‘Matthew is going to be just fine.’ Jenny was alarmed at how ill Ma looked.

Grabbing hold of Jenny’s hand, she croaked, ‘Tell me.’

‘He’s weak, but the doctor said that with lots of rest he’ll make a complete recovery.’

After giving a ragged sigh, Ma slumped back on the pillows and closed her eyes, still holding Jenny’s hand. Soon the grip relaxed as she fell into a weary sleep.

Anger boiled up again in Jenny. This had clearly been a setback for Ma. At that moment she hated Greaves and her family for all the anguish they were causing; she was sure that her Aunt Gertrude and her mother were also involved. How could he act without their permission?

She bowed her head, exhausted beyond belief. Her problems had all started with the Wall Street crash just over two years ago. The place her father had talked about with such pride had reached out and disrupted not only her life but also the lives of millions. And now violence was touching those she cared about. And she did care about Matthew very deeply, she admitted. That had been clear from the moment she had seen the man attacking him with a knife. If he had died trying to rescue her, she would never have been able to forgive herself. His life was very precious to her.

Ivy came into the room and put her hand on Jenny’s shoulder. ‘Mum’s gone back home, so I’ll take over while you get some sleep, Jen.’

‘Oh, I don’t know.’ She cast an anxious look at Ma.

‘I’ll call you if there’s any change.’

Jenny stood up, swaying with reaction and fatigue. ‘If she wakes and wants me —’

‘I’ll let you know.’ Ivy gave her a gentle push.

‘Promise?’

‘I promise.’

28

‘Good, you’re awake,’ said Dr Sterling, bending over the bed.

Matthew dragged his eyes open and pain shot through him when he tried to move, so he abandoned that idea.

‘You’re going to be sore for a few days.’ The doctor smiled benevolently. ‘But by the end of the week you’ll be up and about again. Fortunately the knife didn’t cut anything vital.’

Amen to that, Matthew thought, pulling a face. ‘I’ll have to take your word for that. I hurt all over.’

‘Let’s see if we can make you more comfortable.’ He pulled back the sheets, and a nurse came to assist with a tray of instruments and dressings. ‘The police want to talk to you, but I told them to come back this afternoon.’ He was silent while he examined the wounds after the nurse had removed the dressings.

Matt clenched his teeth to stifle a groan. God, but that hurt!

‘The wounds are looking fine. Nurse will put fresh dressings on, give you a shave and then you’ll feel better.’