Oh, Eleanor

Chapter 44: The Enquirer

"I know it's not what he says it is." Said Martha while loading the washer.
She made sure that Jamie was out of earshot before mouthing her thoughts.
"Yeah." Ron replied, "and I have no idea why we aren't telling that to him. I get that he is here after long but there definitely are things he has been hiding from us. Even if he was beaten up, he shouldn't hesitate to tell us why as long as he isn't the macula in this sun."
Martha hushed him, "he shouldn't hear this. We are his family."

***

Later that day, a sheriff visited their house, whose sudden visit was a surprise to everyone.

Who called him? Jamie asked.

I did. It was Martha to reply. Jamie stayed silent but clearly prodding for answer to this. You have been attacked. And I need to know who did it and why, I am not going to sit here believing your lies on it anymore, Jamie. You have just arrived back to this place. You haven't even been staying here. Why would someone have a problem with you? I want to know.

You cant want everything, Martha.

Watch me.

***

When did this incident take place, Mr. Hastings?

Uh, eh. A couple of days ago. When I was at the airport after having just landed from Alaska.

Sheriff nodded and jotted down a few things.

What took you so long to come to me? I think the wounds have even started to heal.

My wife. She called you. I dont suspect anyone or anything for this. And I still hold my statement that I fell down the escalator.

Sheriff nodded.

Mrs. Hastings, do you have a say on that?

Oh yes, first of all officer, you can see that the injuries are multiple. Second, the large cut on his arm isn't one from falling, I am afraid.

That in no sense looks to me like an accidental wound.

Jamie stayed quiet.

Ron sat there without muttering a single word, he was still thinking about what Billy said at the end. He couldn't get that thought out of his mind.