, he pulled out his phone.

‘Ethan, it’s Harry.’

‘How’s Matt?’ Ethan asked.

‘Back home and surprisingly unscathed.’

‘Lucky.’

‘Very.’

‘Any idea what happened?’

‘That’s why I’m calling. The vehicle that hit Matt, we know it was a black four-by-four. Must’ve been a big one, too, to do what it did.’

‘You think someone must’ve seen it.’

‘I can’t see how it’s managed to get further up dale without anyone spotting,’ said Harry. ‘The front of it must be a mess. If we can get an idea of where it was heading, that would be something. Maybe then, we can check various routes, see if there’s any possibility of cameras catching it.’

‘I’ll see what I can do,’ Ethan said.

Harry went to hang up, then remembered something from the list stuck to the wall back home.

‘Ethan, one more thing ... You’re into photography, right? Don’t suppose you’ve ever done weddings have you?’

‘I did a mate’s,’ Ethan said. ‘Saved them a whack of cash.’ He paused, then said, ‘Are you asking me what I think you’re asking me?’

‘Yes.’ said Harry.

‘Happy to.’

Conversation over, Harry set off back to Hawes. With Ethan looking into the whereabouts of the vehicle that had crashed into Matt, and now with the photography sorted for the marriage celebration as well, Harry felt more in control. The accident had spooked him a little. Matt wasn’t one to get himself into scrapes, and the fact he’d come out of this one pretty much untouched, was a huge relief.

Passing where the collision had taken place, Harry was impressed by how quickly it had been cleaned up. There was sawdust on the road, covering up leaked oil or fuel, possibly both. The warning signs and bollards had been left in place.