Doctor Who_ Father Time - Lance Parkin [59]
Dinah was jealous. Her parents were well off, but Miranda’s dad was a millionaire – money just wasn’t a problem. Despite that, or perhaps because of it, Miranda wasn’t at all acquisitive. She dressed smartly, and quite fashionably, but she didn’t know any of the labels, and didn’t seem to care. It was the same with boys: Miranda had beauty, but didn’t use it. It was a waste, Dinah thought. She’d never come up with a good theory why.
‘Are you worried what your dad would think?’
Miranda frowned. ‘No. Should I be?’
‘Put it this way – if my parents ask, I’ve been round to your house loads recently, and as far as you know, I’ve only ever held hands with Alex.’
‘I don’t think the Doctor would care.’
‘The Doctor?’
‘My dad. You know that’s what he’s called.’
‘I know that’s what you call him, it doesn’t stop it being strange.’
‘I don’t think he’d mind me having a boyfriend. If he noticed.’
‘Well, do you mind him having girlfriends?’
Miranda laughed. ‘He doesn’t.’
‘It’s not that ridiculous.’
‘My dad’s never had a girlfriend.’
‘What?’
‘Not since I’ve known him, as far as I know. Certainly not since he adopted me.’
‘Oh, come on, you’re just being naive. I know it can be pretty horrifying to think that your parents do it, but he must do.’
‘No.’
‘Never had a woman round to stay? A “friend”?’
Miranda smiled. ‘Once. About a year ago. She said she was an old friend, although Dad couldn’t remember her. She stayed here. Don’t look at me like that: she slept in a spare bedroom. Her name was Iris. Dad got on with her, but... no, he got all embarrassed when he accidentally caught her in the bath. She said she’d come to help sort things out and explain a few things, but she just ended up confusing us, to be honest. She left in a huff after a day or two.’
‘He goes on loads of business trips, though, yeah?’
‘Yes.’
‘There you go. A girl in every port, he wants to keep them secret.’
‘From who?’
‘Er... he’s so hunky, though. It’s a waste.’
‘Hunky?’
‘Does he go for the schoolgirl type, do you think?’
‘Dinah, that’s my dad you’re talking about.’
‘Well, what’s his type?’
‘Is there something wrong with your hormones, Dinah?’
‘Something wrong with yours. Ask Bob. Bob’s nice. I should know, I used to go out with him.’
‘For five minutes.’
‘Three dates,’ Dinah corrected her. ‘And he was the perfect gentleman. That’s one of the reasons he had to go. Look. You don’t have to... y’know. Get to know Bob, as a friend, then see what happens from there. You might surprise yourself.’
Miranda considered the idea.
‘Follow your heart,’ Dinah urged.
‘Which one?’ Miranda asked her.
‘Either of them. Both. Come on...’
Miranda smiled. ‘If it’ll shut you up...’
* * *
Debbie arrived at the hospital, waving at Nurse Collins, the duty nurse.
She knew all the nurses by name, knew their shifts better than they did themselves. Walking to Barry’s room was something she did without needing to think where she was going. She’d often end up at his room surprised she was there already – she just hadn’t needed to switch her brain on.
This morning, something was different. There was someone in the room.
An old man in a white coat. He had his back to her, and was bent over Barry. He was helping him to sit up.
Barry was awake.
Debbie couldn’t move her feet.
Barry was awake.
He was trying to speak. The sounds were incoherent – brain damage, perhaps, or lack of practice. Perhaps just a dry mouth.
Debbie made her decision, and stepped into the room.
‘Barry,’ she said, ever so softly.
He looked round at her, recognised her.
Then the older doctor turned around, and she recognised him.
Sallak.
He was five years older than the man whom she’d seen gun down Miranda’s mother, the man who had stood in the dock and pleaded guilty, without an ounce of emotion. His face was a little more lined, his short hair was thinner.
‘Mrs Castle... Debbie. You came,’ the Deputy said, and it was clear from his voice that he had expected nothing else.