All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 48

Grace was worried about leaving Quinn alone, so hurried her breakfast items more than usual. There were no fresh breakfast scones, or large platters with sausage and puddings. She made a pot of porridge, put some brown bread from the day before on the table with juice, butter and cream. As soon as the guests were seated she served the porridge. They were delighted with it and she was happy it seemed to take so little to please them. She had become quite the accomplished cook over the last few months and was enjoying the praise. Once everyone was taken care of she took a small bowl of the porridge to her room where Quinn was struggling to adjust his position in the bed and groaning all the while.

“Quinn, you have got to stop that. My guests will be wondering what is going on in this room,” Grace commanded as she set the porridge down and tried to help Quinn get comfortable.

“I just ache all over and some places more than others. What happened to me?” Quinn questioned.

“You mean you don't remember?” Grace questioned.

“It all seems so fuzzy. I was riding back toward here and I think I crashed. Or someone hit me. That's about all I remember,” Quinn was puzzled.

Grace didn't want to have Quinn get too concerned, but explained, “Quinn, either you crashed, or you were run down, we don't know for sure, but when a passerby on the road saw you they called the Police. When the Police picked you up, you were face down and had no identification on you except for one of my business cards. And your bike was also gone.”

Quinn just looked at Grace speechless. He had been unconscious for quite a while and was still feeling the effects of his injuries.

“I need a phone,” demanded Quinn.

“And what good will that do you right now? Who would you call?” Grace asked firmly.

“What day is today? I'm so confused. How long was I out? I want to talk to the Police, of course. Get them over here,” Quinn had become very demanding.

“Quinn, they will be stopping by later today anyway. They told me they want to ask you some questions,” Grace was trying to stay calm.

“Calm? How am I supposed to do that? I was run down and everything I own was taken. I want some action on this,” Quinn was getting very agitated.

Quinn looked like he would jump out of bed, if he could muster the energy, and Grace was afraid he would injure himself further.

“Quinn, you need to regain your strength. Just take a breath and have some porridge. I made it fresh this morning. While you have this I'll ring the Police and see how soon they can be here. Will that help?” Grace was still trying to keep things calm.

“I guess,” Quinn responded dejectedly. “Is there a chance I can get some clothes here? I'm feeling quite exposed.”

“I was going to try for something, but all you have in your room are trousers and shirts. Not exactly for someone who's bedridden,” Grace retorted.

“There's more clothes in a bag in my car. I always have workout sweats and t-shirts in there for when I am at the gym,” Quinn explained. “I didn't take the car keys with me since I was on my bike, so they are on the dresser in the room upstairs.”

Grace headed up the stairs to get the car keys and as she returned Peter was just coming in the front door. At last, some relief from answering all Quinn's questions.

“Peter, so glad you are here. Just in time, too. Quinn has sweats and t-shirts in a gym bag in his car, could you get them and help him get them on. That's not something I'm wanting to do,” Grace pushed the keys into Peter's hand.

“Gee, Grace, and I thought you'd jump at that chance, especially after removing all the guy's clothes last night,” Peter chuckled but knew he should not have gone there.

Grace gave Peter a stare that would kill a cow, put her hands on her hips and said nothing. Peter quickly turned and headed outside to Quinn's car.

When Peter came back in the cottage he headed directly to the downstairs bedroom to find Quinn trying to sit up on the edge of the bed.

“Easy there bud, you are in no shape to be getting around so much. I've brought some clothes for you, but only if you settle back down in bed once they are on,” Peter was taking an upper hand here. At least he hoped so.

“Fair play, Peter. I just want to feel I have some control and having some clothes on will help,” Quinn moaned as he bent his leg to put on his sweats.

Peter got Quinn dressed and situated back in bed. During this time, Quinn realized that his injuries were more than he had thought, and knew he was going no where for a few days. His head was starting to pound the more he moved around. He also knew he had to contact someone in Dublin. If he didn't show up on Monday at work, he expected a few people would be concerned. At least he hoped they would.

Peter called Grace when he had Quinn all situated again and she came in to tell Quinn that the Police would be calling in within the hour. She also brought her cell phone to Quinn could make his phone call.

As Grace looked around her room, she kept thinking how much she would have liked a shower and clean clothes herself. The afternoon at the cottage was going to be quiet as it was Sunday and everyone was pretty much checked out. She still had to clean the rooms that were used and plan for the week, but having Quinn in her room was really an inconvenience.