“You’re scared of Ryan because he shouted at you for bad-mouthing him when I was in here,” Abby reminded me.
“I am not!” I said indignantly.
When Abby cut her fingers, and we returned from the canteen, we went back into the cubicle and he asked her questions. The poor girl was in bits. “I didn’t bad-mouth him. I just told him he should be more compassionate.”
She laughed. “His face was funny though.”
I grinned. Cute as well.
“Until he told you to grow up.”
“Yeah, well, I stayed with you,” I grumbled, which was brave for me, considering the circumstances.
“You didn’t,” she contradicted. “You went outside again.”
“Well, I did stay a bit.” I couldn’t watch them squeeze the end of her fingers with those little butterfly things. Ugh.
Ryan and the Soop came back together. “So what’s happening?” Abby asked them.
“We’re going door to door where it happened and asking questions. You never know, someone might have actually seen something,” said Ryan.
The Soop cleared his throat. “Come on, Abby, let’s get you home.”
Abby got up and looked at me with concern. “Why don’t you come home with us tomorrow, Sarah?”
I saw the Soop’s eyes flicker, and we both said no, at the same time. That was a first, us agreeing on something. I didn’t even want to imagine living under his roof and shuddered at the thought.
Abby tucked the blanket under my chin and kissed my cheek. I gave her a tight hug.
“It’s best you and Abby stay apart for a while,” said the Soop. “Just till we find out what’s going on.” God! He was a pompous prick.
I was running on low now. I wanted to go home and sleep. Abby looked at me with concern.
“I’m sure Sarah can look after herself,” said the Soop.
“Yeah,” I said in a tough, no-nonsense voice that matched his. “I’m fine, you go. I can manage.”
“Okay, I’ll call you later. Here are my keys,”
“Thanks,” I said reaching for the carrier bag at the end of the bed, which contained my clothes. She grabbed it for me and I dropped them inside.
“I’m sure Ryan will look after you, and if you need me, ring and we’ll come.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl now.” I couldn’t tell her I’d dealt with far worse. I was used to looking after myself anyway, and Abby was a Daddy’s girl.
The curtain stayed partially open, and I watched them walk off down the corridor, his arm around her waist. I couldn’t help wonder what it would be like to have someone genuinely care for me like that.
I turned to Ryan who said, “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay here. That way they can keep an eye on you, and it will give us a chance to find whoever is doing this.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea. Why don’t you find him instead of hanging around here? I need to sleep.”
Ryan’s handsome face gave me a stern look. “We’re just looking out for you.”
“Yeah,” I said in a sarcastic tone as I glanced through the curtains at the departing figures.
“I’ll keep you updated,” he said, his eyes still appraising me. “You are going to stay, aren’t you?”
“What do you think? Why do you even care, anyway? Just go.”
I was grumpy and tired. I’d much rather they leave me alone.
Jaw set, his mouth went into a line, he said, “We do care, or else we wouldn’t be going to all this trouble.”
Turning my head away, I waited a moment and heard him leave.
It took an age for them to produce the discharge papers and even longer to wait for meds and dressings.
By then, exhaustion hit me. I grabbed the grey carrier bag from the end of my bed and took my clothes out of it. Dressing quickly, I grabbed my keys and left.
It was only when I got outside I realised I had no money for a taxi or bus. I had no option but to walk home.
Urmston, where I lived, wasn’t that far. It was a straight walk down Moorside Road, and a right into the village. Our flat was just off there, which was handy for shops and buses and anything we needed. Not for the first time, I told myself, I had chosen a good place to live.
People were staring as I made my way down the road. This was turning into a shit end to the day.
I could see the police station on the right, not too far now, and sighed with relief; my whole body felt like it would collapse and my skin wanted to melt in a heap around my feet.
Seeing the police station brought my thoughts back to Ryan, and I wondered if he worked from there or the headquarters in Stretford. I doubted he was that important, but the Soop worked at the headquarters. I’d been there with Abby once. I remember the look on his face when he saw me standing beside her. It sort of dropped.
The sound of a car horn blared and interrupted my thoughts. I almost left my shoes right on the pavement as a dark coloured Peugeot pulled up beside me.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Ryan Andrews said, through the open passenger window.
“Just having a waltz around the shops. What do you think?”
“You’ve just been stabbed, and you’re covered in blood.”
I looked down at my top. “Oh yeah, I wondered why people were staring.”
“You discharged yourself, didn’t you?”
“Wow, I can see why they made you an Inspector.”
“Just get in and don’t be a smart-arse.” He threw open the passenger door.
I grimaced and got in. “Abby’s gone back to Daddy. It’s all too much for her.”
“I know,” said Ryan, “I was there when they left.”
Of course he was. Fatigue clouded my mind now. It was hard to think straight. I sighed.
Ryan put the car in gear and moved off into the flow of traffic.
As much as I love Abby, it amused me that this was too much for her. It should be too much for me, maybe I’ve hardened with time.
“Are you all right?” Ryan suddenly asked.
“Yes. Just tired.”
“You shouldn’t be out of the hospital, you know? You’re crazy.”
“Now you sound like Abby.”
“She’s right, and I’ve got a theory,” he said, indicating to turn left at the lights.
“A detective with a theory? Wow.”
He gave me a look of disdain, and then said, “I’m wondering if this guy is after you, and not Abby.”
I laughed out loud at that one. “Very funny.”
“Abby’s not the type of girl to piss anyone off, and her father is very protective. Now, you, I can’t find anything on Sarah Whittaker. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
“Yes, there is actually. Drop me home and stop asking stupid questions.” I could do without this now. He had a way of getting under my skin.
“I’m not asking stupid questions and I am taking you home. Besides, you’re bleeding on my seat.”
I glanced down. “It’s just a stain, stop whining; it will come out with a bit of water.”
My head was pounding. Why are good-looking guys so mouthy? Why are they also police, now I come to think of it? I leaned back in my seat. “Do we have to have this conversation now?” I closed my eyes for a moment.
Within a few minutes, the car came to a stop as we arrived at my flat. He unclipped his seat belt and then mine.
“You sure you’re okay?”
“Just a headache. It’s been a busy day.”
“Can I drop you somewhere else? A friend’s perhaps?”
“I told you, there is no one else, and I’ll be fine as soon as I get into bed.”
I saw concern in his eyes, and for a moment it felt nice. It had been a long time since someone of the opposite sex was concerned about me. But I just needed my own space right now.
“I’ll be fine.” I gave him my best smile. “Thank you for the lift.”
He didn’t look convinced. “So who are you,
Sarah Whitaker?”
I gave him a tight smile and looked up at my first-floor bedroom window, wishing I could magic myself into bed.
Instead, Ryan got out and walked me to the door.
“I’m an enigma, Inspector,” I said, not looking at him as I took the key ring off my finger. “Don’t try to figure me out.” As I aimed my keys at the door, I dropped them.
He picked them up and stared at me with his mesmerising eyes. Now, he was playing with me, and I went to snatch them back, but he was too quick. “Look, stop fussing, you’re not my mother!”
He ignored me and put the key in the door, opened it, and handed them back.
“I know you’re tired, you look like hell-”
“Thanks.”
“But I do need to speak to you.”
I was more than tired and had a headache from hell. “You can speak to me tomorrow.” I needed to be alone in bed with Mr Pillow, as I hadn’t the energy to spar with him. I wanted this crazy day gone.
“Okay, tomorrow. I’ll see you inside and just check around to make sure.”
Oh God, there’s no telling this guy.
Once in the flat, Ryan glanced around the living area and kitchen and into Abby’s bedroom, then to the bathroom until we both ended up in my room.
Mr Pillow was white and soft, and I desperately wanted my cheek to be on his.
“Will you be all right? There’s no one I can call for you?”
“No, I just need to go to bed, I’ll be fine. I’m a bouncer.” He looked confused. “It means I always bounce back. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He still had concern in his eyes, and there was honesty there too. Any other time, I’d have enjoyed flirting with him, but not now.
He dug in his pocket and handed me a card. “You can get me anytime on this number. If you don’t feel safe, just ring me, and I’ll be back, okay?” I was too tired to respond to the Arnie reference.
I nodded as I took the card. “I’ll put it under my pillow – if I ever get there.”
CHAPTER TEN
Sarah
The following morning, I felt a little better. I’d given Abby a quick call to tell her I was home and fine. She chided me, but wasn’t surprised I had escaped.
In the en-suite, I looked at myself in the mirror. It still surprised me to see shoulder length dark, blonde hair. It had once been longer and very dark. No wonder Abby is often mistaken for me.
The blonde did enhance my face and I’d been told how pretty I was. It brought me nothing but trouble. I never wanted to be pretty. There was a time I would have scratched it to hell just so I would have scars and everyone would think I was ugly. Dark days, long gone, thank goodness.
I pulled out my yoga mat and laid it under the window in my bedroom and prepared myself for Sun Salutation.
My mirror stood on the floor next to the bathroom door, and I stretched my arms over my head, and then winced. The plaster that held the dressing stretched my skin and under that, the stitches pulled. My pyjama top rose, showing my midriff. I glared at the offending area, and just as I exhaled, the downstairs buzzer sounded.
“Yes?” I growled answering it.
“It’s Ryan Andrews.”
I exhaled and buzzed him in.
Unlatching the door, I went to the kitchen and flicked on the kettle as he came straight inside.
“How’re you feeling this morning? I was just passing by.”
“Okay. Tea?”
“The tea at the station is from a machine and not very nice, so, yes, I’d love a proper cuppa. Thanks.”
“Are you at the station here?” I asked, meaning the one down the road.
“Used to be, now I’m based at Chester House.” The Stretford H.Q.
I felt self-conscious in my jim-jams with him standing opposite me at the breakfast bar. He looked handsome in his blue jumper, which picked up the colour of his eyes. I wondered if he had done it on purpose. Anyway, I reminded myself, I didn’t like the police, did I?
“You’re not from around here are you?” He asked.
“You’re digging again.”
“I’m a cop, that’s what I do.”
I dropped a tea bag in a cup. “Milk?”
He nodded as the kettle steamed and clicked off.
“You not having one?”
“No, afterwards. I’m about to do some yoga. Care to join me?”
“No, but I’m wondering how seriously you’re taking this.”
“I’m reminded of it constantly,” I said, thinking of all the blood I’d unfortunately seen lately. “I feel sorry for Abby.” I was pushing my luck with that one, and I don’t know why I said it.
“It’s not Abby I’m worried about.”
“Why are you so interested in me?” I couldn’t help ask as I handed him the tea.
“Because, I think this guy is after you, isn’t he?”
“Why would someone be after me?” I didn’t meet his eyes. I was Sarah Whitaker now. Why did he have to be so perceptive?
“You tell me?”
Part of me wished I could. When I didn’t say anything, he said, “I want you to come down to the station and look at some photos.”
That was the last thing I wanted. I swore to myself I would never get involved again, and I would never go into another police station.
“I told you, I didn’t get a proper look at his face, so there is no point.” I felt agitated. It was like a sequence of events was already in place and pulling me down a path I didn’t want to go. It was all Ryan’s fault for being so irritatingly good-looking. Anyway, my morning routine was interrupted, and I was due some painkillers. He was keeping me from both.
“We want to get this guy, and we need your help.”
“I can’t help you anymore, Inspector. You need to concentrate on Abby.”
“I need to concentrate on the AP and that’s you.”
Was I an Aggrieved Person? An Angry Person would be a better description.
He came around the breakfast bar to hand me the empty mug. Just for a second, I flinched. Now why did I do that? “I think it’s time you went.”
He immediately stepped back. “I’m sorry. Let’s just get this over with.”
“I’m not dressed, I’ve got a lot of writing to do, and I don’t feel up to it right now.”
“Excuses.”
He could see right through me. “Bloody hell, you don’t give up do you?” He grinned. “Okay, all right. This afternoon, and then you must stop hassling me.”
“And give this guy a chance to do it again?”
I grimaced. All I wanted was for this to stop and go away.
“I’ll send a car for you at two.”
“Gee, thanks,” I said, walking him to the door.
He stopped at the open entrance. “This isn’t a game, you know, Sarah? These things can easily turn nasty.”
I didn’t answer him. He was right, as I knew from experience.
Shutting the door, the flat seemed empty without him. I didn’t want to admit that his presence filled the room, and now I felt unprotected. It made me think of Pete. I hadn’t thought of him for a long time. He was the closest thing I’d ever had to a friend. He had looked out for me, and I missed him.
Abby was safe with her dad, and it was selfish to have let it go this far, but I had no choice. If I didn’t look after myself, nobody else would.
I went into the bedroom and completed my Sun Salutation, but my mind would not clear. Images kept rolling through my head like a slide film. It was infuriating. This was my life now, and damn it, I liked it just the way it was.
I showered, dressed, and then made myself a cup of green tea and stared out the window. My stupid mind was wandering again. I needed to work and fill my head with something else. Be constructive, Sarah.
I booted up the computer and eventually Yoga in the Workplace filled the screen.
Yoga does have a place in the office and more people are practising in their lunch hour. Yoga has the amazing abi
lity to transform people, even in that short period of time. By introducing it, employers could equip their staff for the stressful environment at the office.
Two hours later, I hit send, and then my mobile rang.
“Hello?”
“Did you think you could hide?”
I dropped the phone and froze. “Bitch...” I heard it hiss. I bent down and stabbed the red button. Staring at it, a voice in my head screamed, no!
I paced up and down the floor thinking, and then it rang again. Snatching it back up, I yelled, “For God’s sake, leave me alone!”
“Sarah?”
It was Ryan.
“Oh shit,” I gasped, cutting him off in panic. The downstairs buzzer sounded, and I screamed. Oh my God, my nerves were shot.
It was only a policeman wanting to take me to the station. I buzzed him up, but there was no way I was going anywhere now.
My mobile rang again, and I ignored it as I opened the door. “I’ve changed my mind. I’m sorry, I’m not going,” I told him as he reached the top of the stairs.
“We only need you to look at a few photos,” he reminded me. “It won’t take that long.”
I stabbed the green button on the phone, knowing it was Ryan again. “What?”
“Are you all right?”
“Yes,” I snapped, and to the policeman still standing at the door I said, “Sorry.” I closed the door on him.
“I’m not going, and that’s the end of it,” I told Ryan, realising I was about to cry. “Don’t ring me again.” I threw the phone across the room and it landed on the chair.
Pacing the room, I chewed on my thumb. This was crazy.
Then another knock on the door and it was the same policeman. He handed me a phone.
“Sarah, get down here now,” said Ryan.
I handed it back. My God! Why couldn’t that man take no for an answer!
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Kelly
Kelly forgave Johnny, but things didn’t feel the same between them anymore. As she became more removed, he became more attentive and supportive. He showered her with flowers and gifts and she smiled, accepting everything graciously, but inside, something had died.
As summer approached, she practised yoga in the garden. Often, Mrs Januka stood by the window to watch, amazed at her grace and poise, and often told her so.
The Truth Will Out Page 5