by M J Hardy
I watch in terror as Jason takes a pill from a packet and forces it into my mouth. I struggle so hard, but he holds my head firmly and pours some water down my throat. Helplessly, I feel the tablet go with it and then he holds my mouth closed and growls, “Swallow.”
As he continues to hold my mouth shut, he snarls, “Get packing, I only have a few minutes before I must leave. I’ll put her in the car, but you don’t have long.”
Then he pulls back and the last thing I feel is a sharp blow to my head and then nothing.
Chapter 35
Jasmine
“Can you see anything?”
“Not yet, shh!”
I am straining to see anything at all that will show us we’ve been proved right. Esme, Nancy and myself are dawdling around the green on the other side of number 9. We saw the officer stop on the driveway and then enter the house. “How long’s he been in there?” Nancy’s impatient and I say quickly, “It’s only been five minutes.”
We slowly walk around the perimeter, trying to look as if we’re out for a leisurely stroll, and I see Sandra and Keith armed with neighbourhood watch leaflets, slowly posting them through every letterbox, in the vain hope of seeing something.
After about fifteen minutes, the pink door opens and the officer steps outside. Mrs Evans is laughing at something he says and my hearts sinks. We were wrong.
Esme stiffens beside me and says in a low voice, “It looks like we were barking up the wrong tree. Well, at least it means there’s nothing bad happening. That’s something, at least.”
Nancy is quiet and I shrug. “It proves nothing, just that he hasn’t found anything. There may be someone there who is unable to raise the alarm. Who knows what secrets that house holds?”
“What’s that sound?”
Nancy looks in the direction of the road and as I follow her gaze, I can’t believe my eyes. There must be ten police cars heading into the cul-de-sac, blue lights flashing and apparently in a hurry. “Oh my God, he found something.”
We watch in disbelief as the cars screech to a halt around number 9 and the doors fly open. Barking dogs jump from the backs of vans and several uniformed officers surround the people staring at them in disbelief. I gasp as one of them grips our officer tightly and forces him to the ground. Donna Evans starts shouting and two more officers grab her hands and cuff them and lead her away towards one of the cars. Several other officers’ storm the house and there is a lot of shouting and dogs barking.
“What the…” Esme appears shell shocked and Nancy just whispers, “What’s happening?”
Sandra and Keith run across to join us and Sandra says in astonishment, “Jasmine, what’s happening?”
“I don’t know, it makes little sense. Why have they cuffed the officer?”
One by one, the houses around the green burst into life as the doors open and the bewildered resident’s step outside to watch something so alien happening on the doorstep. Esme lifts her phone and starts recording it and I can’t say I blame her. We just watch in silence as the events unfold and as the car containing Donna Evans moves past us, the last we see is her furious expression as she continues to shout at the officers. The next car holding the police officer passes and the look on his face is one of disbelief and panic.
We continue to watch and then hear an ambulance heading our way with its sirens on fully, screaming into the cul-de-sac and screeching to a halt outside number nine.
They must be in there for five minutes before they bring a body out on a stretcher and quickly place it in the rear of the ambulance, before the doors slam and it moves hastily away.
Still, we watch because this scene has to be seen to be believed and as the minutes tick by a different commotion takes its place. The aftermath of a sting that took everyone here by surprise. An officer approaches us and says firmly, “If you don’t mind, we would like to ask you some questions, is that ok?”
We all nod and soon the residents are mingling with the officers as they note down anything we have to say. By the time they release us, the number of cars has diminished and Sandra says wearily, “Let’s go back to our house, I think we all could use a stiff drink.”
We wander back silent and shocked, and it’s only when we are seated in the Wickham’s impressive kitchen that it sinks in.
“We were right.”
Esme says the words as if in shock and Nancy nods. “I can’t believe it, I never thought for one moment we would be.”
“Thank goodness.” I sink back in my chair and gratefully accept the brandy Keith hands me and says incredulously, “Who do you think the girl was? I can’t stop thinking of the body on the stretcher.”
“Do you think she was dead?” Sandra voices what we’ve all been wondering and Esme says sadly, “I hope not. Do you think we’ll ever find out what really went on in that house?”
“Who knows, I mean, it may make the news and I suppose because we are involved, we could ask—the police, I mean.” I smile at them all with relief and raise my glass. “To neighbours and looking out for each other.”
“To neighbours.”
The words are said with one voice and Sandra adds, “To being brave and acting on instinct and to you, Jasmine. Despite being overworked and going through your own personal crisis, you still put someone else first. I admire you and want you to know I think you’re amazing.”
“To Jasmine.”
The others echo Sandra’s words and the tears build as I think about the last few weeks. It’s been a terrible time in a lot of ways, but amazing too because I have formed unbreakable friendships and earned the respect of the people who matter most to me.
This time I raise my glass and say emphatically, “To community. May we always attempt to make it the best one possible and support each other through good times and bad?”
Once again, we raise our glasses and as the fiery liquid burns a trail through my body, my thoughts turn to Liam and home.
Suddenly, that’s the place I want to be most—by his side, so I set my glass down and say apologetically. “Thank you for all your help, we did this together. Now, if you don’t mind, I have a life to get back on track.”
I catch Nancy’s eye and the look she gives me makes me stop in my tracks. She looks devastated and immediately I know something’s wrong. She smiles as she sees me looking and shakes her head, mouthing, “I’ll see you later.”
Sandra accompanies me to the door and as I make to leave, places a hand on my arm and whispers, “You did good, Jasmine. I’m proud of you.”
Impulsively, I reach out and hug my formidable neighbour and to my surprise, her arms pull me tight and she whispers, “Be happy, Jasmine, you owe it to yourself and sometimes it takes great strength to fight for that.”
If I’m surprised that the usually strong woman speaks with a quiver in her voice, I quickly push that aside. Today has been eye opening in several ways and discovering that the formidable duo has a kindness to them I overlooked, is not the most surprising thing that has happened here.
As I take the short walk next door, I wonder what the future holds for any of us. Thinking about the person lying on the stretcher, I can only hope their future is a brighter, safer one. Who was the girl behind the pretty pink door? Maybe we’ll never know.
Lola
I wake from possibly the most disturbing dream I have ever had in my life, only to realise it’s a living nightmare.
The bright lights blind me as my eyes focus on a room with a white-painted ceiling and I look up to see a brown stain running along one of the ceiling panels.
Where am I?
I hear movement beside me and stiffen, before a soft female voice says, “It’s ok, Lola, I’m WPC Harrison, you’re safe now.”
Quickly, I look in the direction the voice is coming from and see a pretty woman dressed in a police officer’s uniform, sitting in a chair by my bed.
She smiles. “You are in hospital under police protection. The people who were holding you are in custody an
d you have nothing to fear.”
“The police officer…” My voice sounds faint and slightly panicked, and a flicker of distaste crosses her face. “In custody, too. I don’t think you’ll be hearing from him again.”
I just stare in confusion as she says kindly, “Your father alerted the authorities and we traced you to number 9 Meadow Vale. In the nick of time too by all accounts.”
“My father?” I feel a surge of fear that she quickly dispels by saying, “He’s fine, a little uncomfortable but healing well.”
“Can I see him?”
“Sadly, not yet. I’m afraid he’s still in hospital in Ireland but is due to be released into police custody tomorrow.”
“Police custody?” My voice quivers as I realise this isn’t over yet and she shakes her head. “To help us with our enquiries. I’m sorry, Lola, but he has committed a crime that is up to the courts to deal with. The fact he worked with us to locate you and amass enough evidence against the Evans’ and Jason Adams will help his sentence. You can thank your father for helping us find you, and he was desperate to help you in any way possible.”
I close my eyes against the tide of tears that threaten to fall.
My dad saved me.
He never stopped fighting to make me safe and thinking of the price I paid will be forever my shame. I can’t rewind the clock, but I can leave it in the past. He saved me and I have a second chance at life—I won’t waste it.
A nurse heads into the room and says brightly, “Ah, you’re back. I’ll just take some tests and then call for the doctor. Aside from a bit of bruising, you seem perfectly healthy and as soon as he signs you off, you can leave.”
“But where will I go?” I look at the nurse in panic and she glances at the police officer who says kindly, “We’ve arranged accommodation in a half-way house we use, until we find you a permanent solution. You’re still a minor and will be placed in care.”
“In care?” It’s too much to comprehend and I hate the thought of it but the officer reaches out and grasps my hand. “Don’t worry, it’s all perfectly safe and just an interim measure. You need to recover and not worry about things.”
“How can I not?”
The two ladies share a worried look and I turn my head away. Placed in care. My father may go to prison and I must live with the shame of what happened to me.
Strangely, my thoughts turn to the people who I saw out of my window every day. Normal people leading normal lives. They were happy and their laughter used to get me through the day. The world is not always a horrible place and something to fear. There is happiness out there and I owe it to myself to find some for myself. It’s up to me to make that happen, I know that now. My father tried his best, but I’ll be an adult in a few months and able to decide my own destiny.
I thought about the future a lot over the past few weeks and know exactly where mine lies. I’m going to school, to college, and then to university. As soon as I can, I’m going to make something of my life and become a lawyer. I want to help others who have no hope and give them some. I want to prosecute evil and defend the innocent. I want to make my life count and that is what will see me through this turbulent time.
So, I look at the two nervous women and smile.
“Thank you.”
They look puzzled and I smile again, brighter this time and full of happiness.
“Thank you for everything, I will never forget you. I think I’m ready to face the future now, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
They nod and as the nurse starts her tests, I sink back against the pillows at peace with myself. I’m in charge now and the world better watch out for Lola Miller because she’s invincible.
Epilogue
One Month Later - Sandra
Today’s the day. I’ve convinced Keith I’m meeting an old friend in town and luckily it clashed with his golf tournament, so I was left alone for once.
I’ve been on edge for weeks now and the fear of what lies behind the door to the surgery is choking me inside. I could walk out of there with a death sentence, or I could walk out of there a free woman. The doctor is my judge and jury, and I am so nervous I can hardly breathe.
Trying to distract my thoughts, I focus on the aftermath of what happened at number 9 and remember how different things were after that. It’s as if the experience brought us all closer together, and finally Keith and I were accepted as part of the gang.
Jasmine discovered a young girl was being held there and was now safe in the care of the authorities. The Evans and the police officer are in prison awaiting trial for a string of offences and number 9 is now being offered up for rent. I hope they are more stringent with their next tenants because the thought of anything happening like that again is too much to bear.
Luckily, Jasmine sorted herself out and has resigned from her job and is due to start at a local company in Brighton. With Liam beside her, they are still trying to navigate the storm their relationship caused and I’ve no doubt it will be a long process, not a quick fix as much as they wish it was.
Esme and Lucas seem happy and she has just started work at the local supermarket. They have settled in well and their two boys are enjoying life at the local school.
Nancy is the only one worrying me because she appears agitated and withdrawn. Perhaps it’s because Adrian’s away and, by all accounts, could be for some time. I’m not one to pry though and if she needs a friendly ear to offload to, I am always willing, just ask Keith.
My heart softens as I think of the man I married all those years ago. My best friend and with me through thick and thin. How I hope more than anything this lump was just a cyst because the thought of him being left alone to carry on without me, strikes fear in my heart. It was my primary reason for moving. I wanted him to have people around if he found himself on his own. We don’t have any family and I was worried. The thought of him in our large house, all alone, drove the move and I know we made the right decision.
“Mrs Wickham, the doctor will see you now.”
Suddenly, I’m brought back to the present and the fate that’s already been decided. I feel nervous as I stand and try to act unconcerned as I walk towards the door of knowledge. My legs feel shaky, but my resolve is strong. Whatever happens inside that room will not break me? I will deal with it as I’ve dealt with everything in my life, with a bravery I don’t feel inside.
The doctor looks up as I head inside and smiles a genuine smile that’s filled with warmth. I can tell nothing from that smile because I’m sure it’s the same if its bad news or good. Doctors are known for their compassion, and I just hope that’s not what her smile hides.
“Sandra, it’s good to see you, you must be anxious.”
Nervously, I take the seat beside her and nod. “A little.”
She turns and looks at her screen, no doubt bringing up my notes, and I swear time stands still. My life is playing out in slow motion as I wait for the axe to fall, and then she turns and smiles. “The results are in and the tests show it was just a benign tumour.”
“Tumour?”
I can only focus on that word and she smiles patiently.
“Yes, it’s just an abnormal growth of cells that serves no purpose. Most benign tumours are not harmful, and they are unlikely to affect other parts of the body. However, they can cause pain, or other problems if they press against nerves or blood vessels. I expect that’s what’s happened in your case, but now it’s been removed, you should feel normal in no time. The tumour was tested and found to be benign, meaning non-cancerous, although we will continue to monitor you just in case there’s a problem at a later date.”
“So, I’m ok? Not ill.”
She laughs. “You’ll outlive us all. To be honest, your health is good and I can see no reason why you can’t live a full and active life for many years to come.”
Just for a moment, I let the news sink in.
I’m ok.
The relief is enormous as I contemplate a different conversation, but that
’s irrelevant now. I’m ok.
It feels as if a cloud has lifted as I stutter my thanks and Doctor Keegan smiles warmly. “I’m pleased for you, Sandra, it’s nice to give good news for a change.”
“It’s nice to hear it. Thank you, doctor, I really mean that you don’t know what this means.”
As I scrape back my chair, I shake her hand and feel the moist balm of my own tears bringing with them the relief that means so much.
I’m ok, fit and healthy and nothing means more than that.
I almost skip out of that doctor’s surgery, eager to feel the sun on my back. I almost sing with happiness as I contemplate a future free of worry and full of exciting prospects. I can’t wait to get home to share my good news with Keith and our friends and crack open a bottle of something strong to celebrate getting my life back.
As Sandra Wickham steps into the sunshine, she is the happiest she has ever been.
As she moves through the crowd, she feels like a young woman again.
As she steps off the pavement, she sees only the future and as the bus hits her hard, she dies with a smile on her face.
As the crowd comes running, Sandra has already gone. Fate had another plan for Sandra Wickham that was never going to change. As the crowds cry out and the traffic stills, Sandra Wickham finds peace at last knowing that everything is in place should she die.
One way or another, our paths are determined and we have no say in that. We can plan and prepare the best we can, but nothing will stop the inevitable conclusion of our story. We conquer mountains and live fabulous lives, but ultimately, we have no choice when that life will end. Sandra Wickham thought her life was about to end. She was right, although luckily, she never saw it coming.
Epilogue 2
Lola - Ten Years Later