Chapter One

Charlie's point of view

'The threat has become too great... your family is in danger...there are no other alternatives'. My conversation with Inspector Joyce was at the forefront of my mind.

Before it had only been my safety in question, but how could I consciously let the people I love live in fear if there was something I could do to stop it. Ruby, Leah, VJ...Brax, my heart skipped a bit as I thought about him being hurt, would all be at risk because of me. I was left with no choice.

I was called into the station earlier this morning only to discover that Jake Pirovic had been released from jail four hours ago. I did the mental maths and calculated that he should be back in Summerbay within the next three or four hours with every intention of having me dead in the next five hours. I am positive there would be no limits to his aggression.

Ruby is far too trustworthy for her own good, she could all too easily get caught in the cross fire. Brax is far too protective and I am sure he would rather be killed than let me die. Therefore I was left with no other choice than to leave Summerbay before Jake gets near either of them, as well as the many other residents of the bay.

A simple, effective plan had been put into place. This afternoon I was going to leave Summerbay and begin a new life with another detective, Ollie Stephen, from further up the coast. I would be able to continue to live as Charlie Buckton but no one could know the real reason I had left for their own protection.

The reality of actually having to say goodbye to everything that I know and love is only now beginning to dawn on me, two hours after my meeting with Inspector Joyce.

I decided to start gently and pack up all of my belongings, including my police uniform and badge that would never be needed again. I have six boxes full of personal things that I was going to destroy, like my police uniform. I thought the transition would be easier if I removed everything that attached me to Summerbay.

I could make Brax hate me but there was no way I could stop loving him. I know it isn't a rational decision but I had to have at least one picture of him so that I could remind myself how beautiful he is.

It was one of use together from birthday party; Morag had taken it before anyone found out about us. I recall how his hand slide too low down my back for public and how I giggled at his cheekiness that he still got away with even though no one knew we were a couple.

Now comes the hard part, how do I tell Brax that I am leaving and never coming back. We were finally getting things back on track after all the mess with Tegan and the Riverboys. I finally felt like we had established an honest relationship and I was about to betray that trust.

Would he ever forgive me? Actually maybe it will be easier if he hates me. I would rather see anger than betrayal in his unforgettable eyes.

'Meet me at the pier in 10, its important-C'.