Doug Johnstone - Hit and run

Billy pictured Adele holding the shotgun, the look on her face.

He nodded.

Rose raised her eyebrows.

‘Charlie and Zoe have been suspended from the hospital and paper respectively. I wouldn’t recommend going back to Rankeillor Street any time soon. I would say come and stay with me, but by the time you’re fit to get out of here, I suspect the police will have other plans for you.’

Billy nodded again. ‘Jeanie?’

‘The faithful hound is at my place. I can look after her until.. well, until you’re better.’ She got up. ‘The police are waiting to talk to you. I charmed my way in first for two minutes, wanted to check you were OK.’

Billy put on a weak smile. ‘Never better.’

‘That’s my boy, Scoop.’

She leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead. His head had been re-bandaged. He caught her perfume, that sticky, flowery scent, like gorse blossom.

She put her hands on her hips. ‘You should’ve told me, you know. About Frank.’

‘I know.’

She walked away. At the doorway, she stopped and waved, then she was gone.

In her wake, DI Price and another officer came in.

Billy watched as they walked towards his bed.

He sank into his pillows and felt relieved for the first time in as long as he could remember.