Jacob closed his notepad and leaned back.
‘Go on, in your own time,’ Gina said.
‘I spent all night awake, not knowing whether to say something, blaming myself, but you know what, he took advantage and I need to get this out of my system.’ She took a couple of deep breaths. Her nails tapped on the table as she trembled. ‘I left the function room just as the disco had started and went to the toilet. I came out feeling a little light-headed so I thought I’d hang out under the stairs to the first floor, just for five minutes until I felt a bit better. The light seemed so bright so I faced the wall with my head on my arms, blocking the light out, thinking, regaining my composure – whatever you want to call it. That’s when I felt a pair of hands snaking around my waist. At first, I thought it was Charlie—’ Francesca stared at the wall.
‘Charlie?’
‘My husband. I thought he’d come out to check on me. He was rubbing my back tenderly and I was enjoying it. When I turned it wasn’t him and before I knew it that tosser had his lips pressed against mine and his hands up my dress. He pushed his fingers into my pants. I tried to get him away from me but he was strong and had all his weight on me, pinning me against the wall. I heard people coming and going but I didn’t shout. I don’t know why I didn’t. For a moment, I thought if someone saw, they would think I was cheating on Charlie and I’d never do that. But I was drunk and I know what people think when you’re drunk. I should have said something when you interviewed me in the ambulance but it hadn’t sunk in. Eventually, I managed to push him away. He called me a prick tease and walked off. I feel so stupid. I didn’t want Charlie to find out. I still don’t, which is why I didn’t want it to be official. I just thought you should know. What if he hurt Holly after I pushed him away and ran off? I should have said something. It’s probably my fault Holly was killed.’ Francesca wiped her eyes and pulled some of her hair around her face as if trying to hide behind a few strands.
‘Francesca, what happened to you wasn’t your fault. Whoever did this should not have touched you or kissed you. Thank you so much for coming forward. I know it can’t have been easy to tell us what happened. You’re right to bring this to our attention. If someone did this to you, who’s to say he wasn’t capable of doing much more. It would really help us if you went on record with this or at least told us who you are talking about.’
‘I know what people are like. Some of them would say I was drunk, a bit flirtatious and dancing with anyone around, but Charlie, I just don’t know what he’d say.’
Gina placed her hands on the table. ‘What do you think he’d say?’
‘I think he’d be livid. Not at me, at him. I just don’t want any trouble. Cleevesford is a small town. I grew up here. My best friend’s wedding reception has already been ruined and all I’m going to do by reporting this is to add to an already bad memory.’
‘Any real friend would want you to feel safe enough to report an assault. I’m sure she will understand.’
Francesca stared at the mottled grey wall behind Gina and Jacob.
‘I have to do this. It’s the right thing to do.’
Gina slid the box of tissues across the table.
‘You can get your notepad back out. It’s okay. I’ll deal with whatever comes my way. I’ll have to. It was Samuel Avery, the landlord of the Angel Arms.’
A slight shiver travelled up Gina’s spine, resting at the base of her neck. She almost snapped the biro she was gripping as she pressed the tip to the page. The man who was worming his way into her daughter’s life as they spoke had committed an assault on a young woman only a couple of days earlier.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
As Cass finished her filing, she noticed her phone lighting up. It was probably Elvis. He’d be seeing if she was okay, maybe trying to make up with her. She skidded across the tiled floor in her tights and grabbed the phone. Her heart rate picked up and she smiled.
Are you free to talk? I just need someone and it would be lovely to catch up after so many years. I’m so sorry I’ve been distant but with all that happened, it’s been hard. Thank you for caring. Kerry. XXX
She went to reply. Don’t mess this up, Cass. Don’t mess up like you always do. She’d seen Kerry crying at the kitchen table at lunchtime and she’d reached out at the right moment. She didn’t expect things to move this quickly.
I can come straight after work. I finish at five. XXX
Straight after work, she could pop into the supermarket, grab a bottle of wine and they could chat away, just like old times when they were best friends, but back then they shared sweets. This time, they will drink wine and talk as adults do. Best friends again. She wanted to run around and do a dance. Jump with glee. She had her best friend back and life would only get better. A moment of guilt washed through her as she thought of Holly. She swallowed, knowing she should feel something but she didn’t. Holly’s death was helping her to get her best friend back. It would be her and Kerry from now on. No, Francesca and Lilly would get in the way, or maybe they’d accept her being a part of the new fold.
Pulling a vanity mirror from her bag, she gazed at her reflection. She didn’t belong in their world. Her round face and dark eyes made her look tired and bloated. She hadn’t eaten much at all. A couple of finger scoops of cream from a piece of cake barely counted. Her mind flashed back to the piles and piles of bread, the chocolate spread and the jam. She snapped the mirror closed and dropped it back into her bag. Transformation wouldn’t happen overnight. She’d take things slowly. For now, Kerry wanted her support and she was going to give as much as she could.
Melody came through the double doors with one of the other women from the marketing department. She glanced across then back at the woman. They both laughed as they went into a meeting. It never ended. Maybe if she and Kerry became best friends, there may be a role for her in her family’s business. Kerry, her new number one priority. Elvis could wait. She’d get to the bottom of what was happening in his life sooner or later. One day he will slip up and leave his laptop on or she’ll see part of a message flash up that actually means something. She didn’t expect things to move this quickly.
Thank you. You’re a real friend. Can we make it a little later, about eight? There are some things I have to do. See you later. K
Even the sound of another one of her colleagues giggling and pointing as she passed couldn’t ruin this moment for Cass.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Gina stormed into the Angel Arms with Jacob in tow, the place already packed out with people finishing work and coming in for a few drinks before going home. Her daughter swivelled around on a stool and rolled her eyes as she downed what looked like a gin and tonic.
‘Samuel Avery, please could you follow us.’
He grinned and threw a towel over a beer pump as he followed her and Jacob out of the bar and into the car park. ‘Come to harass me again? Didn’t want anyone to hear so you brought me out here. Am I warm?’