Page 128 of The Other Side

“You should be in bed,” the PC said.

“I’m fine.” Drum spoke to the nurse. “I’m leaving.”

“Against medical advice. You need to sign—”

“No. I don’t. And he doesn’t have the right to stop me.” Drum turned to the policeman. “Sorry, but you don’t.”

Osian pushed him to the lift. “Is that true?” he whispered.

“The police have no legal authority to block a competent adult from leaving hospital. I’m not under arrest. And the hospital can’t make me sign anything. I don’t want to waste time while that PC calls for backup. He probably already has.”

When they were out in the parking area, Drum sighed. “I’m leaving in a hospital gown. Hurry before they demand I give it back and I’m forced to flee naked. And how are we getting back? Where are we even going? We have no car.”

Osian wheeled him over to a black Mercedes. Mikkel got out and opened the rear door.

“Oh,” Drum said. “Okay.”

He had to be helped into the car. Osian sat beside him. He likely wasn’t fit to be out of the hospital but there was nothing else they could do for him. It was a matter of rest and making sure he did the breathing exercises.

When they’d pulled away from the hospital, Drum sighed. “So where are we going?”

“Sparlow,” Osian said. “We can’t go back to the cottage. It’s a crime scene. But I snuck in and got our clothes and…stuff.”

“There’s a house you can stay in,” Mikkel said. “You can use your phone for incoming and outgoing calls. You won’t be traced.”

Drum sighed. “I resigned. I sent an email. Matthew Green can do his job again if he wants. I need to hide until the court case with Ashford. I don’t want to put anyone at risk.”

“But you want me with you, right?” Osian asked.

“I don’t want to do anything without you. But I can’t let you get hurt.”

“You can stay in Sparlow as long as you need to,” Mikkel said. “Maybe you’ll decide to live there. I think the community would be happy to have you. You’ll be safe.”

Drum threaded his fingers with Osian’s and closed his eyes. He would be safe in Sparlow.

When he opened them again, the car was parked outside a newly built stone bungalow. Osian helped him out and they walked slowly down the path.

Mikkel handed Osian a key. “There’s food from Kit in the fridge. Enough to last you a few days. Give me a call if you need anything. I’ve left my number and those of a few other residents.”

“Thank you,” Drum said. “Please thank everyone who helped rescue me. I’ll thank them myself when I’m able.”

Mikkel nodded and left.

Osian opened the door. A woven runner softened the slate floor. Osian helped him down the hall and into a large room. Living space, dining and kitchen with a wall of windows looking down the valley towards the setting sun. Drum settled on the couch and pressed his back to the cushions. He’d done nothing but survive, and he was tired.

In front of him was a coffee table constructed from a slice of wood still edged with bark. A river of blue resin ran down its length. It was soothing to look at. At one end was a silver bowl filled with apples and a handwritten card. Osian read it and handed it to him.

Take your time. No one will come here unless you ask them to. You’re among friends.

Drum traced the edge of the card. “That’s…kind.”

“It is. You want me to make sure everything is locked up?”

Drum wanted to say no, but the word wouldn’t come from his mouth. He wasn’t quite there yet, though he did feel safe. “Please.”

Osian moved around the house and when he came back, he nodded. “All done. Hungry? Want something to drink?”

“Water please.”