by Mel Sherratt
‘I haven’t done anything to Mary!’
Megan came rushing in behind her.
‘Call the police. I want her arrested.’ Denise caught Megan’s eye. ‘She’s gone mad!’
‘I don’t think you want to do that.’ Donna took a step nearer.
‘I’ll have you charged with assault for this.’ Denise picked up the phone receiver.
‘Go ahead,’ said Donna. ‘I shall be calling the police myself soon. I’m sure they’ll be interested in the video evidence I have.’
‘Video?’ Denise faltered.
Donna nodded. ‘I fitted a camera.’
‘But you can’t do that! It’s a breach of my rights.’
‘What about my mum’s rights? You should be looking after her. But I saw you pull her out of the chair by her hair. I saw …’ Donna stopped as the screams she’d heard on the video ran through her mind again. ‘She was screaming because of it, and then you pushed her back into the chair again. I saw you hit her with the TV remote control.’
Denise said nothing.
Behind Donna, Megan shook her head. ‘It was you that caused the bruises on her body. How could you do that to someone so frail?’
‘I—’
Donna turned back to Megan. ‘Call the police. I think they’ll be interested in what I have to show them.’
‘It’s not easy, you know,’ Denise spoke, her voice brittle and accusatory. ‘It’s hard work looking after so many residents with so many special needs. Once in a while, I lose my temper, that’s all. It won’t happen again, I swear.’
‘You’re right about that,’ said Donna. ‘Call the police, Megan.’ She turned to leave.
‘Wait, I can explain!’ Denise put a hand on Donna’s forearm.
‘Oh, you’re going to hit me now?’ Donna recoiled.
‘No!’ Denise put her hand down at once. ‘I …’
‘Of course you wouldn’t hit me, because I can hit back, can’t I? And I will, if I have to.’ Donna shook her head. ‘You’re nothing but a bully and I hope you get what you deserve. I shall certainly be reporting you.’
‘It was awful, Sarah.’ Donna wiped at her eyes as they sat in the back room of Shop&Save later that same day. ‘The bloody warden, of all people. How could she do that to Mum?’
‘It’s unbelievable,’ Sarah sympathised. ‘What happened when the police came?’
‘The cow was arrested. I thought I might get dragged down to the station after I had slapped her, but Megan backed me up and said Denise was lying.’
‘Good for her. It wasn’t your fault you were so upset. I’d have slapped her too.’
I hope she gets what she deserves.’
‘Do you know if she abused any of the other residents?’
Donna shrugged. ‘I’m not sure, but if she did, she won’t be doing it again. Surely she can’t come back to work there after what she’s done?’
‘I’m so sorry.’ Sarah passed her a mug of tea. ‘And after Mary seemed so settled.’
‘I know.’ Donna sighed. ‘And, selfishly, I’ll have to cancel my night away now.’
Sarah shook her head. ‘You can’t do that.’
‘I have to. I can’t leave Mum on her own after what’s happened.’
‘I expect she’ll be safer now that Denise is out of the way. They’ll have to bring in another warden, and Mary will be their first priority.’
‘I suppose.’ Donna still wasn’t convinced. ‘I can’t go.’
You can go – and you will,’ Sarah insisted, folding her arms. ‘I’ve told you before that you need time to yourself. Keera will help out, surely?’
‘I doubt it.’ Donna huffed at that idea. ‘She’ll be working. Besides, I’ve hardly seen anything of her over the past few weeks. She treats the place like a hotel.’
‘That’s a bit unfair. Most teenagers are like that.’
‘Well, she’s never been one for hanging around the house. I’d love to see more of her now and then.’
‘But you and Keera have always been like that, passing ships in the night.’
‘I know, but—’
‘If you ask her, she’ll stop by.’
‘She’ll cause a fuss, more like.’
‘Most kids do that when they’re having to do something that they don’t want to. Your Keera is a lovely girl. You should be proud of her.’
‘I am proud of her!’ Donna felt as if she was being told off. ’But she’s just too independent and I wonder at times if she’s –’
‘– Too much like her mother?’
Donna grinned at Sarah’s intuitiveness. ‘Piss off, you cow,’ she said, her tone light-hearted.
Sarah grinned too. ‘If Keera won’t help, then I’ll check up on Mary,’ she added. ‘And while you’re there with Owen, you can switch off completely knowing that everything is fine here.’
Donna pondered. She should go, really, especially after Owen had booked a hotel. And she wanted a little attention – was that too much to ask?
But doubts still crowded her mind. What if Mary needed her? Or Sam? What if Keera wasn’t able to pop in on Mary?
‘It’s only one night,’ said Sarah.
Donna nodded. ‘If Mum is all right when I visit her on Saturday morning before I leave, I will go.’
‘Good, and then you can tell me all about it once you get back!’
Donna smirked. ‘I knew there was a method in your madness.’
‘Yes, I want to live vicariously through you!’ Sarah turned to look in the shop. ‘Jeez, that bloody Darren is so slow. There’s a queue a mile long. Best get back to it.’
Donna got up too. But she couldn’t shake off the guilt. She tried to convince herself that everything would be fine.
She didn’t need to worry about everyone!
Chapter Thirty-One
The hotel that Owen had booked was only forty minutes’ drive away from Stockleigh. They turned off a country lane and onto a sweeping driveway. Donna’s face lit up as they parked on a gravel car park to the side of the main building.
‘We’re staying here?’ She almost squeaked, taking in the elegant three-storey building that resembled the country manors she had only seen in magazines. Gardens stretched as far as the eye could see, and a lake to her right had a tiny jetty, two rowing boats bobbing idly about.
She turned to Owen and repeated herself. ‘We’re staying here?’
‘We are.’
She leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek before opening the car door. The heat from outside burst in like backdraft from a fire. She hadn’t realised how much of a luxury it was to have air conditioning inside the vehicle. Quickly, she flicked down the visor and checked her reflection in the mirror. No rogue flakes of mascara - check. Lipstick still intact - check. The wanton look she’d found recently - check.
Owen killed the engine. ‘Looks great, doesn’t it?’
‘It looks like it costs a fortune! Are you sure …’
‘You deserve something special after all you’ve been through recently.’
She smiled as Owen retrieved their bags from the boot and took her hand. ‘Come on, not a minute to lose. I can’t wait to get you alone.’
Once inside the main building, Donna forced back the giggles she feared would erupt as she glanced around. It was so posh that she wondered if she needed to take her shoes off at the door. Tiled flooring stretched across a vast area, leather armchairs dotted around occasional tables covered in flowers, thick cream curtains hung at white-framed sash windows. The view was incredible and Donna pictured the two of them looking at it later as they shared an aperitif.
Owen ushered her towards a walnut bow-shaped reception desk. After they had checked in, they took the lift to their room. Once the doors were closed, Owen dropped his bag and pressed her up against its wall. He kissed her, taking her by surprise with its force but she wrapped her arms around his neck. Wait until Sarah heard about this, she thought, happily.
Donna did take her shoes off as they
stepped out into the corridor once the lift doors had opened again.
‘I want to feel this carpet between my toes,’ she told Owen as he watched in amazement. ‘It’s so plush!’
‘I hope you’ll feel the same about it when you’re lying on it.’
Donna blushed as a maid from the room they were passing came out of the room. She must have overheard him.
‘Afternoon,’ Owen greeted her as they walked past. The woman smiled.
They laughed as they continued. Donna could feel the heat from his hand resting in the small of her back. She giggled as he opened the door to their room.
Once inside, Owen took her bag from her hand and led her to the bed. ‘I think it’s time you and I got reacquainted.’ He pushed her backwards and straddled her in one swift move.
‘Hmm-hmm.’
‘I’ve brought along some things.’
She froze. ‘What kind of things? Because I’m not into any kinky sex, if that’s what you mean.’
‘Really?’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘From what I’ve seen of you lately, I think you’d like it.’
‘No, not really.’
‘You won’t know until you try – why not open your mind to it?’
His mouth dipped to her neck and she groaned as his hand slid inside her top. She gnawed at her lip, arching her back as he caressed her with the tips of his fingers.
‘So?’ he whispered.
‘So?’ she whispered back.
‘Let’s have a bit of fun this weekend.’
As his fingers went to work again, curiosity got the better of her. ‘What have you brought with you?’
‘Remember that scene in You Complete Me last week?’
Donna remembered. At Owen’s insistence, he had read some of it to her. Again, she had been embarrassed more than turned on. She grimaced.
‘The one where she was tied to the bed and blindfolded?’ she asked. ‘I’m not sure I’d like that.’
‘You’ll never know until you try.’ Owen’s hand had come out of her top now. He pressed a finger to her lips. ‘And we can have a safe word too. It’s all about trust.’ His eyes bore down on hers. ‘You do trust me?’
Donna nodded.
He kissed her gently on the tip of her nose. ‘Let’s run you a bath and pour some wine and get this party started.’
‘Sounds good to me, as long as you’re sharing both with me?’
‘Sure. I have to check a few emails and then I’ll come in to you.’
‘Don’t be too long.’
Donna grinned as she stepped inside the bathroom. It was as large as her living room at home, with white tiles, a white suite and chrome accessories. The only dash of colour came from a huge pile of deep purple towels. The shower cubicle was big enough for two - she hoped they’d get time to test it out - and the bath in the corner of the room, sitting on chrome claw feet, seemed as big as a cruise liner.
It took an age to fill it, but after a few minutes she immersed herself into the hot water, bubbles covering the surface, and sighed. Then she laughed again, picking up her wine glass.
Relaxing back, she closed her eyes and felt the stress and worries of the last few weeks being washed away as she soaked in the bubbles, the smell of lavender invading her senses. She hated her bathroom in Trudy Place, with its unstoppable patches of mildew appearing the minute her back was turned, its ancient aubergine-coloured suite and ghastly tiles with greying grout. She’d long ago given up lounging in the bath there.
A few minutes later, she surveyed her surroundings again with a grin. In anticipation, if a little nervous, she hoisted herself out of the water and reached for a towel. If Owen wouldn’t come to her …
Almost immediately, he was by her side. ‘Need any help getting dry, madam?’ he smirked.
He took the towel from her and rubbed it gently over her shoulders, down her arm and hand, drying each finger individually. Then the same with the other arm, while staring at her with intent. It was so erotic as he stooped down to dry her feet and then moved the towel up her leg to her thigh, slowly, slowly.
At the top, he stopped to kiss her stomach before moving down the other leg. Then he stood up and dried the top half of her body, taking longer than necessary over her breasts. The friction of the material against her skin made her gasp. He took her hand and led her to the bed.
She noticed a black gift bag placed on the covers.
‘For you.’ He smiled, handing it to her.
Donna opened it to reveal sexy black underwear. Blushing a little, she smiled. ‘Shall I put it on?’
‘Let me.’
Owen helped her to slip on the bra, closing the metal clasp at the front. The knickers had ties at either side but he placed them on the floor for her to step into.
‘Lie on your back,’ he told her afterwards.
Donna scrambled across the bed. ‘Like this?’ She laughed as she spread herself out like a starfish.
‘Exactly like that.’
‘But you’re fully dressed,’ she said.
‘I won’t be for long.’
Owen reached down to the side of the bed and pulled out two white nylon scarves. ‘Ta da!’
Donna laughed again. ‘You look like a magician.’
He took her left hand and lightly tied it to the corner post on the headrest. He straddled her body, taking her right hand and pushing it over her head. Then he tied that to the opposite corner of the headrest. This time, he pulled the scarf tight.
‘Ouch, that hurts,’ she said.
He moved back to the other side of the bed but he didn’t reply. Instead, he pulled two more scarves from the bag and tied her feet to either side of the base of the bed.
‘I’m going to blindfold you now,’ he smiled, ‘so that you lose all your senses.’
‘No, I don’t think I—’
‘And then, you can do the same to me. Deal?’
‘Okay, but if I—’
He placed the tip of a finger on her nose. ‘Close your eyes.’
She did as he said, wishing that she could just go with the flow and enjoy herself. She’d said she wanted a little excitement in her life but now she had the chance, she was scared again.
Get a grip, Donna, she told herself.
When she felt something touch her lips, she opened her eyes again. Owen pushed the scarf into her mouth. Her cry was muffled as he lifted her head and tied it at the back, pulling tightly on it to see that it was secure.
‘I had thought of blindfolding you,’ he said, stepping off the bed, ‘but I didn’t want you to miss the fun.’
Owen removed his clothes, and she felt his weight as he straddled her again. His eyes were dark pools as he leaned forward, closer and closer to her face.
‘Donna, Donna, Donna, you stupid gullible bitch.’ He grabbed her chin and squeezed it. ‘Never trust anyone who asks if you trust them.’
Owen drew back his hand and slapped her hard across the face.
Chapter Thirty-Two
It was just before midnight and Keera was waiting outside The Candy Club. Derek didn’t work on Saturdays as a rule but he’d been asked to help out as one of the other drivers had phoned in sick. He’d offered to give her a lift home, which she was glad about.
She’d just about had enough of men for one evening. Firstly, she’d had to massage smelly Martin Smith, then a man who wouldn’t stop talking about his wife. She was sure he was going to burst into tears if he mentioned her name again. Thankfully, the last client had fallen asleep after a few minutes so she’d had a bit of peace and quiet before she finished her shift.
She looked down the road, feeling vulnerable after her recent run-ins with Steve, but there was no one near her. Steve hadn’t shown his face for a few days. She wondered if he’d had enough after being threatened by Trevor Prince.
Her thoughts turned to her mum. She’d been slightly envious, but excited for her too, as she’d told her she was going away for a night with the new fella. She’d asked to meet him but Mum had
said all in good time.
Keera sighed loudly. Her mum seemed to be having more of a social life than her at the moment. She was happy for her and if she was honest, Keera wasn’t too bothered about going out. She’d had a couple of good nights at The Butcher’s Arms, yet on both occasions she’d felt lonely without Marley. However, Marley had sent her a message again earlier to ask if she could come and stay with her for a couple of nights, so Keera was looking forward to that. She couldn’t wait to see her friend, have a laugh like they used to.
A minute or so later, a car approached and stopped right in front of her. Keera stepped towards it and opened the passenger door.
‘Good evening, Derek.’ She slid into the passenger seat.
‘Good evening, Miss Keera,’ Derek replied playfully. ‘Did you have a good shift?’ he asked as he set off again.
‘It wasn’t too bad, thanks.’ She fastened the seatbelt and settled further into the seat with a sigh.
Relishing the fact that Derek would take her home safely, she marvelled at their relationship and how it had strengthened over the past few weeks. Since she’d been attacked, he’d been waiting for her at the bus stop to take her home most evenings and Keera had found herself looking forward to seeing him. It felt good to have someone looking out for her, and it was perfect being taken home in a taxi as no one would think anything of it. If anyone saw them, she didn’t need to explain their friendship. She could say that the nightclub had arranged it for her – or that she’d arranged it herself. But so far it had worked out well.
Even their working relationship had been fine. Keera had been worried since they had become so friendly that all other things would cease. As much as it was a job at The Candy Club, she did enjoy her time with Derek. For a while, it made the job less sleazy. She knew what he liked now and took pride in giving him pleasure, running her hands down his back and over tattoos on his shoulders.
Keera glanced at him as he drove, feeling a little guilty. She’d decided not to tell Derek about Steve coming in and having a go at them again last week. Although Steve had threatened what he’d do on his return, she didn’t believe him. His sort were usually all mouth. Estelle had said that if he came back, she would call management and they could deal with him. Keera had agreed that it was the best option but didn’t want to upset Ramona any more than was necessary.