Sink or Swim

Chapter 3 - The Morning After

In a carefully orchestrated piece of floor management Charley continued, "Sources have told us that there were no lifeguards on duty at the time and we have been told that it is likely that the incident is partly the cause of his current condition as he, we are led believe, is suffering from secondary drowning. We are joined now by our reporter John Maguire at the Macintyre Wells Leisure Centre in London and Doctor Rishi Khan, an expert in cardiovascular medicine and Head of Accident and Emergency Response at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Good morning to you both. Turning to you first Doctor Khan, can you help explain to our viewers what exactly is secondary drowning?"

The doctor explained that the condition is caused by water accumulating in the lungs. It's  similar to what we think of as 'real' drowning because it involves the lungs filling up with water. The water then causes breathing difficulties and bacterial or viral infections. Patients can suffer from secondary drowning days and even up to a week after water has entered their body.

Leanne and Jessica sat silent for a moment and Leanne turned off the television.

"I think we need to catch-up with Abi and Jo." Leanne said to Jessica.

The girls finished drinking their tea which had now become lukewarm and continued getting ready, no longer in the same hurry as before the had seen the news bulletin. They put on a little make-up then ran downstairs. Leanne located her mobile on the kitchen island and Jessica picked up their bags. They made their way out of the house, locked the front door and opened up the garage. "At least I can use the car, we can call Abi and Jo when we are on our way." said Leanne.

The Audi A1 sitting in the garage showed a showroom sparkle as it had been valeted during its service the previous day. It was an Arrow-grey colour with a contrast colour roof in a dark Manhattan Grey. The shine was even greater due to the pearlescent effect in the paint. The number plate read L3 ANN35, naturally personalised for the driver. Leanne jumped into the drivers seat and Jessica sat beside her on the passenger side throwing their bags onto the backseat. The engine started and Leanne revved and pulled out of the garage onto the gravel driveway and out onto the road. 

Jessica looked at her phone and about to call Abi, "This can't be right - My service has been barred!" 

"Here take my phone." Leanne replied, taking one hand from the flat bottomed Audi sports steering wheel, and passing the pink coloured phone to Jess.

"Hey, you have so many missed calls and more voice messages." Jessica informed her friend, "but you do have service and...wait a minute, two new WhatsApp messages. They are from Abi and Jo." 

Leanne swerved to avoid a squirrel that had run into the road and Jess was thrown to one side as she continued, "Jo says 'meet at the old V and to avoid town' - that's a bit cryptic! Abi says 'training cancelled this morning', hmmm just as well, and 'watch for press'. What's that meant to mean?"

Leanne's, sparkling blue eyes looked into the rear view mirror, "I think I have an idea of what she means, since we left home we have had three cars following and every turn we make they do the same. It's really odd particularly down the side streets - its too much of a coincidence.  I think the press know we are the swim team that rescued Hugo yesterday. We're being papped!" 

"We've got to lose them!" responded Jessica sounding like a bad guy from a gangster movie.

Leanne pushed her foot to the floor and the Audi engine revved with a beautiful clean sound as the 2.0 litre engine opened up. The speed increased and she moved her way up from third gear, through four, five and into sixth. The three pursuing vehicles increased their speed and the chase began.

"Main road, left, amber lights...45, 50, 55 60..." Leanne muttered. "70...80...c'mon!"

The traffic lights changed just as Leanne passed through. Two of the pursuing vehicles, a black BMW 5-series and navy blue Mercedes C-Class jumped the red light. The other car, a red VW Passat had to stop when it nearly hit a waste collection lorry that had started across the junction.