Blue Comes Through

Chapter Eighteen

I don't know how long I sit. I twist the card over and over with trembling fingers, staring sightlessly at the flowers. I can hear Will and Meg in the kitchen and I know I need to get up and give Will his tea and start his bedtime routine, but I can't move. Meg thinks I'm still being pampered but I'm here, just metres away, reduced to a boneless, useless mess. I let my head fall forward onto my knees; the effort to keep it up is too much. How did he find me? How long has he known? I've been so careful. It's the menace in the flowers though. He's been lurking, biding his time. That has literally floored me.

I hear the rattle of the glass door, and a pair of long legs and expensive shoes appear in front of me. I must look ridiculous, sitting on the floor. I don't have the energy move, although every sense goes on alert.

"Maddie?" I recognise the voice and lift my head to look into concerned brown eyes. I wilt a little more, this time with relief.

"It's me, Matt." He states the obvious. I know it's Matt. How awful do I look? His eyes are running over me. He's carrying a folder of paperwork and he throws on the desk, before hunkering down in front of me. "Are you hurt? Maddie what's happened?"

I shake my head.

"Where's Will, Maddie?"

"He's in the kitchen with Meg. They don't know I'm here." I manage to keep my head up but rest my head back against the wall. I need to try and explain more.

"He's found me, Matt....Will's dad. He sent those flowers." I hand him the card and he takes it scanning it quickly.

"Sadistic bastard." He mutters.

I shift slightly. "I need to get up." I manage a rueful laugh. "I can't seem to feel my legs."

"I think you might be in shock. You look terrible. Come on I'll help."

He holds out a hand to pull me to my feet. I can't seem to find the strength to support my own weight, so he puts a supportive arm around my waist and lifts me.

"You're shaking like a leaf, Maddie."

"It's just reaction I think." I pause. "It will stop soon. I shake like this after..." I stop, swallowing and feel myself sway.

Matt curses. "Bloody hell, Maddie. What did he do to you?"

Ignoring my protests, he supports me, almost carrying me into the kitchen. "Come on, you need to lie down. Shall I call a doctor?"

"No, no! It will pass." I feel foolish as he helps me into the kitchen. Meg looks up in surprise. She's sitting with Will. He's sitting in the high chair, munching through a sandwich and banana. I get a big smile. Meg's face changes to concern when she spots me.

"Maddie. You look terrible. What's happened?" I give her a weak smile.

"I'll just sit with Will, Matt. I'll be fine honestly." He guides me to a kitchen chair and I sit back gratefully. "Thank you. I'm so sorry to be so feeble."

Matt brushes that aside. "I just called down with the paperwork for the accounts. Thank God I did. Are you sure you don't need a doctor?"

"No. No. I'll be fine." Meg places a bottle of water in front of me, which I accept gratefully, taking a couple of sips.

"The bluebells came from Will's dad, Meg. Do you know who brought them?"

"I thought they were from Finn. It was a man; tall, black hair."

The water hits the table with a thud. Matt manages to save it before it spills.

"Oh my God!" I have to bend forward then as a wave of dizziness overwhelm me. He was here! I want to be sick. I want to cry. I want to run. I want to pick up Will and run.