Fracture

CHAPTER FIFTY TWO

❊-♡︎Scarlett♡︎-❊

"At this stage of the investigation, I'm afraid we have no further updates."

We had returned from Dublin less than an hour ago and the Gards were already at the door.

John Sr. had informed us that this would be a regular occurrence for the next while, which was causing a lot of tension in our house.

My mam wanted justice for us so badly, whereas Gerard and I were just trying to keep our heads above water.

It was New Year's Eve and I wanted the new year to actually be a fresh start. Not the same old hiding from my past.

"No further updates?" Mam wiped her nose with a tissue, "So that's it? He's still walking around a free man?"

"As of now the relevant authorities in Mumbai liaising with the Garda Siochana have been unable to locate Mark Allen. According to airlines officials, he never arrived at Shirdi International Airport on the dates you provided us with."

"So, he could be anywhere?" Mam demanded, "He could still be in Ireland?"

The thought did make my stomach churn. I wasn't a muscular teenage boy like Gerard. I had no means to defend myself.

It was like Gerard noticed my unease because he shot me a 'don't worry' look from his spot on the couch.

"Please try not to worry, Mrs. Allen," The detective spoke, "The relevant authorities are working tirelessly to see that man located and prosecuted to the full force of the law."

I tried to drown out what they were saying by watching whatever video game Gerard was playing, but I couldn't stop listening.

"And don't you two worry either," The detective added, "Every effort has been put in place to ensure your protection."

"Whatever you say," Gerard replied, unamused, "Either way, I wasn't worrying."

"Gerard," Mam sobbed, "You're perfectly safe now, pet. The locks have been changed and we've been granted an order of protection from the courts."

Thank god for that.

"Good to know, Mam," He continued to look at the screen of his phone, "Fuck, this round is a tricky one."

"I don't know what to say to him," Mam was speaking to the detective, "He keeps brushing it off."

"Because we've been dealing with this shit for ten years," I shot out, "Its not easy for us to talk to about."

"Oh, pet," Mam placed a hand on my arm, "I know that."

No she didn't.
She'd been adamant on us speaking to the Gards in order to speed up the prosecution.

"You are both remarkably composed," The detective offered.

"I'm remarkable, period," Gerard replied.

"There is also the matter of Deirdre O'Malley," The detective said, "Without your statement, the DPP are unable to go any further with the prosecution."