He’d been slower than Moira and Rick on the chase, of course, as they pursued the suspect. But then he’s older, so that’s to be expected, and Lizzie had been only just in front of him. They’d arrived in time to see the suspect wrestled to the ground by Moira, and hear the confession of how and why he’d killed that poor girl. He’d been able to hear it, even though he’d been wheezing a bit as he tried to get his breathing back under control and was feeling rather light-headed.
They’ve done it – solved the case – and Philip’s proud of that. But the fact that the killer had walked among them – been one of them – within the Ocean Mist community is a problem. He’s already planning a complaint to the Resident Selection Board calling out the inadequacies of their vetting process. Donald Ettwood should never have been allowed to buy a home here on The Homestead. It’s not good enough, and Philip intends to make that absolutely clear.
He’s moved back, away from the action around Donald Ettwood, to be near Moira, Rick and Lizzie on the pavement. They had to step aside as the local cops arrived, guns drawn and full of bravado and swagger. Philip gives a rueful shake of his head; bit late arriving in a blaze of glory after the real work has finished. Still, let them have the paperwork – he isn’t complaining – but he’s not going far either. He’s an important witness – they’ll have to interview him.
Philip turns to Lizzie, Moira and Rick. None of them are looking at him, which he’s glad for because his heart has been racing and he was worried he’d pushed things too far on the run. Cautiously he takes his hand from his chest and inhales hard. There’s no pain. Relief floods through him. Seems like he’ll be okay.
He can’t say the same for Rick. He’s not looking good. One side of his shirt is soaked in blood. His jaw is clenched, and he looks pale beneath his tan. Moira’s full focus is on Rick, her hands pressing the makeshift pad made from a length of her top against his wound, keeping the pressure on. Blood has seeped through the material on to Moira’s hands, staining her fingers crimson.
Philip moves closer to them. ‘How’s he doing? Can I do something to help?’
Moira doesn’t turn to look at him. ‘He needs a medic. Any sign of the ambulance?’
‘Not yet,’ says Lizzie, peering down the alleyway to the main street. ‘I called as soon as I saw Rick was hurt. Said we needed one urgently.’
Philip had heard Lizzie on the call. She’d called 911 a second time to ask for an ambulance. ‘They must be on their way.’
‘We need them fast,’ says Moira.
There’s worry in Moira’s tone, fear even. It surprises Philip; Moira always seems so assured and in control, sometimes too in control – like she’s the one in charge. Until now that’s irritated him, but now he’s concerned. Rick’s a tough bloke – he keeps himself fit, and has all those muscles – he’ll be fine, won’t he? He has to be. He’s one of them – one of the good guys. As he thinks it, Philip knows that doesn’t make a jot of difference – bad things happen to good people; he knows that from bitter experience.
He looks down at Rick grimacing against the pain, and Moira still applying the pressure. Lizzie’s walked off, away towards the main street, presumably so she can direct the ambulance crew when they arrive. There’s nothing for him to do.
Philip looks away towards the cops. Usually in this situation he’d be in charge; getting things done. Instead, in amongst the uniforms, Detective Golding is directing the movement of Donald Ettwood from his current position sprawled on the ground to standing. Philip can hear Golding’s voice, shouting instructions as the uniforms haul Donald to his feet. Donald’s saying something Philip can’t hear, so he takes a few steps closer. He still can’t hear, but the next moment Golding gives Donald a shove and tells him to shut up, then reads him his rights.
Philip listens, interested in the differences between the UK and US wording, but before Golding is finished Philip’s distracted by Lizzie. Down at the end of the alleyway, she’s jumping up and down and waving towards the main street. Next moment an ambulance appears at the end of the alleyway, blue lights flashing. A couple of paramedics jump out and Philip sees Lizzie talking to them, and pointing towards Rick.