‘Of course I am. Look,’ she said putting down her spoon and pointing to each finger, ‘I have to keep an eye on people viewing your flat, John Hawson wants updates every five minutes, and there’s bit and pieces I’m still doing for the Mastersons takeover. Oh,’ she said picking up her spoon once more, ‘John Hawson wants to meet me for lunch. He says he has a business opportunity for me.’
‘If it’s about the job opportunity he mentioned, please think about it. Don’t take on too much okay?’
‘I won’t, I promise. I have to admit I am intrigued though.’
***
The weekend arrived all too soon and Amberley felt a huge wrench when she said goodbye to Simon and Sarah. She congratulated herself on holding it together until they had gone. Pouring a glass of wine, she reflected on how much damage Steve had inflicted on her over the past year or so. Whilst sorting through her bag a short while later, a card fell to the floor. It had the name of the female officer who had first advised her about the Victim Personal Statement. In that split second, she decided the time was right to make this statement.
‘Hello, my name is Amberley Masterson; I would like to attend the station to make a Victim Personal Statement.’
***
Filling out the Victim Personal Statement was going to be her way of trying to tie up loose ends. To put some kind of closure on the trauma she had suffered. It had the adverse effect. Going back to the beginning and recounting how Steve had made her feel was bad enough, but the hardest part was describing how she had lost her baby.
‘Who will have access to this statement?’ she asked, as she was leaving.
‘This will be seen by everyone involved in your case.’
She wondered how the defence would try to use it against her.
She looked at the time; she was due to meet John Hawson in a while. She flagged down a taxi and made her way to the restaurant.
***
It was one of her favourite eateries, contemporary surroundings with modern art displayed on the walls, the tables and seating all chrome and cream. The restaurant held a coveted Michelin star, all due to the mouth-watering food served up by the Italian chef. Hawson was already seated at a table near the window.
‘Amberley, I’m glad you could make it. Here,’ he said holding a chair out for her, ‘have a seat.’
He studied her for a while, his expression impassive.
‘I was pleased to hear they’d captured Jackson at long last. How are you feeling now? You look very pale.’
The very mention of Steve’s name made her shudder inwardly, at least he was off the streets now, she mused.
‘I’m getting there… slowly. Now, what’s this opportunity you have for me?’
He laughed. ‘Just like your Dad, straight to the point.’
They were silent while the waiter brought their drinks.
‘You know how the rumour mill works in the City. I heard that you were back and tying up loose ends. I spoke to you, sometime ago, about a job prospect if you ever needed one.’
‘Oh,’ she said, she set her glass down on the table, attempting to cover her surprise. ‘What makes you think I want a job now?’
They paused as the waiter brought their food.
‘Look, Amberley, I’ll be perfectly honest with you, you’re the best in the business and I need you. You also happen to be the most trustworthy person I know.’
‘How…?’ she never finished her sentence.
‘Don’t ask how, I just know. Also the way you’ve led my account and from various people I know in the City.’ He laughed as he speared a piece of meat with his fork. ‘It also helps me stay ahead of the game; there were several others interested in head hunting you too.’
She was intrigued. ‘Okay let’s say, in theory, that I’m interested. What is the job?’ she asked, resting her cutlery on the plate in front of her.
He smiled to himself. ‘The project you have just overseen may have come to a close but I need someone to keep watch over it. I want someone to have a finger on the pulse and make sure that the business runs smoothly. Your input from its inception has helped enormously.’
‘So, what do you want from me?’
‘I want to offer you a job as a consultant, visiting our clients and troubleshooting. It’s not a permanent post, but it should keep you busy for the next six months.’
It sounded like a very good offer to her. The Crown Prosecution Service had advised her that the court case should come to trial in about six or seven months. She wondered if he was designing this post for that specific reason but dismissed the idea; he was a businessman after all and in it to make money. He would not create a position unless it made good business sense. After a while, she looked at him thoughtfully.
‘The offer is very tempting, John, do you mind if I sleep on it? I’ll have an answer for you in the morning.’
‘Not at all. I will wait for you to contact me.’
***
Sleep was difficult for her that night. Her thoughts as always in the dark hours turned to Greg. Since she’d been in London she’d avoided all contact with him. She weighed up the pros and cons of taking on John Hawson’s offer and as dawn broke, she made her decision. She waited until ten o’clock to call him. Picking up her mobile, she dialled his number.
‘Hi, John, it’s Amberley. I’d like to accept your offer.’
‘Excellent news! I was hoping you’d say yes. When can you start?’
‘I can start right away.’
‘Good, what about this afternoon?’
She laughed to herself; trust John to set her to work right away.
‘No problem, I’ll come over at one o’clock.’ She snapped her mobile shut.
He had been extremely pleased with her decision. She decided to start straight away, the less time she had to dwell on things from the past the better. Amberley called Simon to tell him her news. He was less than happy about her decision.
‘Amberley, you need time to rest and heal. I can’t believe you’re rushing headlong into such a demanding role. Do you have a death wish? And when do you plan on contacting Greg, he’s beside himself down here?’
She gripped her phone tightly. What he was saying made perfect sense. Taking a deep breath, she spoke the words that she had rehearsed most of the previous night.
‘I know you’re concerned but this is my way of dealing with things. It also makes perfect sense for me to be here so I can oversee the sale of your apartment, as I’ve already pointed out. And, Greg agreed to let me have some space.’
‘That could’ve been dealt with by the estate agent. Look, you’ve got a gruelling trial looming and you still have to come to terms with the loss of your baby. I really think you should be here, with people who love you. I realise that Greg said he’d give you the space and time you needed, but how much longer do you plan to stay away from him?’
The mention of his name made her stomach tighten.
‘He knows why I’m here; it was a mutual agreement. We both have a lot on at the moment. I will be back, Simon, but not for a while.’
‘I know it’s none of my business but I worry about you – about both of you.’
‘It will be fine and you should be concentrating more on looking after Sarah. I’ll call you soon, I promise.’ She tried to reassure him.
She shut off her phone before Simon could answer. She sat on her sofa, hugging a cushion tightly to her. Her love for Greg was still as strong, she knew that, she wasn’t an idiot and those feelings would never change. With a bit of space and time she was positive they could still be together.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Two months later, Amberley was sitting alone in her flat working on Hawsons latest client portfolio. Her mobile went off. She still jumped every time it happened – a legacy from all the calls received from Steve. She was surprised to see it was Greg’s number. She had not spoken to him since leaving Cornwall; she couldn’t bear to hear the pain in his voice. As the weeks apart from him gre
w longer, it made it even harder even to think about ringing him. With much trepidation, she answered the call.
‘Hello,’ she said in a small voice.
‘Hi, I know I said I wouldn’t contact you but I just wanted to see how you were doing?’
He sounded friendly but neutral. Her stomach lurched at the tone of his voice.
‘No, it’s good to hear from you. I’m okay, busy working for John Hawson still. Simon’s flat has just sold, subject to contract, so that’s great news. How about you?’
‘I’m good thanks. Things at the Centre are going well. It’s useful to have Simon on hand to help. Sarah’s getting bigger by the day, she looks really well.’
They were silent for long moments. Amberley couldn’t think of anything else to say. If she hadn’t lost the baby, she would have had a rounded tummy by now. She stroked her stomach absently.
‘Are you still there?’
‘Sorry, I was just imagining how Sarah must look.’
‘You could always come and see for yourself.’ His words were hopeful.
It was a tempting idea but she didn’t feel ready to return just yet. ‘Maybe soon, but I need to focus on this job for a while longer.’
‘Okay, Amberley, take care. Bye.’ His voice was breaking as the line went dead.
‘Greg, I…’
He’d already hung up before she’d spoken, she got the feeling he was probably crying by the sound of his voice. His voice made her feel more alone than she had in a long time. He had been polite and at least he’d taken the time to call, although the conversation felt stilted. Then what did she expect? She was the one who had asked him not to contact because she wanted to be alone.
Amberley decided to call him back; it had been so good to hear his voice. She needed to tell him just how much she missed him – and how much she loved him. Perhaps she could go to Cornwall for a short break. When she tried his mobile, the line was engaged and after three attempts, she gave up. Cornwall would have to wait a while longer for her.
***
There was an official looking letter on the floor the next morning. Opening it, she felt sick. It was the date of the trial – set for mid-December. Not perfect timing; Sarah was due to have her baby at around the same time. She was just about to leave the flat when her phone went off. It was Simon.
‘Have you received a letter about Steve’s trial?’ he asked.
‘Yes, it came this morning. I was going to call you tonight about it,’ she replied, wandering back into her lounge.
‘At least you will have closure by Christmas.’
She stared absently out of her window.
‘True, I will have also completed my stint with John Hawson by then.’
‘Good, then you can come and spend Christmas with us. We’ll need an extra pair of hands with the baby.’
She smiled. ‘I’ll look forward to that.’
***
‘Yes, we have no problem in meeting your revised date, Mr Wilder.’ She had just finished a meeting trying to resolve a timing issue. Her head was aching, the client was extremely difficult but she had managed to renegotiate an end date. She sat down at her desk and sighed deeply. A gentle tap at her door brought her out of her reverie. It was John’s PA.
‘I have a Miss Vernon here to see you. She doesn’t have an appointment but was insistent she sees you. It’s about a Mr Jackson.’
Amberley sat up straight in her chair, intrigued.
‘Let her in.’
She recognised the woman immediately; it was the ex-girlfriend of Steve’s she had met at a party. The woman was pretty with long chestnut coloured hair and deep brown eyes, she also looked apprehensive.
‘Why are you here, Miss Vernon?’ Amberley asked, eyeing her curiously.
‘Please, call me Katrina. I take it you remember me?’
‘Yes I do, it was at a party a long time ago.’ Amberley shuddered at the memory and remembered the look of near desperation on Katrina’s face. If only she had taken the time to listen to her back then.
Katrina nodded and fiddled nervously with the strap of her handbag. ‘I wish I’d tried harder to talk to you that day. I could have saved you all the heartache you’ve been through. But hopefully you’ll let me help now.’
‘Why now?’
‘Because of this,’ she said, rolling up the sleeves of her blouse. ‘Everyday I look at these; I am reminded of what he subjected me to. It’s time for me to fight back.’
Amberley was horrified by what she saw. Katrina’s arms were covered in what looked like cigarette burns. She felt hot, angry tears sting her eyes. Before her sat a beautiful woman who had been scarred for life – all because of Steve.
‘Katrina, I am so sorry. That’s awful how… why?’
Katrina slowly rolled her sleeves back down. She looked up at Amberley, determination in her eyes.
‘He did this as a punishment. I met an old school friend in a bar and we were catching up. Steve had been outside smoking. He came back in and found us laughing together. His face… I, I’ll never forget it, his eyes were wild.’
She was quiet for a moment as if reliving her past experience.
‘He didn’t say a word; he just handed me my coat and we left.’ Katrina swallowed hard. ‘All the way back he was silent, but I was so scared of him I just let him take me back to his flat. He pushed me to the floor. I hit my head against the floor and was out cold.’
She began to cry; Amberley went to her and held her tightly.
‘Katrina, if it’s too painful… please don’t go on.’
‘No, I have to,’ she said in a hushed voice, ‘I woke up to smell burning flesh and searing pain down my arms. He told me it was my punishment for making him look stupid by chatting up another man.’
‘He’ll never hurt another woman ever again. I have so much evidence and eye witness accounts that no sane jury will find him not guilty.’ Amberley assured her.
‘That’s why I want to give evidence too. So many times I reported him to the police. Yet each time he managed to persuade me that it was my fault that he did things to me. Not any longer, I am now ready to give my side of the story. I just wish I’d been able to tell you more when I saw you that evening, I feel partly responsible.’
Amberley knelt down in front of Katrina, holding her hands tightly.
‘Hey, you can’t take any blame for what happened to me, I should have listened to you; you’ve been through enough. Look,’ she said, choosing her words carefully. ‘I saw the tell tale signs, I should have left him before all the violence started. But I didn’t want to believe it, I wanted to try and make it work. Please… you mustn’t bear any guilt for my experiences.’
Katrina got up and stood by the window. Amberley watched her in silence. She turned round to face Amberley.
‘You’ve given me the courage to give evidence against Steve and when I leave here, I will be going straight to the police station to make a statement.’
‘Would you like me to come with you?’
Katrina shook her head. ‘No that’s okay. My partner is waiting outside for me, he’ll come. I’m lucky, he’s very supportive.’
‘I’m so happy for you. You deserve someone who’ll treat you properly.’
Katrina took Amberley’s hand in hers. ‘Don’t ever give up hope. There are some good men out there. Is there someone special in your life?’
Amberley’s thoughts turned to Greg. There had been no contact since his phone call and now, she tended to immerse herself in her work to block out any painful memories. The vision of his handsome face came to her. ‘There was but… I’m not so sure now.’
They exchanged numbers and vowed to keep in touch. Just as she was about to go, Katrina turned to her once more.
‘Don’t lose out on love because of what’s happened, Amberley. You are a strong woman and you can get through it. This is just what Steve would want. Just make sure the decision you make is for the right reasons.’
As Katrina was abo
ut to leave the office she paused and turned to face Amberley once more. ‘And don’t forget, together we can put this bastard behind bars for a long time.’
***
Later that evening, Amberley thought how brave Katrina had been. Her courage gave her strength to carry on and make a new life for herself. In her heart of hearts, she understood that she could do that too. An idea came to her, she realised that her experiences could help other women, and men, in her situation. She sat with her laptop and began to do some research. By the end of the evening, she was happy with her findings.
***
Amberley was finalising a report regarding a complaint. The client had been particularly demanding. He had given her an almost permanent headache, complaining about everything from lack of commitment on behalf of Hawsons to the wrong colour for the background of a campaign poster.
‘Are you making much headway on the Johnson grievance report?’
She looked up to see John standing inside her office. She had been so engrossed that she had not heard him enter.
‘I’m just about to email it to you for your perusal. I have to say, he is without doubt the worst client I have ever dealt with,’ she said, rubbing her temples.
He laughed, ‘I know, that’s why I sent him your way. I knew you could cope with him.’
‘Gee thanks,’ she replied, rolling her eyes skyward.
Her phone rang it was the front desk.
‘There’s a Mr Winters here to see you.’
She almost dropped the phone. Her eyes went wide. John watched her with concern.
‘Erm, send him up would you please?’ Slowly she replaced the receiver.
‘Is everything all right?’
I’m not sure. It’s a friend I haven’t seen for a while, he lives in Cornwall.’
‘That would be the friend of Simon and you?’’
She nodded absently. Fortunately that’s all John knew about Greg. Through the glass door, she watched Greg approach. Amberley felt the blood ringing in her ears. She gripped the edge of her table, her feelings all over the place.
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