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Abby looked up at Zep. “What are you talking about?” How did he expect to get her mother home?
The door opened and Dodge walked in, with the two uniformed police officers behind him. “The car’s at the back door.”
Zep nodded. “Help Abby.”
Abby jumped to her feet. “I don’t need help.” But there was no fight in her voice.
She moved back as Zep wrapped her mum in blankets, then picked her up in his arms, as if she were a doll. The nurse handed Abby a bag with a phone and charger, and a few other belongings Rachel had with her.
“Ready to move?” One of the police officers asked.
“Yes,” said Zep.
The police filed out of the room, followed by Zep and Rachel. A firm hand steadied Abby, as Dodge led her towards a door marked ‘Staff Only.’ Outside, a police car was parked in front of the SUV. Dodge opened the back door and helped Zep inside, still cradling Rachel. He opened the front passenger door and Abby climbed in. Car doors closed and engines started. Everything felt surreal, as she and her mum were driven from the hospital by two outlaw bikers and a police escort.
A few minutes into the drive home, Rachel woke up. Abby could hear low voices in the back seat, but couldn’t make out more than a few words that suggested Zep told her they were going to Abby’s home, not her own. She couldn’t detect any distress from her mother. A small smile crept across Abby’s face. To wake up in the arms of the man you love was no small thing.
At the house, Scott and his parents met them at the door. Zep carried Rachel in his arms.
“It’s good to see you, Trish, Henry,” said Rachel.
“It’s good to see you, Rachel.” Henry’s eyes crinkled as he smiled.
Bruce gave an impatient yap. Henry picked him up so he could lick Rachel’s face.
“Where would you like to be set up?” asked Trish.
Abby stood mutely. Scott edged closer and took her hand in his. She held tight, needing his strength.
“I want to sit outside, on the deck,” Rachel said.
“Right.” Trish and Henry bustled off, happy to have a task.
“I’ll go talk to the cops,” murmured Dodge to Zep.
“I’ll come with you.” Scott squeezed Abby’s hand before releasing it. The loss of his touch was like losing the warmth of the sun on a chilly winter morning.
She followed Zep inside on autopilot. He headed straight for the back deck, where Trish and Henry had dragged the sun loungers into a shaded spot looking directly at the ocean. Abby recognised the duvets and blankets from her own linen press that replaced the hospital bed clothes.
Zep settled Rachel onto a sun lounger.
“Abby?”
“I’m here, Mum.”
“Come lay beside me.”
Zep pushed the other sun lounger so it was flush with the one Rachel lay on. A faux fur blanket lay over the foam mattress. Abby crawled across, placing one arm over her mum. Bruce jumped up and settled himself between them, at the end of the lounger.
“How are you feeling?”
“Tired.” She smiled, her focus on the waves rolling into shore. “Tell me a story, darling.”
Abby’s chest felt heavy, but she refused to let sadness dictate. “What kind of story?’
“Hmmm, what’s your favourite childhood memory?”
Abby gazed out at the tranquil expanse of the ocean, searching for inspiration in the rhythmic crashing of the waves. She took a deep breath, allowing memories to wash over her like the tide.
