Page 55 of Mayfair Madame

Another person appeared. “I think we need to call an ambulance,” Josh said. “Her pulse is erratic, her words slurred. Something’s not right.”

“I’m okay.” I tried to say, but no words came out.

“She’s losing consciousness. Let’s get her somewhere she can lie down.”

Arms roughly manhandled me. One set under my arms, the other at my feet. A few moments later, I lay on a softer surface, a cool cloth now on my head.

“Her temperature’s spiking. Ellie… Ellie… Have you taken anything?”

My mouth felt full of cotton wool. No words came out.

“Fuck. How long will the paramedics be?”

Who were all these people?

“Five minutes out.” Another voice said.

“Stay with me, Ellie. Ellie, don’t you go anywhere.”

The voices quietened, the lights faded, and the world went black.

The jolt of a vehicle as it came to a halt woke me. Doors flew open, muffled voices gave orders, and I was wheeled into a building, then a curtained cubicle surrounded by people in scrubs.

“Do you know what happened to her?” a voice asked.

“No clue. One minute she seemed fine. The next she called me to say she needed help. I found her slumped on the bathroom floor.” Josh? What was he doing here?

“Has she taken anything?” Another voice, one I didn’t recognise.

“Not that I know of. I don’t think she does drugs or anything. I’ve not really known her that long.”

“Okay, well, if you’d like to step back while we work on her. We’ll let you know how she’s doing.”

Machines beeped, and voices spoke, but nothing was clear. Why couldn’t Josh have just taken me home? This was far too much fuss, but once again, I faded into oblivion.

The next time I woke, the room was quiet. I cracked open one eye. The room was dim, thank God. I wasn’t sure I could stand the bright lights. My head still pounded. The flashing lights I’d experienced earlier had gone, though.

I could murder a drink. I tried to sit, and instantly a hand took mine.

“There she is. My own Ellie Sharpe.” Naomi’s beautiful face looked down on me. What the hell was she doing here?

Not that I cared. She was a sight for sore eyes.

“Naomi? Why…”

“Shhh, don’t speak. Here, drink this.”

A small straw met my lips, and with effort, I managed a sip, then another.

“You gave us all quite a scare. Never a dull moment with us. First my assault, then the rescue, and now here you are in hospital. I said you should have gone, but you’re stubborn when you want to be. Now close your eyes and rest. The doctors said it’s the best thing for you.”

I squeezed her hand to let her know I’d heard her as once again, my eyes drifted closed, her hand still clasped in mine.

The next time I woke, sunlight streamed through the small window, brightening the room.

I felt much better than yesterday. The headache lingered but was bearable, and the nausea I’d been fighting had almost gone. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the pain I felt was down to hunger, nothing else.

I turned my head. Naomi was scrunched up in the small chair, her legs tucked beneath her. Her eyes twitched as she slept, but I didn’t imagine she’d got much. It wasn’t an ideal place to sleep.