A Finer End

up with her free hand to scrabble at the tubes.
    Maggie was there in an instant, restraining her, calming her. ‘We’ll get the breathing tube out in a tick, dear. You won’t be needing it now you’re awake. Now take a deep breath and breathe out when I tell you.’ Jack tightened his hold on Winnie’s hand as the nurse slipped the tube out on Winnie’s exhalation.
    ‘I know it hurts,’ said Maggie, ’I’m going to give you a little sip of water and that will help.’ She fetched a cup and held the straw to Winnie’s lips. ‘Not too much at once, now, dear. When we see you’re handling your liquids well, we’ll take out the stomach tube.’
    Winnie released the straw and sank back into the pillow, closing her eyes.
    ‘Just rest, darling,’ Jack said, his voice still unsteady. ‘You’re going to be fine.’
    But after a moment she opened her eyes and tried to speak. When no sound emerged, she touched her throat and tried again. ‘What... happened?’ Her voice was the barest whisper. ‘What time is it?’
    Jack looked at Maggie, who nodded. He said gently, ‘You had an accident. On your bike. You’ve been in hospital for two days.’
    ‘Days?’
    ‘You’ve had a bump on the head, but you’re going to be fine.’
    ‘I can’t remember... I was going somewhere — something I had to do...’
    ‘Don’t worry. You will. But now you have to rest.’ With an obedience that moved him deeply, Winnie closed her eyes. Soon her breathing became slower and more regular.
    ‘She’s not—’ Jack asked Maggie, panicked. ‘She hasn’t gone under again, has she?’
    Maggie smiled, it’s just a normal nap. That’s a good thing. She’s going to be very weak at first. But she’s over the hump.’
    ‘But will she remember the accident, or what happened before?’
    ‘The human brain is a funny thing. Sometimes the gaps never fill in. We’ll just have to wait and see.’
    ‘Jack?’
    Winnie had opened her eyes.
    ‘Yes, darling. I’m here.’
    ‘You came to dinner... Andrew was there... There was something I had to tell you about Andrew. Why can’t I remember?’
    With a quick glance at the cardiac monitor, Maggie interposed. ‘That’s enough for now. You need to rest, dear, and your Jack will be waiting just outside for you to wake up.’
    Jack took his cue, kissing Winnie’s cheek gently before he left the ward. He sank into the nearest chair in the waiting area and gave himself over to a flood of profound relief and gratitude.
    But after a moment, he stiffened, frowning. What hope did they have of finding out exactly what had happened, and why, when Winnie had clearly lost a day?
     

Chapter Twelve
     
SoGlastonbury sank into the darkness of the Middle Ages, but Avalon lived on in the hearts of men and the Arthurian legends wove about her ancient history.
Here came the knights who sought the Graal. They crossed the little River Brue by Pons Perilis, and watched all night in the little chapel at the foot of Weary all Hill, overlooking the water, where dark temptations came to try the soul.
Dion Fortune, from
Glastonbury: Avalon of the Heart
     
    The young man looked as if he were a Greek sculpture come to life. Tall and slender, with square shoulders balancing a graceful neck, he had classically moulded features and a perfectly shaped head covered with a tight cap of dark curls.
    Gemma decided instantly that no one so beautiful could be entirely trustworthy. ‘Hullo,’ she said. ‘You must be Nick.’
    He nodded. ‘Who are you?’
    ’I’m Gemma. My... um, friend... is Jack’s cousin. We’ve come to help out.’
    ‘Where’s Jack? I need to talk to him.’ He pushed past her.
    Following him into the kitchen, Gemma replied, ‘Gone to the hospital to see Winnie. He waited for you as long as he could.’
    ‘Faith—’
    ‘Upstairs. She’s just gone to sleep. Please don’t wake her.’
    Nick had already turned towards the hall, but the firmness of her tone stopped him mid-step. For the first time, he seemed to really look at her, and in doing so lost a little of his momentum.
    ‘She’s had a very difficult morning, and she’s exhausted,’ Gemma said, taking full advantage. ‘Why don’t you sit down?’
    Reluctantly, he came back to the table and pulled out a chair. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. It’s just that I’ve been frantic all day.’
    ‘Faith was worried about you.’
    ‘As soon as I could get away from work, I went looking for Garnet. I drove by the