Page 67 of Forgive Not Forget

“Having a servant for a few hours sounds like sheer bliss.”

Having settled Laura onto the sofa, found her favourite blanket, and positioned the remotes next to her, Anna headed to the kitchen to scour the fridge for the ideal sandwich filling.

“What about ham salad?” she called through to Laura.

“Perfect. Anything would be after that hospital food,” Laura shouted back.

The sound of the doorbell echoed through the house.

“I’ll go. I need the loo anyway,” Laura continued.

Anna could make out voices in the hallway and then the click of Laura closing the front door.

“Anna, you have a visitor.”

Katherine appeared in the doorway of the kitchen with a suitcase, which she set down beside her.

Anna froze. A cold chill swept through her body. She leaned on the worktop for support, trying desperately to hold herself together.

“Hi,” Katherine spoke softly.

“Have you brought me my things?” Anna asked, nodding at the suitcase.

“What?” Katherine looked down at it. “Oh, yes… no, not like that; it’s mainly my things.”

Anna shook her head in confusion.

“I’m hoping I can get a bed for the night,” Katherine explained.

Anna put the knife down and approached Katherine, her legs steadying at the realisation that she’d misread the situation.

“You want to stay here for the night? Why?”

Laura reappeared.

“It seems the archaeological team have dug something up after all,” Katherine replied. “A bomb.”

“You’re joking? Surely?” A laugh escaped from Anna’s lips. This had to be a joke.

Laura looked to Katherine and then to Anna. “I don’t think she is joking.”

Katherine shook her head; a slight glaze covered her dilated pupils.

“Shit. Is everyone okay?”

“Yes. They’ve evacuated the abbey and the top of the high street, including Abbey House. They gave me five minutes to pack a bag. I didn’t know what you needed, so I just grabbed you a few things. I’m sorry if it’s wrong. I don’t want to put you out, I could go to a hotel, but… I’d like to be close by in case anything happens.”

“You want to watch Abbey House and the abbey get blown up you mean?”

Katherine’s face drained, and Anna realised she wasn’t in the mood for humour.

“Of course you can stay. Anna’s in a double.” Laura shot a look to Anna and then continued, “Or you can have the sofa. It’s quite comfortable.”

“I’m sure Anna and I can squeeze in together. We’re well practised. Thank you.”

The relief that swept over Anna made her a little lightheaded. This must be a good sign. In the space of two minutes, she’d gone from thinking Katherine had packed her belongings and kicked her out to knowing she’d be sleeping beside her that night.

“Can I sit? I’m a little shaken up.” Katherine took the nearest chair before either Laura or Anna could answer.