Shattered Perfection

Thirty Four

The next day, they waited for news from the court. They would find out if they pled guilty or not and whether the judge granted bail. The idea that they could be released terrified Siobhan. All the strides she had made at becoming stronger emotionally felt like they had crumbled away. She couldn't settle, didn't want to eat and she started jumping at unexpected noises again. Vivian's heart broke for her and she did what she could to distract her but it was fruitless.

Eventually, just after lunch, the phone rang again and Siobhan jumped out of her skin. 'It's alright love,' reassured Viv before answering it. Vivian's face was unreadable while she listened to the voice on the other end. She hung up. 'That was DI Crown. They both pled not guilty meaning it will go to trial but they weren't granted bail.' Siobhan breathed out slightly. She had visions of them coming around kicking the door in as soon as they were released. She stood ringing her hands thinking a mile a minute.

'This mean I have to go to court?' she asked.

Viv looked at her sympathetically, 'it's not definite but likely.' She put her arms around her running a hand into Siobhan's hair and scratching her scalp slightly, something she realised relaxed her. Siobhan hugged Viv back and buried her face in her neck breathing deeply. She was worried but having Viv's strong arms around her helped. Her bruises were fading but the scars inside would take time to heal. They had contacted Woman's Aid for advice for those fleeing domestic violence. She's been offered the Freedom Programme to complete to help her not get into the same situation again. Viv encouraged her to do anything she thought would help. She wanted her to speak to someone but she was resisting. Siobhan felt better with her injuries healing and thinking too deeply made her feel worse. Vivian knew shoving the thoughts down wouldn't help but it had to be Siobhan's choice.

The phone rang again, making Siobhan jump a second time. Viv shushed her and rubbed her back. She answered the phone, keeping Siobhan close to her chest offering her comfort.

'Oh hi Autumn.' Viv said, 'Yes we've just spoken to her.' She paused listening to Autumn. 'Yes we can do. I'm back to work tomorrow but we are free today. Would that work? Ok. See you then.' Viv realised that she was swaying gently from side to side with Siobhan in her arms. The blonde woman was waiting to hear what Autumn had to say. 'Bon bon, we need to go around to Autumn's house in about an hour, we are meeting with their solicitor to discuss the case.' Siobhan nodded into her neck but remained tense in her arms. Viv stuck the phone in her back pocket before leaning back slightly to look at her. 'You ok?' Siobhan looked up at her, her hooded eyes worried and the stress evident in her face. 'I'll be there all the way.' Viv said giving her a kiss.

They arrived at Autumn's house and noticed Reece's car already on the drive. Siobhan was apprehensive as she got out of the car. Viv walked round and held her hand out. 'Come on my love,' she said softly, 'you can do it.' Siobhan hadn't been back since she was attacked and taken. She thought she would be fine going back into the house, it was just a house but her heart was thumping loudly. She could do this. Taking a deep breath, she walked to the front door as it was opened by Autumn.

'Hey Autumn,' Viv said brightly. She ushered Siobhan in before she could think too much. Everything had been repaired and there wasn't a sign that a horrific attack had happened. Siobhan's eyes lingered in the hallway. 'Come my love,' Viv said softly so the others couldn't hear. She pulled her gently into the living room.

Reece and Marjorie were already sat in there. Siobhan sat carefully on the sofa, not letting go of Viv's hand. She took a seat next to Siobhan. Everyone looked at Autumn expectantly.

'Our lawyer will be here presently. Siobhan, we know you don't have access to your funds at the moment. Reece and I have asked the lawyer to represent you too. Do you agree?'