To Trust Again

[callyha]

Chapter 11

“Hi Rach. How are you doing?” Leah asked as she gave Rachel a hug

“I’m ok. Better thanks. And you?”

“Better than I thought. I mean, I can’t watch a wedding on TV anymore but, I’m good.” Leah replied.

“So I was wondering if you want to have a girlie night in?” Rachel asked

“Yea. That sounds good. Just say when and I’ll be there” Leah smiled

“I was thinking of asking Charlie as well” Rachel said cautiously

“Yea. That will be really good for her. It’ll show her she still has her friends”

“Well I’m glad you’ve said that. I could do with your help. It may take both of us to convince her to come” Rachel told Leah.

“I can meet you after I finish here. We’ll go round then. That sound good?” Leah said

“Yea. Give me a ring when you finish and I’ll meet you outside”.

“Ok. See you later”

“Bye”.

Charlie was sitting on her couch about to watch a film when her door bell rang. She lifted the remote up and turned the TV off. Grabbing her gun she made her way to the door.

“Who is it?” She asked through the door, holding the gun in front of her

“It’s Rachel and Leah” Said Rachel

Charlie breathed a sigh of relief. She placed the gun in the drawer near the door and opened the door.

“Hey” Charlie said, smiling

“We were thinking about going out tonight. Just us girls.” Leah said as she sat down on the couch

“Yea. Just girls. No men” Rachel added

“Thanks. But I think I’ll have a night in” Charlie said as she sat on a chair on the other side of the room

“Charlie, come on. We want you to come out with us. Like we used to” Leah said

“Yea. It wont be the same without you” Rachel added, hoping it would convince Charlie to changed her mind.

“I can’t” Charlie said softly

Leah and Rachel looked at each other.

“Charlie?” Leah spoke softly

Charlie looked up. Her eyes glazed with tears.

“Just come out for an hour. At least” Leah pleaded

“We will come straight back here if it gets too much” Rachel added

Charlie shook her head. “I can’t”

“Charlie, you can’t let Warren run your life now. He’s gone. You need to show yourself that you are a strong woman” Rachel said, now sitting next to Charlie, stroking her arm

“We will be right beside you the whole way” Leah added. As she stroked Charlie’s hair

“No” Charlie stood up and ran to her bedroom. Rachel and Leah looked at each other, heartbroken for Charlie.

On the walk back to Leah’s..

“Poor Charlie. I was so wrapped up in myself, that I never thought that Charlie was coping with this on her own” Leah said

“We weren’t to know. We lost contact with each other. And Charlie never said anything about what she was going through” Rachel added

“We should have known. We were so close. All of us. I just can’t help thinking that I could have helped in some way” Leah said

“What could you have done?”

“I don’t know. Urge her to come forward, to tell the police”

“In those situations its easier said than done” Rachel replied

Leah nodded as she realise that it isn’t as easy to do as it was to say. Carrying on down the road, Leah and Rachel spoke very little.

Flashes back to when they were happy, and on the beach went through their minds.

Charlie wiped the tears from her eyes. She was so sick of crying over it. Grabbing the picture of that day on the beach she looked at herself and Angelo. Wishing she was still with him. Wishing that he hadn’t gone over seas. Wishing that she had the courage to go out again.

Charlie walked into the living room and picked up the phone. She stared handset as she bit her lip. Eventually she brought her finger up and began to dial..

“Hello?” Answered a woman

“Hi. It’s Charlie. Is tonight still on?” She asked the woman

Miles rang Angelo and Tony and asked them to meet him at the pier. He had a plan.

“What can I do for you mate?” Tony asked as she walked towards Miles

“Just wait until Angelo gets here” Miles replied

Tony and Miles waited for five minutes before Angelo made his way to the pier

“Good job there wasn’t an emergency” Miles told Angelo

“Sorry. I got caught up. What’s the problem?” Angelo asked

“I thought we should go out” Miles told them

“ And you asked us to meet you here because?…” Tony asked, slightly confused

“Well, I don’t know really. Just a change of scenery. But I just thought we should go out” Miles said

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with what Irene said a couple of hours ago, would it?” Angelo asked

“What’s that?” Asked Tony

“Leah told Irene that she and Rachel were having a girls night out. And they were going to see if Charlie would go” Angelo told Tony

“So are you in?” Miles asked

“How do you know if its worked?” Tony asked

“I don’t. but if it has worked and we don’t go out, then we may never be able to help them” Miles said

“Ok. Meet in an hour at Splosh?” Miles asked

“What is it with you and that bar?” Tony asked

“Memories. And I like the name” Miles answered with a grin on his face.

[callyha]

Chapter 12

Miles walked up to the bar and ordered three beers. Turning around he leaned on the bar, looking out to see who he could see.

“Hey, Miles. Got a drink?” Angelo asked. Miles turned around and picked the beer bottle from behind him and gave it to Angelo

“Cheers” Angelo said as he put his bottle to his mouth

Tony walked over and took his bottle from Miles. The three men clinked their bottles together and turned to face the people in the centre of the room.

“God. These people forgot to put trousers on!” Tony said as he looked at a woman wearing a dress that only just covered her bum

“I think it’s supposed to be like that” Miles said

“It looks horrible” Tony said as he curled his face up in disgust.

Angelo laughed as he saw Tony look away.

“So. Have you come up with how you’re going to get the girls to come to the beach?” Tony asked

“Nope. I kind of hoped you had something” Angelo said as he looked at Tony and Miles. Tony shook his head. Miles looked down

“Well this is good” Angelo said sarcastically.

In the taxi Charlie was breathing deeply as she tried to calm herself down. Rachel placed her hand on top of Charlie’s to help cal, her down.

“Just here will do perfect” Leah told the driver.

“Ok. That’ll be $15 dollars please” The driver said as he pulled up to the kerb.

Leah paid the driver and the women got out of the car.

“Which on shall we go in?” Leah asked as she linked arms with Charlie.

Charlie shrugged her shoulder.

Rachel looked through the window of a bar, there were too many people in there and she didn’t want to overwhelm Charlie.

“Lets walk” Rachel said.

Rachel kept looking to her left, trying to find a bar that didn’t look so crowded.

“What about this one?” Leah said as she glanced to her right.

Rachel and Charlie looked over to where Charlie was looking.

“Can do” Rachel said. Charlie remained quiet.

The women crossed the road and entered the bar.

All eyes fell on to the women when they entered. Women hit their men when they looked at Charlie, Leah and Rachel.

Rachel was wearing a knee-high red dress, which she paired with a nice pair of cream shoes that had red detail on. Her little clutch bag was also cream.

Leah was wearing a blue floor-length dress, which covered her silver shoes. Her bag too, was cream.

Charlie was wearing a cream dress with black detail on, her shoes were black and the little clutch bag she had was silver.

They walked over to the bar.

“Hi. Can I get a vodka tonic, a gin and tonic and, what do you want Charlie?” Leah asked as she looked at Charlie

“Glass of wine. Please” Charlie said quietly

“And a glass of wine please” Leah finished telling the barman.

“Well done Charlie. See it’s not that bad” Rachel said as she held Charlie’s hand.

Charlie smiled awkwardly

“Here you go” Leah said as she handed out the drinks.

They walked over to the seating area near the window. Charlie went and sat closest to the window so she’d be blocked by Leah and Rachel.

“What do you think the women are doing?” Miles asked looking miserable as he took a swig of his beer

“Dunno. Probably sitting at home watching a film” Angelo replied as he let out a bored sigh.

Tony walked back to the bar and looked over to the window. He squinted as he focused his attention towards the window

“What’s up?” Angelo asked as he saw Tony looking intensely at the window

“It’s the girls. Come on” Tony said as he gestured for Angelo and Miles to get up.

“Hey girls. Mind if we sit down?” Tony asked as he stood near Rachel

Miles and Angelo smiled at them as they waited for an answer

“Yea, sure” Leah said.

Tony, Angelo and Miles got some stools and sat near the girls. Charlie moved her seat ever so slightly further to the window. Angelo looked disappointed as she did this.

They all sat for a good five minutes before any spoke.

Charlie was wishing she was at home. She didn’t make any eye contact with anyone she was sitting with.

“So Rachel” Tony said, not able to think of the end of that sentence

“So Tony” Rachel replied, mocking Tony.

Leah kept looking at Miles. She wanted to speak to him, but couldn’t find the words.

“Can I get anyone another drink?” Angelo asked, to break the awkwardness between them all.

“Beer please” Miles answered

“Yea, same please” Tony said

“Vodka tonic” Leah said

“Gin and tonic please” Rachel said

Charlie paused for a moment “Wine please” She said, quietly.

Angelo returned to the table with everyone’s drink. Angelo took Charlie’s glass of wine and handed it to her. She put her hand up to take the glass but looked away. Her hand touched Angelo’s hand and she let go of the glass.

“Oh my god” Leah said as the glass smashed on the table

Charlie got up and apologized for what happened. She made her way to the door with everyone following her when…

“Fire!” Shouted a customer

[callyha]

Chapter 13

Running along the beach after her boyfriend Charlie thought of how lucky she was to have a man like Angelo in her life. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t tell him. He was so supportive when Ruby ran away after finding out the truth about her parentage.

Charlie fell to her towel, Angelo fell to his towel next to her and the two gazed into each others eyes.

“Hey, you two love birds! Wanna play?” Miles said as he threw the beach ball at Charlie

“Yea, I could do with seeing you defeated” Charlie replied as she stood up

“Right, guys against gals” Tony said as he got himself into position.

Charlie threw the ball up into the air and hit it towards Leah, Leah then hit it to Rachel who missed.

“Sorry!” Rachel said to the girls as the guys slowly ran toward each other high fiving as they did

Tony passed the ball to Angelo, Angelo passed it to Miles, the ball went over the net and Charlie smacked it back over the net.

“Our point I believe” Charlie said sarcastically cocky

After nearly an hour of playing the score was tied.

“Alright, this is the deciding point.” Miles said, as he gasped for air

The ball went into the air, Miles hit it to Tony, Tony to Angelo, Angelo hit it over the net. Leah ran over to where the ball was and hit it up as high as she could. Rachel then slammed it over the net. Scoring the final point.

The girls kissed their hands and then put their hand on their bums and smugly smiled at the men.

The men looked at each other, and then the girls. Tony ran after Rachel, Miles ran after Leah and Angelo ran after Charlie.

Swooping the girls in their arms they carried them into the sea and dropped them.

The girls chased the boys out of the water and back to their towels. Each falling into their partners and kissing.

“I’m going to get a drink. Anyone want one?” Miles asked as he stood up

“I’ll have a coke please” Angelo said

“Me too”

“Me three”

“Same”

“Orange please”

Miles nodded and made his way to the drinks stand.

Tony and Angelo moved Miles’ towel and began to dig.

The three women looked at their men

“I think Tony is the one” Rachel said

“Oh my god, that’s great.” Leah said as she smiled at her friend

“Yea. I think he may want to take our relationship to the next level too” Rachel added

“What makes you say that?” Charlie asked

“I saw a receipt for $1500. It was from a jewelers” Rachel said with a huge grin on her face.

“Don’t forget, Leah and I are the bridesmaids” Charlie said quickly

Rachel let out a laugh “Of course”

“What about you Leah? Is Miles the one?” Charlie asked

“I don’t think marriage is on the horizon, but I’m ok with that. I just like things the way they are.” Leah answered

“What about you Charlie?” Rachel asked

“I don’t know. I’ve always thought I wasn’t the wedding kind of person. I’d go to one. But I never pictured myself wearing the dress. But Angelo. I’d marry him if he asked” Charlie replied.

Miles walked back with the drinks.

“Quick!. He’s coming” Angelo said

Tony threw his spade away and grabbed Miles’ towel. He and Angelo placed it over the hole.

“Thanks mate” Tony said as he took his coke off Miles.

Miles handed the drinks out to everyone and went to sit down on his towel.

Laughter filled the air as Miles fell through. His feet came above his head, his drink spilled over him. “Very funny guys” Miles said, un-amused.

Tony and Angelo couldn’t speak for laughing.

The day was nearly over. The tide was coming in, the sun was setting and the three couples packed everything away.

“Wait a minute” Leah said. She took a camera out of her bag. “Excuse me? Hi, could you take a picture of us please?” Leah asked a dog-walker as he walked past the group.

The group stood in a line, Leah and Miles held hands and rested their heads on each other, Tony and Rachel stood cheek to cheek whilst holding hands and Charlie and Angelo stood next to each other, their heads slightly turned, gazing lovingly into each others eyes. The man took the picture and handed the camera back to Leah.

“Thank-you” Leah said to the man.

Smoke filled the room, beams fell from the roof, flames circled the room. In the middle of the floor lay a body. A memory had come back to them as they layed their, unconscious and waiting to be rescued.

Outside the building the police had blocked the way to the bar. People were panicking as they realised what was going on. Fire brigades arrived on the scene and began unloading their equipment.

Miles looked around the crowd of people gathered on the street. He saw Leah and ran over to her.

“Leah!”

“Miles! Oh my god! Are you ok?” Leah shouted as she ran towards Miles

The two embraced in a tight hug as they comforted each other.

“Miles, Leah! Have you seen Tony?” Rachel asked as she approached the two

“No I haven’t” Miles replied. Tears fell down Rachel’s face. Miles and Leah pulled her in close as they all shared a tight hug.

[callyha]

Chapter 14

“Where is he? He was right behind me! He should be out!” Rachel cried

“He’s somewhere Rach, we just need to look” Miles said as he stood on his tip-toes trying to see above the crowd.

“Rach!” Tony shouted as he made his way through the crowd. He stood high, looking over the top of people, trying to get a better look.

“Sorry, mate” Tony said as he bumped into someone. “Angelo!” Tony hugged him with happiness.

“Tony, you alright? Have you seen the others?” Angelo asked as they pulled apart

“No, I haven’t. Rachel was right in front of me. I have to find her” Tony said frantically spinning round looking for Rachel

“We will. We’ll find them all”

“Tony!” Shouted Miles, Leah and Rachel.

Tony turned around when he heard his name.

Relief covered everyone’s faces when they realised they were al safe and out of the burning building.

Tony lifted Rachel up in the air and brought her down into a tight, caring cuddle.

“Where’s Charlie?” Angelo asked as he realised Charlie wasn’t anywhere to be seen

Everyone looked at Angelo.

“Come on guys. One of you should have seen her. She was in front of us all!” Angelo shouted.

“I didn’t see her” Rachel said, watching Angelo’s face show his pain.

“Fire!” shouted a customer

Panic waved across the customers in the bar. Masses of people made a run for the door, people fell to the floor as they were pushed out of the way. Windows were smashed as people climbed out of them. Rachel was first out, with Tony right behind her. Rachel went to the left and Tony was pushed with the crowd to the right. He was carried off until he fell to the ground.

Angelo searched for Charlie as the flames became more intense. Miles grabbed him and dragged him from the building, getting himself lost in the crowd. Leah had climbed out the window and waited near a post until she could see anyone she knew.

A women in the bar staggered across the room. Disorientated, and coughing from all the smoke. Collapsing to the floor she murmured a name. “Angelo”.

Closing her eyes as she fell unconscious she thought of a memory.

[callyha]

Chapter 15

As the flames headed toward the sky, Angelo thought of nothing but Charlie. Wondering if she was still in the building or if she was alone somewhere, looking for him. Wiping his tears from his face he stood on a newsstand and peered over the heads of the terrified people. Looking over to an ambulance he saw a tall woman with long brown hair.

“Charlie” he whispered to himself. Jumping of the stand he made his way through the crowd. As he approached the woman he smiled.

“Charlie” Angelo said as he placed his hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Sorry, I thought you were someone else” He said when the woman turned around.

Disappointed, he walked back to Miles, Tony and the girls.

“We’ll find her” Rachel said as she comforted Angelo.

“What if we don’t?” Angelo asked

“She’ll be ok mate” Tony said as he placed his hand on Angelo’s shoulder.

Rachel looked at Tony and was glad that she had him to lean on in a time like this. She smiled.

Leah shivered with cold causing Miles to give her his jacket. She looked up at him and smiled. Miles smiled back at her.

Angelo looked around the crowd again. Hoping to, this time, spot Charlie. He looked back over to the bar and saw the flames engulf everything they touched. Tears fell down his face when he remembered…

“Angelo come on! We have to get out!” Miles said as he grabbed Angelo’s arm

“No! I have to find Charlie!” Angelo shouted

“If you stay then you’ll die!” Miles replied, this time dragging Angelo out.

Angelo turned around and saw a woman stagger across the floor. She looked disorientated. Suddenly she collapsed to the floor.

Walking further away from the bar Angelo got split up from Miles. He could hear him shout, but couldn’t see him. Walking around and turning when he could he bumped in to a man.

“Sorry mate.. Angelo” Tony said.

“No!” Angelo screamed as he realised the woman he saw was Charlie. He started to run towards the bar.

“Hey, hey. Where do you think you’re going?” A police officer asked Angelo as they held him back

“There’s a woman in there. She’s unconscious. I have to get to her” Angelo told the officer

“I’m sorry. But you can’t go in there” the officer told Angelo. Angelo walked away. Upset and angry.

“What was that about?” Tony asked as he went to Angelo

“It’s Charlie. She’s still in there” Angelo said. Heartbroken

“Oh my god. Do they know?” Miles asked

“I’ve told them, but I don’t think they’ll listen. Bastards.” Angelo said. Now more angry.

“Angelo, no. don’t go please. I love you” Charlie cried

“I love you to. But I have to go. I can’t get out of it” Angelo replied

“How long will you be gone?”

“I don’t know. I’ll miss you” Angelo said as he held Charlie’s hands

“I’ll miss you to”

Angelo went to a drawer and took out a box.

“This is for you” Angelo said as he handed a box to Charlie

Charlie took the box and opened it. “Angelo. It’s beautiful” She said as she hugged Angelo.

“Turn around” Angelo said. Charlie lifted her hair out of the way and Angelo placed the necklace around her neck. The heart pendant sat comfortably on her chest. The single diamond shone in the light. Holding the heart in her hand she cried as she looked at Angelo. “My love. Always and forever” Angelo said as he kissed her one last time.

As the door shut Charlie fell to the floor in tears.

Angelo coughed as he entered the bar. Covering his mouth with his sleeve he glanced around the room, looking for Charlie. “Charlie!” He shouted. But nothing. He couldn’t hear a shout. Only the water gushing in through the roof.

Looking down at the floor he squinted as he looked round. In the distance he saw a dress. It was cream in some places and sooty in others. “Charlie!” he shouted as he crawled along the floor.

[callyha]

Chapter 16

Leah snuggled into Miles’ chest. Embracing her, Miles tighten his grip of her. Smiling on the inside as she let him comfort her. Leah sobbed as stared at the floor. Remembering how Charlie wanted to leave the bar.

"Miles?" Leah moved away from Miles

"Yea?" Miles looked at Leah

"Charlie will make it. wont she?" Leah asked. not looking at Miles

"Yes. she will." Miles answered, taking Leah's hand he brought her back in to his arms. a tear fell down his cheek.

Rachel sat on the kerb. Her hands covering her mouth. Tony went and sat next to her. “Rach? Come on don’t sit there, you’ll make yourself cold”

“I don’t care.” Rachel said as she looked over at Tony. “Charlie wouldn’t be in there if I didn’t force her to come out. She wasn’t ready. It’s my fault” Rachel cried

“Rachel, you cant blame yourself. You were been a friend to her, trying to help her back on to her feet. You weren’t to know about any of this” Tony said as he moved closer to Rachel

“No. if she dies, I’ll never forgive myself, Tony.” Rachel barely finished speaking when she began to sob. Tony pulled her into him and held her as she cried.

closing his eyes caused a tear to fall ever so slowly down his face. he reopened his eyes and looked to the building. he swallowed hard.

In the building..

Angelo turned the woman over. He smiled when he realised that he had found Charlie, but his smile soon went when he saw that she wasn't moving. he placed his ear near Charlie's mouth to hear any breathing. looking down her chest he saw it moved up and down slightly.

"Thank god!” He whispered. Angelo placed his arm under Charlie’s neck when he felt something. Running his hand around her neck, he found a chain. He smiled when he realised she was wearing the necklace he had bought her. Picking Charlie up he made his way to where he had entered the building. A beam of wood fell before he got to the hole. “****” he muttered to himself. He looked down at Charlie. She was still breathing, but unconscious. Looking over at the door he saw a path. He kissed Charlie on her forehead and made his way to the door.

[callyha]

sorry that i posted chapter 16 twice. lol. my computer went funny

Chapter 17

With the fire put out, police were able to start their investigation. Looking in each room extensively for any clues as to how the fire started.

Fire officer Kendal approached the police officer in charge.

“We found this in the back room. Who ever did this, knew what they were doing” Kendal passed Peterson the burnt petrol can. The detailing on it showed that who ever made the petrol bomb, had thought of every little detail.

“Thank you. Was there anything else back there?” Peterson asked

“Only the can and this” Kendal handed Peterson a small locket which had a picture in and something engraved on it.

“Thanks. Is this area safe to be searched thoroughly?” Peterson asked

“You’ve only got 24 hours. The building structure is completely damaged and needs to be taken down”

“24 hours. Doesn’t give me long” Peterson said to himself.

At the hospital…

“Thirty year old woman, inhaled a lot of the smoke, unconscious for about thirty minutes, bleeding from the head, treated on site for a dislocated shoulder, the other shoulder is believed to be fractured. Internal injuries unsure of, no signs to say there are though” A paramedic told the doctor as Charlie was wheeled in.

Angelo watch on as Charlie was wheeled in to A&E. tears fell down his face as she disappeared.

“Your test results will be through soon. I don’t think you have anything to worry about though. Just rest.” Dr. Zedrich told Rachel as she put her arm back through the strap on her dress. Rachel forced a smile on her face.

Tony knocked on the door “Can I come in?”

“Yea” Rachel said as she smiled.

The doctor left the two of them.

“Are you ok?” Rachel asked

“Yea. Just breathed in a lot of the smoke. The doc. Said I’m one of the lucky ones” He smiled

“That’s good. Same here, just the smoke inhalation” Rachel replied, then wiped a tear from her face.

“Rach, don’t. you can’t blame yourself for this”

“Charlie is in a really bad way. She was in that building for half an hour. If I hadn’t told her to come out she wouldn’t be laying in here” Rachel sobbed.

Tony didn’t know what to say. Rachel seemed to believe that all of this was her fault. Saying nothing, he sat on the bed next to Rachel and did what he did best. Held her.

“Tony, Rachel! You ok?” Leah asked as she walked over to them and gave them a hug

“Yea, just shaken up really” Tony answered. Rachel nodded

“Tony. Rachel.” Miles said as he came round the corner with coffee. “Any news?”

“Nah, not yet mate” Tony answered as he took a coffee.

Angelo walked along the corridor, his white shirt tinted black.

“Angelo” Leah sympathetically said and went over and gave him a hug. He rested his head on Leah’s shoulder and cried.

[callyha]

Chapter 18

I know this is a short one. But hopefully it will get you thinking...

The man walked to his cupboard. Angrily he grabbed the handle and pulled it open. Rummaging about in the cupboard he grabbed sterilized fluid, gauze and some tape. He opened the bottle and poured it over the wound on his hand. He let out a pained gasp as the fluid got to work in his wound. He held out his hand in font of him. Redness was surrounded by black. Glass was embedded in his hand. He put the fluid down and grabbed the glass. Letting out a scream as the glass left his hand. Pouring the rest of the fluid on to his hand he continued to clean himself up.

Closing the cupboard behind him he headed to the kitchen.

Holes had been punched through the wall, chairs had been thrown across the room, tables were upside down, glasses were smashed.

Going in to the fridge he grabbed a bottle of beer. Opening it with his mouth, he spat he lid out on to the floor and made his way to the front room. The front room wasn’t much better than the kitchen. All the walls had been punched, the units had been pushed on to the floor. The only clean thing in the room was a picture. A picture of a man and a woman, looking into each others eyes. The man walked over to the picture. Picking it up, the rage filled his body. He used all his strength and pushed the couch out of the way. Kicking his way round the room nothing was safe. He through the picture at the wall. The glass in the frame smashed when it made contact.

The frame fell to the floor with a thud. The picture floated down to the floor. The man walked over to the picture. He stood looking at it. Noticing a necklace around the woman’s neck.

“S***” he said as he realized he had lost it.

[callyha]

Chapter 19

“Any clues on as to who started the fire?” Davidson asked as he placed a coffee on Peterson’s desk

“Just waiting for the results to come through. The pendant had an inscription on it, which intelligence is just checking” Peterson answered, bringing his cup to his mouth.

Davidson looked at Peterson and then at the papers on the table. Picking them up he looked in them.

“Erm, sir? These papers indicate a surveillance tape was recording on the night the fire took place” Davidson said, reading from the paper.

“Where did you read that?” Peterson asked as he walked over to Davidson. Taking the papers off Davidson he read form himself.

“Get your coat. come on”

The two officers left the building.

“Any news doc?” Angelo asked as he stood up

“She is still unconscious. But Charlie is breathing on her own. Her lungs will feel compressed for a while until her breathing returns to normal. My concern is her throat”

“Her throat?” Angelo asked, puzzled

“When a person breathes in the fumes of a fire, their respiratory system is obviously affected. But it will sort its self out with time. However, Charlie has received an injury to the trachea. An injury never seen before from an ordeal like this”

“What does this mean?” Angelo asked, now even more confused

“Has Charlie, been in an abusive relationship?” The doctor asked. Looking at Angelo in disgust.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Its not me” Angelo said, defending himself.

“All I can go in is what I see. I see a women in there with an injury only found in victims how have had severe trauma to the throat. And seem as though you are the man I see here every day..”

“Well your wrong.” Angelo looked down. “Thank you” he said, biting his tongue.

Charlie lay on the bed in the room all alone. The beeping of the machine broke the silence. Above her head the words Buckton, Charlie were written. On the table side cabinet next to the bed were Charlie’s jewellery. The pair of earrings Ross got her for her 21st birthday, were inside the chain of the necklace Angelo had given her they day he left.

A lone tear ran down Charlie’s face.

Nine years ago

“Happy birthday darling!” Ross Buckton said as his daughter walked into the kitchen.

“Thanks dad” Charlie replied as she received a hug from her father.

“Happy birthday love” Elise Buckton said as she walked over to her daughter. Charlie smiled as she looked at her parents.

“Where’s Ruby?2 Charlie asked as she looked at the door.

“She’s at a friend’s house. Having a sleepover” Ross told her

Charlie’s smile disappeared for a moment.

“So, you want your gift now or later?” Elsie asked

“Mum, I said no gifts” Charlie said

“I know, but its not everyday your daughter turns 21.” Elsie replied revealing a box from her pocket.

Charlie took the box in her hand and opened it. “Mum. Its beautiful” Charlie said as she took the pendant out of the box.

“Good” Elsie said as she helped her daughter put it on.

Taking hold of the pendant in her hand, she ran her finger across the top.

“It’s engraved” Charlie said as she felt letters.

“Yea. Its yours and my initials. Inside is a picture of me holding you the day after you were born. Maybe one day you could do the same” Elsie told her daughter.

A tear ran down Charlie’s face as she gave her mother a hug.

“And this is from me. Your mother didn’t help” Ross told Charlie, pleased with himself.

Charlie took the box from Ross and opened it. “Dad. There beautiful” Charlie said as she hugged Ross. “Thank you.” She said as she looked at both her parents.

Five months ago

“Warren no please!” Charlie said as she cowered in fear

“Shut up, you cheating slut! How many have their been? Three? Four?” Warren bellowed as he raised his hand

“None. I haven’t done anything!” Charlie screamed

“Don’t lie to me! You bitch!” Warren shouted, bringing his hand down hard on Charlie’s face. “Now answer me! How many have their been!”

Charlie didn’t speak. She shook with terror. Unable to control it. Angered that he didn’t know, Warren took his bear-like hand and grabbed Charlie round her dainty neck. Kicking her legs as she tried to break free, Charlie gasped for air.

“Tell me!”

Charlie shook her head as she struggled for air. Squeezing harder he glared in Charlie’s terrified eyes. Letting her go he stormed her jewellery box. Finding a pendant he put it in his pocket. “The most treasure thing you own. Tell me their names and you get it back. don’t tell me. And your mothers momentum goes” he spoke. Almost psychotic.

Charlie cried hard as she looked at the door, holding her neck as the pain took over.

[callyha]

Chapter 20

“Just a sec” Tony shouted when he heard a knock on his door. Grabbing a towel he dried his hands and made his way to the front door. Looking through the glass in the door he smiled when he saw Rachel.

“Hey” Tony said, still smiling. “Come in” he added

“Thanks” Rachel said, slightly reserved.

Entering the front room Rachel looked around. She saw pictures of Tony with his son’s, a picture of Jack and Lucas together, and of them apart. Looking on, she saw a picture taken in front of a sunset. A smile formed over her face when she realised it was from their holiday they went on three months before Tony went to Sydney.

“How are you?” Tony asked as he showed Rachel to a seat.

“I’m good. Thank you” Rachel replied, still smiling.

“What’s got you smiling?” Tony asked, noticing the smile on her face.

“I’m just thinking. Anyway, I came round to ask you for a favour”

“What kind of favour?” Tony asked, suspiciously

“It’s Angelo. He isn’t coping with Charlie still been in hospital. And now the doctor is accusing him of abusing her” Rachel told Tony

“What? Why would they think that? Angelo loves Charlie. He’d never hurt her” Tony said, angered by what he was hearing

“I don’t know. Its just what the doctor said because of an injury she has” Rachel paused. “So can you talk to Angelo? Help him?” Rachel continued

“Yea. I’ll try” Tony said looking up at Rachel with a smile on his face.

“Thanks” Rachel said. Smiling back at him.

An awkward silence fell over the two. Never making eye contact.

Fives minutes went by and Rachel and Tony were still struggling. The phone rang, breaking the tension. Rachel used this as a get out card and left.

Walking out of Tony’s house she lent up against the wall, sighed happily as she smiled to the sky.

At the diner..

Leah walked out of the kitchen with two plates in her hand. Placing one of them down in front of a customer. Leah then took the other plate to an empty table and sat down.

Miles walked in to the diner and saw Leah sitting by herself.

“Mind if I join you?” He asked as he stood near Leah

“Sure” Leah said, holding her hand out to the chair.

“Thanks” Miles sat on the seat.

Silence fell between the two.

Miles cleared his throat “Can I have a chip please?” He asked as he wiggled his fingers

Leah chuckled and nodded her head. Miles took one of her plate and nosily ate it.

“Think you could be louder?” Leah jokingly teased

“I could try” Miles smiled

“Look. I never thanked you for what you did that night”

“Forget about it” Miles shrugged

“No Miles. It’s been a long time since I had that. Someone I could lean on. I never had that with Ian. And that was made clear on my wedding day” Leah told Miles.

“I was just been a friend” Miles answered

“No your weren’t. you were been.. You were been.” Leah couldn’t answer

“I was been…” Miles asked

“Like you were when we were together” Leah said. With tears in her eyes. “If I felt sad, you cheered me up. When I was cold, you heated me. I trusted you with everything. I wish we still had that” Leah said, as she looked helplessly at Miles.

“So, what’s stopping you?” Miles asked

“Ian” Leah said. Getting up from her seat she ran out of the diner in tears.

Miles looked at the door where Leah and ran to. His mouth open in shock.

At the hospital….

“I’m sorry, but we can’t allow Angelo in” the doctor told Charlie

“Why not?” Charlie snapped

“We have our reasons. And until the police give us some information we are looking for, he can’t come in”

“I am the police. Let him in” Charlie said

“No. we have an over ruling here. He stays out there”

“What is it you’re waiting for?” Charlie asked, glaring at the doctor.

The doctor took a step forward, Charlie picked the covers up and pulled them higher over herself.

“This is what I’m wanting” The doctor said with his hands stretched out, showing what Charlie had just done.

“And you think Angelo has something to do with me pulling covers up over me?” Charlie said. Hiding the fear in her voice

“No, the reason behind why you did it. Charlie when you can in here you were unconscious. I gave you a through medical examination. Bruising, lacerations, scars, small fractures. These are all signs of physical abuse. And the demonstration you have just given me shows me that my suspicions were correct” the doctor told Charlie. Charlie remained still. Holding herself, she began to speak.

“It has nothing to do with Angelo. So can you let him in please” Charlie said, not making eye-contact.

“If you’re sure” the doctor said.

“Yes” Charlie said. A slight smile appeared on her face when the door opened.