Darkness falls - English version

Desperate Search

>>Don't forget me by Dermot Kennedy + The Glass by Foo Fighters<<

Pontypandy Firestation - 2 weeks later     (Sam's POV)

"Have any of you heard from Penny?"

Elvis asked as we sat down for lunch. All eyes went to the chair she always sat in, which had been untouched, since she was gone.

"Unfortunately, no. Shouldn't she come back soon? She's never been away that long before," Arnold noted, taking a bite of his food. He was a pretty good firefighter, but quickly became insecure when Ellie again criticized him for his exuberant expertise or if Elvis didn't understand anything of what he said. Penny had always managed to mediate between everyone and thus avoid any conflicts that might arise. Now she was missing at every corner.

"Especially since she doesn't answer her cell phone either. I called her after two days of no reply to my messages. Her phone was off and still is to today," Ellie noted now, and I preferred to pick at my food.

"What's the matter with Penny? She was never like that before. Haven't you heard from Penny either, Sam?"

"Why would she call me if she doesn't call any of you?" I replied, fighting not to let my voice sound as grumpy as I felt. I haven't known for more than a week whether I should be more concerned or offended by Penny's behavior.

Ellie cocked her head and gave me an annoyed look, as if questioning the credibility of my counter-question.

"Ah, you've already started. I was stopped. Boyce called," Steele whined as he sat down with us and immediately started scooping up food. We all exchanged a look. We all seemed to think the same thing: a call from Boyce could only have something to do with Penny not being back yet.

"Um, sir, what did Boyce want?" I said, saying what everyone was thinking.

"What? Oh I see. Penny isn't coming back."

Again we all looked at each other in turn. Neither of us understood what Steele was trying to say and at the same time I was wondering if he really didn't care or if he was acting normal because he was in some kind of denial mode.

"What do you mean she's not coming back?"

"She quit her job here at Boyce. Must have gotten a better job offer from another station."

"In Newtown?"

"Boyce didn't say that. My goodness Cridlington, you outdid yourself today," he sighed contentedly as he handed Elvis his already empty plate for a second one.

"Sir, you do know what that means, don't you?" Ellie asked him hesitantly and he gave her a questioning look.

"Of course I know what that means. One of you must now do further training as a diver and boat operator as soon as possible. Also, someone should delve into the caves more, and our budget will also take a hit again for vehicle repairs now that there's no one left to do them. Oh, that's only trouble if we have to let Joe Sparks to the vehicles all the time. Who knows what alleged improvements he will come up with." Steele was already stuffing the second portion down as soon as Elvis had handed him the plate.

"Will we see Penny again?" Arnold asked cautiously. We weren't all sure yet if Steele really got it. He froze before swallowing and sighing heavily.

"Probably not," he then replied, so quiet we could barely hear him. "Boyce said something about sending her best wishes to you and making sure you don't go looking for her. It's strange, but Boyce has made it clear that further questions are not welcome."

"What is that supposed to mean? That's not Penny's way. Something must be wrong," Ellie protested.

Thinking of Penny's rejection, I suddenly understood that she had already known that night that she would not be coming back. I knew it deep down too. With her statement she had left no doubt that her return had not been up for discussion at first.