Harry glanced over his shoulder; there was an ambulance by the lake and what looked like a paramedic car. Thank God! A spluttering and vomiting sound snapped his attention back to the boat. Wendy was rolling Steph on her side, who was throwing up lake water. She groaned and vomited some more. Then her eyes opened and she looked up at her mother, taking a moment to understand what was going on.

Wendy leaned over her daughter, cradling her head in her hands. She was crying. ‘Oh, Steph … oh, thank God,’ she was saying over and over again into her daughter’s wet and matted hair. Wendy held her daughter tightly. ‘It’s OK. You’re going to be OK.’

Harry didn’t take his eyes off Steph. He could hardly believe Wendy had managed to revive her. Steph’s gaze found its way to Harry and they looked at each other for a long moment, before Wendy was engulfing her daughter again.

Chapter Forty-One

Kendalton General Hospital, Campbell Ward,
Friday, 17 May, 4.30 p.m.

Steph opened her eyes at the sound of footsteps approaching her bed. She was surprised to see her mother standing there.

‘How are you feeling?’ asked Wendy.

‘All right, actually. The doctor wants me to stay in overnight just to check I haven’t got concussion and there’s no water lying on my lungs. I’d sooner not be here, though.’

‘It’s the best place for you. I’ve had no end of phone calls from the press wanting a story from you.’

‘I hope you told them where to go.’

‘I most certainly did. Besides, you can’t comment about an ongoing police investigation, which is what this will be now.’

‘Sonia will be happy.’

‘She is. She phoned me,’ said Wendy. ‘She’ll speak to you herself, she said, but for now just wanted to pass on her utter and complete thanks. She said she can’t put into words how grateful she is to you.’

Steph gave a small smile. ‘I hope she gets the result she wants.’

‘I’m sure she will.’

Steph fiddled with the edge of the sheet as a small silence fell between them. She knew if she didn’t take the opportunity to say something now, the moment would disappear. She looked up at her mum, whose green eyes seemed a little softer than usual; in fact, Wendy’s face seemed softer. The tight-set jaw was relaxed and there was no furrow in the brow. Wendy sat on the chair next to the bed, her hand in her lap. Steph reached out and Wendy allowed her to hold her hand. ‘Thank you,’ said Steph. ‘Thank you for saving me.’

‘It wasn’t just me,’ said Wendy. ‘I’m not sure I could have done it without Harry. You need to thank him too.’

‘I don’t suppose he’ll want to see me now,’ said Steph. ‘How’s Pru?’