With that, George finally slumped. He closed his eyes and felt someone lift his head. With a force of will he managed to open his eyes again and saw Sarah’s face looking down on him.

‘It’s all right. George … hold on … you’re going to be all right …’

Her voice sounded like the soft tones of an angel, but then, as everything around him seemed to darken, the last thing George heard was the sound of a siren.

Chapter 32

Lena held her son’s hand and willed him to wake up. He’s a strong lad, she thought, he’s had worse and pulled through, but she couldn’t help but worry at the sight of him laid in a hospital bed.

‘How is he?’

Lena heard Sarah’s voice and spun around to see the girl, standing next to Roger. She’d been so absorbed, she hadn’t seen or heard them walking through the ward. ‘The doctors have said he’s going to be fine,’ she answered, then added, ‘What about you, love, are you all right?’

‘Yes, thanks, Lena. I’m a bit on edge at the thought of Godfrey still being out there somewhere, but I’m sure the police will catch up with him soon. I don’t know what I would have done without George. He saved my life.’

‘That’s ’cos I’m Superman in my other job …’ George quietly groaned.

Lena jumped up from the chair she’d been sitting on. ‘George, you’re awake,’ she exclaimed, and tears began to roll down her cheeks.

‘Yeah, but don’t look so sad about it.’

‘These are tears of happiness, not sadness,’ she said, and squeezed his hand tighter.

‘Oh, thank God, George. You had us all really worried for a while,’ Sarah said.

Lena noticed her voice was still very raspy and the bruising around her neck was visible, though she’d attempted to hide it with a scarf.

‘I’m blinkin’ starving. Have I been out long?’ George asked.

He was putting on a brave face, but Lena could hear his voice was weak and could tell by the way he winced that he was in discomfort. ‘It’s Sunday afternoon, George. Do you remember what happened yesterday?’ she asked gently.

‘Mum, he stabbed me in the stomach, not in the brain. Of course I remember. Did any of you bring me any fruit or biscuits?’

Roger laughed. ‘Sorry, mate, we’ve come empty-handed. Trust you to be thinking of food at a time like this.’

‘I’ll go and fetch a nurse and see if I can’t get her to bring you a sandwich or something, but I’m not sure you’ll be allowed to eat just yet,’ Lena said, then turned to Sarah. ‘Keep an eye on him for me, and don’t let him try to get up.’