Left You Dead

48

‘You’re not coming in?’ It was a bad reception area and Glenn Branson’s voice crackled fuzzily through Roy Grace’s phone.

‘No, Cleo and I need to be with Bruno, it’s not looking good. Can you run things for me?’

‘Of course, Roy, seriously, leave it all with me.’

‘Do me a favour. When I do come in, probably tomorrow, will you ask everyone not to ask me how I am, because—’ He took a moment, choking on his words.

Sounding deeply and genuinely sympathetic, the Deputy SIO said, ‘Absolutely. But make sure you’re certain about coming in.’

‘I will,’ he said heavy-heartedly.

‘How is Bruno?’ Branson asked.

‘Not good — not at all good. He’s in an induced coma, which they’re hoping will reduce the swellings on his brain, but he has multiple head injuries.’

‘God, it’s awful, you both need to be with him. I’ll run the briefing and give you an update afterwards.’

‘Thanks. I appreciate it. You’re a good friend.’

‘You helped me when I was splitting up with Ari, when I went through all that shit of the separation and she tried to stop me seeing my kids. I’m here for you and always will be.’

Grace barely managed to utter his thanks. His eyes stung with tears.