Deadly Falls

Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

Charlotte ran for the back door even as the others clamoured around Sid for information. She hurtled up the steps, key at the ready. Her long unused medical kit was in a cupboard and it took a moment to dig it out. On her way to the door she grabbed her phone and wallet.

None of it made sense. What happened to Octavia? Why was Sid here instead of with her? And what about an ambulance?

“Quick, darling. Sid’s waiting.” Rosie called as Charlotte returned. “Call me as soon as you know something.” Her face was white.

“I will.”

The motor was on and the passenger door open, and Charlotte slid in and closed it.

“Seatbelt.” Sid muttered as he turned the patrol car in the opposite direction and floored it.

“Tell me what you know.” Charlotte clicked the seatbelt and looked for something to hold onto. Unlike Trev’s police car, which was immaculate and filled with the latest equipment, Sid’s was disgusting. Crumbled chocolate wrappers and squashed drink cans were beneath her feet and the stench from his cigarette habit made her want to throw up. The insides of the windows were filthy, and the radio blared country music.

“I think she’s dead.”

“You said that. Is an ambulance on its way?”

“I’m not stupid. Called it first but half an hour away. The real doctor is on an emergency, so you have to do. You can do stuff?”

“Medical degree says so.”

The patrol car sped through the roundabout, wheels bumping over the central gutters. Why did Sid think it safe to drive like this, sirens or not? Then, he turned down the road toward Veronica’s garden centre. Charlotte had walked along here a couple of times. The homes were large and set in big gardens.

“I was heading to town after a patrol. Glenys was waving madly from the grass verge outside Octavia’s house. Ran inside and felt for but couldn’t find…you know.” His voice faltered.

“A pulse? Any idea what happened? Fall?”

“What makes you think that?” Charlotte saw him shooting a look at her through his beady eyes.

“You didn’t mention any sign of blood or attack and falls are common as we age.”

Sid flicked the sirens off as he pulled into a wide driveway between graceful silver birches, then screeched to a halt near a double garage. The house was two storey brick, an older but beautiful looking building with English-style gardens.

As Charlotte sprinted to the front door, it swung open. Glenys was ashen as she pointed inside.

“I’ll check you in a minute but go and sit please.” Charlotte’s voice was steadier than her hands, which she doubted would let her even open her bag.

One look in the lounge room and her professional persona emerged.

Antique-looking armchairs and sofa made a semi-circle near a large and ornate marble fireplace. The hearth was two bricks high, finished with a marble slab.

Octavia lay face-down, the top of her head against the base of the bricks at a steep angle. Blood trickled onto the carpet beneath her body.

Charlotte stepped carefully to one side of Octavia and squatted. She checked for the pulse she knew was no longer there.

“Shouldn’t you get your stethoscope out?” Sid burst in.

“Stop. Please take care where you stand and what you touch. And yes, I will, but I am so sorry to advise that Octavia has passed away.”

Sid’s mouth dropped open and his arms fell to his sides. To his credit, he came no further into the room as Charlotte checked for a heartbeat. From the colour and feel of her skin, she’d died two to three hours ago.

“I don’t want to move her to check for injuries, Sid. Not until proper photographs are taken and—”

“What the hell? She’s tripped and hit her head. No need for anything other than—”

“Leading Senior Constable.” Charlotte stood. “I know Octavia was close to your wife and this is upsetting, but we owe it to her to ensure the area is examined. Yes, it most likely is a dreadful accident, but if someone else is involved, wouldn’t you prefer to use your training and position to ensure justice prevailed?”

He blinked a few times.

Too many big words?

“You don’t really think…” He grabbed a radio from his police belt. “Keep watch.” Then he was gone, heading for the front door.

Charlotte packed her stethoscope away and closed her bag. Apart from the blood from Octavia’s head, there was no other sign of an injury. On a whim, she took photos with her phone. Just in case. First of Octavia, then the surrounds. As many as she could.

“Why are you doing that?” Glenys was in the doorway, arms wrapped around herself.

After picking up her bag, Charlotte moved away from Octavia, noting small details like the colour of the carpet, the contrasting dark blue mat which Octavia lay upon, antique-filled display cabinets, and two large bookcases. When she reached Glenys, she guided her away with a gentle hand on her arm.

“Is there somewhere we can sit?”

Glenys led her to an ornate dining room with more antique furniture.

Charlotte pulled out a chair. “I think you should rest.”

Glenys lowered herself onto the seat and put her head in her hands. “This is a nightmare. I’ll pray for her soul.”

“Sid said you waved him down.”

“The battery of my phone is flat, and Octavia’s landline didn’t work. I didn’t know what to do. Charlotte, why did you take photos?”

“Oh. Old habits, that’s all. I was taught to treat every incident as a potential…well, crime scene. I took photos last year after Esther’s window was broken, and of the Christmas tree in the roundabout being destroyed.”

“Incident? Is that all she is?” Tears flooded from Glenys eyes. Charlotte rubbed her back.

“You’ve had a shock. I think when the ambulance comes, they need to check you over. Okay? And Sid will arrange a lift home. Or to somewhere with some company.”

“I don’t have anyone.”

“We’ll find someone.”

“I think I should leave now. This is all so upsetting.” Glenys began to rise.

Charlotte squeezed her arm. “Probably best if you stay. I can hear the ambulance, so are you fine to sit here for a few minutes? I’ll be back.”

Once Glenys had nodded, Charlotte raced back to the living room. There was one last thing she wanted to check before the house was taken over by the appropriate authorities.