‘How many times did that ba –’ Matt remembered just in time that there was a woman present and moderated his language. ‘How many times was I stabbed?’

‘Three, but you’re a healthy young man and should heal quickly.’

‘I’m glad to hear it,’ Matt said, relieved when they had both finished their probing.

He did feel much better after they had finished, and being allowed to sit propped up was a relief.

‘Your family are waiting to see you. I’ll send them in.’ The doctor strode out of the room.

The door opened again almost immediately, and he was astonished to see not only his parents but also John and Luke. ‘Good heavens, who’s looking after the bank?’ he joked.

‘It can function without us for a couple of hours.’ John pulled up enough chairs for them to sit down.

‘You gave us all a scare yesterday,’ his father said.

‘I gave myself a scare. I never expected one of them to come at me with a knife.’

‘The doctor says you’re going to be fine.’ His mother smiled affectionately at him, but the worry was still visible in her eyes.

‘I’ll be up in no time,’ he assured her. ‘How’s Jen?’

‘She’s all right.’ Luke gave a disbelieving shake of his head. ‘John and I took her home because she was ready to go to give Greaves a piece of her mind.’

Matt moved in alarm and felt perspiration break out on his forehead as the pain ripped through him.

Luke held up his hand. ‘We talked her out of it and warned her friends. They agreed with us that she mustn’t go anywhere near him.’

‘Thank God for that!’ Matt sighed in relief. ‘They’re a rough crowd she’s living with, but they do love her and I’m sure they won’t let her do anything silly.’

‘They’re not the only ones who love her, are they?’ Luke pretended to straighten Matt’s pillows and spoke softly so that only his brother could hear. He winked knowingly and sat back again.

Ignoring the remark, Matt turned to his father. ‘The police are coming to see me this afternoon, but do you have any idea what those men wanted with Jen?’

‘It was obvious they were trying to abduct her, and evidently one of the men said that Greaves had paid them to take her to him.’ His father frowned, puzzled.

‘What the bloody hell is that man up to? Sorry, Mother.’

‘I’m just relieved to see you lively enough to cuss.’ The worry began to fade from her face.