Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 50

Alice woke with a jump. She lay for a moment, trying to work out what had awoken her so suddenly. She heard it again. The phone! She lept out of bed and ran to answer it.

"Alice?" She heard George running down the stairs after her. "Alice? Is everything OK?"

She held up her hand to silence him whilst holding the phone to her ear with the other, listening. "Yes. Really? NOW! Ok. We're on our way!" She put the phone down and looked at George.

"That was the hospital," she told him, "They need us to go in NOW!"

"Why?" Panic growing, Alice saw the colour drain from his face.

Alice felt herself sag with relief. "It's Alex," she said tears now forming, "He's asking for us George."

"Is he OK?"

"George, it's Alex himself asking for us! He's awake and wants to see his mum and dad!"

"Whoo hoo!" George came over to her and hugged her tight. "At last. It's what we wanted to hear." He took her hand. "Come on then mummy. Time to get dressed. Our boy needs us!"

Laughing, she took his hand and let him lead her to their room. They dressed quickly then got into the car. It was a very cheerful pair that arrived at the hospital and walked through to the ward. The doctor greeted them with a smile.

"How is he?" Alice asked anxiously, "Alex?"

"Go and see for yourself," he told her, "He's sleepy but awake. If he nods off whilst your talking, don't worry, it's to be expected."

Nodding, they headed to where Alex lay. His eyes were closed. Alice hesitated.

"Sit with him," George whispered, "Talk to him."

Alice took her vigil seat by her son. She gently took his hand. "Alex love. It's your mum and dad!"

His eyes flickered opened. "MUM!" His throat sounded hoarse.

"Hi my love. Am I glad to see you!"

"Are you OK? He didn't hurt you, did he? I did my best to stop him!"

Alice felt her heart pound. Alex remembered what had happened. He was concerned about her! "I'm OK." she told him, squeezing his hand, "Just worried about you. We both are." She looked at George.

"Dad? He's here?"

"I'm here Alex." George came closer to him, sitting opposite to Alice.

Alex turned his head slowly to face him. He gave George a smile. "I'm sorry dad." he said quietly, "I'm sorry for the way I've been with you. I've always seen you as my real Dad. I love you!"

"And I love you too Alex." George told him quietly. Alice felt tears welling up once more. "You're my son Alex. You have been since the day you were born and I held you when you were just minutes old."

"Are the girls here?"

"No." George shook his head.

"Are they OK?"

"They're fine."

He took hold of Alice's hand. "I love you mum."

His eyes closed and he went back to sleep.

Alice looked from him to George. They both smiled at each other.

"I love you Mrs H." he whispered. "Feeling better?"

She smiled at him. "Much! I love you too!"

George and Alice spent the day with their son. At different times he would wake up, speak to them then would drift off to sleep again. He seemed very much himself, at times even managing to tease and joke the way he used to. There appaeared to be no lasting damage, except clearly to his left shoulder and left arm. At midday a nurse watched whilst Alice gave him a small portion of food. He complained about it!

"My first meal in ages," he grinned, "and I have to have porridge!"

Alice laughed, knowing how much he hated the stuff! "Come on," she chided, enjoying being mummy to her son, "Open wide! It's good for you!"

 It was early evening when George and Alice found themselves disturbed.

"Mrs Harrison?"

Alice turned. She was surprised to find her solicitor stood rather awkwardly at the doorway. She stood up, looking very afraid.

"Mum?"

She heard the concern in Alexander's voice.

"I'll just be one minute Alex love. Dad's staying with you."

"Alice?" George stood up to follow her.

She turned and walked over to him. "Stay with Alex, please." she whispered, kissing him, "I'll come back and tell you what's said in a minute. OK? Please stay with him. I don't want him worried. I love you George."

She walked out to Gwynneth. "What is it?" she asked.

"Is there somewhere we can go to talk?" she asked, "I really need to talk to you privately."

Alice looked around. She saw Alex's nurse. She spoke to her briefly then returned.

"We can use the nurses office for a few minutes. The sister said she'd try to keep people out for as long as possible."

Alice lead her into the room. She closed the door then faced her. "Well? What is it?"

"I've passed on the infirmation from Thomas Donovan's  mother to the police. I did it first thing this morning." she explained, "I've just had a phone call from Detective Inspector Dawson with some news for you. They have spent most of today making their own enquiries, including speaking to his mother, the surgeon and Donovan as well."

"And?" Alice tried to stay calm.

"The surgeon has confirmed that Donovan's injuries were clearly self inflicted. Something about the entry wound from the bullet made it very obvious." the solicitor continued. "Then they questioned Donovan himself. Alice. He admitted that he had shot himself. He wanted to make it look like you'd hurt him as payback for what he had done to you and Alex."

"So what happens now?"

"The police will be intouch with you but Thomas Donovan has already been charged with kidnap, blackmail, rape and the shooting of Alexander. He's likely to find himself in prison for a very long time." She looked at Alice for a reaction. There was none. "Alice, it means you are in the clear. That there will be no charges against you. You're free to return home as soon as Alex is well enough." She smiled at Alice, "I see he's recovering well?"

Alice nodded. She still hadn't really taken in everything that had been said to her. She thanked Gwynneth for her time then made to return to Alex. Suddenly she stopped.

"Gwynneth?"

"Yes Mrs Harrison?"

"That's it? It's over?" Alice repeated. "There's no charges?"

The solicitor smiled. "Yes Mrs Harrison. You're free from all charges. It's all over."

Alice gave her a beaming smile. "Thank you so much."

And with that she walked away, returning to Alex and George.