‘You shut me out,’ he said.
Kim waved her hand for him to continue.
‘I feel like a total arse for even bringing this up. You’ve got enough to think about.’
‘Doesn’t give you any less entitlement to how you feel. So go for it.’
‘Okay, we’re friends outside of work. I care about you. I wanted to help. I wanted to be there. I wanted you to be able to talk or be silent or to rant and rage at someone. I wanted to be able to do what friends do and support you through one of the worst times of your life. I was here for this and you wouldn’t let me in.’
‘Literally or figuratively?’ she asked, thinking of the times she’d watched him drive away.
‘Don’t be smart, Kim. I know you struggle to understand, but it makes the people that care about you feel like shit. It’s like you don’t trust me with your pain.’ He paused and shook his head. ‘I dunno. I just thought we were more than that.’
Kim swallowed down the emotion in her throat.
This man had been her solid friend for years. She trusted him with her life, and he deserved to know the truth.
‘You wanna know the last thing that went through my head before I died?’
He nodded.
‘You. I hated the thought of the guilt you’d feel at not getting to me in time. I knew you’d never forgive yourself for that. It was my biggest single regret as I felt myself drifting away.’
‘Jesus, Kim, I had no—’
‘We are friends, Bryant, and you’re absolutely right to be hurt by my actions. I don’t share anything very easily, least of all my pain. It was a rough time and I couldn’t face being around anyone, even people I trust, so you’re right, and I apologise for not letting you help.’
Bryant frowned at her. ‘You serious?’
She nodded. ‘You deserved better. I’m sorry, and I’m not bloody saying it again.’
Bryant threw back his head and laughed. ‘I ain’t pushing it.’
‘And we’re not even out of the woods yet of me maybe needing some help. Your time may come, my friend. Now start the car and get us to Bridgnorth.’
‘On it, guv,’ he said, seamlessly reverting.
There were things that she had to say to him, but this was his moment, his chance to vent. His hurt was justified and the apology had been genuine.
She’d given him his opportunity, and she would wait patiently for hers.
THIRTY-SEVEN
The property in Bridgnorth was fifty metres or so from a double gate straight off the road.
There was no signage to indicate the name of the place. They had only found it because the satnav insisted it was on their right and they were about to enter open countryside.
The house sat in what looked like a couple of acres of well-maintained grounds. There was nothing fussy or ostentatious in the space. She spied a healthy-looking lawn, a border of trees and a couple of benches at the area where the tarmac road met the gravel that appeared to encircle the house.
As they drew closer, Kim could see a small parking area to the left of the house. There were no directional boards or information signs. It felt as though they were approaching someone’s home.
Bryant parked with the other vehicles as a man came out of the side door dressed in kitchen whites. He lobbed a black bag into the bin as they got out of the car. He gave them a cursory glance before dismissing them and going back inside.
‘Friendly guy,’ Bryant remarked as they headed to the front entrance.
Kim would describe the property as an old Victorian villa which was set over three floors. It wouldn’t have been a home for the super, super wealthy but it might have been a getaway retreat.
Only when they stepped inside did it become clear they had entered a facility and not a home.