“Why don’t you just say what’s on your mind Detective.” I pipe up.
“Yes, please do,” Tristan adds.
She looks at me, then Tristan, then looks down at her notes for a moment, pondering. Squaring her shoulders, she looks up and stares Tristan directly in the eyes. I think she likes him and is trying not to show it!
“Alright. I’m finding it hard to believe that a well rounded bachelor like yourself, would accept that these women would suddenly want nothing more to do with you, after dating successfully for several months?”
“People change their minds.” Tristan balks.
Detective Marsh narrows her eyes at him. I don’t think she believes him. “Mr Freeman. I’ve been told you’re a private man, and that even though you dated these women, it was low key. Not even your parents knew, is that true?”
“Yes.” He barks. I can tell he’s getting frustrated.
“And you never thought to question why each of them just suddenly dropped off the grid?” She asks, frowning inquisitively at him.
“Are you trying to accuse him of something?” I say.
“No Miss Stevens. I’m just trying to get the facts straight.” She says sternly, her look telling me to shut the hell up. Oops!
“No,” Tristan says. “I never thought to question it.”
Detective Marsh frowns again. “Am I correct that they all gave you the same reason for the relationship ending?”
Tristan inhales sharply. “They told you that?” He breathes.
“Yes. Mr Freeman this is a police investigation, most people hear that and they quake in their boots. These women were only too pleased to get it all out, everything that happened, everything that was said.”
“I see,” Tristan says, staring at our fingers tightly wrapped around one another.
“I’m still finding it hard to believe that you believed them.” She says.Is she flirting with him?
“I wasn’t in a position to question it.” Tristan says.
Ok, this is killing me.Question what? What do Tristan and the Detective know that I don’t?
“What did Susannah do and say to them?” I question, looking from Tristan to Detective Marsh.
Detective Marsh turns to me. “Well, from what we have been told, each one was pretty much the same. Once Ms Johnson was aware of their relationship, she became involved. If they called, she would tell them Mr Freeman wasn’t available, and she wasn’t passing messages on. When each of them questioned Ms Johnson as to why Mr Freeman hadn’t called them back, she lied.”
“Lied how?” Tristan questions.
“Ms Johnson was very manipulative. She made herself out to be the one in the middle, she promised them that she had passed messages on and they believed her, but she also lied to them, told them you were dating several women behind their backs. Now, this is where it gets interesting. They all said exactly the same thing, that they were suspicious of Ms Johnson, yet they continued to date you. Did either of them approach you about her, ask you anything about her?” Detective Marsh asks.
“No.” Tristan answers.
“Well, when Ms Johnson became aware that these women were still dating you, after trying to get them to finish with you, she took things to another level.”
“How?” Tristan questions.
Detective Marsh looks uncomfortable again. “None of them had any evidence of course, but each of them believe that somehow, she had entered their properties, and each one admitted that Susannah had stalked them, then threatened them outside their homes. They were so intimidated by her that they did as she asked, apart from Rebecca.”
“Rebecca?” Tristan whispers, his eyes wide.
“Do you remember what happened with her?” Detective Marsh asks, her eyes narrowing.
Tristan nods. “She just…disappeared. When I finally got hold of her, she told me she’d gone to stay with her mother in France for a while…” Tristan trails off, deep in thought.
“Yes, well Rebecca was the final straw for Susannah, when she realised you were still dating her, she attacked her outside her home, so brutally in-fact that she was hospitalised. She told the officer that interviewed her that it was a random stranger that attacked her, so no charges, no investigation, and that’s why Rebecca went to France, to recover from her ordeal.”
Tristan hangs his head in horror. My mouth has gone so dry, I can't swallow – Poor Rebecca!
Detective Marsh continues. “According to Rebecca, after attacking her, Susannah threatened her that if she continued to see you, she would find her, and kill her.”
Tristan gasps, he looks horrified, he swallows once. “Detective…I very much doubt Rebecca would want to speak to me, but please…pass on my sincerest apologies. Had I any reason to suspect any of this was going on…” Tristan hangs his head in his hands. “I would have protected her.” I wrap my arm around his shoulder and tightly squeeze – Holy fuck! Susannah really is crazy!
“Of course Mr Freeman, I will pass that message on. I also think you should know that the reasons these women gave for ending the relationship, was in no way true. It was all Ms Johnson’s doing. Putting two and two together, I think it was to break you down, to knock your confidence so if you confided in her, she would be the one to comfort you, manipulate you into believing her, but that didn’t work out for her, did it.” Detective Marsh smiles, a little smugly for my liking.
“Christ!” Tristan looks up at her in complete bewilderment.
Detective Marsh suddenly frowns deeply. “The only part I don’t understand is why she didn’t make her move sooner? She evidently wanted you for herself.” She muses.
“Susannah did approach me, but I said no, that I wasn’t interested.” Tristan says.
“Ah, I see. How long ago was that?” She questions.
“Years ago,” Tristan says. “Before I dated any of these women.”
Detective Marsh looks surprised. “You rejected her, yet she continued to work with you?”
Tristan shrugs. “Yes.”
Detective Marsh brings the pen to her mouth and starts tapping it repeatedly against her bottom lip.“Hmm, maybe it was more along the lines of if she can't have you, then neither can anybody else?” She ponders to herself.
Tristan suddenly looks really irritated. “Detective Marsh, this is all very interesting, but Coral is still in pain, she should still be in hospital, in-fact we have an appointment this morning.” He runs his hand through his hair. “You came here to question Coral. I’d like that over and done with so she can get back to recovering.” He orders. He is not a happy man. Fuck!
Detective Marsh nods.“Of course Mr Freeman, we can continue this some other time.”
Tristan nods in approval. No! I want to know what was said!
Detective Marsh takes another sip of coffee and looks directly at me.“So, I know this is going to be difficult Miss Stevens, but I’d like you to run through the events leading up to Ms Johnsons attack.” I swallow hard and nod once.“Take your time,” she adds.
I take a deep breath and start at the very beginning….
FOURTY FIVE MINUTES LATER and Detective Marsh is still questioning me, she’s being very thorough, but I don’t see what else I can tell her, and I feel exhausted. I just want her to go.
“Detective,” Tristan interrupts. “We have a hospital appointment at 10.30am.” Crap! I forgot about that!
“I see…” She doesn’t look too pleased.
“Do you have everything you need?” Tristan asks.
“I do have more questions,” she says. “I don’t want to leave any stone unturned Mr Freeman.” She explains.
“Yes, well maybe another time,” he says.
“Alright.” She stands, places her pen, pad, and notes in her briefcase then shakes Tristan’s hand. “I’ll call you,” she says.Tristan nods once and then she nods at me. “I hope you feel better soon Miss Stevens,” she adds.
“Thanks,” I murmur.She smiles softly at me.Tristan walks around the table and sees
Detective Marsh to the front door. I’m so glad that’s over!
“Stuart?” Tristan calls as he marches back over to me. “Come on baby, let’s go,” he says holding his hand out.
“Go?” I question.
“Yes, to the hospital,” he says.
“I’m not going back.” I pout, crossing my arms.
“Coral, Dr Green wants to examine you, make sure everything is as it should be,” he explains softly as though he’s speaking to a child. “And if we don’t get a move on we’re going to be late.” He’s not to be argued with and I’m too tired to bother.
I sigh inwardly, pick up the envelope, stand and walk over to Edith in the kitchen. “Edith, would you mind putting this in our bedroom for me?”
“Of course,” she smiles. “Pop it on the counter I’m going up in a moment with some clean washing.”
“Ok…Oh and Rob, Carlos and Bob will be here at 12, if we’re not back’ – “Not to worry lass,” she says placing her hand on my good shoulder. “You go and get checked out, I’ll make them feel welcome,” she says.
I nod numbly at her and walk over to Tristan.“I’m sorry Coral,” he says taking my hand. “But I want to be sure.”
“I know,” I murmur. “Tristan what was the Detective talking about? What did they all say to you when they ended it?” I ask, as we head towards the front door.
“Later,” he whispers, leaning down to kiss me. God damn it!
As we silently head out to the car, I try to push the sickening feeling away. Talking to the Detective as bought it all back, and I don’t like reliving frightening events, and that night with Susannah, is one I know I’ll never forget…
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ARRIVING BACK AT THE HOUSE AFTER our little trip to the hospital, Tristan picks me up into his arms again and carries me into the house. Dr Green was great, her examination of me was very thorough, and I was pleased to be given the all clear. Tristan looked relieved too. But now I’m exhausted, I just want to sleep for the rest of the day – but I hate letting people down, so I guess I’ve just got to suck it up.
“Ok?” Tristan asks placing me down on the sofa.
“Yeah, better now I’m home,” I say. “They should all be here soon, Rob said he was picking Bob up,” I add as the wonderful smell of a roast dinner wafts towards me, just as I think that the doorbell pings.
“Are you sure you want do this now?” Tristan asks, looking concerned.
“Yes,” I say, throwing a fake smile in for good measure. “Tristan I’m ok, don’t worry.”
“Hard not to,” he says, cocking one eyebrow up at me, then leaning towards me he gently pecks me on the lips.
“What were you talking to Dr Green about?” They seemed to be having another heated debate.
“Nothing,” he says lightly. Then he leans in and kisses me again, his tongue gently lapping against mine – All thoughts disappear.
“Get a room!” I hear Rob bellow.Tristan and I both turn and smile awkwardly at Rob. He comes bounding over to us, with an ear to ear grin. I notice Carlos is slowly following with Bob.
“Ready to get this show on the road?” Rob asks.
“Yes.” I sigh inwardly.Why do I feel like crying again?
“Marvelous!” He says and sags into the sofa next to me. “Right, here’s the magazines,” he says placing several in my lap. “The ones with the coloured tabs are the dresses I’ve chosen, the red tab is the one I think is the perfect one for you, so you need to go through them and pick which one you like.”
“And if I don’t like any of the ones you picked?” I question.
“Then we have to find something else, but you’re not going to have much choice considering the timeline!” he scoffs.
“I know,” I murmur.
“Have you two sorted your rings out yet?” Rob says looking from me to Tristan.
“No.” I answer feeling guilty.
“What!?” Rob screeches.
“Rob! Coral is still healing you know. We had the detective here this morning and then we took Coral for a check-up at the hospital, she woke up in severe pain this morning.” Tristan informs him in a not so nice manner.
“Oh…” Rob looks crestfallen. “Sorry,” he adds looking up at Tristan, who narrows his eyes at him, then storms off into the kitchen.“I think I’ve upset him,” Rob whispers.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s me he’s mad at,” I whisper back.
“Oh?” Rob says, frowning down at me. “Is he being a bastard to you Coral, because you don’t have to stand for any shit you know’ – “Hey,” I place my hand on his arm. “Tristan’s been wonderful with me Rob, very sweet, very caring…” I break off and stare at the floor.
“Then why am I not convinced?” he softly says. He looks worried.
I sigh heavily. And in a moment of pure clarity, I decide to tell Rob everything – If he knows then maybe he’ll take it easier on Tristan – I couldn’t stand it if those two hate each other.
“Just go with me on this,” I whisper.
“Huh?” Rob looks confused.
Taking the magazines off my lap, and getting to my feet I begin. “Edith, how long until dinner?”
“Oh…about thirty minutes,” she says with a big smile.
I smile back at her. “Ok, thanks.” I walk over to the table where Carlos and Bob are seated, playing checkers. “Hey, do you guys mind if Rob and I disappear for a while, wedding stuff…you know?” Carlos beams at me, but Bob looks a little upset. “Bob, we’ll chat after dinner. Is that ok?”
He smiles up at me. “Go on then,” he says.
“Thanks.” I lean down and kiss his cheek. Then I walk over to Tristan who is busy pouring wine for everyone.
He turns and frowns at me. “You should be resting!” He tells me in a firm tone.
I purposely roll my eyes at him. “Will you carry me downstairs? Rob wants to take a look at the gardens, it might be where we have the wedding, you know outside instead of inside?”
“Of course I will gorgeous!” Tristan smiles broadly at me, I turn and wink at Rob who is still looking confused – Honestly, get with the programme!
Tristan lifts me into his arms and carries me down the stairs. I can hear Rob following, once we are in the garden, Tristan releases me. “See you in a while,” he says, softly stroking my cheek.
“I’ll miss you,” I whisper back. I watch him walk back inside then I turn to Rob, feeling anxious with what I’m about to do.
“What was all that about?” Rob says.
“I wanted some privacy.” I whisper.
“Ok.” Rob frowns.
I walk over to him, link my arm in his, and we start walking steadily through the garden.
“Coral, I know you’ve fallen in love with him, but he is…you know…treating you right?” Rob asks.
“Yes.” I whisper – although he has been very snappy. “He’s just stressed Rob. I nearly died, and I don’t think he’s quite recovered from that yet – it’s like he’s been hit with a truck. He’s doing his very best, trying to handle all of this, but he’s worried. He just wants me to get better, and I haven’t exactly made this easy on him. You know what I’m like Rob, I always feel like I have to handle everything on my own.”
“So why does he look so serious all the time? I couldn’t really see you hooking up with a serious dude; you’re too funny for that Coral.” Rob rightly points out.
I laugh at Rob. “He’s not serious all the time, and you’re right, I wouldn’t get together with someone who had their funny bone removed. Tristan is funny, he makes me laugh and I make him laugh. You’ll see, when this all blows over and were both more relaxed, you’ll see how great he is.”
Rob still doesn’t look convinced. “You’re not just saying that are you?” He whispers.
I shake my head at him. “Rob, there’s so many things you don’t know about me. I’m a very lucky woman to have him.”
“Why would you say that?” He asks, his eyes wide.
&n
bsp; I stop walking and look up at Rob, then I take a deep breath and tell him everything.
All the things that happened when I was a kid, why I’m the way I am, why I act the way I do. Of course, he already knows I see George, but now he knows the reasons why. I tell him about being raped, and how freaked out I am about men. Then I tell him everything that happened with Tristan, how we met, our conversations, why I feel so lucky to have him. I explain why I felt so lost when he and Carlos left without a word, finding out Debs and Gladys news, and all the weird stuff that happened with Susannah – Now I really do feel drained!
“Ok, I think I need to sit down,” he says, looking around him. There’s no chairs close by, so Rob just sinks down onto the grass with his head between his knees.
I carefully sit next to him and wait, patiently, for him to say something.
“Coral…why didn’t you tell me?” I go to answer him, but he pipes up again. “I can't believe that happened…” he adds, shaking his head in disbelief. “I’m so sorry Coral,” he softly adds, in-fact, he looks a little sick!
“Hey, I didn’t say it to freak you out you know!” I half-laugh.
“No wonder you think he’s an angel, and no wonder you freaked out so much when you met him.” Rob says.
“I know. Not many men would put up with me Rob. He’s so patient with me, I…I still feel like I’m dreaming and any minute now I’m going to wake up,” I say, shaking my head.
“Coral, I…I don’t know what to say?” Rob chokes.
“Hey, you don’t have to say anything – But I didn’t think you’d have this reaction,” I add.
“Sorry babes, but that was a real shocker!” Rob whispers.
“Sorry,” I say again. Rob lies back on the grass and stares up at the sky. “Rob, you and Carlos really are ok aren’t you?”
Rob looks across at me. “Of course we are. We’re better than we’ve ever been sunshine, don’t worry about us.” He says, smiling up at me.
“Ok, if you say you’re good, then I won’t worry. Will you go easy on him now?” I ask.
“Who?” He laughs.
I smile and roll my eyes at him. “Tristan of course! Rob, I love you, you’re my best friend, but I love Tristan too, so much, so can you just try to get along with him, for me?”
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 105