Chapter 28

Thomas Timpson was an option. He would take her in like a shot, but she wasn't sure she wanted to become obliged to him. But it still sounded like a good short term solution that would give her a safe haven whilst she sorted her life out. She used the pay phone on the wall of the café. Milson answered, "Timpson residence" in his fake "posh" voice.

She barked, "Milly, put Thomas on. "

Milson pretended that he didn't understand or recognise who was speaking. "This is the Timpson residence, how may I help you?"

Lisa drew herself up and said in her firmest voice, " If you can drag your fat nose out of my dirty knickers, get Thomas to the phone, now!" Milson put the receiver down and went to fetch his master.

"Lisa! How lovely to hear from you. Where are you?" said the fawning voice of Thomas Timpson.

Lisa paused, then said, "Oh, I've been let down by a weekend job that's been cancelled. I wondered if you had any plans... "

Thomas stuttered then said, "I haven't made any plans that can't be undone. Would you be free to join us for a few days?"

"OK," she said casually, "Could you send Milson?"

"Yes, yes! Where should he find you?" he cheeped

She gave her location and Thomas arranged for Milson to collect her post haste. She put the phone down and smiled. Leaving the café, she found a large rubbish skip and put the carrier bag into it. Without looking back, she headed for her rendezvous with Milson. An hour later she was in her suite at Thomas's mansion, unpacking her bags.

Thomas entered the room and kissed her. He was surprised at her condition. "Lisa, darling, is everything alright? You look a little pale."

She thought for a few seconds and answered. " I've suffered another miscarriage. I lost the baby."

Thomas was shocked. "Oh, my dear. I am so sorry for you. When did all this take place?"

She told him she had just left hospital and was suffering from a mild depression. "Right!" he announced, "We'll just have to do something about that. A week on a health farm, I think. I know just the place. Egginton Manor in Norfolk. It's a splendid place. I'll book us both in from tomorrow. No arguments, I insist!"

She watched him march off to make the arrangements. Lisa couldn't have planned it better. She did need to recuperate, and he could pay. Thomas was ecstatic, she was no longer pregnant with another man's child and he had her to himself for at least a week. Both people were happy.

Richard and Joe, however, were distraught. They were still searching everywhere in a frantic effort to find her. "I'll never forgive myself. " Richard said wringing his hands, "what I did was unforgivable, unforgivable. I should be struck off the register. She could die, she needs urgent medical help and we've allowed her to run away to God knows where... "

Joe tried to reassure him for the umpteenth time. "Richard, you don't know her like I do. Lisa makes her own mind up, she listens to no-one. You were trying to help her. You did what was best for her."