J & P Book 1 - Say You Need Me

Chapter 15

"Everything all makes sense now," said Paul, sitting up a little in his hospital bed. "I understand it perfectly. I thought it was strange when I kept receiving those cards. They could only have been from you, but you never mentioned it. And then, when I got the message to meet you in the park.. I thought that was bizarre. Why didn't I ring you?"

"I thought the same," replied Jenny, picking at the bunch of grapes by his bedside.

"If only I had a mobile phone," signed Paul. "Could have texted you to check. You'd have known it was me then."

"Well I need a new one anyway now," said Jenny. "Mine's still in the park, as far as I know. And I don't fancy going to find it! I'll get you one, if you like."

"Oh no, it's ok, you don't have to do that..."

Jenny raised her eyebrows at him. "Maybe I want to buy my boyfriend a present. To say sorry for involving him in all this."

Paul felt warm inside hearing Jenny describe him as her boyfriend.

She went on. "I mean, it's as much my fault that we fell into the kidnapper's trap. I knew we were both freaked out about the park. Why would you have wanted to meet me there?"

"I figured," said Paul, "That you were testing me, trying to get me to stand up to what I'm afraid of. Like the way you made me smile again."

"I didn't make you smile," said Jenny, as he beamed at her. "You were the one who did that. You must have found happiness."

"I have," he said. He watched as she ate the last of his grapes. He did not mind, although he did like grapes. "That's one mystery solved. But where did the lost money go? And who keeps calling you?"

"I guess I'll find out eventually," said Jenny. Paul looked up at her. She was truly beautiful. She was magical.

His shock at the ordeal that he had suffered tonight was nothing compared to the wonderful shock of what had taken place the night before. And earlier that day.

"I might even find out some answers tomorrow," she went on, "If my secret spy, Lucia, has any news. I know it's late, but I had to wait up to see you again, make sure you were okay." She rubbed her hand over his forehead, and he felt her soft skin on his once more.

"Who do you think has got the money then? Kye?"

"No," said Jenny. "He knows about it, but he didn't take any. That was, I think, Lucy Lightfoot."

Paul was confused. "Why? I thought you and her were friends."

"Lucia said that she had access to the briefcase and a set of keys which could fit it. And you know how horrible she's been acting. It all fits into place."

"Weird," said Paul, glancing around the ward.

"How are you feeling now?" she asked him. She moved closer, and he could smell her perfume. He was feeling surprisingly good, actually.

"I'm fine," he said. "That wound isn't going to give me any trouble. The doctors are going to sort it out for me."

"You'll be taking notes for next time, will you?" giggled Jenny.

He smiled. "Oh, I wish I could see you tomorrow, Jenny. Come after your interview. I don't think Zamian will be visiting, what with going back to uni, all the attention he's getting from Baby, and now Claire too."

"Do you think he'll leave Baby for Claire?" she said, toying with her beautiful curly hair.

"I doubt it," said Paul. "In my experience, Claire's not a nice girl." He waited for Jenny's response.