Chapter 80

CHAPTER EIGHTY

THREE MONTHS LATER

J onny taped up the last of the boxes. There weren't many. Ana hadn't collected much in the short time she'd been in Stonesend.

‘Are you sure you're making the right decision?' she asked. ‘It's a different way of life.'

‘If I'm with you. I'll be happy anywhere.' He smiled. ‘We'll come back to see my girls every other weekend.'

‘Oh, you big romantic,' she said, kissing him. ‘By the way, that day in the woods. How did you know where to find me?'

‘Ah,' he said, embarrassed. ‘I, er, tracked your phone using Google Maps.'

Her eyes widened. ‘You little bugger.' She smiled.

‘You okay?' he asked, looking deep into her eyes.

‘I will be.'

Jassy held out her hand and without even looking at the black ink mark left there, waited along with the other wives and girlfriends until they were allowed into the large hall.

Needles smiled widely at the sight of her. Each time she saw him, she was amazed at how different he looked – happier and more content.

‘How are you doing?' she asked, smiling.

‘All the better for seeing you.'

Everyone around them was chatting. Some of the women were crying. She'd befriended some of them. After all, it wasn't their fault their husbands had gone off the rails. Sometimes, when she could, Jassy would look after their children so they could visit.

‘I'm doing me GCSE in English,' said Needles.

‘Oh yeah, that's brill.'

He nodded. ‘Yeah, I'm going to do more when I get out. Only three months to go.'

They were silent, the children's screaming piercing through their brains.

‘How is Tim?' he asked finally.

‘Doing well. Did they tell you that your kidney was a good match?' Tim feels it is right.'

He nodded. ‘The operation is set for next week.'

‘He's going to be okay, Colin,' she said, touching his hand. He clasped it tightly. ‘You'll be saving a life with your kidney. Laine would be proud.'

He nodded, fighting back his tears.

Sajid found a university in Liverpool. He couldn't face staying in the village where he would always see Tim and Needles and be reminded constantly of Laine. He needed to move on. The funeral had been amazing. So many people had turned out that there hadn't been enough room in the church and crowds had gathered outside. The flowers were still there, hundreds of them. You could smell them whenever you were close to the church.

He'd wanted to tell Sandy Grace it hadn't been her fault. She'd wanted to attend the funeral, but Laine's family wouldn't allow it. He thought that had been wrong. She'd suffered as much as anyone.

That morning, he laid a single rose on Laine's grave and told her again how much he loved and missed her. Then slowly, with his suitcase in hand, he walked to the bus station.

Ana felt Sandy had also been the victim of the man who had raped her. No matter how much Tom disagreed with her, she retracted her statement. Ray had been a monster in Ana's eyes but a loving husband in his wife's.

Beth had offered to resign, but Tom and the chief refused to accept it.

‘You've done nothing that merits your resignation,' said the chief. Beth agreed to stay but assured them she would always support her sister.

Sandy sat pale-faced in the car park opposite Ana's flat for almost an hour. There was an aching in her chest that had been with her since Ray died. Her eyelids were sore and gritty, and she rubbed at them without realising it. She knew that she'd been withdrawing and turning inwards, punishing herself. She gripped the door handle and forced herself to exit the car.

She hadn't expected Jonny to open the door and found herself unable to breathe. Ana walked from the bedroom and stopped at the sight of Sandy.

‘I'll get her some water,' said Jonny.

Ana caught her before she fell. Sandy's head collapsed onto Ana's chest, and she began to weep.

‘Sometimes, I can't breathe. I lie awake at night and look at his photo, and then I think of what he did to you and then, and then…'

Jonny handed her the water. Ana was trembling. This was something she hadn't expected.

‘My husband raped you. I'm sorry. I never knew, I promise you. I just want this pain to go.' She wept.

Ana wrapped her arms around her. ‘You're a good person. Good overcomes evil. I can move on, and so can you. You have Beth, and Zoe needs you.'

Sandy nodded, stood and walked unsteadily to the front door. ‘I'm so grateful. I'm sorry for what he did. I hope you find something good in your life.'

An image came into Ana's mind, and she smiled.