Chapter 2

Terri awoke from a restless night full of nightmares to the sun streaming through her windows. She could feel her arm and ribs throbbing as she sat up. After going to the bathroom, she returned to the side of her bed and took the phone. She knew Von, Nelson, and Charlotte would be upset that she hadn't called either of them last night but even she had had enough of her life's drama at the moment.

'Hi Nelson. Listen I know this seems like it's turning into a habit, but I am going to be a bit late this morning. My door broke last night and I just need to arrange for someone to come and fix it before I can come in.'

'Terri that's fine. I am here already so I will handle handover.'

'Thanks Nelson. I have a NUM meeting at 11 and I must still finish some work for that so I will be there as soon as I can be. Could you ask Regina to just get our monthly numbers ready for me please?'

'I will certainly do that.'

'Thanks Nelson. And oh if Sterling can't make it in today due to his uncle and aunt, just ask for an agency nurse.'

'Okay, I will see if he comes.'

'Thanks, I'll be there as soon as I can.'

'See you soon.'

Terri got up and went to the bathroom to have a shower. As she stood in front of the mirror she took in how she looked. She knew she hadn't been feeling her best lately but the mirror told the full picture. She had bruises around her neck from where he held her and there was a light one on her cheek where he had slapped her. She had felt her sore ribs throughout the night and her hand was in a brace. She put her hands down on the sink and leant forward. Suddenly tears were falling in the sink and her shoulders were started to shake.

Mitch, where are you? We had too little time together. I am trying but it's all falling apart. I'm falling apart. It has been one thing after another. I can't do this alone.

She gave herself a few minutes to cry and then she stepped into the shower and got ready for the day. Terri needed extra time to do her makeup and she chose a scarf to put around her neck to hide the marks on her face and neck. By the time she was dressed, had made some coffee for herself and the officer by her door, and organised someone to come fix the door while she was at work, there was no time for breakfast or to clean the mess that was still lying around.

Terri stood impatiently as the lift went up to the floor. As soon as the door opened she rushed into ward 17 and went straight to reception where Nelson, Von, Charlotte, and Regina were working.

'Hi guys, I am really sorry. Things took longer than expected.' Terri's voice was still not as strong as normal.

'No problem Terri. Things went smoothly this morning.' Nelson responded.

'Ok good. Good. Did Sterling come in or did you get an agency nurse?' She tried to clear her throat to make her voice stronger.

'Sterling came in.'

'Ok, how's he been?'

'Yeah ok. Quiet but ok.'

'I will try catch up with him later. Anything else I need to know?' Terri could feel Von and Charlotte looking at her but she just couldn't get into that now.

'Oh Terri, I like your scarf. Are you coming down with something? Your voice doesn't sound too good.'

'Thanks Regina. I hope not.' Terri smiled.

'Hey,' Nelson took her right arm and lifted it up. 'What happened here?'

'Oh I fell last night and sprained my wrist.' Not totally true but not a lie either. Terri thought.

'Listen' quickly changing the topic. 'I know I have just walked in but I have that NUM's meeting in 30 minutes and I must still add this week's numbers in. Can I leave you guys again?'

'Yeah no worries.' Nelson handed her the log books.

'Thanks Regina. Thanks Nelson.'

Terri took the books and went to her office and closed the door. She was hungry but right now she had to finish the reports in record time and get to the meeting.

Outside Von and Charlotte shared a worried look. Terri looked exhausted and not herself but with the meeting so close they left Terri to work.

Terri sat had been in the meeting for about two hours by now and she was feeling worse and worse. Her wrist was throbbing and her ribs were sore. She also had a headache. She was so glad when they dismissed the meeting and hoped she could get a quick exit and retreat into her office for just a bit. But it was not to be as Joan pulled Terri aside to discuss a few things.

It is almost 2pm when Terri finally steps back onto the ward and as she does she sees Detective Manning and Detective Agostini talking to Dr Vincent Hughes. Von, Charlotte, Regina, Sterling, and Nelson are all at the counter and listening.

'Ah Sister Sullivan. We were just starting to update Dr Hughes and Sterling on the case.'

'Ok, so as I said, Vincent Soames has been for his bail application and that was denied due to the charges of murder on Rose Stevens and Mrs Blackburn and the attempted murder of Mr Blackburn. He will stay in prison until the trial and therefore you two (Terri and Vincent) are in no further danger. Terri, as soon as you can come to the station with your lawyer we can clear all the charges against you.'

'Thank you.' Terri nodded.

'Terri, I couldn't get hold of you earlier before the hearing but I must warn you that three charges have been added to Mr Soames' sheet regarding last night.' The rest of the staff were quite curious why the Detective was addressing her now.

'Um. Can…. Can we take this into my office.' She stuttered. She hadn't even told her friends or the staff or anyone. She definitely did not want to discuss last night in front of everyone.

'Yes sure.' The two men followed Terri into her office and she closed the door.

Von and Charlotte looked at Vincent.

'What? They let us go around 4pm. We weren't at the safe house last night.'

'But when I phoned you after 5pm you said that the cops phoned you and said Soames was alive.'

'Yes. I was home and they sent two cops to stay at my place till they found him at around 10pm. They said they were doing the same for Terri.'

'How long did it take them to get to your house?' Von asked

'They were there quickly. About 10 minutes.' Nelson walked off.

'Nelson, when Terri phoned you this morning, what did she say?'

'All she told me was she would be late because her door was broken.'

Von, Charlotte, and Nelson stood looking at each other not wanting their thoughts to be true.

'Soames on the loose, a broken door, and her wrist sprained.' Von breathed out. 'I don't like this.'

'Surely if it is true she would have called one of us?'

The three just stood there before continuing their work.