“Is that all you care about? What people will say?”
“It’s an impossible situation, granted, but I’m asking you to abide by my wishes and not to jump in feet first only to regret your actions later. He’ll get what’s coming to him in due course.”
“I’m shocked. Shocked that you would let a… man like that roam the streets in the knowledge that he could attack another woman, or even kill someone. How could you let that happen, Sally?”
“Don’t try and make me feel guilty, Dad. I know him. He wouldn’t do such a thing.”
He twisted out of her grasp and stared at her, a deep frown creasing his brow. “Are you insane? Who understands what goes on in a twisted, perverted mind like that? Certainly not you. Otherwise, you would have left the bastard years ago.”
“Now, Chris, don’t go getting all worked up. Remember what the doctor said about keeping your stress levels to a bare minimum.”
Tears of guilt filled Sally’s eyes. “I’m sorry. Please, Dad, I’d rather just forget about things, if it’s all right with you. If you’d rather I didn’t stay here, just say, and I’ll find a hotel somewhere for a few days.”
“That’s nonsense, Sally. Of course we want you to stay.” Her mother left the table and joined them. “Stop it, Chris! I will not allow you to drive my daughter away in her hour of need. Do you hear me? She’s a grown woman who can fend for herself. We need to take a step back and let her deal with the situation to the best of her abilities.”
Sally gathered her parents in her arms and kissed each of them on the cheek. “No one could wish for greater parents. Thank you.”
During dinner, her father was very quiet, and he continuously clenched and unclenched his fist. Sally sensed then that she hadn’t heard the last of this conversation, at least where he was concerned.
* * *
Scott observed the couple’s shenanigans all evening from his vantage point at the bar. The girl was feisty, just the way he liked them. She obviously had no intention of letting her boyfriend ignore her all night. He had already picked up that the guy would much rather spend time with his mates than the pretty brunette sitting beside him.
“Are you listening to me, John?” The girl’s voice suddenly rose, not for the first time that evening.
“Don’t I always?”
“No! You don’t.” She punched the top of his arm, shoved her handbag under her arm, and ran out of the pub.
Scott’s brain worked through the gears. He downed the last third of his pint as he watched the man approach the bar and high-five his four mates standing there. “Barman, another round of drinks here. We’re celebrating.”
The barman nodded and poured five pints of lager, which he placed on the bar in front of the group. John raised his glass in a toast. “To freedom, boys. Sup up, and we’ll move on to the nightclub to pick up another unsuspecting victim or two.”
The group laughed riotously, and Scott slipped out of the pub then dashed across the car park to his vehicle. Scanning his immediate surroundings for the girl, he was surprised to see that she had already left the area. He jumped in his car and set off. Where would I head for if I’d just split up with my partner?
He exited the car park and checked his speed, determined that his eagerness wouldn’t be his downfall. He drove down one of the smaller roads close to the pub. When he didn’t find her, he retraced his route back to the pub. Then he decided to take the main road. Finally, he found her sitting on a bench near a bus stop. Resting her chin on her clenched fist, she appeared to be deep in thought.
He pulled up alongside her, looking around him cautiously, making sure no one saw him approach the girl. He threw open the passenger door and called out, “Hey, do you want a lift?”
The girl scratched her head, confused, and pointed at her chest. “Who? Me?”
“Yes. Sorry, I don’t make a habit of picking up strangers in the street, I assure you. I was in the pub and saw what went on. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay after your little contretemps with your fella.”
“Oh, thanks! That’s very kind of you. I’m waiting for the bus, but have no idea how often they run, to be honest. I haven’t used public transport for years. Do they even run at this time of night?”
He shook his head and shrugged. “I don’t have a clue. Jump in. I’ll drop you off anywhere you like.”
“Are you sure?” she asked after a few seconds of hesitation.
“Of course. It’s not safe being out here on the streets at this time of night. If I drove off and left you, then read about your murder in the paper in the next few days, I’d never be able to forgive myself for not forcing you to come with me for your own safety.”
The girl’s eyes widened as his words sank in. She rushed forward and hopped in beside him.
He smiled, beaming from ear to ear, and held out his hand for her to shake. “Scott Taylor at your service.” Up close, he realised that she was older than she had first seemed. He would need to have all his wits about him to tackle this one.
She giggled briefly and shook his hand. “Tracy Brand. Nice to meet you, Scott. I really appreciate you giving me a lift.”
“Right, where to?”
“Gosh, I don’t really know. I told my flatmate that I would be out all night. I had planned on staying over at John’s house before…”
“Your flatmate won’t mind you going home, surely?”
“She has a new boyfriend staying over. I said I’d give them a bit of space, you know?”
“I understand. Well, I’m not from around here, just here for the weekend. I stay in a motel. You’re welcome to spend the night on the couch in my room if you’re desperate.” He left the suggestion dangling without pushing her at all for an answer.
After a while, she nodded. “Okay, if you’re sure? That’ll be twice you’ve saved me tonight. Not sure how I’ll be able to thank you.” A shyness descended, and she looked out of the side window as Scott drove off.
“Nonsense. It’s an honour and a privilege to come to the aid of a beautiful damsel in distress. I’d much rather take you under my wing than leave you out here alone with all sorts of nutters running around on the loose.”
“Thank you. You’re so kind. Where are you from?”
He thought quickly. “Devon.”
“Oh, what part? I used to go on holiday to Torquay with my folks when I was a kid.” After a deep sigh, she added, “They’re both in a care home now. Mum has Parkinson’s Disease and Dad Alzheimer’s.”
“How sad. I’m sorry to hear that. I used to live in Dawlish, just along the coast from there.”
The car fell silent until Scott pulled into what appeared to be a privately run motel’s car park. “I won’t be long. I’ll go in to collect the key.”
Returning from the reception office, he found the woman outside the car, resting against the passenger door.
He held the key up and jangled it in his hand. “We’re hot to rock.” Feeling nervous all of a sudden, he didn’t have a clue where that saying had come from.
“I don’t know. I’m sorry to have wasted your time. I think I will go back home and face the wrath of my flatmate after all.”
“No! I mean, what’s the point in falling out with her for weeks on end over a silly incident that could be simply averted?” He held up his hands. “I promise not to lay a hand on you. I’m even willing to give up my bed for you. How’s that?”
His heart skipped a few beats while he awaited her decision. Eventually, she nodded and smiled at him. “What the heck. You’re right, anything for a quiet life regarding Jill. She does tend to like hearing the sound of her own voice sometimes. Okay, I’ll do this on the proviso there is no funny business. Any sign of that, and I’m out of here. Got it? I’d get my own room if I could afford it.”
He crossed his heart with an extended finger. “There’s no need to go to that expense. I swear. It’s the room at the end.” Scott opened the door to reveal a small, sparsely decorated room. The room consisted of a double bed, a two-seater sofa, and a small dressing table and stool. On top of the table was a tray laden with tea and coffee-making facilities. “Fancy a coffee?”