“Isla was scared. She said that woman helped with the attack on her friend. She tried to grab Isla, so I had to jump on her, and she hit her head on the ground. And what about him?”

Mack hesitated. She didn’t know how Flora would cope mentally with this news. “He isn’t a problem any more.”

“You?” Flora asked, clearly thinking they had dealt with him, which they would have done if the police hadn’t gotten there first, and if he hadn’t already been dead.

“No, he was dead when the police arrived.”

Tears started to fall down Flora’s face. “All I wanted to do was cover my ears and hide.”

“But you didn’t.” Mack wiped Flora’s tears. “How you found the mental and physical strength to hit him with that piece of wood, while you had broken ribs, I’ll never know.”

“I’m not strong. You are, and I love that about you.”

“To live the life you have, coping with your difficulties on your own? You are the strongest woman I know, and I love you, Flo.”

“I love you, Mack.”

They clasped hands, and Mack softly kissed her lips. “I’m going to love you forever and make sure you are always safe.”

“My guardian angel, right from the start.” Flora smiled.

“Always.”

Chapter Eighteen

Flora ended up staying in hospital for five days. But today was her leaving day. She had a visit by the police for questioning about Kevin Drury, but with the lawyer Nikki provided for her there as well, it went smoothly, and she was reassured she wouldn’t face any charges.

The nurse talked Flora through her medications, while Mack packed up Flora’s last bits and pieces in a holdall.

She was still very sore, and the bruising on her face didn’t look too good, but she was desperate to get out of hospital. They were going to Mack’s mum’s house straight after leaving. She felt worried about not staying in her flat or Mack’s, but Mary and Chrissy insisted they’d take care of her.

They had been up to visit every day, so she had gotten to know them much better, and to be honest, despite her difficulties with talking to most people, she had enjoyed their motherly care. It had been such a long time since she had felt it. And, like Mack, they didn’t make an issue out of her quietness or OCD.

The nurse left them, and Flora handed the medication to Mack to put in her bag.

“You ready?” Mack asked.

“Yes. You’ll maybe have to leave me at the door and go and get the car. I don’t think I can walk very far.”

“No need.” Mack put the bag on her shoulder and her other arm around Flora’s waist for support.

“Why?”