lost. ‘What?’ I ask, gauging Becker’s face again. He’s still smiling. It’s a beautiful, welcome sight, even if I haven’t the foggiest idea why he’s looking so pleased with himself.
‘A wedding?’ She throws her arms around me. ‘This is so exciting.’
Oh. More guilt grabs me. I want to be excited with her, but I’m just too bloody knackered at the moment. ‘Thanks, Mum.’
‘Oh, we have to plan.’ She holds me at arm’s length, her mind spinning into overdrive. I can literally see the ideas whirling around in her excited eyes. ‘Just as soon as Becker’s grandfather is better, we must plan.’
Paul steps forward and shakes Becker’s hand, firmly and manly. ‘Congratulations. You’re a very lucky man.’
‘Cheers. She’s quite lucky herself.’ Becker tosses me a little wink, and Paul laughs.
‘Oh, this is so wonderful,’ Mum gushes, turning her excitement onto Becker. He aims, fires, and his apple core lands neatly in a nearby bin. ‘Get that grandfather of yours better so we can really celebrate.’
‘I plan to,’ Becker declares, sounding determined.
‘Come on.’ Paul takes Mum’s arm. ‘Let’s leave them in peace for now. We have plenty of things to see. We’ll catch up with them once they’re home and have sorted out Becker’s grandfather.’
Mum pouts but relents easily, and I give her a hug. ‘I’ll call you as soon as I leave here,’ I tell her. ‘We’ll sort out where you’re staying.’
‘Oh, don’t worry about us. Paul’s treated us to a few nights at The Haymarket.’
She’s being spoilt, and I’m truly happy for her. I smile my thanks at Paul, who shrugs his big shoulders awkwardly.
A nurse appears. ‘Your grandfather just came around, Mr Hunt. He’s asking for you.’
I see Becker’s whole body relax with relief and feel mine go with it. ‘Thank God,’ he breathes, turning a relieved smile onto my mother. ‘I’ll see you later, Mrs Cole.’ He backs into his granddad’s room. ‘We’ll do dinner.’
‘Okay,’ Mum agrees, allowing Paul to claim her and lead her away. ‘Love you, darling.’ Her face. God, I read every word she’s not saying. How happy she is. How proud.
‘Love you too,’ I mouth, waving as they round a corner.
As soon as they’re gone, I hurry to Mr H’s room, keen to see the old man awake. On entering, I find Mrs Potts in the chair that I recently vacated and Becker by his granddad’s bedside, holding his hand. Old Mr H looks drained, but his open eyes are a sight to behold. It’s all I can do not to sprint over and throw myself at him, yet after a few seconds of holding myself back, I lose my battle and decide he’d appreciate a hug. But as I lift my foot to go over, I freeze, someone catching my attention – another person in the room, standing in the corner. Someone big and imposing, his shoes still in need of a polish.
All the blood in my veins turns to ice.
Price. Stan Price. What the hell is he doing here?
Mrs Potts and Becker don’t look particularly perturbed by his presence. Neither does old Mr H. And he has quite a presence. A serious one. He eyes me suspiciously for a few, uncomfortable seconds before he nods to Mrs Potts courteously and respectfully. She nods back, her lips tight, her eyes watchful. Then he turns to Becker and reaches into his inside pocket, producing something and showing it to him. I know immediately it must me the photograph of Lady Winchester. Oh God, is he going to ask Becker who that woman is? What will he say? Will he deny it? Good Lord, Price has been following us. What if he followed us to Countryscape? What if he saw us chatting with Lady Winchester? Becker stole the fucking ruby for her!
I see Becker’s chest expand through his deep breath, and he slowly moves away from his grandfather’s bedside.
‘Price,’ he says, his face grave. ‘It’s been too long.’
I look to Mrs Potts, but she gives me nothing, her eyes rooted on Becker.
‘Becker Hunt,’ Price counters, ignoring Becker’s sarcasm as he steps forward. ‘I’m arresting you on suspicion of the theft of The Heart of Hell.’
I stagger back, feeling my throat close up.
‘You do not have to say anything, however it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.’
The ground disappears from beneath my feet, and I feel an arm coil around my waist. I look