Keely stared hard at the jeans again. Something nudged at the edge of her memory; a scarecrow face, a slip of paper and a voice saying ‘there’s plenty of room at my place’. Sitting up carefully this time, she asked the nurse if she could make some calls.

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

“Tell me if you need anything, won’t you?”

Keely looked across at Euan’s profile as he concentrated on the road ahead.

“I’m fine, thanks Euan. And thanks again for picking me up and giving me a place to stay.”

“Glad I could help. I don’t understand hospitals these days. Discharging people the day after an operation.” He glanced across at her, his faded hair tousled by the breeze coming in the open window. “You relax and enjoy the drive. I know I’m biased but I’m taking you to one of the best spots in Australia.”

Keely eased back in her seat again, the pillow he had bought her at a supermarket lying across her lap. The pain could still take her breath away and she was grateful for the security the pillow offered when she had to sit up, or take a deep breath or cough. It was amazing how many times you did those things when you were trying not to. She took in the scenery whizzing past. Open stretches of land gave way to housing estates and large signs boasting the best real estate south of the city.

What a different turn her trip had taken. The previous day, when the doctor had said she could be discharged in twenty-four hours, she’d dug out the scrappy piece of paper from her jeans pocket and rung Euan. His phone had been turned off so, in desperation, she’d tried his sister.

Keely had felt a little intimidated by the refined voice with the hint of a French accent, declaring herself clearly as Maggie Levallier. Maggie had sounded amused at the request to speak with Euan and Keely had wondered if she was doing the right thing, but he’d come to the phone immediately. As soon as she’d explained her predicament he’d insisted she take up his offer to stay at his place.

“There’s only my son Flynn and I, but you’ll have good food and wine, fresh air and the beautiful river itself to heal you.” He’d promised to call to pick her up the next day.

Then she’d rung the police and reported her wallet and phone stolen and the bank to put a temporary hold on her accounts.

True to his word, that morning Euan had collected her and, with great care, sat her on the cracked leather seat of a rather old Volvo. He’d offered to take her to his sister’s apartment while he did a few jobs before the journey home. Keely had preferred to stay in the car than meet the eloquent Maggie.