Sweet Dreams - Ace Merrill

Home.

Fiona and Ronnie listened in somewhat horror as Vivian told them everything. Ronnie was the only one who now made notes as Fiona had kept her hands softly on top of Vivian's, her way of offering support.

They listened as Vivian told them of her father's want for her to be set for life, the blind date had been made and she'd met Zach. They listened as Vivian told them of how he refused to take no as an answer that first date, taking what he wanted the only way he knew how. They listened as Vivian told them of how she had found out she was pregnant and her father had shunned her, wanting nothing to do with an unmarried pregnant daughter.

They listened as Vivian told them how she had gone to Zach and his parents, hoping they'd hear her out and help. They listened as Vivian told them how Zach's parents had claimed it was her doing, not Zach's, and she had brought shame on their family. They listened as Vivian told them she was made to live there, in their attempt to save their family name, claiming a serious relationship with her son.

They listened as Vivian told them how when John was finally born, they had completely cut her out, refusing to help her in any way. They listened as Vivian told them how she was never allowed to be near or left alone with her son, and she was hit if she dared touch him. They listened as Vivian told them how they'd kicked her to the curb, leaving her homeless as she continued to struggle to get her son back.

They listened.

Neither officers said a word as Vivian told them everything.

Yet they felt somewhat surprise, hearing how she had met Ace in the cells and upon both being released, it seemed the pair had formed some very strange, unusual bond. They listened how Ace had seemingly taken it upon himself to ensure she gets her son back and that he was determined to get him back.

"And where is he now?" Ronnie finally asked, breaking the officer's silence.

"Back at home with Ace." Vivian replied without hesitation.

Eyeball couldn't help but smile as he heard her response. She had called it home.

The officers nodded slowly as Ronnie continued to write.

"You really believe Zach will try and get your son back?" Fiona asked quietly.

Vivian nodded but Eyeball finally decided to speak up again.

"Course they fucking will, she's just told you how he came to Ace's earlier?" He snapped slightly at them.

Vivian gently placed a hand on his leg, trying to ensure he stays calm as she looked back at the officers.

"Granted I did knock him out with a gun and threatened the others."

Fiona shook her head slowly. "That's just being a protective mother." She comforted the girl.

Eyeball scoffed slightly, he knew the truth. Vivian hadn't been protecting John when she did that, Ace had been threatened of course.

"Look I get nothing will be done about him-" Vivian started but was stopped.

"Something will be done." Fiona confirmed.

Ronnie coughed, gaining her attention. He faced Vivian slowly. "They're pretty strong up there and I think you're gonna need some kind of evidence to help back you up."

Eyeball snapped at his head at him. "Ain't her fucking bruises enough?!" He spat out as he ignored Vivian trying to keep him calm again.

Ronnie sighed as Fiona turned to Vivian. "We're just warning you. Chances are, owing to the fact Mr Merrill is now clearly involved, there's a possibility they could-" she started but Eyeball scoffed again, interrupting.

"They're gonna fucking say he hit her?!" He snapped, unable to stop himself from jumping up.

Vivian quickly jumped up and placed her hands on his chest, holding him back. Both Ronnie and Fiona stood up also as Ronnie instinctively moved closer to Fiona, ready to stand in front of her if Eyeball broke free from Vivian attempting to hold him back and keep him calm.

"We're just saying, there is a chance they'll use that as an excuse for the bruises." Ronnie spoke firmly.

"Man this is fucking bullshit!" Eyeball snapped as he pushed himself away from Vivian and took a few steps away, swinging his arms around in anger and frustration. "He's only ever fucking hit her with his lips!"

Vivian turned to the officers quickly. "It's not what it-" she started.

Ronnie quickly held his hands up, silencing her. "We understand don't worry."

"Is there anything you have in evidence against Zach and his family?" Fiona asked as she felt slightly safer, seeing Eyeball had moved away.

Vivian shrugged slightly as she shook her head. "Like what?"

The officers shared a glance as even they shrugged slightly. "Nobody ever witnessed it?"

Vivian shook her head again. "He only ever did it when it was just us in the house. It used to set John off like crazy."

"He did it in front of the baby?" Ronnie asked quietly.

Vivian nodded. "If I fought back, he would go for John. Baby never screamed so loud."

"How comfortable would you say John was with Zach?" Ronnie asked, his attention had been slightly peaked.

Eyeball scoffed behind her. "How fucking comfortable would you be seeing your dad fucking hitting your mum?!" He snapped, answering the question with his own.

Ronnie sighed slightly. "I meant was he comfortable being around Zach any other time?"

Vivian shrugged, "Whenever I saw them the baby just wanted me but obviously I wasn't allowed to touch him."

Ronnie nodded slowly.

"Viv let's just go, they clearly ain't gonna fucking do anything." Eyeball mumbled as he came closer to her, taking her hand in his, he'd had enough.

The officers sighed slightly as Vivian allowed Eyeball to gently pull her out the door. Quickly following them Fiona spoke up.

"Can we at least take you back home?" She offered.

Vivian glanced at Eyeball as the pair shared a silent conversation. Glancing back at the officers she gave them a small nod. Eyeball then led the four outside as the officers unlocked a car and the four jumped in.

"Where are we going exactly?" Ronnie asked as he started the car up. "Where's home?"

"Ace's house." Vivian replied as she gave Eyeball a glare, knowing the small smile he had on his face.