Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 49

Alice slipped out of bed, careful not to wake George. She crept through to the tiny kitchen and poured herself a drink of milk. She stood, looking out of the window, watching the sleepy world of the street in front of the house. She was so very afraid. More afraid than she had been the whole time she and Alex had been held by Tom. She thought about her three daughters, Louisa was almost twelve, Laura ten and then her baby, Kate, was only eight. She thought about them now, staying with the McCartney's...people they hardly knew. Were they wondering what was happening? How would they cope growing up without a mum? How would they feel to know that their mum was in prison for (allegedly) shooting someone? She wondered what kind of prison tarriff such a crime would get these days. What if Tom died from his injuries? The police had said he was very ill. Murder? Manslaughter?  She wondered for the thousandth time why Tom had claimed she had shot him. What did he have to gain? Why did he want to punish her so much? She wanted to ask him. She needed to understand.

Her decision made, Alice slipped into some clothes and tiptoed from the house. It was just after five in the morning. She guessed she could go to the hospital and be back before George awoke. Revving the engine, she made the short journey to the hospital. After making enquiries and then locating the right ward, she crept her way in, avoiding being seen by the nurses. Tom was lying in a side room. She looked through the partially opened door.

"Elsie?" Alice stood there, stunned, looking at Tom's mother.

"Alice love?" she said, standing up, "You're the last person I expected to see! How's that grandson of mine doing? How's young Alex?"

"He's stable. Doing much better." Alice accepted the hug she was given, "The doctor thinks he'll be OK."

"Thank God!" She shook her head and looked across at the bed. "I never imagined that my no good son would do that to you both! And then to shot his own son! Tom might be my son but he's a no good waste of space. I hope they lock him up for a very long time this time, do you know that! How's your lovely George coping?"

Alice shrugged. "Elsie, has Tom said anything about what happened?" she asked urgently, "Has he regained consciousness?"

Elsie nodded. "Oh yes. He's talking and recovering his doctor said. Proper feeling sorry for himself too! Says it hurts!" she shook her head, "Bloody fool! Can't even shoot himself properly!"

"Shoot HIMSELF?" Alice looked at her. "Elsie, what do you mean?"

"The surgeon, he said that Tom's injuries were what he described as typical 'non life threatening' and clearly  'self inflicted!"

"Seriously?" Alice looked delighted!

She nodded. "Alice? What's wrong?"

"The surgeon who treated him, do you know his name?" she pleaded urgently.

"I expect it'll be in his notes or something."

Alice suddenly hugged her. "Elsie Donovan, you're amazing do you know that? Thank you. Thank you so much! I might need you to explain to the police what you've just told me. OK?"

"The Police?"

"Yes! Please! Just tell them if they ask. OK?"

Alice turned from her and ran out of the ward. She needed to wake George and to tell him what she had found out. Maybe the solicitor could find out who it was then speak to the surgeon and find out exactly how they knew the injuries were self inflicted. She had hope now. Real hope of going home to her family. Herself, George, the girls and Alex. And best of all, she hoped, the recent events would make Alex realise that Thomas Donovan was a waste of space and not worth bothering with.

She realised she was driving like a fool. She laughed to herself and slowed down. They didn't need another member of the family in hospital! Finally, she reached the house. She raced into the house. George was now up and awake and frantic.

"Where have you been? I've been worried sick?"

Alice grinned at him. "I know that Tom's injuries are self inflicted! I know the surgeon who operated on him said so! We need to tell the police! It will mean I'm not going to be charged. We'll be able to go home!" Her excitement made her burble virtually incoherently!

"Whoa!" George hugged her, "Slow down and start again! Where have you been? What have you done? What have you found out?"

Much slower and calmer, Alice explained what had happened. How she had met Elsie and what she had said. George grinned, sharing her excitement.

"Stay away from Thomas Donovan Alice!" he told her, after returning from calling the solicitor,"It's important that you stay away and let Gwynneth do her job. Promise me? Let her sort it out and find out what the facts are!"

"But...?"

"No Alice. You got to! The police will say you've messed about in some way if you don't! Please love, no matter how desperate you feel, keep away!"

Reluctantly she nodded. knowing he was right.

"Hungry?" she asked suddenly, "I'm starving! Fancy an omlette? Beakfast treat!"

George smiled, seeing that his Alice was coming back. She was happier, much more positive! It was a delight to see.

After eating then getting ready, they went back up to the hospital to see how Alex was. Once more the news was positive and Alex was continuing to make a good recovery. To their delight, George and Alice were told of the plans to reduce the sedation, beginning that day. They watched with baited breathe, a just three hours later, Alex had recovered enough to have the ventilator removed. They saw their son begin to breathe for himself and the colour of his skin changing before their eyes. The doctor examined him once more before allowing them back beside his bedside.

"Alex is doing very well," he told them, smiling at then both, "He has a good strong pulse and is breathing independently. The next step is that he will regain consciousness. Then we will be able to see how much movement Alex has in his arm and his shoulder. All in all, you have a real fighter in your son. This will help him further as he will need support, physio and possibly even more surgery on his shoulder over time."

Alice nodded, looking concerned. "Surgery?"

The doctor touched her arm, comforting and reassuring her. "Don't worry Mrs Harrison. That's in the future. At the moment, knowing Alex is alive and doing well is the main thing!"

"Thank you!" said George, "Seriously, thank you!"

"My pleasure." He looked at them both, "Well, I look forward to meeting young Alex properly and having a conversation with him very soon!"