We drove around in Sarah's car, Mum took the front seat and I was relegated to the rear. We arrived at the house and there was no sign of Rod's car. Sarah parked in the driveway.
We entered the house and let Biddy in. I noticed the phone and note were still on the bench. It was obvious that Jenna had not returned.
Sarah put Biddy's lead on and we set off down the street. Eileen had seen the walk as an opportunity to interact with both her daughters and was keen to find out more about our reconciliation. We walked down towards the creek. I asked her about Millicent and what she knew about the job I was going for. She admitted that she had seen Millicent at a party last week and had asked whether she had any jobs going. Evidently one of her receptionists was about to start maternity leave and she was already short staffed.
"So what actually happened last night" Mum eventually asked when we were not forthcoming.
"Well we had a bit of drama down at the pub and Jenna ended up doing something she really didn't want to do, that saved me" said Sarah.
"And Sarah was really brave and helped me out as well" I said.
"Mum we love you but the details we would prefer to keep secret"
"The reconciliation probably won't last but I am enjoying your company at the moment. Little sister"
"I'm sure you will find something bitchy to do soon enough and we will be back to normal, Big sister"
"Girls. It makes me so happy to actually see you getting along. Let's hope it lasts"
By now we were on the way home and I noticed a police car heading past us down the street.
Biddy was getting barked at by a pair of dogs behind a fence. Sarah whispered in my ear "Glad I didn't run into those two last night" We shared a giggle.
Mum was talking about how she wanted to do more walking as she wanted to get fitter. "Maybe you could walk with me occasionally Jenna"
Maybe Mum. I'd like to walk with you but don't want to promise and then let you down."
"Oh look, the police car is stopped outside your house. I wonder what they want?"
We looked. Sure enough the police car was parked by the kerb outside Rod's house. As we watched a police man and a policewoman got out and walked up to the door.
I wondered what they wanted. Is it about the shoplifting? No point running away. I wouldn't get far. It made no sense though. Why would they be here? Had Ted sent them over here?
They had given up on knocking on the door the policeman had walked around to the side gate. The policewoman was inspecting Sarah's car.
The police were walking back to their car as we approached it. Sarah spoke "Officer were you looking for someone? That's my house"
He looked at Sarah 'Is this where Rod Burton lives?"
"Yes, he is my fiancé" The policeman looked at me and Eileen "This is my mother and sister"
"I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news but there has been an accident and you fiancé is in a critical condition in hospital. Perhaps we can tell you more inside"
Sarah had gone quite pale. I'm sure I was as well. She fumbled for her keys and opened the house.
When we were seated the Policeman told us that Rod Burton had been the victim of a traffic accident. He was in a critical condition with head injuries and had been taken by ambulance to the emergency ward at the general hospital. They had been trying to track down his family for several hours.
Eileen asked "Have you spoken to Hilda, Rod's mother"
The policeman replied "I believe you are the 1st family members we have located"
"I can ring her" said Sarah
She found her phone and dialed "Hilda, It's Sarah. Rod has been hurt in an accident. He was sent to the general hospital by ambulance" ............ "That's all I know at the moment. The police are here it must be serious"........"I'll see you there"
"We must get to the hospital" said Sarah. She looked in shock.
Mum took control "Jenna put Biddy out the back"............"Officers thank-you for informing us. It must be a very difficult job"
"Would you like Officer Jenkins to drive you to the hospital" replied the male officer.
"I don't think Sarah is in a fit state but I can drive. Thank-you for the offer"
I asked "Officer do you know what happened?"
"I believe he was hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian. That is all I know"
.............