Chapter 5: An old friend

Chapter 5: An old friend

The next Saturday Gail was shopping in Midhurst. She was looking for some new trousers. She went into a clothes shop in the High Street, and looked at some pairs of jeans. Fifty-five pounds! Everything was expensive. She stopped and listened to the music in the shop. Saturday Night. They were playing the record in all the other clothes shops that afternoon, too. ‘It’s going to be a big hit, maybe number one,’ thought Gail. ‘Gail! Hi! I haven’t seen you for years!’ Gail looked round. ‘Diane!’ she said. ‘How are you?’ Diane Partridge was an old friend. They were student nurses together, five years before.

‘I’m fine,’ said Diane. ‘Come and have a coffee. I want to hear all your news.’

They went to a cafe, and got two coffees. Gail opened her handbag. ‘No!’ said Diane. ‘I’ll pay. Really.’

They sat down at a table. Diane had three or four shopping bags. She put them under the table.

‘New clothes,’ she said.

‘What are you doing now?’ asked Gail.

‘I’m working at a small private hospital. It’s near Frampton. It’s a wonderful job. The hospital’s very expensive, and they pay me very well.’

They talked for half an hour. Diane was telling Gail about her job.

’… I like the job, but it’s very sad sometimes,’ she said. ‘I’m looking after a young man. He had a terrible car crash a few months ago. He broke his back… He was in a coma for three months!’

Gail sat forward. ‘He isn’t in a coma now?’

‘No,’ said Diane, ‘he woke up two weeks ago. It’s very sad. There’s something wrong with him. You know, he thinks he’s that rock star… the famous one… What’s his name?’

‘Alex Hayle?’ said Gail quietly.

‘That’s right. Alex… but how did you know?’

‘Oh, nothing,’ said Gail. ‘Er… What’s the man’s name?’

‘Richard Tucker. He can’t have any visitors either. His brother’s a terrible man. He said…’

‘His brother?’

‘Yes. He’s a friend of Dr Green. Dr Green is the head of the hospital. Anyway, he doesn’t want any visitors. Poor Richard! He cut his face badly in the car crash, you know. He looks terrible, but he’s a nice man.’

Gail thought for a moment. ‘Er… Diane,’ she said, ‘I’m looking for a new job. Does your hospital need any new nurses?’

‘Yes,’ said Diane, ‘we always need good nurses. Why? Are you…?’

‘Can I come and see the hospital?’ said Gail.

‘All right,’ said Diane. ‘Come tomorrow. It’s Sunday. Dr Green isn’t there on Sundays. You can have a look at the hospital. Then maybe you can write to him about a job.’

‘Thanks,’ said Gail. ‘See you tomorrow.’