Retribution

Chapter 44 - Gut Feelings

Days merged into weeks. Adam had fallen silent. Whilst pleasant and relieving, it concerned me. I'd never pushed him this far, so to guess his next move would be as lucky as winning the lottery.

Eight weeks floated by. School finished, the summer holidays came and went, and before I knew it, the blustery nights of September were upon us. Over the six-week summer holidays, Harvey and I spent nearly every weekend with Jake and Lewis, either taking picnics to the local park, or walking Ellie around wildlife parks.

Thoughts of Adam were always there, niggling in the back of my mind, but for the most part I managed to relax and forget he even existed. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't nice.

Today though, a particularly bitter Thursday nearing October, our feature with Front Row was being let loose. After our interview, the people from the magazine had gone away and done their research on domestic violence to incorporate some frightening facts alongside my words. Since then, I'd received various calls from different charities, hostels, and counselling groups asking me to discuss possible options with them in regards to representing them, and also helping the women and children they support.

To say I was flattered was an understatement. I couldn't believe all these people wanted to speak to me about my experiences, and best of all, not one of them questioned whether I was telling the truth or not.

Mid-morning on release day, my phone shrieked into life for the fifth time in an hour. The damn thing was getting on my nerves, but I answered it with a cheery voice nonetheless.

"You stupid fucking whore."

I froze. The heavy nasal breathing told me who it was without the need for words. My body prickled. Goosebumps covered me from head to toe. I turned around to Jake and indicated to him who was on the phone. Like a plug being pulled, the colour drained from his handsome face. Ellie, sensing my nerves, sat at my feet, whining and whimpering.

"Hi, Adam," I said, trying to mask over the tremble in my voice. "It's been a while."

"I'm going to say this once and once only. Let me see Harvey."

I sighed. "Adam, I've heard nothing from you for eight weeks. If you were that bothered about him, you'd have been in touch before now."

A sinister chuckle echoed down the line. "You've no idea about anything. None of you have. You're all wrapped up in your little bubble, thinking everything's bliss. Let me tell you something—pride comes before a fall."

"Is that a threat?"

"No, sweetheart. It's a promise. Just know that whatever happens from here on out is on your head, not mine."

Before I could think anything further, he hung up.

When I relayed the conversation to Jake, he gave me a hug and told me not to worry. Normally, his reassurance was enough to squash any ill feeling, but for some reason, this time, the unease in my gut only grew stronger.

Before I could think on it any longer, my phone rang again. Thinking it was Adam again, I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Dr Strawson's number flashing at me.

"Hi," I said.

"Hi, Louisa. Are you ok?"

I frowned. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you. How are you?"

"I'm good. I'm guessing you've forgotten about our scheduled appointment this morning?"

Dawning horror lurched inside me. Slapping my forehead with my hand, I groaned. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. It's been a bit manic today. I totally forgot." Glancing up at the clock on my living room wall, I noticed I was fifteen minutes late for our eleven-a.m. appointment. "Did you want me to come over now?"

A soft chuckle sounded down the line. "No, it's ok, don't stress yourself out any further. I've seen the article in Front Row. I have to say it's very impressive. How did you feel doing that?"

"Absolutely amazing," I replied, grinning. "It's like everything has now been suddenly vindicated, and no-one is questioning anything. How can this happen in the general public but not with the law? It doesn't make sense."

"The legal system is a minefield of grey areas and blurred lines unfortunately. It's very true when they say justice is blind. I'm glad you seem to have found your closure. Do you feel happy within yourself?"

"I do. I finally feel like a piece of me can be laid to rest. Is that weird?"

"Not at all. What is unusual for one person is perfectly normal for another. It's all about perception, remember?"

I giggled to myself. How could I forget that? We chatted for a few more minutes, discussing things between us, before I mentioned the subject of Adam and this morning's phone call.

"How do you perceive his words? Do you feel threatened?"

"Yes," I said, becoming more uneasy now I admitted it out loud. "He's never gone quiet on me—ever. Eight weeks is a long time. I know he wouldn't have given up—he doesn't know how to."

"Well, your gut instinct has led you this far, so you have no reason not to trust it now. Do whatever feels right for you, and I mean that for everything and anything in your life. What do you want to do?"

I said the first thing that sprung to mind— "Run."