I rest my forehead on the steering wheel and try to steady my panting breaths.
Gradually I become aware of the stillness around me. Everything has gone deathly quiet. The engine has stalled. Mabel is no longer crying. Oh God, what if she’s hurt? I don’t dare look round.
Suddenly the passenger door opens and the red face of the truck driver looms in. ‘What the hell do you think you were doing?’ he barks. ‘‘You were on the wrong side of the bloody road. We could have both been killed.’
‘It wasn’t me!’ I protest. ‘You came around the bend way too fast.’
‘Bloody didn’t. It was you that—’ He spots Mabel and immediately softens his tone. ‘Christ, I didn’t realise you had a kiddie in the back. Is she okay?’
I turn to look at her. She’s staring at me stony-faced, bottom lip pushed out, eyes narrowed in judgement. ‘Yes, by the look of it.’
‘And yourself?’
‘Fine. Just a bit shocked. I thought I was going to end up in the ditch.’
There’s a pause. I think he’s expecting me to get out and inspect the damage to the car, but I really don’t want to. There’s been far too much face-to-face contact already.
‘Right, well I guess we’d better call the police,’ he says, taking his mobile out of his pocket.
‘No, no, don’t do that,’ I reply hastily. ‘There’s no need. We’re not hurt, the damage is minimal. I’m sure neither of us wants the fuss.’
He frowns. ‘You have to report it or you can’t claim on the insurance.’
‘Oh, I won’t be claiming. Can’t be bothered.’ He looks at me doubtfully. ‘I’m sure the damage is minimal, and you’re right, it was my fault. My excess is horrendous, it’s not worth it.’
He looks back at his vehicle, parked on the verge. ‘Hmm, the truck’s okay. Maybe a slight scratch where we made contact … nothing much, not worth fixing. I must admit, I could do without the paperwork.’
‘Exactly. And it’s Sunday. We could be ages waiting for the police to turn up.’
Our eyes lock. I sense him weighing up the situation, deciding whether to agree to break the law. If he calls the police, I’ll have no choice but to drive off at speed. He’s thinking I don’t have a driving licence, or proper insurance. Will he take pity on me?
‘There’s no real damage to your vehicle,’ I say, giving him a pleading look. ‘Does either of us really want the bother?’
‘Hmm …’ His eyes flick back to Mabel, who rewards him with a half-smile.
‘I can’t see the point in involving the police,’ I add. ‘It’ll be such a hassle.’
‘No, you’re right. I’m behind with my deliveries as it is. If you’re happy, I’m happy.’ We exchange a few more pleasantries, then he returns to his truck and pulls away.
I drive back to the bungalow at a snail’s pace, trembling as I think of the narrow escape I’ve just had. That was close. Too close. I can’t let all my plans fail for the sake of a stupid road accident. We’re going to have to stay at home from now on, and only go out when it’s absolutely necessary.
Pulling onto the driveway, I park up and turn off the engine. It’s a relief to be home, but I’m still breathing too fast and my nerves are on edge. Oddly, there hasn’t been a peep out of Mabel since we crashed. Nor has she fallen asleep again. I get out of the car and open the rear passenger door.
She glares at me as I undo her straps. ‘No need to sulk, madam,’ I say. ‘It was your fault we had the accident. I’ve had enough of your screaming. Do that again and I’ll dump you in the ditch and drive away.’
Chapter Thirty-Five
Day Eight without Mabel
Amber takes the casserole and puts it down on the granite worktop.
‘I was going to bring flowers,’ says Polly. ‘Then I thought, no, make her one of your lamb tagines. I don’t suppose you feel like cooking at the moment.’ She moves towards the table and parks herself on one of the dining chairs.
Amber tries to suppress a frown. Why ever did she agree to Polly ‘popping by’? She could easily have told the officer guarding the door to send away all visitors, even so-called friends bearing gifts.
‘Have you lost weight?’ Polly says, scrutinising her.
‘Not deliberately.’
‘I didn’t mean … I just …’ She falters. ‘I can’t imagine … The stress must be unbearable.’
‘Yes, it is. Do you want a tea?’
‘Please. Do you