44
Rachel put the key in the front door and walked inside. All was quiet. Much too quiet.
“Gran? Esther? Are you here?” Her voice rang out. No answer. Had something happened to Gran? Why hadn’t they called her?
She put her bag down inside the front door and searched the house. The note was on the kitchen table.
Esther had a fall.
Rachel’s stomach cramped. Esther, not Gran.
Dizzy and nauseous. Your mum and I have taken her to hospital.
Had she left things too late?
Adrenalin coursed through her. She drove as fast as she dared. What if Esther was already past talking? What if she died believing Rachel hated her? God, if you’re there and really care, don’t let Esther die.
The room reeked of disinfectant. Rachel wrinkled her nose.
“Sorry about the smell,” Esther said. “We’ve had a he
