Chapter Four: Charlie Buckton's Journal

Thursday 5th March 2009

23:43

I had a pretty long day at work today but tomorrow I get a glorious day off and I can't wait. And I went out with Martha tonight, which was nice. See? I do have a social life. Sometimes. And I don't need a man to provide me with it either. Speaking of men, there was a serious jerk out tonight. I think his name's Rob or some derivative of that. I had to investigate some boat altercation he was involved with earlier this week. He's one of those typical, sleazy guys who are totally full of themselves. They really grate on me. We were having a great time, relaxing and laughing but he'd been getting rowdier and rowdier throughout the night. I suppose the more beer that went down his throat, the more aggressive he became. Even his friends didn't seem to want to hang out with him. Aden was with him – I think they work together – and he seemed entirely unimpressed. Anyway, Alf finally had enough and decided to remove him from the bar but the guy did not want to go quietly. They never do. As a cop, I'm never really off duty so while I didn't interfere, I was ready to help if I was needed. Alf can normally handle these things by himself though. The guy must have seen me looking because he started making lecherous comments towards me. He turned my stomach. Anyway, it's getting pretty late and I'm planning on getting up and out to the gym in the morning and then I'm taking Martha out for lunch. I think she needs some TLC at the moment. And I think I do as well.

Friday 6th March 2009

19:54

Okay, it's official – I can't leave other people's problems alone. There was an altercation at the Surf Club today and now I cannot get this poor girl, Joey out of my head. She just looked so broken. I don't know her. She isn't my problem. But I feel compelled to help. Sometimes I even irritate myself.

I woke up, enjoyed a wonderful workout that made me feel so great. There really is nothing better. Nothing that I know of anyway! Then, as planned, I took Martha out to lunch. We had a really great time and reminded me of exactly what I've been missing by getting so engrossed in work all the time and shutting myself away. I need to be more sociable and connect with my friends. I mean, I live with Leah and I still don't even do that much with her. Now, that is sad. Of course, Martha lives with Hugo and she wanted to talk about him. A lot. Too much. It was my only point of irritation with her. I really didn't want to talk about him. I've forgiven but I've not forgotten. Hang on, maybe that means I haven't really forgiven. I don't know. I was pretty firm about not talking about him. I was probably a little too firm. I know I can come across as a little abrupt sometimes. I don't mean it. I just wanted to make it clear that Hugo and I are off the menu. I don't want to be with anybody right now, especially not someone who'll dump me at the last minute. If I was going to get with someone, they'd have to be incredible. I'm talking, someone who would sweep me off my feet and break through all my barriers and really get to the heart of me. I want someone who makes my heart pound because they're so hot, who can hold me and make me feel safe in their arms, who'll listen to me and really hear what I say, who can kiss me and make the world stop spinning on its axis. I want someone who knows me so well, including all my flaws and loves me anyway. And someone who really wants me, isn't just after whatever they can get because someone they really like isn't available. I want someone strong in character, who knows themselves and can make me laugh so hard that I cry. See? I'm not asking for much, really. And until perfection comes along, I'm staying single.

Anyway, I digress. While Martha and I were finishing our drinks, I noticed Alf leaving his new employee, this girl, Joey, alone at the bar. Pretty much as soon as he left, the jerk from last night arrived and marched straight up to her. I've never seen somebody shrink so small in fright before. Martha was chattering away but I was only really half listening. She was talking about Hugo's new business venture. I think it's something about diving or sailing or swimming or snorkelling or something. I don't really care. The conversation at the bar was taking up most of my attention. Joey looked so frightened. I just wanted to barge over and throw the guy out. But I didn't want to make a scene. And before I got around to doing anything, he was gone and she fled. She hid in a storage cupboard. I excused myself and went to find her. She was in a terrible state, crying and shaken. I dread to think what he said to her. She jumped when I came in but I tried to be as gentle as possible with her. She quite obviously wanted to go home. I organised for Alf to come back and I waited with her. I introduced myself and mentioned the guy that she'd spoken to. I offered her a lift home but she didn't want one. She shut me down at every turn and jumped in fright when I touched her shoulder. It's strange. I see people like this regularly in my job, so I'm not sure why she got to me. Maybe it's because it wasn't at work. There I was, just having lunch and I saw this terrified vulnerability displayed in front of me. I'm not sure what's happened to her but she's definitely been the victim of something and that guy is involved. I'm really not sure what to do about it now though. I mean, it's nothing to do with me. I don't know her. I don't know anything about her – not even her last name – but I feel compelled to rescue her. I can't explain it. If only you'd seen her. You'd understand.