Taming Sophie

C H A P T E R 1 1

Rixi walked solemnly towards the town centre, and placed himself heavily onto an empty bench. He knew what he should do, but somehow he wasn't quite sure if it would help Sophie or not. He didn't want to add any more unnecessary injury to her. He thought constantly and tried to imagine the worst case scenario, as well as the best case. If he did go to the police then at least she would be safe. If he didn't go, then she could be in real danger. If he did go to the police then, perhaps she could face a prison sentence. If he didn't go, then perhaps she wouldn't be around to even prove her innocence. It was worth the gamble to go. It had to be. Rixi thought again and again and could find no other choice in the matter. He liked Sophie, he trusted her and he knew she was innocent, surely the police would believe her too. Rixi decided to follow his own gut instinct and headed for the local police station, he knew a few of the police men there, they would at least listen to him, perhaps even give him the benefit of the doubt as far as Sophie's innocence was concerned. He was still cold and slightly hungry as he made his way along the crowded street. Rixi stopped to listen to one of the buskers in the middle of the street. He watched the peoples faces and for the very first time, actually listened to the music. He had passed the busker every day, sometimes twice or more and had never actually listened, or shown any interest. A small crowd had grown around and Rixi watched as some of the shoppers threw money into his empty guitar case. He was good. For some reason, life had seemed to slow down for Rixi, he began to notice the small children with their little pink cheeks, and cold, red, hands, he noticed the innocent smiles on their faces, the trials of life on the faces of the elderly, and the secrets of life which they held. Perhaps he was growing up, perhaps he was becoming less selfish than he had previously been. Rixi left the crowd knowing that for him, life had changed, something had changed it and thought of nothing but Sophie until he reached the Police Station.

The Station was quiet and smelled of disinfectant. The tiled floor squeaked as he walked and posters hung neatly on the walls. A familiar face greeted him as he arrived at the desk.

'Well, hello young Rixi. What' you been up to then?'

'Hi, can I talk to you in private?' The sadness in his face echoed towards the policeman making him change his greeting from one of playfulness to that of a serious, caring one. Rixi waited as the policeman left the desk area. A few minutes later, the same policeman that had stood adjacent the desk, was now behind Rixi, peering through an open door.

'Come in, young Rixi lad,' the policeman guided him towards an empty interview room. It was very quiet and well furnished. It reminded him of his head teachers office at school without the books.

'Take a seat. How can I help you?'

Rixi took a deep breath and began his story of the meeting in the fast-food restaurant.

Sarah was nearing her stop on the train, her tummy was fluttering with excitement, she had missed Sophie so much. She carefully collected all her belongings and placed them into her rucksack. Removing her brush, she set about altering her appearance. She didn't want to set off the train looking like a trout, she wanted to look her best, as usual.

The Station looked busy, and Sarah made her way to the ladies at the opposite end of the station. Sarah threw some nice, cold water onto her face and brushed her hair again, she undid the zip of her make-up bag and began to apply a fresh coat of lipstick. She couldn't wait to see the look on Sophie's face as she opened the door. Her only fear was that they would both be out for the day and that she might have to wait for a few hours on the doorstep. That would be embarrassing. Sarah often pictured the happy couple in her mind she thought of them together, comfy and warm, all snuggled up together on the sofa, drinking wine and watching a film. She had described the scene too many times to friends and family at home. It had seemed as though the whole of Glasgow had wanted to know all the details of Sophie's new love life. Wherever she had gone, whether work or play, Sarah was always bombarded with questions from old colleges and school friends of Sophie's, each one wanting to know the ins and out's of her romantic fiasco with an older and totally rich boyfriend. Sarah was so eager to tell them all she could. Some of the girls who enquired were hoping that it had all been rumours and that Sophie was actually back home in Glasgow. Sarah took great joy in confirming their worst jealous fears. It had been quiet without her, and Sarah was holding out for a great night out with her best friend again, just one more night. Clive would have to take a back seat tonight and let the girls have their fun. Sarah made her way to the taxi rank and hopped inside an awaiting cab.