The Very Thought of You

Chapter 8

Three days had come and gone and still WPC Buckton had not had the pleasure and satisfaction of arresting Robert Cruze for the rape of Josephine Collins. Charlie chewed the side of her mouth and stared out of the window wondering if she should pay Joey a visit, just to see if she was well and perhaps give her support in case her courage had faltered. WPC Watson placed a cup of tea in front of the day dreaming Charlie making her jump.

"Oh!" Charlie cried. "Lord! You made me jump!" She said patting her chest in hopes her heart was still beating.

"Sorry. You were miles away." Watson said taking a file from the cabinet next to Charlie's desk.

"No biscuits?" Charlie asked.

"No. The Sarg' had the last. No sugar either! Should be a law against sugar rationing." Muttered Watson as she placed carbon and two sheets of plain paper into her typewriter and started to type up a report.

"Remember that girl I told you about, Josephine Collins, who was attacked by Robert Cruze?" Charlie asked.

"Allegedly." Watson corrected.

"Okay, 'allegedly' amended Charlie. "She hasn't come in to make a statement yet. Do you think I should go to see her again?"

Georgina Watson sat back in her chair and frowned.

"Well, you could, but maybe she's not ready or doesn't want to take it any further. Some girls are like that. Myself, I'd kick his arse from here to Scotland if I thought I'd get justice."

"Shhh..." Charlie grinned at her friend's rather graphic statement. "If the Sergeant hears you using language like that, he'll probably kick you from here to Scotland!"

"Ah, but then he likes my tea!" Watson said, winking. "Especially as I always save him a couple of biscuits!" Watson said with wide eyes causing Charlie to gasp.

Andrew Aden had finished his shift on The Summer Bay and was walking up towards The Nebby for a pint. He was pleased the day had finished. He was tired of trying to ignore Robert Cruze and his constant jokes and innuendoes aimed at the expense of the absent Joey Collins. Andrew knew Cruze was just trying to get a rise from him, so did his best to ignore his comments. He entered the public house and saw WPC's Buckton and Watson speaking to Alf Steward about a report of black market gangs in the area. Andrew managed to catch the Policewoman's eye and she joined Andrew at his table when she'd finished her duty visit.

"Hello Andrew. Finished for the day?" Charlie enquired.

"Thankfully, yes." Andrew replied. "Hey, have you seen Joey yet?"

Charlie sighed deeply. "Yes, I saw her a few nights ago and thought I was making some progress. I thought she might come down to the station the next day to make a statement, but she never turned up. Feel a bit bad about it really."

"Humm. That's a shame. I'd really like to see Cruze banged up." Andrew said.

"I would go and see her again, but I'm frightened to push her too hard. She was at breaking point the other night." Charlie said, sadly.

"I might just take a stroll up to see her this evening and have a chat – if you think it may help?" The young man suggested.

"Well, can't hurt, I guess. Well, good luck. I hope it you have more luck than I did."

"I don't suppose I can stand you a drink?" Andrew offered.

"What! In uniform, young man? Really!" The Policewoman smiled warmly and left the pub.

Andrew finished his drink and made his way to Joey's house. As he neared, Andrew became aware of two figures in Joey's back yard – the larger of the two had hold of the other's arms in a menacing manner.

"So, if you have said anything to Brian or told the cops, I will..."

"Don't you think if I'd told my brother, you'd've have had a visit from him by now?" Joey asked sarcastically, struggling to free herself from the tight grip of Robert Cruze.

"Well, you just keep it that way, girlie, or else I might have to make him aware of your unwanted advances towards my little sister, ya dirty little bitch!"

"Please, just let me be!" Joey cried as he tightened his grip.

"Oi!" Andrew yelled as her leapt over the picket fence into Joey's garden. "Leave her alone you bastard!" Andrew launched himself at the surprised Cruze and tackled him to the ground. Cruze landed with a thud, but kicked Andrew in the stomach.

"STOP!" Yelled a frightened Joey. "Andy! Don't! Leave it!"

Cruze was up and away over the fence before Andrew could get hold of him again.

Joey ran back towards the house, but Andrew was in hot pursuit and managed to get inside the house before Joey closed the door.

"You shouldn't get involved, Andrew!" Joey said, angrily. "It's none of your business!"

"It is my business when my friend is being hounded by a toe rag like Cruze!" Andrew shouted in his own defence. "Why don't you put an end to it Joey, just go and see Charlie and report it. Get some pride back into your life. Take control!" Andrew yelled at her and walked out.

Joey hung her head and cried.