Busted
Leanne's head pounded when she woke up late the following morning. She'd passed out on the couch, hugging the bottle of champagne Eva had brought her back from France. That was a point. Eva? Where was she?
"Eva?" Leanne called, "Eva!"
There was no response from Eva's room, so Leanne reached for her mobile phone that was on the table. It was 10:30. Uh-oh, she'd completely overslept and missed the beginning of her shift at work. There was a text from Eva though.
Eva:
Morning party animal! I think you owe Carla an apology after last night. Paracetamol are in the cupboard! See you later hunn! xxx
Leanne frowned, Carla? Why? Oh-no. Now she remembered. They had a full on fight in the busy Bistro and then Leanne argued with Nick too.
"Oh Leanne," she sighed, putting her head in her hands. She needed to hurry to work and apologise to Nick.
Her head throbbed and so did Carla's, wondering what Leanne had meant last night as she sat at her desk in Underworld. Why had she completely flipped and gone ape? Carla chewed on the end of her pen, lost in thought. Perhaps she needed to test the waters, see where Nick's loyalties lie. Or even...
"Mrs Connor?"
"Yeah Alya, what is it?" Carla spoke, rolling her eyes slightly at the interruption.
"You have that meeting today with Mrs Fisher at twelve."
"Oh of course, sorry Alya I completely forgot. Where is it?" Carla asked, grabbing a post it note and scribbling down what she had been told.
"The Bistro, I booked you a table."
Carla froze for a moment, the perfect idea spinning around in her head. She knew exactly who was working the shift when she was in the Bistro too. It was Nick and Leanne's turn. Carla smirked to herself and strutted out the office with her handbag.
"Thanks Alya, I won't be long."
"Ah-Carla!" Alya shouted after the boss as the factory girls watched on.
"Ooh, who rattled her cage?!" Beth nosily asked as the girls turned and stared at her.
"Didn't you hear?" Sean said.
"Well if I'd heard I wouldn't be askin' would I?" Beth replied as the others huddled together.
"In the Bistro last night, Leanne got drunk and had a go at Carla. Full on catfight Eva said and Nick had to pull 'em apart!" Sean exclaimed as Beth gaped.
"Ah you're jokin!" Sinead laughed.
"I know! Good fight and I miss it 'cos Kirky wanted to watch some nature programme!"
"Ey! It were good that," Kirk said, standing in his usual gormless way.
"Yeah but I'd take Leanne Vs. Carla any day over David Attenborough." Izzy added.
Leanne hurried into the Bistro, practically running down the cobbles to get to work before lunchtime. Due to the hangover from hell, Leanne had completely forgotten about the 50th birthday lunch that was happening too at twelve. There was all sorts to do and she had left poor Steph and Nick to sort it all.
"I'm so sorry!" Leanne shouted, rushing in and putting her bag away.
Steph smiled as she finished decorating the table for the sixteen guests. "Hey, no problem boss!"
Nick came in, carrying crates of wine from the cellar. "What time do you call this then?" He asked, slamming the wine down on the bar in front of a very hungover Leanne.
Leanne responded, "Late. I know, I'm sorry, I completely forgot about the lunch party."
Steph opened her mouth to speak but Nick did instead. "I guess you were too busy scratching Carla's eyeballs out to remember our business."
"What? Like you've never made a mistake! If I remember correctly, I was left on my own for two months when you were in a coma because you went and slept with Kylie!"
"Ooh, ouch!" Steph said, placing the cactus pots on the tables.
"Yeah thanks Steph. You won't say that when I fire you." Nick coldly replied, wiping the smile off of Steph's face.
"Nick!" Leanne shouted. "This is my Bistro too!"
"My name is above the door though!"
"Urgh Nick I'm not arguing with you over this! I've said I'm sorry about last night; can't we just forget about it and move on?"
"Fine!" he shouted before storming off into the cellar to get more of the wine they needed for the function.
Elsewhere, Carla sat in her BMW convertible; she glared at the police station opposite her. It is a bit extreme, she thought to herself. Leanne never contacted the police when she found out about her affair with Peter, and Leanne was Peter's wife at the time. Still, Nick had been Carla's distraction of late and it seemed so odd that all of a sudden he'd lost interest in her, romantically he had anyway. Perhaps a taste of her own medicine was needed? A lesson learnt for Leanne. Carla bit her lip and continued to stare ahead. It was already 11:30 and her meeting started in half an hour. Okay, she thought, slinging her handbag over her shoulder and getting out of the car.
Wearing her black high heeled boots and a split lip from where Leanne hit her, Carla greeted the officer behind the counter of the police station.
"Good morning, welcome to Weatherfield police station, how can I help you?"
"I'd like to report an assault," Carla said, speaking calmly and holding her head high.
"Oh, okay then. Can I take a name please?"
"Carla, Carla Connor."
"Okay Carla, when and where did the assault take place?"
"Last night, in Nick's Bistro, Coronation Street."
"And who assaulted you?"
"Her name is Leanne, Leanne Tilsley."
"Right, why don't we go into somewhere quiet and you can formally tell us everything?" The young, good-looking officer suggested. Carla smirked and agreed.
"Of course, yes."
Back at the Bistro, time was flying by and the guests for the lunch party had already begun to arrive.
"Good afternoon ladies," Leanne began, greeting them all with a friendly smile and a menu.
"Afternoon!" They all chorused, sitting down in their seats and giggling.
"I'm Leanne and I'll be serving you lovely ladies today! Right, what can I get you to drink then girls?"
Nick came out of the kitchen and all heads turned in his direction.
"Ey love! Is he on the menu?!" One of the women joked, making the rest of the rowdy bunch burst into laughter.
"Well ladies, I might be on the specials menu!" Nick laughed.
A woman soon entered, dressed in a fine suit and carrying a file. It was Mrs Fisher, Carla's potential client, ready to talk business and figures.
"Good afternoon, welcome to Nick's Bistro, how can I help?" Nick asked as the woman smiled and replied.
"Hi, table under the name of Carla Connor?"
"Yes of course, right this way." Nick led Mrs Fisher over to a small booth that faced directly to the bar, perfect for Carla to watch the chaos unfold.
"What can I get you to drink then?" Nick asked, handing Carla's client a menu.
"I'll have a gin and tonic, easy on the tonic though."
"Right away." Nick headed off behind the bar as Leanne followed, preparing all the drinks for the party guests.
Finally, Carla rushed in through the door and greeted Mrs Fisher.
"Good afternoon Mrs Fisher," She said, offering her hand for the woman to shake.
"Oh please, call me Alison," she replied as Carla sat opposite her.
"So Alison, I heard you spoke with my business partner Aidan?"
"Yes, lovely man indeed. He suggested we met and had a meeting about general figures and what you would offer me."
"Well, you've come to the right place." Carla smiled professionally, just as Leanne came over, carrying Alison's drink.
"Here we are, one gin and tonic," Leanne placed the drink down in front of the woman and eyeballed Carla.
"I'll have a glass of red thanks," Carla said causing Leanne to pull a face of disgust at her.
The party table appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, drinking lots of alcohol and laughing hysterically. Leanne watched the table behind the bar with Nick.
"This is great, they're all so plastered that they're drinking anything!" Leanne grinned, placing a £20 note in the till.
Nick started laughing, "They haven't even had their mains yet and they can't string a sentence together!"
"One was talking broken biscuits to me!" Steph said, joining the two behind the bar just as two heavily uniformed police officers entered.
"Hi, can I help?" Nick asked the policeman who was considerably shorter than the other.
"Yeah, we're looking for a Leanne Tilsley," he replied flatly as Leanne looked up at them in confusion.
"That's me," Leanne said as she came out from behind the bar to talk to the officers.
The two policemen looked at each-other briefly then spoke, "Leanne Tilsley I'm arresting you for the assault of Carla Connor. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given as evidence. "
"Nick? Nick?" Leanne was calling in between the officers' generic speech.
"Oh my god, what the hell?" Steph said, watching in shock as Nick stood speechless. Leanne felt hands grab her own behind her back then handcuffs trap her from moving.
Meanwhile, across the room, Carla was watching with a huge smile on her face. A smile that hadn't gone unnoticed by Nick, Leanne and Steph. That bitch, thought Leanne as she was taken out of the Bistro and put into a police car outside. People out on the street watched as she was loaded into the car. Nick soon chased after the officers outside and managed to stop one that hadn't got into the car yet.
"Mate please, she didn't assault Carla, I was there! Carla gave just as good as she got, please don't arrest her, she doesn't deserve it. Please," Nick pleaded as the officer shook his head.
"Look I'm sorry, but all complaints need to be investigated. Mrs Tilsley needs to be questioned then we can get her side of the story too. Sorry," the officer said before climbing into the front of the car. Nick held his head in his hands as the police car drove off towards Weatherfield police station.
"Nick!" Eva shouted, running down the street towards him. "Was that Leanne? What's happened?"
"Carla," he began, "I can't believe she's gone to the police and said that Lea assaulted her."
"She did what?! That cow! I'm goin' to smack her!" Eva started towards the Bistro as Nick pulled her back.
"No! That's the last thing I need, you getting arrested too. Leanne needs us to get her out of custody, not join her in it."
"Then let's get down there!" Eva yelled, as Nick texted his Mum.
Nick:
Something urgent has come up Mum. Need you to get in the Bistro... NOW! xx
Down at the station, Leanne was sat in a police room, giving a statement.
"So, Mrs Tilsley, would you explain for us what happened with you and Mrs Connor last night in Nick's Bistro, Coronation Street."
Leanne sat with her hands under the table, staring down at the floor. Was this seriously what Carla had done? She wondered.
"Well, Carla and I don't get on anyway," Leanne started as the officer frowned.
"Why not?"
"Because she had an affair with my ex-husband and then she tried it on with my other ex-husband too- it's his Bistro that I work in you see."
"His Bistro where you assaulted Mrs Connor?"
Leanne took a breath and held back her anger and frustration. "Yes, his Bistro but no I didn't assault her. She pulled my hair and hit me too."
"So, let's start from the beginning shall we? Who started the fight?"
Oh-no. Leanne could visualise it now, Nick, Simon and Eva having to visit her in a prison. "I did, I was out having dinner with my sister because she'd come back from France. I'd had a few too many and said some awful things."
"Such as?"
"Does it matter?" Leanne responded blankly, she really didn't want to bring all this up again.
"Yes Mrs Tilsley I think it does! Considering you could get a prison sentence for this, we suggest you be as honest as possible."
"Fine. I told her every man she ever loves ends up dead or leaving her."
"Why? Were you trying to provoke her?"
"No. I said it because I was drunk at the time."
"Ah, well Mrs Connor failed to mention that."
"I bet she did," Leanne replied sarcastically.
"Then what happened?"
"She insulted me by bringing up things about my past, things I'm not proud of."
"So, Mrs Connor actually provoked you, when it was obvious you were under the influence of alcohol?"
"Yeah," Leanne agreed. "It was a flamin' miracle I could stand up I'd drunk that much."
"Then what?"
"I was angry and drunk so I turned around and hit her. She flipped and hit me back. We then started pulling each-other's hair until my ex broke up the fight."
"Which ex? The ex she had an affair with or your ex who has the Bistro?"
"Bistro ex."
"Okay. I think we have all the evidence we need. Could you wait in here please Mrs Tilsley?"
"Yeah, suppose," Leanne sighed, her eyes trying to find a new piece of plain wall to stare at.
In the waiting room, Nick and Eva were sat waiting for news of Leanne's arrest. Eva was staring and reading the posters on the wall whilst Nick paced up and down the reception area.
"Report it?" Eva asked, questioning the poster in front of her. "It's a wonder anyone reports stuff to the police given how much of a flippin' nightmare it is!"
Nick stopped and looked at Eva. "That is exactly why Carla's done this. God I just hope she's alright. She's gone through so much lately, she's delicate you know." Nick worriedly twiddled his thumbs and sat next to Eva.
"Yeah, must have been awful with Kal dying and that creepy Dan guy."
Nick scratched his head awkwardly. Obviously Leanne hadn't got round to telling her sister about Simon and his abuse. "Yeah but she's tough, she'll be okay now that we're here."
An officer soon came over to them, "I believe your Mr Tilsley?"
"That's right, any news on Leanne?"
"Yeah, I'm her sister an' all," Eva butted in, standing and joining the conversation.
"It looks as though the incident wasn't as one sided as we originally thought."
"That's 'cos Carla's a vicious lying cow," Eva muttered under her breath.
"Well? What about charges?" Nick asked.
"She can leave with you both but we will keep a caution on her, just in case."
"Oh, thank god," Nick let out a sigh of relief.
"Thanks officer," Nick and Eva chorused.
The police officer nodded and walked off to get Leanne. Nick felt sick with worry still. He loved her so much and wanted to keep her protected from harm. It broke his heart seeing her so glum and having yet another set back. Finally, after nearly two hours of waiting, she emerged from the interview room.
"Lea," Nick said, rushing over and throwing his arms around her tightly. "Thank god, I've been so worried."
Eva watched as Leanne fell into his arms. It didn't look like the sort of hug friends would share and Eva was well aware of it. Still, she walked over to her sister and touched her arm gently as she pulled out of the hug with Nick.
"Babe, you alright?" Eva asked as Leanne gave her sister a hug as well.
"Come on Lea, let's get you home," Nick said, wrapping his arm around Leanne's shoulder protectively. Eva smiled and excitedly cheered quietly behind them, it was lovely seeing her sister looking happy again. Leanne rested her head on Nick's shoulder as they walked out of the station. Eva could barely contain her excitement!
Nick dropped Leanne and Eva off at their flat and stood outside, talking to Leanne as Eva watched, giddy to talk to her sister about her budding relationship.
"Thanks again Nick," Leanne smiled.
"No problem gorgeous but let me know how you are okay? I'll make sure Carla leaves us well alone."
"I will, thank you," Leanne blushed as Nick gently placed a kiss on her cheek. Eva put her hand over her mouth to cover her smile.
In the flat, Leanne and Eva sat on the couch, drinking cups of piping hot milky tea.
"Right then Mrs! What's the deal with you and Nick?" Eva began, poking Leanne for an answer.
"Nothing! Nothing!" Leanne lied and Eva could see right through it.
"Tell me! Come on! I've seen you two together and I've only been back about two days! He was so worried when we were at the station, you got a kiss on the cheek before and you had your head on his shoulder too! Something is definitely going on Leanne and you can't deny it!"
"There's nothing going on Eva!" Leanne lied before Eva went over to the oven to get dinner out.
"Whatever you say but you two definitely are hiding something!"
Leanne smiled and read the text Nick had just sent her.
Nick:
Carla's barred from the Bistro. No-one treats my girl like that! Hope you're alright! See you tomorrow Lea. Night my beautiful jailbird. Xxxxxx
Quietly, just so Eva wouldn't hear, Leanne whispered, "Our feelings, we're hiding our feelings." She grinned again and sat back on the couch. Maybe a few hours wasn't so bad. Especially when the man she loved was there waiting for her. Especially then.
Thanks again for reading people! The next chapter will be pretty full with lots of Leanne and Nick stuff, Eva, Simon and naughty Carla! I'll make sure I update again really soon! Just wanted to say a HUGE thanks for all the reviews, please keep leaving them as it's so nice to hear your thoughts! It's great to hear your suggestions too!
Keep reviewing, favouriting and following! Update soon! :)
