by Katie Dowe
Abi whimpered. The dealer stared at Amanda. He looked genuinely confused.
“What are you talking about? She’s twenty.”
“I never said I was twenty.” Abi croaked. She was starting to go red. “I’m seventeen, you dickhead.”
“And her brother is one of the richest men in the room in that building behind me.” Amanda pointed a thumb over her shoulder. She could see comprehension behind the dealer’s eyes. “He hears that his little sister is about to be raped and he’ll come down on you like a tonne of bricks.”
For a moment, she thought the dealer would actually let Abi go and run. Then his eyes narrowed and shook his head. Abi gurgled before her voice was cut off.
“I don’t believe you. Now get lost.”
Amanda darted forward. Abi shut her eyes tight. Then Amanda fired the mace into the dealer’s face, catching him right in the eyes. The dealer screamed and staggered back, letting go of Abi. Abi stumbled and tripped, falling down a set of steps and hitting the wall.
Amanda kicked out, catching the man in the middle. That made him double over, clutching at his stomach as well as his eyes. Then she charged in close and delivered a knee to his face, snapping his head back. Finally, she swung her elbow up and over in a downwards motion, hitting him right over the left eye. The dealer went down fast and hit the ground. His head bounced off the stones and then he lay still.
Amanda didn’t wait to check that the dealer was okay. Her focus was on Abi, who was also lying still. Her face was pale and there was blood on her head.
Amanda’s hands were still shaking as she put her mace away and pulled out her cell phone. It took three attempts before she was able to dial 911.
*****
“I can’t believe this happened.” Abi whimpered, flinching as the nurse dabbed at her head cut. “I should’ve known better.”
Amanda sat in her chair by the bed. She agreed with the second statement but it wasn’t her place to chastise the girl. She had been through enough already.
“It’s called life, Abi.” She finally settled on. “We all make mistakes.”
“Well, my mistake nearly got me raped.”
Abi came around shortly before the paramedics arrived. Police arrived moments later and the dealer, who was still dazed, was taken away. Amanda gave her statement while Abi was being looked over and was exhausted after she was finished. The whole thing felt like something out of a movie.
Abi was screaming in the back of the ambulance when Amanda finished. She kept calling out for Amanda and it was only then that the paramedics allowed her in the back. Then Abi was clutching on to her and sobbing. Amanda suddenly couldn’t bring herself to leave her.
Lexi had come out at that moment to find the scene before her. It only took her a few minutes to recover and promised to let Georgina know. That was when Abi freaked out even more, pleading not to tell her mother. It took Amanda, two police officers and a paramedic threatening to give her a sedative for her to calm down again.
The nurse finished cleaning Abi’s wounds and packed up, leaving without a word. Amanda waited until she had gone before moving from her chair to sit on the bed beside Abi. The girl was huddled up in Amanda’s sweater, staring at the floor as she hung her head in shame.
“What were you doing back there? Was he your dealer?”
Abi said nothing. Ask a stupid question. Amanda sighed.
“What have you been taking?”
“Just weed.” This Abi raised her head at. “I needed something to block out what was going on back home. I won’t touch anything harder.”
That was something, at least. Wait, what did she just say?
Amanda stared at her.
“What was that? Is your mother abusing you?”
“Not physically. It’s all up here.” Abi jabbed a finger at her head. “My self-esteem is non-existent because of her. Weed makes the insecurities go away for a while.”
Amanda couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She had had a feeling that Georgina was doing something to her daughter but had had no idea. Somehow the realization that mental abuse was present was worse than if Abi just admitted Georgina beat her up. Amanda had heard of kids turning to drugs to block things out. It made her feel sad that it even extended to that.
“I’ve never had sex with anyone.” Abi said suddenly, her eyes widening. “That’s all. I swear.”
Amanda sighed.
“It’s not me you have to convince.”
“What?” That was when Abi’s face paled even more and she started to panic. “Not Mom! No, please! She’ll kill me!”
“I was talking about your brother.”
“What?” Abi’s mouth dropped open. “Danny? Why Danny?”
“Abi, you’re a minor and I’m not your guardian. You have your brother and mother listed as your emergency contacts. When the nurses asked who I should call I told them to call Danny.”
Amanda had already got Lexi to call Danny earlier. Lexi would be able to get Danny away from his damn mother and her damn sister. Hopefully Danny would have enough sense to come to his sister’s side.
Then, as if on cue, the curtains were pulled back and Danny was there. Abi tensed and Amanda instinctively put her arm around the girl’s shoulders. Danny looked furious. Amanda saw it warring with the worry in his eyes.
“Danny…”
Abi started to speak but Danny didn’t let her finish. He hurried in and swept her into a hard hug. Abi clutched on to him, burying her face into his shoulder, and sobbed. Amanda watched as Danny’s expression softened as he rocked her gently, shutting his eyes tight as he held his little sister. Amanda felt a hard lump in her throat.
She touched Danny’s arm, biting back the gasp as the muscles in his arm jumped.
“Can I talk to you a moment, Danny?”
Danny pulled back and looked at her. His eyes were now full of pain. He looked conflicted about leaving Abi but he nodded, kissing Abi on the forehead.
“I’ll be right outside, honey.”
Abi was still crying but she nodded, squeezing Amanda’s hand as the older woman moved away. He followed Amanda into the corridor and leaned against the wall. He had taken off his bow tie and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, as was the cummerbund he had been wearing. Amanda ignored the fluttering in her belly.
They were the only ones there but Amanda still lowered her voice.
“Did Lexi fill you in on what happened?”
“She did. So did the cops.” Danny’s jaw tightened. “I recognized the guy as well. He was a couple of years ahead of me at high school. He’ll deal anything from pain meds to the harder stuff.”
He was giving Amanda a silent look that Amanda understood. She shook her head.
“She only did weed and I believe her. It’s to block out the pain, was what she said.”
Danny’s expression hardened. He leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes.
“Mom.”
It almost came out in a snarl. Amanda was startled he knew who was to blame. She glanced down the hall, still seeing no one there. Then she leaned against the wall beside him.
“You know why she’s doing it?” She asked.
“Mom had Abi as a big surprise. As in I, her only child at that point, was in high school. Mom didn’t want her and made it know from the start.” Danny swallowed. “Dad and I did what we could to raise Abi. Then it all came on me when I was graduating university and Dad died from cancer.”
“I’m so sorry.”
Amanda’s father Reggie had died from cancer when she was a teenager. She knew what Danny had gone through.
“I’d have Abi living with me but Mom won’t let her go despite the amount of times she’s threatened to kick her out.” Danny was almost snarling. Amanda didn’t think he could get so angry. “She’s mentioned as soon as Abi turns eighteen she’s out on her own but I doubt she wants to get rid of her scapegoat.”
“I don’t understand how a mother can treat their daug
hter so abysmally?”
“I don’t understand it, either. My only explanation can be Mom loves attention and Abi’s a beautiful, smart girl who can get attention without batting an eyelid. Mom hates it when someone else is the center of attention.”
“It’s a bit extreme to abuse your daughter to make yourself look good.”
“I know.” Danny rubbed his hands over his face. “Abi’s eighteen next week. We’ve made plans for her to move in with me as soon as she can. Being an adult, she can do what the hell she likes.”
Amanda agreed with that. She was sure that even when Abi became an adult Georgina would try her best to make sure Abi couldn’t function without her. And even then barely function at all.
Danny sighed heavily. He nudged her arm gently and gave her a tired smile. It reached his eyes and Amanda felt her breath catch.
“Thanks for looking out for her.”
“It’s okay.” Amanda found herself smiling back. “I’d do it again gladly.”
They stared at each other. Amanda felt something shift between them but then it was gone when Danny coughed and looked away. Realizing what had been happening, Amanda straightened up and adjusted her blouse.
“I’d better sort her out.” Danny rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll deal with Mom.”
“Okay.” Amanda hesitated. Should she? “I’m sorry about Lucy, Danny.”
The expression on Danny’s face said he was sorry as well. But he grunted and ducked behind the curtain.
*****
It didn’t take long for Abi to be discharged. She had a concussion as well as some grazes but the doctor was satisfied she could leave as long as someone was home to look after her. Danny was certain Georgina wouldn’t bother so he told Abi she was coming home with him. The relief on Abi’s face made his heart ache.
They should be wanting to go home to be looked after by their mother, not run away from her.
If Amanda hadn’t been there, Abi could have been a whole lot worse.
Danny couldn’t stop thinking about Amanda as he drove Abi back to his condo just outside the city. The police had told him what she had done. She had stood up for Abi and defended her, something Georgina had never done in her life. The damn woman made herself look like the perfect mother and the money to her name made sure of it. No one saw the evil behind the mask.
Except Amanda.
Danny knew he was going to be indebted to the woman. She was one hell of a gal. Whoever she was with was a lucky guy.
Why did the knowledge she might be in a relationship make Danny feel awful?
Abi was leaning on Danny as they entered his condo. He led her to the bedroom they had been setting up, ready for her to move into and sat her on the bed.
“Here you go.”
“Thanks.” Abi yawned and swayed as she sat upright. “I’m so tired.”
“I can tell.” Danny knelt and took off her shoes. “Just promise me you’re not going to do this again.”
“I promise.” Abi looked pained. “I won’t touch the stuff again.”
“Good girl.”
If she had said that to her mother, Georgina would have never believed it. But Danny knew Abi and the girl’s word was her bond. He believed her.
He reached over and pulled open the top drawer of her bedside table.
“Your pyjamas are in there. Get changed and get some sleep. I’ll take you to breakfast in the morning.”
“Okay.” Abi was gnawing at her lip. She looked scared. “Do we have to tell Mom?”
Danny didn’t want to. That meant interacting with someone who was indirectly responsible for Abi’s predicament. And he would be losing his temper on her.
The woman didn’t deserve their time.
He sighed.
“Your phone has been going off like mad since we left the hospital. So has mine. We’d better tell her now before she finds out from another source.”
Abi’s expression said she didn’t want that at all. But she nodded, looking like she was about to burst into tears. Danny kissed her head and left the room. He could hear her crying quietly as he went down the hall to the living room. That made his heart clench and want to cry himself. He hated seeing his sister like this.
And all because his mother couldn’t be bothered to be a proper mother to a second child.
Chapter 3
Danny’s cell phone was on the kitchen counter. It was ringing loudly, yet again. Danny didn’t need to guess who it was. He picked it up and answered it with a heavy sigh. Might as well get this over with.
“Danny!” Georgina screeched before he could get a word in. “Why the hell aren’t you answering your phone?”
Danny sighed. He was amazed he didn’t lose his temper on her right then.
“You’ve been ringing it off the hook. How am I supposed to call back if you keep calling?”
“Don’t be smart, Danny. Where the hell is Abi? I’ve been calling her cell and she’s not answering.”
“Abi’s with me. We were at the hospital, that’s why we didn’t answer.”
“What?”
At least that got some wind out of her sails.
“Abi slipped down some stairs and hurt her knee.” That was partly true. Danny left out the bit with the dealer. “I’m closer to the hospital so I’m letting Abi stay here tonight.”
“Abi has to come home now.”
Danny had always wondered why Georgina would never let Abi stay over at his place. He was, apparently, her favorite child. He should be trusted with Abi’s welfare. But Georgina refused to let anyone take control over Abi because that mean relinquishing it herself.
“Why must she come home?” he demanded. “So you can lock her up again?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t lock her up.”
Danny had asked several times before why his mother couldn’t just take a step back and love her daughter like she loved him. That had only resulted in Georgina screaming at him, telling him to stop being so disrespectful. He had been gaslighted so many times, Danny often didn’t see it coming. And he was fed up with it.
“I’m not getting into this, Mom. Abi is staying here tonight. That’s why I was calling you. She’s exhausted and I’m not taking her back to you at this time of night. She’ll stay here and I’ll bring her home after breakfast.”
Georgina gave off a heavy sigh, one that was covered thickly with guilt. A sound that Danny hated.
“Fine. Oh, by the way, Lucy was delighted to see you again.” Georgina began to sound excited. “I’ve set up a lunch date with her for you tomorrow at that Italian place you love.”
Danny thought he hadn’t heard that correctly. He stared at the phone in his hand, wondering if it had been malfunctioned.
“Danny? Hello, darling, are you there?”
Danny put the phone back to his ear.
“You did what?”
“I said…”
“I heard what you said.” Danny was amazed his anger hadn’t already bubbled over. How dare she do that? “I told you earlier than I didn’t want to see Lucy again. You know what she did to me when we were in high school. It took until my senior year at college for her to finally leave me alone.”
“But Lucy loves you.” Georgina protested. It sounded more like a whine. “She misses you and she’s a lovely girl. I can’t understand why you got rid of her.”
“How about the obvious fact that she cheated on me?”
“No, not Lucy. She wouldn’t do that.”
Danny wondered if Georgina needed to see the doctor. Back when Lucy had cheated on him and had started stalking him afterwards, Georgina had been hellbent on getting Lucy to stay away. She talked so much shit about Lucy, Danny thought Georgina would be her nemesis for life. Now they were best friends? He didn’t like this.
“You are a weird lady, Mom. You fawn over the crazy person and emotionally abuse the crap out of a good kid.”
“What are you talking about? Lucy’s not crazy.”
Danny wasn’
t going to argue that point because he knew Georgina wouldn’t listen. He pressed his fingers to his head. There was a headache of his own coming on.
“I’m not going on that date, Mom. And don’t set up dates for me with women, especially Lucy Tyson, ever again.”
He could hear whimpering on the other end. Georgina sniffed.
“I just want grandbabies.” She whimpered.
Danny rolled his eyes.
“Tough shit.” He snapped and hung up. One of these days his mother was going to go too far.
*****
Amanda entered the outer room and saw the headmistress over by the filing cabinets, selecting a file from the top drawer.
“You wanted to see me, Judy?”
Judith Lawton turned and gave Amanda a nod. She looked exhausted as if she had been up all night. Chances were she probably had been up all night. Amanda knew the older woman and she was a hard worker; she would get every single piece of work she had done before she gave herself any rest.
“I’ve got Abi Chao in my office right now.” Judy nodded at her closed door. “She said she wanted you to sit in.”
Amanda blinked. She hadn’t seen Abi since that night in hospital. Abi had stayed out of school and people had begun to ask where she was. Not all of them had been overly concerned but Amanda had. She just hoped Georgina hadn’t laid into her daughter and that had resulted in Abi missing another day of school. The girl did miss a lot of school for illnesses yet seemed fine, even relieved, when she next came in.
“She’s asked for me? I thought her mother would be here.”
“Abi turned eighteen yesterday.” Judy fingered the file in her hands. “She doesn’t need to call her mother anymore and she’s requested that we don’t. But she did ask if you could come in.”
“No problem. What’s going on?”
But Judy shook her head and ushered Amanda towards her office. Amanda followed inside, finding Abi sitting on the couch lining the wall by the door. From there she had a clear view of the windows and the park that sat opposite the school. From Judy’s vantage point it was beautiful. Abi looked up and gave Amanda a bright smile as she stood.
“Hey, Miss Tyson.”
“Abi.” Amanda grinned and hugged the girl. “Happy birthday for yesterday.”