Page 204 of Original Sin

‘Hi, how was the hospital?’ she asked nervously.

He squinted up at her. ‘They’ve categorized Leonard’s stroke as massive.’

Tess’s heart sank. ‘What does that mean?’ she asked as she sat down beside him.

‘I think it will be a few hours before the doctors work out how extensive the damage is. They’re doing tests to see if there is permanent brain damage. He’s certainly paralysed down his right–hand side, but there’s some signs of speech and they think there’s a chance he may walk again.’

‘Sean, I’m so sorry.’

Sean nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. ‘My mom told me what happened in the study.’

He took a slug of his drink and looked at her. ‘She’s also going to tell the Louisiana police.’

‘What do you think will happen?’

He shrugged. ‘I guess it depends whether Leonard wants to confess about Olivia Martin again – whether he can confess again. I expect the police will want to speak to you about that, anyway.’

Tess rubbed her eyes. ‘Perhaps he’s had punishment enough.’

Sean looked into her eyes. ‘You know, back in the hospital, there were some moments when I hated you.’

Tess held her breath. She could feel the sun burning her skin, but she dared not move. Sean picked up a pebble and threw it towards the waves.

‘I kept asking myself what I would do if I’d been in your shoes.’

Her heart was pounding now.

‘And the truth is, I would have done the same,’ said Sean slowly. ‘As much as I care for my uncle, however much you wish something wasn’t true, Leonard killed someone. Sure, it was all those years ago and I can understand that he wanted to protect Mom. But it was still wrong. And whatever has happened, you’re not to blame for any of it.’

He took a sip of his drink, which Tess took out of his hand. ‘You don’t need that,’ she whispered.

‘No, I need you,’ he said quietly.

She took his fingers and he pulled her close, stroking her lips with a kiss.

Tess squeezed him as tightly as she could, happiness mixed with relief. He stroked her neck and she winced.

‘Shit, you’re as red as a lobster,’ he said, looking at her burning skin. ‘Come on, let’s get you in the shade. I’m not sure you Limeys are built for this climate.’

They walked slowly along the shore. ‘Talking of which, are you going to stay in New York? I mean, I guess your job is done, isn’t it?’

Tess smiled. ‘Well, when I thought you were going to dump me, I had decided I was going home, but I think I’m officially homeless,’ she said with a slow grin. ‘I’ve no job. I’ve got two journalists on a year–long tenancy in my Battersea apartment….’

‘It just so happens there’s a hot new PR consultancy starting in London very shortly,’ said Sean. ‘I think you know the CEO. I hear he needs an assistant.’

‘Assistant.’ She scoffed with a laugh. ‘We’ll be talking director of communications at the very least. Although have you seen my CV lately? Disaster follows me wherever I go.’

‘I know,’ he sighed dramatically, ‘but you’ve got to start somewhere in the big, bad city,’ he said. ‘The pay’s awful but there’s a rent–free flat thrown in. You’ll have a roommate, but I hear he’s a devilishly handsome young fellow.’

The peach morning sun emerged from behind a bubble of brilliant white cloud, and suddenly Tess felt the warmth and light wash over her. ‘In that case, I’ll think about it,’ she smiled, and they walked hand–in–hand back towards the house.