Love Never Fails: Revised Edition

By Samantha Arran

London Metropolitan Commander Amanda Dansie, SAS trained, is badly wounded during an engagement in which four of her team are killed. Suddenly she is transformed from an incredibly fit, active young woman into a semi-invalid with a shattered kneecap.
4 years previously she had accused Colonel Mark Young of neglect when her fianc whom she had known since she was three years old, was killed in Afghanistan.
Mark had been exonerated. There was no way he could have prevented Andrew with two soldiers being killed as other soldiers before and since. In hospital with the same tragedy happening to her team, she realized how unfair she had been to this man.
She came to Derbyshire to recuperate for a month whilst specialists world wide tried to think of technology to repair her knee, to find Mark.
Unknown to her when his time was up in Afghanistan, he joined the Derbyshire police force as a senior Inspector. He was contacted that Amanda needed to meet with him, and he agreed to be her swimming therapist, companion and bodyguard.
They became deeply in love with each other--------

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jun 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781467890526

Samantha Arran

Samantha is a caring mother for her son and is a committed Christian. They live in a beautiful part of Derbyshire. Samantha thanks the ones who have told her they read every word of her books and re-read with pleasure and interest. This one is different again and full of lovely surprises.

Book preview

© 2012 by Samantha Arran. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/06/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4678-9042-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4678-9051-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4678-9052-6 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

On the news in October 2007 two more of our young soldiers had been killed in Afghanistan. As always to this very day, I groaned and prayed for the bereaved. Usually, although I don’t forget I move on with my chores. This time I couldn’t move.

I began to think in a new way about possible hurt, lack of forgiveness, bitterness and unfairness in the bereaved. What did God want me to do? Pray harder? Yes, of course. Then it clicked, I could write something. So, from my imagination and creativity I began this story.

It’s set in my loved Derbyshire (with changed place names) where I live, and Italy. The main characters are high-ranking police officers and Italians.

This is my first story. It’s a human story, and it could be real. All the proceeds go to my chosen charities.

I apologize in advance to the Derbyshire police if I’ve misused their patrol cars.

The above story is complete BUT there had to be a second and then third forming a trilogy to complete ‘the picture.’

February 2012: Also, getting the opportunity to rewrite I opened the characters and storyline to make it more interesting and to compliment my other two in the trilogy.

Revised Love Never Fails in available is from authorhouse, Amazon and on order from all good book shops.

Unfailing Love is in Amazon and also on order from all good book shops.

A New Beginning is available from authorhouse, Amazon and the above.

Other books by Samantha:

Jason and Marigold is available from Amazon and all good book shops.

Mademoiselle Fleur, available from Author house, Amazon and shops.

All proceeds from Samantha’s books go to her chosen charities.

Chapter One

On his way to the police station Inspector Mark Young glanced through the window and saw on the newspaper bill board: ‘Metropolitan Commander Amanda Dansie has been shot’. He instructed the driver to pull up so he could buy a paper, praying, Oh, dear God, please not that. She had been shot in her right knee and four of her team had been killed.

Four years previously, Amanda’s fiancé, Andrew, and two of his colleagues had been killed in action in Afghanistan. Mark was their Colonel. Amanda in her grief and anger accused him of negligence and, unknown to her parents, wouldn’t allow him to attend the funeral.

He had been exonerated—there had been no way to stop the unexpected explosion; he would have done anything to prevent it happening. He understood that Amanda had spoken so in her grief.

She and Andrew had known each other for twenty years, and Mark knew he had been a wonderful Christian man. Most of the men, in their fears of being attacked and attacking, fantasized about women and boasted about their wives and girlfriends, but Andrew never did. He said he was engaged to a wonderful Christian lady with glorious red hair and changed the subject when he was questioned. He never divulged that she held a senior position in the Met, but Mark thought she must be someone special. He hadn’t a girlfriend.

After Andrew was killed he kept in monthly contact with Amanda’s parents, who had the greatest respect for him. Mark also kept in monthly contact with the bereaved of the two soldiers killed with Andrew and every soldier before and since from his unit. When his time was up in Afghanistan after several years and as a new start, with his training and expertise, he joined the Derbyshire police as a senior inspector.

He rang Amanda’s parents, Lord Justice Jonathan and Lady Teresa Dansie. Jonathan told him Amanda was in hospital and the specialist surgeon was operating on her knee.

Amanda was, of course, heartbroken over the loss of the members of the team selected to work with her on the case—brilliant young men and women with professional futures in front of them. She had known them for over a year when she was promoted to Commander.

Unknown to Mark, Amanda whilst in hospital had fully realized how unfair she had been to him. Andrew had told her that Mark lived in the Chatsworth, Derbyshire area, so she resolved to find him and ask his forgiveness. She tried to contact him through various security lines, but to no avail. She didn’t know he had left the army and she didn’t know that he had been in contact over the years with her parents enquiring how she was.

Her leg was put in a firm brace for at least a month, and she needed 24/7 help to ensure that she didn’t slip or fall and attend to her personal needs. In that month they would endeavour to work out how to repair the knee, which was shattered—it had been a vicious bullet. An ordinary knee operation was out of the question. Sir Philip Brooke contacted specialists in America, Russia and Germany, hoping they had new technology to help.

Amanda rang her Aunt Cynthia who lived in Ashford Hall a few miles away from Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, Darling, whilst the powers that be sort out if and what technology they can put into my knee, I would love to recuperate with you. Mum and Dada are having the aids I will need put into our home but I’m dreading living with them at this moment in time, I know they will tiptoe around me and be overprotective. You know how I adore them but I need to be away from them just now. I can’t travel to Aunt Sophie’s, so wonder if I may come and stay with you for approximately a month. I remember that you have a stair lift and if I may pay for a bathroom to be temporarily changed to accommodate my aids and needs. I would pay for them to be removed when I leave. I desperately need to contact someone in your area, Aunt Cynthia.

"Amanda darling, of course come here. As you know Richard is in America where he’s staying until he marries Sarah in August. I’m giving Richard this home and he and Sarah are having the rooms updated. A number have been completed ready for new furniture. I’ve booked accommodation into a local private nursing home being built as the arthritis in my spinal vertebral joints is getting worse, so I will need extra care. Also, darling, I’m going to leave here so Richard and Sarah can be on their own.

They are both very caring and loving but I’m not going to be a burden to them. I want them to be happy and prayerfully they will have children. She paused for breath. I’ve just had a good idea, darling! If it’s ok with Sophie, I could go and stay with her. I only have a skeleton staff now. Mrs. Burton you know well, and a young lady and young man who help her. They could look after you and your carers whilst I’m away. I could do with some Italian sunshine, darling. She had begun to sound excited. A pang went through Amanda; she also would love to go to her Aunt Sophie’s. I have a stair lift as you mentioned, Amanda, and you would probably only need minor aids in my bathroom with me having the aids to accommodate my spinal needs. I’ll ring Sophie now and let you know immediately."

She did as promised ring back. That’s settled, Amanda, your aunt wishes to be remembered to you and asks if there is anything she can help you with—let her know. Obviously she can’t travel to see you with suffering her weakened heart. She has contacted Luca to have me fetched from Doncaster airport the day after tomorrow. My GP has prepared a prescription to cover two months of my medication, Julian has attended to this. Signorina Louis is setting up evening and morning nurse cover for me. So, darling, it’s all systems go!

Thank you darling aunt, you are brilliant. I’ll make my arrangement now. My next job is to tell mum and dada. Well, the best of luck darling! But you already know they only want the very best for their precious daughter. They are heart broken over your damaged knee. Please ring me when you have the opportunity. I will, Aunt Cynthia.

The nurses came to attend to her and her mum had come for her afternoon visit. When Amanda was able to return to her room she told her that she was going to recuperate at her Aunt Cynthia’s and filled her with all the other details.

Teresa cried but seeing Amanda was getting upset she told her, the change will do you good darling, you will love being near Chatsworth. She, Jonathan and their son Joshua had been warned that Amanda was not just suffering physical pain in her leg but was, despite her training, in bereavement for the four killed with her and the loss of her activity. Amanda knew her leg would never be as it was and if infection set in just now, she would lose it.

Do you think Nicola would lend me Joan for this period, mum? I’m sure she will, darling, Susan is three now. Do you want me to ask her and Joan? Amanda knew it should be her asking but not wanting to throw cold water in her mum’s face after telling her about going to her aunt’s and also being secretive about her reason for going to Derbyshire, said, Yes, please, darling, this will really help me.

Teresa texted Nicola her daughter in law, a famous fashion magazine co-editor with this news and requested her to ring as soon as possible. Nicola, of course agreed saying Amanda would be comfortable with Joan attending to her personal needs and would also be a friend to her. Nicola rang back after discussing this with Joan, Amanda’s ex-nanny, who had been caring for her and Joshua’s four children for twelve years agreed to be released temporarily.

Joan made an appointment to meet Sir Philip Brooke for instructions into Amanda’s needs then visited Amanda. Joan chose a highly trained physiotherapist and a relief from the Derbyshire area to be with Amanda during the nights, and set up physiotherapists for the day.

Cynthia rang back and Amanda told her, Joan who was my nanny is coming with me to attend to my personal needs and be with me, you remember her, aunt? Yes, darling, I do and I’ve seen her when I was at Josh’s. I’ll also need a physiotherapist during the night as I get constant cramp in my damaged leg. Are there en-suite rooms near my room they could use, please aunt?

Yes, thankfully there are five or more en-suite rooms completed darling. Everything is new in the rooms but do you need a special bed? Thank you darling. Yes, a single with a hard mattress would be better for me just now. May I let you know Joan’s preference? Good idea, Amanda. I’ll see Mrs. Burton now and put her in the picture so she can get the wheels in motion as we say! She will be so pleased that you are coming here and that she will be able to help you. I’ve another thought, darling. Have you a few minutes or have you to go for treatment or something? The nurses will be coming back soon, darling, but please continue.

Right, I’m sure you will know the Duke and Duchess are away—Chatsworth House is closed as usual at this time of year for repairs and things before opening for the visitors. This year, however, with extra money provided they are having major work done inside and out. Russell, their head chef is on leave each year when they are closed. Have I to ask Mrs. Burton to contact him to come here to cook for you and your carers? You would have to pay his salary, of course darling. Mrs. Burton is getting older and you are used to having chef prepared meals at home.

God bless you darling aunt, please do try and get Russell and tell Mrs. Burton I will pay for any extra help she will need whilst I’m there. Please let me know soon, darling. They said bye for now.

At home Teresa rang Cynthia thanking her for letting Amanda stay in her home. We are very upset Amanda doesn’t feel that she can stay at home with us. Jonathan is willing to pay for a private nursing home, if that would be more help. Teresa, Amanda would suffocate in a nursing home. She has been a very active young woman. Yes, you’re right darling Cynthia. Please forgive me—my head is all over the place just now. Settle down, darling. Amanda is on a mission—she needs to contact someone in this area. Who is that, Cynthia? No idea, Cynthia said in her breezy manner, but all will be revealed soon I daresay. They conversed further and Teresa gave her Amanda’s text address.

Cynthia texted Amanda, ‘Russell is willing and looking forward to being your chef and thanks you very much for this opportunity. Please feel free to entertain as much as your therapy allows, darling. The senior police will want to meet you. Now you have Russell settled he asked me to suggest to you that his under chef and staff would help him any time needed whilst Chatsworth House is closed.’ Amanda texted back, ‘thank you, darling aunt, speak to you soon.’

There was a buzz of excitement in the community that Lady Amanda as they knew her, was recuperating at Ashwood Hall.

Jonathan rang Cynthia that evening, thank you darling, for letting Amanda recuperate in your home. Teresa tells me she is on a mission. Cynthia interrupted him, please don’t tell Amanda I’ve said that. With not telling you and Teresa there must be a reason and she will tell you, she never has been secretive. No, of course we won’t say anything, but we can’t help being intrigued. Now, darling, I’m so sorry we haven’t seen you for ages. I feel very guilty. Don’t, Jonathan, please. I’ve lived very quietly almost a recluse lately with Richard being in America which I’m pleased for him, and you don’t have much spare time. "No, for a long time I only have had Sundays free, and even then sometimes I have to attend a meeting, but I do my best not to work on Sundays as it’s the only day I have at home with Teresa and Amanda and I like to see Josh, Nicola and my grandchildren.

What we have been concerned about is that lately when we have rung you in the evenings you have cut each one of us short. She began to laugh, Sorry darling, but I have to tell you, the vertebral joints in my spine have deteriorated and I’m getting to look like a little old bent lady. The doctor’s make me as pain free as possible with drugs and I have to keep warm. My evenings now are being tucked up in bed by a nurse making me comfortable and I watch the soaps I’m now addicted to. That’s why I cut you all short, darling. Couldn’t you tape them, Cynthia? Don’t mention that technology to me—can’t stand it. It’s a miracle I have a mobile phone! Julian or Sandra tops it up for me and they send my text messages." Jonathan couldn’t help laughing, so Cynthia joined in.

I’m very thankful to Amanda for this opportunity of going into the Italian sunshine. I could have gone before but, quite truthfully, I’ve been hiding away here and resting as much as possible. That’s why I haven’t visited you and Josh. I promise you, darling, that we will visit you when you are in the nursing home. Are you ok to pay the fees and is there anything I can financially help you with? "I’m ok with the financing, but thank you Jonathan.

I have always been proud of you and what you have achieved through your hard work and I love to see you but you will have to spend time and attention to Amanda when she returns home. Don’t worry about me—I will have plenty of companionship in the home with Richard, Sarah. Mrs. Burton, Sandra and Julian saying they are coming, I probably will have too many visitors with them and my friends! I just hope I will be able to watch my soaps without having to ask them to go home!" she laughed. Jonathan laughed with her.

Now Cynthia, back to Amanda, I will finance all the expenses whilst Amanda is with you, let me have your banking details, darling, to put an amount in then you can forget about the expenditure whilst you are with Sophie. Please ask Mrs. Burton to let me know if she needs more and ask her to ensure that Amanda has plenty of good vitamin rich food. Darling Jonathan, we buy from Chatsworth Farm—there is no finer food than theirs, as you know. I wasn’t being rude or disrespectful, Cynthia, it’s just… He was crying. I understand, darling. Please don’t be upset and worried, Amanda will be in the best of hands and you are only a couple of hours away. Just think if she could have travelled to Sophie’s—she would have gone there! Yes, you’re right darling. I’ll re-assure Teresa. Be in touch soon, Cynthia. Oh, by the way, I’ll send up plenty of wines and drinks Amanda needs. Laughing, she said bye thanking God for her brother Jonathan and also thanking Him for giving her understanding what Amanda meant when she said her parents would be tip-toeing around her.

Jonathan informed Mark when he rang enquiring how she was, that Amanda had decided to recuperate at Ashwood Hall, her Aunt Lady Ellis’ home in Derbyshire. Mark prayed he would have an opportunity of meeting with her.

Amanda was brought very carefully to Ashwood Hall laid out on a comfortable stretcher in the private transport Jonathan had booked accompanied with Joan. The two chosen physiotherapists were waiting to attend to her and then made her comfortable in bed until the next day to recover from the journey.

Mrs. Burton arranged for Russell and Greg to have a brief meeting with Amanda. Alistair Braid the Chatsworth House head butler out of respect for Lady Ellis, Amanda and her parents brought them. Russell was willing to begin cooking for her immediately; Amanda was very happy with him and Mrs. Burton was very relieved. Joan gave him the hospital’s suggestions for building up Amanda’s strength. Alistair promised, Lady Amanda, whilst I still have duties to carry out at Chatsworth House during this period, I could be flexible anytime you have need of me. We are all very keen to make you feel welcome in our community. The Duke and Duchess have instructed me to ensure that you are well cared for with their staff when needed. Amanda thanked him also Russell.

I would like to meet the local police whilst I’m here, she told them. When you are entertaining, ma’am, Greg would be very willing to assist me, Russell told her. Two of your cows have been hung long enough, ma’am. I’ll arrange for them to send our requirement cuts here. Yes, please, Russell, do that. Please keep the arrangement of supplying my parents and brother going, also.

Amanda, with her connection of horse riding at Chatsworth House, had responded to the suggestion that she bought twelve calves to be grown for meat. They supplied her parents, Josh and Nicola and sold the remainder at the Farm shop giving Amanda the percentage.

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Mark was contacted and he was filled with hope at the news that Amanda needed to meet him. He was informed that Amanda needed a Christian bodyguard who would help her with swimming therapy, share her love of music, quizzes, and escort her and Miss Birtles out and about—and must love dogs.

Being promoted to Chief Superintendent he had arranged to have a few days leave owed before this and afterwards to go to Italy before beginning his new job. He asked if Amanda agreed for him to fill this role he would be pleased to do so, and the news was gratefully received by the Derbyshire police authorities and Amanda’s parents. He would be able to prepare for his new position and stay in contact with the Brookwell police station through his PA and laptop.

Divisional Commander