Shattered Perfection

Eighteen

They met Reece and Mia in the police station car park along with their solicitor. Siobhan got out of the car stiffly, dread settling in her stomach. Everyone looked pensive and worried. Eventually, the solicitor led the way to the front door. Vivian kept a close watch on Siobhan, she didn't want her to make herself ill by pushing too hard. They all stood, unsure while the solicitor spoke to the desk sergeant. One by one the solicitor escorted them into interview rooms. Siobhan and Viv sat in the grey room on the cheap plastic chairs. Siobhan had her hands in her lap but her fists were clenched and her knuckles were white. Finally, the door opened and the solicitor came in with a woman detective. She smiled at Siobhan and Vivian. 'Thank you for waiting,' she said sitting opposite the pair. 'I'm DI Crown and I'll be taking your statement.' Siobhan swallowed thickly and nodded, she reached for the cup of water which was on the table in front of her. Her hand shook slightly, something the DI did not miss. 'Miss Serpent, I understand until recently you were in a relationship with Mr Knight?'

Siobhan nodded again, 'that's correct,' she said softly.

'Can you tell me any incidents where Mr Knight allegedly acted illegally?'

Siobhan took a deep breath and began. DI Crown wrote down all the incidents Siobhan spoke about without comment, only speaking to clarify any details. Siobhan kept her gaze on the table top, unable to look at anyone as she described what Roger had done to her over the past few months. The solicitor had copies of Siobhan's medical records which corroborated her story. After a while, Siobhan shifted on the uncomfortable chair wincing in pain while he spoke. Vivian put her hand on Siobhan's arm.

'You ok?' she said quietly. Siobhan nodded but her face was pale and lips were pressed in a thin line. Her eyes were downcast and a frown had appeared. The DI didn't miss the interaction.

'Miss Serpent, are you able to continue? We can take a break if you need to?' She could see the pain in Siobhan's face and was sympathetic. 'Would you like a coffee?' she asked. Siobhan nodded again. DI Crown stood and left to get them the drink. The solicitor left to check on the others. As soon as the door closed Siobhan sagged against the table. Viv moved quickly, putting her arm around Siobhan's shoulders.

'Bon, talk to me.' She said quietly.

'I can't do anymore.' Siobhan admitted.

'How much pain are you in?' Viv asked, medical training overtaking her emotions. Siobhan closed her eyes.

'Too much.'

'We can stop whenever you want to.' Viv said.

'I need them to believe me.' Siobhan was stressing, what happened if Roger wasn't arrested and sent to prison, what would he do to her? She knew he would be after her and she couldn't hide forever. If they couldn't get a conviction, she was a dead woman walking.

DI Crown stood at the coffee machine thinking over what she had just heard. She knew other members of the Knight family were being interviewed at the same time. The son and daughter had indicated that they had clear evidence against Roger Knight regarding drug offences. There had always been suspicion that his business dealings were not always legitimate but evidence was thin on the ground. Whenever allegations had been made in previous years, the claimant had changed their mind after a time. Witness intimidation was suspected but couldn't be proven. DI Crown was sickened to hear what Miss Serpent had endured at the hands of that man. She was clearly a victim of domestic abuse. She was consistent, clear and terrified. The relationship with the Vivian woman was interesting though, she pondered.

Back in the room, Viv was taking Siobhan's pulse and was gently rubbing her back. 'Take it easy Bon bon, let's see what the DI says when she comes back.'

They sat in silence for the next couple of minutes until the door opened and the DI returned clutching polystyrene cups.

'I'll apologise for the state of the coffee now, it's not the best.' She smiled. Viv returned to her seat keeping a close eye on Siobhan.

'Thank you,' she said as she took the coffee from the woman. 'Do you need much more, Siobhan is struggling, she's in a lot of pain.' The DI looked sympathetically at Siobhan.

'Miss Serpent, we are nearly done, do you think you can continue?' Siobhan clutched her hands round the warm coffee cup, nodding shakily.

'Do you have any knowledge of any illegal activity other than the abuse from Mr Knight?' she asked. Siobhan shook her head. 'Did Mr Knight speak to you about his other business interests.'

'He didn't. I just worked for the nurseries.' Siobhan commented quietly.

'Did you ever meet any of his business associates?' DI Crown asked noting down her answers. Siobhan nodded.

'He would insist I should accompany him to meet various business men. Sometimes at the golf club, other times it was events or poker matches. I wasn't there to talk to them but to be looked at like a piece of meat.' Siobhan spat.

DI Crown was slightly surprised at her vehemence. 'Did any of the business associates touch you inappropriately?' Siobhan paused unable to answer. She felt dirty and disgusting. She ducked her head not wanting to meet anyone's eye especially Vivian's. She knew she wouldn't want to touch her once she knew. She gulped and nodded. Her hands came up and covered her face.

DI Crown asked a final question 'could you name them?'

Vivian supported an exhausted Siobhan out of the room. She had spoken about Janice but didn't know the extent of her involvement. The DI had taken photos of the visible injuries to add to the file. She was hopeful they could secure a conviction for domestic abuse but couldn't say how long he might spend behind bars if it got that far. Roger would employ his top lawyer who might use his power and influence to reduce any conviction time. They met Autumn and Winter in the car park, they had waited for them to take them back to their house. Autumn was pale with dark rings round her eyes. The whole thing had been an ordeal. DI Crown had offered information on domestic abuse charities and recommended counselling. But Siobhan knew, until Roger had lost his power and was behind bars her life was at risk. They silently drove home, all thinking about what had been discussed in the small grey rooms.

When they arrived Siobhan stiffly walked up to the bedroom and lay on the bed without a word. Vivian sat on the edge and brushed Siobhan's hair out of her face. 'You ok my love?' she asked. Siobhan shook her head and closed her eyes. 'I'll bring you some painkillers and water, then perhaps you can rest before dinner?' Viv continued. She quickly brought up the paracetamol handing both tablets and water to her. Siobhan was almost asleep as she took them. 'I'll be downstairs helping Winter if you need me.' She whispered as she pulled the door to.