He took another step forward. She couldn't move. Fear gripped hold of her. Another man came around the corner, distracting the youth. She could only assume they were mates as several hushed words were exchanged. Kirsty used his distraction to her advantage and turned and ran, her legs feeling like they would buckle beneath her. But she didn't dare stop.
She continued running through the maze of lonely backstreets, her heart thumping against her chest. She could hear footsteps behind her, pounding on the concrete path. Both of them were behind her. She skidded around a corner and raced onto the high street where she stopped, breathless. People were giving her strange looks, but the guys had gone. She was still shaking. Helpless. But what could she do?
..............................
HOSPITAL
Kane lies alone, flicking through the pages of a magazine thoughtfully. A nurse had given it to him. Someone else didn't want it. But he couldn't concentrate on anything.
A few rooms away, Flynn and Shelley sit by Rhys' bedside, talking in hushed voices, as not to wake him.
"Have the police still not found them?"
Shelley couldn't help but think about what danger Kirsty might be in.
"No... there's still no sign where they've gone, but..."
Flynn paused.
"But what?"
"Well the police have circulated their names and descriptions to all the emergency services... we'll find them"
Flynn was aware that the police had visited the home of Kane's Aunt, with no success. He just wished they would have the sense to call and say they were alright.
"You mean we'll find them if Kirsty gets brought in by an ambulance?"
Anything could happen out there. It wasn't just Kane he was worried about. It was the sort of life Kirsty could be getting. The people she would be mixing with in her new life.
"Look Shelley, from what I've seen Kane's not going to let anything happen to her... I'm sure of it"
"Like nothing was happening when she called us in a panic? I can't just sit around doing nothing Flynn... she's my daughter and I just want her back home..."
..............................
WHARF
Dani sits, staring out to sea. Wishing her troubles would just float away. Life at home had been so awkward since she found out the shocking truth about Kirsty. She felt betrayed by everyone she loved. She found herself pushing her mother away when she tried to talk. She had avoided Josh as well. She had thought that he loathed Kane. Why had Josh been hiding his secret? Nothing made any sense. She rose to her feet and walked casually along the quayside, eyes focused on the horizon, fighting back tears. She exhaled slowly, trying to calm herself as she turned and prepared to head for home.
..............................
CARAVAN PARK
Jade walked through the front door
"The cops were looking for you earlier - they want to get a statement about what happened between Kane and Dad"
Jade nodded. She had been avoiding them. She didn't know what she was going to say, she just needed some time alone with her Dad to work it out.
"Right... look, I might pop in to see dad before visiting hours are over"
"Wait until the morning Jade - your father was exhausted when I was in... after what he's been through he needs a bit of rest"
Dani enters, sullen faced.
"Where have you been love?"
She glances at her mother
"Just... walking... I'm going to go to bed"
Shelley nods, downhearted. Dani hadn't said much ever since the truth had been revealed. Flynn had tried to have a word, but Dani had brushed him off, claiming she was fine although she evidently wasn't.
..............................
HOSPITAL
Morning
Kane marches out of the ward, fully clothed. He'd had enough of the hospital. He approached the nearest doctor, who he vaguely recognised as one of those monitoring his progress.
"I want to discharge myself"
"That won't be possible Mr Watson"
Kane looked momentarily confused, before realising he was still under a false identity.
"I can do what I like"
He couldn't stand being stuck in that bed any longer. He still felt weak, but that would wear off. Other than that he was feeling fine. Well, apart from the continual feeling of worthlessness. He was useless, it was as if he could never get anything right. He ran away with Kirsty, they ended up in trouble, he brought her back and he didn't even have the guts to let her go. Instead he had made things a thousand times worse.
The doctor cleared his throat. They had discussed getting someone with experience in to talk to this mystery patient. He didn't seem to want to tell them anything other than his name, and due to the nature of his condition there had been some concern about his state of mind.
"We think it would be best for you to have a word to someone who could help you... his name is Flynn Saunders"
That was all Kane needed. Flynn sticking his nose in. Trying to dig deeper into his life. Into depths he had only ever let Kirsty into. His innermost feelings. He couldn't trust anyone else, they would just let him down. But Kirsty was different.
"A counsellor?!"
"Mr Watson, you were brought in having taken an overdose"
He knew what the doctor was implying. That he was mentally unstable. Maybe that was the case, he didn't even know what he was doing. He was just wandering around in a state of numbness. But that was his own business. He was used to dealing with is feelings himself, and that wouldn't change. He thought it would. He had been able to talk about his feelings with Kirsty, but that was all over now. He would go back to doing what he had always done. He had coped back then and he would cope now.
"I'm not seeing a shrink! Are you going to discharge me or am I going to walk out of those doors anyway?"
"Well, if that's what you want..."
The doctor glanced unsurely around, unnerved by this particular patient.
..............................
WHARF
Later
Kane walked up to the car park, stopping dead as he came to the spot he knew he had left his car. Now there was a red land rover sat in his space.
He swore under his breath, not knowing quite what to do. Did he even have his keys? He fumbled through his pockets. No. He couldn't even remember when he had last seen them. At the wharf? At the hospital? Sinking to his knees he buried his head into his hands, not caring how many people stared at him. He couldn't be much worse off if he tried.
..............................
Later
He knocked hesitantly on the old wooden door, glancing around at the familiar garden. He wasn't used to knocking, but his key had been on the same key ring that had gone missing. Who had taken it he had no idea, but he'd find them. However long it took. Venting his anger might make him feel better. The door swung open.
"Kane"
The woman greeted him with mixed surprise and frustration.
"Hi Auntie Rose"
"You're back then?"
He nodded, smiling faintly.
"Looks like it... I'm in a spot of bother"
She sighed. That was her nephew all over. He couldn't even stay out of trouble for a week before he came crawling back.
"When are you not in trouble?"
She stepped back, letting him in. She didn't even know why she took such pity on him. Any sane person would have turned their back on him years ago, but she didn't have the heart to do the same as the rest of his family. Besides, there was hope for him yet. He had mellowed a lot over the past few months. There was less of his father in him every day.
"So what have you done this time?"
"You know, the usual... ran off with my girlfriend, beat up her Dad, took an overdose, had my car nicked... that sort of thing"
He sat down, glad to finally take the weight off his feet. He had had no choice but to walk all the way, as he didn't have any cash to his name. Everything had been in that car. In fact, all he had was the clothes he was wearing.
"I see... so now you expect me to welcome you back with open arms?"
He had been through the wars, that was obvious. He looked more run down than she had ever seen him. He had been so positive last time he was home, mainly due to his flourishing relationship. Whatever had happened had certainly taken the wind out of his sails. But she didn't have the nerve to ask. She knew he didn't like opening up. If he wanted to tell her he would, given time.
"I had nowhere else to go... except maybe the top of a cliff"
"What stopped you?"
He shrugged. It had been a serious option only minutes beforehand. After all, he had tried it once. And he had virtually nothing more to lose now. It wasn't like anyone would mourn his death. Unless possibly Rose, but sometimes he thought she'd be better off without the trouble he caused her.
"Look... go and have a shower and get yourself changed... I'll get you something to eat"
He smiled gratefully, hauling himself of the sofa and heading for the stairs
..............................
HOSPITAL
Flynn walked hurriedly into the hospital, addressing a doctor.
"You asked me to come and talk to one of your patients?"
"Yes, Kyle Watson, he discharged himself about a half hour ago - didn't seem too keen to talk to anyone"
"Do you think he's a danger?"
Flynn had only heard an outline of the story.
"Only to himself... seemed a decent enough chap really... it's a shame when you see people like that - just giving up... you wonder what's gone so wrong in their lives"
..............................
"You should report your car"
Kane looked up at Rose doubtfully. She knew as well as he did what good the police were to them. They were one of the families the police despised.
"I don't want to talk to the police... it'll just cause more trouble... after all they'll charge me with assault the moment they clap eyes on me"
He shouldn't have done it. He shouldn't have touched Rhys. It was more trouble, trouble he didn't need. He could see Rose's frown as he had told her exactly what happened. He had half expected a lecture on how violence couldn't solve anything. She had tried to drum that into him during the time he had stayed there.
"Hmmm... the police were around here earlier looking for you"
Kane nodded.
"You've got to talk to them some day"
"I know"
"And Kirsty"
"I can't... she'll hate me"
"You'll never know if you don't try"
"You didn't see the look she gave me"
Rose looked sternly at him, as if to tell him he had to get his life sorted. Kane sighed. He'd seen that look too many times before.
"Fine, I'll go and have a word with the cops this afternoon..."
"And Kirsty?"
"We'll see"
..............................
POLICE STATION - INTERVIEW ROOM
Kane sat back at the table his eyes moving from Carter to his silent colleague and back again. All he had done was gone in to report his car missing and he had been instantly charged with assault on Rhys, forcing him to stay in the station and sit through an agonising interview with Inspector Carter. He had explained his version of what happened outside the caravan park, only Carter seemed to have his doubts. As if he wanted Kane to be as guilty as hell. As if he was holding something back.
Carter hadn't managed to catch up with Jade and Rhys still hadn't regained his memory. So all he had was Kane's word, which he was reluctant to believe given the circumstances. He couldn't believe that a stable family man like Rhys would lay a finger on Kirsty as Kane had claimed. Right now, his priority had to be locating Kirsty. Maybe then he'd get a decent description of events.
"And Miss Sutherland?"
Kane frowned at Carter, not quite sure what he meant. The relationship had nothing to do with the police. Kirsty had come with him out of free will, surely she had told them.
"Kirsty? What about her?"
"Where is she?"
The question took Kane by surprise.
"At home... isn't she?"
"We had information stating that she was with you"
"No... I haven't seen her for days... are you saying she's missing?"
"Mr Phillips, this isn't a game anymore... hiding her isn't going to do you any good"
Now he was overcome by a mixture of bewilderment and sheer terror. Where was she if she wasn't safe at home? What could possibly have happened after he left the caravan park that day.
"You think I know where she is?"
Carter looked across the table thoughtfully.
"Well, there's one of two scenarios here Mr Phillips..."
Carter leant across the table. Kane could smell the stale tobacco on his breath.
"Scenario one - you are under the impression that her hiding away is going to keep you together and prevent her returning home... and in that case it is essential that you let us know, so that we are aware she is safe"
Carter stood, pacing up the room, raising the volume of his voice.
"OR... scenario two... after you attacked her father she realised what you were really like... she wanted to split up and you couldn't accept that..."
"What are you trying to say?!"
Kane stood up angrily to face Carter. Surely he wasn't implying he would hurt Kirsty? He couldn't. He just couldn't.
"Sit down Mr Phillips"
Kane reluctantly obeyed and Carter continued.
"She decided to finish things and you decided that rather than let her go, rather than be a laughing stock you would have to get rid of her..."
Carter was speaking quickly now, his voice booming enthusiastically around the room. As if he had solved the worlds greatest mystery.
"I couldn't hurt her"
Kane looked at him desperately, willing Carter to believe him. Knowing it wouldn't make a difference. The police were all the same. Once they thought they had worked it out they would keep on at their suspicions.
"Maybe it wasn't intentional... but all we know is that she's missing... and you're the one with assault charges against your name..."
"I've got to get out of here, I have to find her"
Carter's speech was hardly registering with him now. He didn't care what they though he was capable of. All he cared about was finding Kirsty. That was all that mattered. Everything else could wait.
"You're staying here with us Mr Phillips... not only have you been charged with a vicious assault on Mr Sutherland but we would also like to hold you regarding the disappearance of Kirsty Sutherland"
"I didn't do anything wrong! I swear!"
Carter smirked, receiving a degree of satisfaction from the criminals' desperation.
"Take him back to the cells"
She continued running through the maze of lonely backstreets, her heart thumping against her chest. She could hear footsteps behind her, pounding on the concrete path. Both of them were behind her. She skidded around a corner and raced onto the high street where she stopped, breathless. People were giving her strange looks, but the guys had gone. She was still shaking. Helpless. But what could she do?
..............................
HOSPITAL
Kane lies alone, flicking through the pages of a magazine thoughtfully. A nurse had given it to him. Someone else didn't want it. But he couldn't concentrate on anything.
A few rooms away, Flynn and Shelley sit by Rhys' bedside, talking in hushed voices, as not to wake him.
"Have the police still not found them?"
Shelley couldn't help but think about what danger Kirsty might be in.
"No... there's still no sign where they've gone, but..."
Flynn paused.
"But what?"
"Well the police have circulated their names and descriptions to all the emergency services... we'll find them"
Flynn was aware that the police had visited the home of Kane's Aunt, with no success. He just wished they would have the sense to call and say they were alright.
"You mean we'll find them if Kirsty gets brought in by an ambulance?"
Anything could happen out there. It wasn't just Kane he was worried about. It was the sort of life Kirsty could be getting. The people she would be mixing with in her new life.
"Look Shelley, from what I've seen Kane's not going to let anything happen to her... I'm sure of it"
"Like nothing was happening when she called us in a panic? I can't just sit around doing nothing Flynn... she's my daughter and I just want her back home..."
..............................
WHARF
Dani sits, staring out to sea. Wishing her troubles would just float away. Life at home had been so awkward since she found out the shocking truth about Kirsty. She felt betrayed by everyone she loved. She found herself pushing her mother away when she tried to talk. She had avoided Josh as well. She had thought that he loathed Kane. Why had Josh been hiding his secret? Nothing made any sense. She rose to her feet and walked casually along the quayside, eyes focused on the horizon, fighting back tears. She exhaled slowly, trying to calm herself as she turned and prepared to head for home.
..............................
CARAVAN PARK
Jade walked through the front door
"The cops were looking for you earlier - they want to get a statement about what happened between Kane and Dad"
Jade nodded. She had been avoiding them. She didn't know what she was going to say, she just needed some time alone with her Dad to work it out.
"Right... look, I might pop in to see dad before visiting hours are over"
"Wait until the morning Jade - your father was exhausted when I was in... after what he's been through he needs a bit of rest"
Dani enters, sullen faced.
"Where have you been love?"
She glances at her mother
"Just... walking... I'm going to go to bed"
Shelley nods, downhearted. Dani hadn't said much ever since the truth had been revealed. Flynn had tried to have a word, but Dani had brushed him off, claiming she was fine although she evidently wasn't.
..............................
HOSPITAL
Morning
Kane marches out of the ward, fully clothed. He'd had enough of the hospital. He approached the nearest doctor, who he vaguely recognised as one of those monitoring his progress.
"I want to discharge myself"
"That won't be possible Mr Watson"
Kane looked momentarily confused, before realising he was still under a false identity.
"I can do what I like"
He couldn't stand being stuck in that bed any longer. He still felt weak, but that would wear off. Other than that he was feeling fine. Well, apart from the continual feeling of worthlessness. He was useless, it was as if he could never get anything right. He ran away with Kirsty, they ended up in trouble, he brought her back and he didn't even have the guts to let her go. Instead he had made things a thousand times worse.
The doctor cleared his throat. They had discussed getting someone with experience in to talk to this mystery patient. He didn't seem to want to tell them anything other than his name, and due to the nature of his condition there had been some concern about his state of mind.
"We think it would be best for you to have a word to someone who could help you... his name is Flynn Saunders"
That was all Kane needed. Flynn sticking his nose in. Trying to dig deeper into his life. Into depths he had only ever let Kirsty into. His innermost feelings. He couldn't trust anyone else, they would just let him down. But Kirsty was different.
"A counsellor?!"
"Mr Watson, you were brought in having taken an overdose"
He knew what the doctor was implying. That he was mentally unstable. Maybe that was the case, he didn't even know what he was doing. He was just wandering around in a state of numbness. But that was his own business. He was used to dealing with is feelings himself, and that wouldn't change. He thought it would. He had been able to talk about his feelings with Kirsty, but that was all over now. He would go back to doing what he had always done. He had coped back then and he would cope now.
"I'm not seeing a shrink! Are you going to discharge me or am I going to walk out of those doors anyway?"
"Well, if that's what you want..."
The doctor glanced unsurely around, unnerved by this particular patient.
..............................
WHARF
Later
Kane walked up to the car park, stopping dead as he came to the spot he knew he had left his car. Now there was a red land rover sat in his space.
He swore under his breath, not knowing quite what to do. Did he even have his keys? He fumbled through his pockets. No. He couldn't even remember when he had last seen them. At the wharf? At the hospital? Sinking to his knees he buried his head into his hands, not caring how many people stared at him. He couldn't be much worse off if he tried.
..............................
Later
He knocked hesitantly on the old wooden door, glancing around at the familiar garden. He wasn't used to knocking, but his key had been on the same key ring that had gone missing. Who had taken it he had no idea, but he'd find them. However long it took. Venting his anger might make him feel better. The door swung open.
"Kane"
The woman greeted him with mixed surprise and frustration.
"Hi Auntie Rose"
"You're back then?"
He nodded, smiling faintly.
"Looks like it... I'm in a spot of bother"
She sighed. That was her nephew all over. He couldn't even stay out of trouble for a week before he came crawling back.
"When are you not in trouble?"
She stepped back, letting him in. She didn't even know why she took such pity on him. Any sane person would have turned their back on him years ago, but she didn't have the heart to do the same as the rest of his family. Besides, there was hope for him yet. He had mellowed a lot over the past few months. There was less of his father in him every day.
"So what have you done this time?"
"You know, the usual... ran off with my girlfriend, beat up her Dad, took an overdose, had my car nicked... that sort of thing"
He sat down, glad to finally take the weight off his feet. He had had no choice but to walk all the way, as he didn't have any cash to his name. Everything had been in that car. In fact, all he had was the clothes he was wearing.
"I see... so now you expect me to welcome you back with open arms?"
He had been through the wars, that was obvious. He looked more run down than she had ever seen him. He had been so positive last time he was home, mainly due to his flourishing relationship. Whatever had happened had certainly taken the wind out of his sails. But she didn't have the nerve to ask. She knew he didn't like opening up. If he wanted to tell her he would, given time.
"I had nowhere else to go... except maybe the top of a cliff"
"What stopped you?"
He shrugged. It had been a serious option only minutes beforehand. After all, he had tried it once. And he had virtually nothing more to lose now. It wasn't like anyone would mourn his death. Unless possibly Rose, but sometimes he thought she'd be better off without the trouble he caused her.
"Look... go and have a shower and get yourself changed... I'll get you something to eat"
He smiled gratefully, hauling himself of the sofa and heading for the stairs
..............................
HOSPITAL
Flynn walked hurriedly into the hospital, addressing a doctor.
"You asked me to come and talk to one of your patients?"
"Yes, Kyle Watson, he discharged himself about a half hour ago - didn't seem too keen to talk to anyone"
"Do you think he's a danger?"
Flynn had only heard an outline of the story.
"Only to himself... seemed a decent enough chap really... it's a shame when you see people like that - just giving up... you wonder what's gone so wrong in their lives"
..............................
"You should report your car"
Kane looked up at Rose doubtfully. She knew as well as he did what good the police were to them. They were one of the families the police despised.
"I don't want to talk to the police... it'll just cause more trouble... after all they'll charge me with assault the moment they clap eyes on me"
He shouldn't have done it. He shouldn't have touched Rhys. It was more trouble, trouble he didn't need. He could see Rose's frown as he had told her exactly what happened. He had half expected a lecture on how violence couldn't solve anything. She had tried to drum that into him during the time he had stayed there.
"Hmmm... the police were around here earlier looking for you"
Kane nodded.
"You've got to talk to them some day"
"I know"
"And Kirsty"
"I can't... she'll hate me"
"You'll never know if you don't try"
"You didn't see the look she gave me"
Rose looked sternly at him, as if to tell him he had to get his life sorted. Kane sighed. He'd seen that look too many times before.
"Fine, I'll go and have a word with the cops this afternoon..."
"And Kirsty?"
"We'll see"
..............................
POLICE STATION - INTERVIEW ROOM
Kane sat back at the table his eyes moving from Carter to his silent colleague and back again. All he had done was gone in to report his car missing and he had been instantly charged with assault on Rhys, forcing him to stay in the station and sit through an agonising interview with Inspector Carter. He had explained his version of what happened outside the caravan park, only Carter seemed to have his doubts. As if he wanted Kane to be as guilty as hell. As if he was holding something back.
Carter hadn't managed to catch up with Jade and Rhys still hadn't regained his memory. So all he had was Kane's word, which he was reluctant to believe given the circumstances. He couldn't believe that a stable family man like Rhys would lay a finger on Kirsty as Kane had claimed. Right now, his priority had to be locating Kirsty. Maybe then he'd get a decent description of events.
"And Miss Sutherland?"
Kane frowned at Carter, not quite sure what he meant. The relationship had nothing to do with the police. Kirsty had come with him out of free will, surely she had told them.
"Kirsty? What about her?"
"Where is she?"
The question took Kane by surprise.
"At home... isn't she?"
"We had information stating that she was with you"
"No... I haven't seen her for days... are you saying she's missing?"
"Mr Phillips, this isn't a game anymore... hiding her isn't going to do you any good"
Now he was overcome by a mixture of bewilderment and sheer terror. Where was she if she wasn't safe at home? What could possibly have happened after he left the caravan park that day.
"You think I know where she is?"
Carter looked across the table thoughtfully.
"Well, there's one of two scenarios here Mr Phillips..."
Carter leant across the table. Kane could smell the stale tobacco on his breath.
"Scenario one - you are under the impression that her hiding away is going to keep you together and prevent her returning home... and in that case it is essential that you let us know, so that we are aware she is safe"
Carter stood, pacing up the room, raising the volume of his voice.
"OR... scenario two... after you attacked her father she realised what you were really like... she wanted to split up and you couldn't accept that..."
"What are you trying to say?!"
Kane stood up angrily to face Carter. Surely he wasn't implying he would hurt Kirsty? He couldn't. He just couldn't.
"Sit down Mr Phillips"
Kane reluctantly obeyed and Carter continued.
"She decided to finish things and you decided that rather than let her go, rather than be a laughing stock you would have to get rid of her..."
Carter was speaking quickly now, his voice booming enthusiastically around the room. As if he had solved the worlds greatest mystery.
"I couldn't hurt her"
Kane looked at him desperately, willing Carter to believe him. Knowing it wouldn't make a difference. The police were all the same. Once they thought they had worked it out they would keep on at their suspicions.
"Maybe it wasn't intentional... but all we know is that she's missing... and you're the one with assault charges against your name..."
"I've got to get out of here, I have to find her"
Carter's speech was hardly registering with him now. He didn't care what they though he was capable of. All he cared about was finding Kirsty. That was all that mattered. Everything else could wait.
"You're staying here with us Mr Phillips... not only have you been charged with a vicious assault on Mr Sutherland but we would also like to hold you regarding the disappearance of Kirsty Sutherland"
"I didn't do anything wrong! I swear!"
Carter smirked, receiving a degree of satisfaction from the criminals' desperation.
"Take him back to the cells"