And that’s when he recognised him.
Forgetting about the rubbish, Austin turned straight back into the house.
“Jess, don’t let the kids outside,” he told her as he picked up the phone.
“Why? What’s wrong?” she asked quietly, noticing his expression.
Glancing over her shoulder quickly, Austin told her what he had seen as he dialed the hospital and waited for them to pick up. It was fortunately not long before an ambulance arrived and Austin rode with them.
It wasn’t until the next day that they found out what had happened.
“Marie, honey,” Jess said, sitting down at the table. “You may remember your Dad went to the hospital last night.”
“Yeah... what’s wrong?” Marie asked, concerned.
Jess took a breath, and then looked hopelessly at Austin.
“Mick’s father half bashed him to death.”
Marie stared.
“W-what?” she gasped out.
“He found out that... well, that Mick was still seeing you, honey. He was very drunk and bashed him.”
“Oh my gosh.”
“When he escaped,” Austin went on softly, “he headed here. He was only feet away from the door, and it’s amazing he got that far.”
“Is he okay?” Marie asked, looking like she was going to cry.
Jess wrapped her arms around her daughter.
“Mick is going to be fine,” she assured her. “They... they did have to do some surgery on him. And he has a few broken ribs, but nothing permanent. He’s going to live.”
“I hope they put his dad in jail and throw away the key,” Marie stated bitterly.
“Oh, I’d say there’s a pretty good chance of that,” Austin answered, soberly. “Especially considering he killed his wife yesterday too.”
Jess and Marie stared.
“I met up with Roxanne at lunch time,” Austin admitted. “She had been called in to identify the body. He’s in custody now. They found him passed out on the lounge.”
“That’s horrible,” Jess said.
Marie nodded, unable to say a word. Then she burst into tears. Jess wrapped her arms tighter around her.
“When can I see him?” Marie asked between sobs.
“Soon, I hope. They were only letting Roxanne in when I was last there. I asked her to call when we could visit.”
“Okay,” Marie sniffed.