Chapter 11.

…

It was the soft whooshing of the windscreen wipers which woke Danielle from a light sleep in the back of the car. She rubbed her eyes, trying to focus.

"Well hello sleep head," Charlotte's voice said from the front seat next to Joanne. "You were out like a light there."

Danielle stretched. "Sorry," she apologised. "I was just so tired."

"So you're apologising for?" Joanne asked. "I'd be tired too after a day in court like that."

"Here here!" Charlotte said. Danielle smiled weakly. "Where are we?"

"We'll be back in about fifteen minutes," Joanne answered. Danielle whistled softly. She knew it was over an hour's drive between Smith's Grove and the court house, so she must've slept most of the way.

"You were gone pretty much before we'd left the car park," Charlotte said, an unmistakable grin in her tone.

"Charlotte," Danielle said to her friend, leaning forward towards her. "I'm only going to ask this once, but I need to know. Are you ok? With the judge's decision?"

"No and not just because it was all thanks to one stupid close minded Juror, but…" Danielle heard her friend sigh softly. "Nor am I exactly thrilled about the fact we need to trust the police again. They didn't help much last time did they? Although to be fair they have helped me move away from him."

"You're in a protected safehouse now, right?"

"Yes."

"Good!" Danielle said fervently. "I'd hate it if anything happened to you again at the hands of that fucker! To think we both liked him once."

Charlotte chuckled quietly. "Yeah. Tell me about it. But in answer to your question, I'm not happy about it, but I think the judge meant what she said. Adam won't be allowed anywhere near either of us. I think she wasn't just saying that, she'll do all she has to to enforce it. I think we can and should trust her, Dan."

"Just…" Danielle laid her hand on Charlotte's shoulder. "Be careful, please? This is Adam we're talking about."

Charlotte laid her hand atop her friends. "I will," she said softly, leaning over and kissing Danielle's cheek. "I promise. You to, D."

Danielle had a feeling Charlotte wasn't necessarily talking about Adam this time. But surely she wasn't talking about Michael? Danielle liked, even trusted the serial killer. She didn't believe she was in danger from him at all. But as she nodded to her friend anyway, she had no idea she would find out exactly what Charlotte meant the very next day.

"I'm coming back with you for a reason," Charlotte continued. "I'll stay for dinner with you tonight. Doctors have said I can." Danielle smiled. That thought cheered her up immensely. "But I'm also going to see one of the DV Advisor's working at Smith's Grove, they've offered their help to me. Did you say something, Miss. Hayward?"

Danielle couldn't help smirking. "I've no idea what you're talking about!" She said in mock mortification. "How could you even think that of me?" Then she leant forward again and hugged Charlotte as tightly as she could while in the confines of a car. "Of course I said something," she said softly in to her friend's ear.

…

"No problem Mr. and Mrs. Avery, thank you for your help. I was just looking for Charlotte, I'm just worried about her that's all."

Adam nodded to Charlotte's parents as he got back in to his car, flinching slightly as his shoulder throbbed in protest. That fucking bitch of a guard. He couldn't drive around much more tonight; he desperately need pain killers. But he had learnt one thing. His bitch wasn't at their house. He'd made sure to charm her mother and father so they wouldn't believe a word if Charlotte told them the truth. Not Danielle, Charlotte was no longer in touch with her on his orders. Good. He didn't want them telling people the truth. Not again. Although even when they'd tried this time it hadn't worked. He laughed to himself. Eleven to one. He couldn't lie though; it'd been very close and he'd have to be very careful. Why the fuck wouldn't they just make it a law that men could control women? What else were they on this planet for? They had cunts, were good for fucking, that was all. Men made the important decisions; men were the ones in charge. Women just did as they were told by men. Not that he was religious, but didn't God create men first? Even the bible said women were supposed to obey men! At least God had had the right idea! Ok so maybe not as strictly as Adam wanted it but still… Not that he cared. He was going to control any women he could. They were second class and that's what they were there for, to do men's bidding. So with him, that was what they would do. Cook, get fucked, obey his every whim.

…

Dave Avery turned to Emma, his wife as soon as the door closed. "Abusive little shit," he growled. "He treats Charlotte and treated Danielle like crap. Worried about her my ass!"

Emma nodded. The police had told them where she was, in a safehouse for women fleeing Domestic Violence. Only they could visit her and not in the house part itself, but rather one of the visitor rooms.

"Eleven to fucking one?" Emma snarled. "That stupid woman! All because of her son. I hope she faces a harsh stint behind bars for that."

Judging by her Honour Spinner's reaction," Dave handed her a cup of strong tea as she sank in to the sofa. He sat beside her, putting an arm around his wife's shoulders. "She will. I think she was just as angry as we were. Not to mention the Bailiff called me an hour ago just after we got home. She's facing years by all accounts. He didn't go in to specifics, but it'll be a while before she sees the light of day on the outside again."

"Pour Danielle," Emma said, now wiping back tears. "That pour woman's been through hell because of Dawson. He's already trying to breach his conditions by looking for our dear Charlotte!"

"He thinks that because they're not on paper yet and he hasn't been served them he can breach them," Dave said in disgust. "I'm going to phone the police now and tell them he was here looking for her. I don't even want to talk to that abusive prick."

"I'm surprised you didn't punch him in the face," Emma said truthfully. "Yourself control's better than mine love."

"I'm not going to prison for him," Dave said. "That's the only reason I didn't. I really, really wanted to, believe me babe. Little shit." He picked up his phone. "Police, please?"

…

Adam's temper was rising as he started driving home. He had to. He couldn't drive anymore tonight. His shoulder was killing him, which wasn't helping his anger. He knew as much as it infuriated him that he couldn't do anymore tonight. His rage had stopped him from thinking of his shoulder momentarily, but now, Jesus Christ it hurt! He'd have to go home and get some damn strong meds, maybe even illegal drugs down him to dull the pain while he considered and planned his next move against those bitches. It was all very well Spinner saying he'd immediately be arrested if seen near either woman, she'd have to prove it first. But where the fuck was Charlotte? Not at her flat, his, nor at her parents' house. If they knew the truth they weren't showing it, which made him strongly suspect they didn't. Good. So they either didn't believe their daughter or she hadn't told them. Probably too afraid of him to do so. That as far as he was concerned was just fine. He liked women fearing him. It made his penis hard. Just thinking about it did in fact. It was now.

That was when he saw the flashing blue lights behind him. He glanced out. A police car. Fuck. Were they out looking for him? Why would Charlotte's parents have called them? They didn't know the truth. Unless they'd been in that fucking public gallery today and throughout the trial? Of course they fucking would've been! That bitch was their little Princess, he sneered at that thought. Adam swore. He hadn't been able to see the gallery from the dock. The police car did indeed seem to be following him, so casually willing his hands not to shake on the wheel, he continued homeward. He'd told her parents he was looking for her as he was worried, convinced they didn't know the truth. Shit. Naïve Dawson, he cursed. Stupidly naïve. Of course they would. Charlotte would've told them; cunt wouldn't have been able to keep her mouth shut once he was safely locked up. Women never did. The blue lights were almost blinding by this point. It was their word against his, he reminded himself. They hadn't recorded him saying he was looking for Charlotte, so there was no proof. Why the fuck had he gone to her parents' house? Anger, he thought. Control it Adam. If she's there, you can't easily get to her. Be careful! But I will get revenge for this, he thought savagely. Just you wait bitch.

As he reached his house, the police car stopped. Yep, the pigs were indeed after him. Fuck. Adam got out and strolled towards his front door. Fucking Charlotte's parents. Why had they called the pigs? Bad! He wouldn't make that mistake again! Did he want to go to prison? No women in there to fuck and control.

"Just a moment Sir," one of the officers called. Gritting his teeth, Adam stopped. "Where have you been tonight?"

"Just out for a drive," Adam said smoothly. "Needed it to stretch my legs."

"Were you out looking for anyone?"

Shit, they knew. Her parents were dead for this. How fucking dare they! Then there was the question of how much did they know? Adam felt his pulse speeding up, but forced his voice to remain casual, calm, unbothered. "No. Why?"

"Not a young lady named Charlotte Avery?" Ok then, Adam thought. Just come out and say that you stupid idiot. Stop fucking around. "No," he repeated. "Not Charlotte Avery."

"So why did we receive a call from her parents stating you were? You know you're arrestable for that? Just because you haven't been served the order yet Mr. Dawson, it still applies."

Arrogant little shit. "I don't know why they called you," Adam said. One of the officers sighed and produced what looked like a portable TV camera. Adam's heart sank. Fuck. They had him on CCTV at her parents' house? Shit, shit! "Just look at this for me a moment would you Sir?" The officer asked "Sit in our car while you do so please?"

Fuck. They wanted him in the back of their car. Was he about to be arrested? The Judge had said he was allowed nowhere near them, but he hadn't actually been near Charlotte, all be it he was looking for his cunt. So would that still mean… Again, he did as they asked him. Sure enough, Charlotte's parents had clearly installed CCTV because there he was, outside their house. Then, he heard his own voice. Fuck! They'd installed fucking audio as well! "I was just looking for Charlotte," he said. "I'm just worried about her."

"So what would you call that then Sir?" The officer asked, turning off the camera. "If not looking for Charlotte?"

Ok then. So if this pig wanted to be smart, so would he. "Need I remind you," he said. "The Judge stated I couldn't be anywhere near them, not that I couldn't look for them. I wanted to know she was ok as I was worried. She wasn't in my house." Adam saw the two officers looking at each other and could almost hear their thoughts. Oh and why not? Because you're an abusive, controlling asshole and she couldn't wait to get away from you! Good for her! Adam's jaw clenched as did his fists, but he forced himself to calm down. He really would be arrested if he punched one of these pigs in the face, as tempting as it was to do just that.

"I just want to know she's ok," Adam said.

"This will be reported to her Honour tonight and I have no doubt your order will also be changed to include contact them directly or indirectly. Charlotte's parents know what you've done to her and Danielle Mr. Dawson, she's told them. Just leave the pour women alone. They know you want to control and abuse them; you think you own them which you most certainly do not and we will not allow you to even get anywhere near them! Please go inside Mr. Dawson and if you drive anywhere tonight, we'll know."

Adam got out of the cop car, grinding his teeth. Fuckers. Although he had to admit he hadn't played it very smart tonight either. His anger at his bitch had made him go out looking for her and that'd been close. He couldn't afford to make that mistake again. He'd have to find another way to hunt her down.

Heading back in to his house as the cops drove off, Adam turned on his computer. He knew people who, for a price of course, would hunt down his cunt. He wanted to fuck it; it was his right! How fucking dare she? He'd make her sorry for this! Tapping in a few commands, he waited for the page to load. The Dark Web. How he loved it. He could also buy a woman for tonight on this page. Good. He needed to fuck one. But first… He clicked on the correct links for hunting people down and started his search. All too soon he was chatting to a professional surveillance expert in the criminal underworld. Charlotte and her parents wouldn't have a clue what was really happening. These guys knew how to spy on people and track them down in ways Adam could only admire. In the end, he decided to hire a professional surveyor to spy on and report Charlotte's every move back to him once they found her. The fee was huge, but that didn't concern Adam. He had enough money to cover it. He'd made a lot doing odd jobs for people, plus when he'd worked previously and he still had most of it.

After making the transaction, a short while later he received a text message stating his surveyor was out looking for Charlotte and would report back when they found her. Adam didn't know their name; any reports would come through anonymously. But Adam didn't care. He didn't need the person's name, just for them to find his cunt as he'd paid for. He then decided fuck it. He wanted reports on Danielle as well. Once she got out of that nut house, she too was his to fuck. He owned her, she appeared to have forgotten this lately. He spoke to his Surveyor, who said he would have to pay more if he wanted Danielle tracked and reported on to. Fine, Adam thought. Paying the demanded extra five hundred dollars. His anger rows. This was costing him a fortune. Fucking cunts would pay for this!

With a satisfied smirk, he went on to the sex links. He wasn't horny in the slightest, but he was damn well going to show at least one woman who was boss tonight. Every bitch he'd met today seemed to have forgotten this, from the judge to that wannabe-a-man guard. All he needed now was a glass of wine, damn strong painkillers, a good meal and some pussy. The last two of which were just a few clicks away.

…

"Hi Charlotte, I'm Tasha. I'm one of the Domestic Violence Advisors or DVA's here at Smith's Grove. It's lovely to meet you, I'm just sorry I had to in the nicest possible way! This may be our first meeting, but I can see you again tomorrow and for as long as you need. to talk to me."

Charlotte smiled at the young woman sitting across the desk from her, liking her already. "No offence taken," she grinned. "You've only met me because I've gone through DV, after all." The two women shook hands. "I really appreciate you doing this for me," Charlotte continued. "I'm not even a patient here after all. Dr Loomis won't let me pay you anything either."

"He's good like that," Tasha smiled. Charlotte returned it. "So I'm here if you want to talk about anything, or to offer you any help or advice I can. Of course these meetings are in complete confidence. I understand the police are also working with you?"

Charlotte nodded. "Yeah, I have to say this for them, they've been brilliant. Just wish they'd helped Danielle when she needed them most but…" She shrugged. "They didn't. Nothing we can do about that."

"I too am sorry for that," Tasha said. "But rest assured she's getting the best care possible now."

"I know, but thanks," Charlotte smiled. In more than one way, she thought.

"I don't think I can really tell you much," Charlotte went on. "I didn't go through anywhere near as much as Danielle did because Adam didn't get the chance, or have the time. He was summoned to court pretty soon after I moved in with him. That said, he still did enough," she sighed. "Just the basics so to speak. If Domestic Violence even has basics," she glared at the wall. "Checking my phone, where I was, who I was with, etc. The usual start to controlling behaviour. Didn't like me talking to other men, wearing certain things, you know the drill." Tasha nodded. "The worst part for me was," Charlotte looked down at the floor briefly. "Not even the abuse. It was the fact that I knew everything Adam was doing to Danielle, she confided in me. I was meant to be her best friend… So much for that!" Her voice dripped with self-contempt. "I let my lust for Adam rule over our friendship. Dwelling on the fact that I had eyes, I could see how gorgeous he was." She looked disgusted. "Danielle should've come first; she always has before that bastard."

"So did you think she was making it up?" Tasha's voice was gentle, Charlotte noticed. It made her feel even worse. "Or were you just ignoring it because you wanted Adam for yourself?"

Charlotte visibly winced. "Jesus," she ran her hands through her hair. "I don't know, I've asked myself that again and again ever since. It wasn't just Adam, either. I found myself stupidly getting jealous about other things. The fact Danielle came above me in a course at College for example. I remember even saying to Adam that a blind person shouldn't have come above a sighted one, it wasn't right…" Tears filled her eyes. Tasha slid a tissue box silently across the desk. Charlotte took some and tried to compose herself. "Danielle never heard me say that and doesn't know, but fuck it hurts! Sorry," she apologised, but Tasha shook her head. Charlotte guessed strong language was nothing new in her line of work. "The reason she came above me is because she's cleverer than me, no other reason. She never let her blindness stop her, not before he came at least." She spat the word he. "I called him a little worm today in court and I wasn't wrong. He is a worm and I wish I could squish him under my shoe, just like he squished Danielle to almost killing herself, going as far as to hang herself and then tried to squish me."

She looked around the secure meeting room in Smith's Grove in silence, trying to gather herself. The door was closed and locked, Charlotte didn't have to be told to know Tasha would have an alarm button somewhere close to her. It saddened her that some people would try and hurt this woman who was only trying to help them. But then, she reminded herself. Some of them are probably criminally or otherwise insane. It might not be entirely their fault. "My main priority and request from you guys is please help Danielle," she said eventually. "She's been through a lot more than I have because of him. I was just ruled by lust and boy did I pay for it. I sometimes think I deserved it. What I went through. I put him before my years long best friend."

"That doesn't mean you deserved violence or abuse," Tasha said. "No one deserves that, no matter what, Charlotte."

"Yeah yeah," Charlotte nodded, unconvinced. "Domestic abuse there's no excuse and all that."

Tasha laughed softly. "You don't believe that do you?"

"No I don't!" Charlotte said with total conviction. "I deserve what I went through. In answer to your previous question… I think I just didn't want to believe Danielle. Adam I saw as this…" She shivered in disgust. "Gorgeous, charming man who Danielle was lying about. It was purely looking. That was all. I didn't even know the man, well aside from as Danielle's boyfriend, but I wanted to. I really, really did. Don't judge a book by its cover and all that. I was so fucking shallow… Danielle should have come first and she didn't. I'll never, ever forgive myself for that. Danielle appears to have done so and I don't understand why! It wasn't all Adam you know. Not at the start anyway."

"She obviously loves you very much," Tasha said softly. "Clearly not willing to abandon years of friendship with you over Adam, be it him himself or your doubting her over lusting for him yourself."

Charlotte looked away. "Jesus when you say it like that I sound like a right bitch don't I? Putting my so-called best friend behind a man just because he was good looking! Doubting her stories of abuse or at least not letting myself hear them, all over his looks. What the fuck? I was, pun not intended at all, blind to the truth. Blind to everything but his looks! Fucking hell I hate myself!"

"But Danielle doesn't," Tasha said. "So nor should you. Don't forget, something obviously also drew her to Adam, all be it it wasn't looks. So she too was attracted to him at one point, hence why she got with him in the first place. It's neither of your faults that he appears to enjoy abusing and controlling women. You are both victims in that sense. Understand?" Her voice had firmed on the last word. Charlotte took a deep breath and met the DV Advisor's gaze. It was unusually stern now. Slowly, she nodded.

…

Dr Stark allowed Charlotte and Danielle through secure doors in to the visitors restaurant. The tea etc was surprisingly good, Danielle thought, having never had anything from there before. Certainly better than the drink the patients got.

"So," Charlotte began immediately as soon as they were sitting down with their drinks and hot meals for dinner. Danielle chicken pie, Charlotte a beef curry. "How are you getting on and finding it here now you've been here for some time?"

Danielle shrugged. "You know, same old stuff here."

"Now don't you give me that Mrs," Charlotte said sternly. "You're smiling like a cat whose just got the cream! Is a certain Mr. Myers the one to thank for this new development?" Danielle found herself blushing.

"Listen D, Charlotte said. "I know I said this once over the phone already, but I have to say it again, I just have to to your face. I won't ever forgive myself for…"

"Now don't start that," Danielle said. "You're not the first one to tell me Adam is good looking. We'd finished, you wanted a chance with him."

"After everything you told me he did to you and then you were found hanging in the garage? Everything which I now know is true?" Charlotte looked disgusted. "What kind of friend does that to their so-called best one?"

"Hey. You only had my word for it, no evidence."

"But that should've been enough!" Charlotte lightly slapped the table. "I didn't let it be and it should've been! That was fucking heartless!"

"How were you to know I wasn't making it up?" Danielle said softly. "You had to find out for yourself it seemed. I didn't want you to, but I can't blame you for it."

"Because you nearly fucking died! I fucking adore you Danielle Hayward," Charlotte stood up and put her arms around Danielle, kneeling beside her chair as she held her tightly close to her. Danielle hugged her back, resting her head on her friend's shoulder. "It's not looking good for us is it?"

Charlotte sighed. "No, it's not." She held her friend tighter. "But we'll get through this D, we'll both be protected, I don't doubt that. You more than me," Danielle could hear her smirk.

"Oh be quiet!" She poked Charlotte's shoulder playfully. "I'm just scared stiff he'll go on to abuse another woman, or two, or…"

"You know there's a law women can apply for right?" Charlotte asked. "Like so if someone gets in to a relationship with him the police can warn her about his history?" Danielle nodded against Charlotte's shoulder. "Yeah, the police did mention that. But don't they have to apply for it?"

"I don't think so, not with men like Adam who've been to court and with what he's done to you etc. Plus the eleven to one Jury. I think they'll be told automatically. I fucking hope so anyway!"

Two hours later, Charlotte guided Danielle out of the restaurant. Seeing this on the cameras, Ryan went down to fetch them. Joanne had just gone off duty an hour ago. "Hey," Ryan smiled at them both.

"Hi Ryan," Danielle and Charlotte said together. Danielle knew Charlotte would've seen his name badge and she knew his voice by now.

Charlotte had told Danielle during dinner that she had originally booked a hotel as Smith's Grove was a long way from the Safe House to get back that night, but Dr Stark had then put her foot down and offered Charlotte one of the spare staff rooms at Smith's Grove for the night and had also allowed Danielle to share it with her as it had two beds. Danielle felt her respect rise for Stark even further at this news. She'd only briefly seen the doctors when they'd returned, both Stark and Loomis congratulating her on how well she'd done and how brave she'd been as they shook hands first with her, then Charlotte. Stark and Danielle agreeing to meet tomorrow and Stark told her she could talk about it for as long as she needed then if she wished. Myers was also still there and had taken Danielle's hand in a soft squeeze which brought a lump to her throat. Charlotte told her later Myers had also shaken hers.

The two friends were led to the room by Ryan. It was surprisingly luxurious, with an on suite bathroom attached. It'd been the best two hours Danielle could remember in a long time. They'd talked about College, life, books, TV, anything but Adam. Danielle had loved every second of it. She must've drunk at least three cups of tea.

Within five minutes of pulling on her night clothes which Ryan had bought down from her cell and climbing in to the comfortable bed with her friend beside her in its twin, Danielle was dead to the world.