The Very Thought of You
Chapter 9
"WPC Buckton! Someone to see you." Called the Constable at the desk.
Charlie got up from her desk and walked into the reception and saw a very apprehensive Joey sitting on a wooden chair.
"Joey!" Said a smiling and relived Charlie. "Won't you come through?"
Joey left her chair and followed Charlie into a side room.
"Please, take a seat and I'll be with you in a couple of ticks." Said the young Constable.
Joey sat down and looked about the small room. She imagined this to be the interrogation room. Maybe one day, Robert Cruze may be sitting in this very seat, mused Joey. Charlie entered the room closing the door behind her.
"A cup of tea for you!" Charlie said with a smile, "and I managed to get you a biscuit too!" Behind her hand she whispered, "But don't tell the Sergeant!" She whispered behind her hand.
Joey sipped her tea but didn't think she would be able to eat anything. She felt far too nervous.
"I'm so pleased to see you, Joey. I'd almost given up hope of you ever coming in! I'm glad you did though." She said warmly to the younger girl.
"I wasn't going to, but I had another visit from.... from Cruze and Andrew – Andrew Aden, my friend, said that I should come in. He was quite angry about it. Don't think I've ever seen him so mad!" Joey said, sheepishly. "So, I've come to make a statement!" She said, glancing shyly at Charlie.
An hour later, Joey was almost finished making her statement to the Police officer.
"Joey, I'm so proud of you!" Charlie said with a smile. "It'll make all the difference..."
Suddenly, her words were drowned out by the sound of shouting outside the small room. The door burst open to reveal Brian Collins, Joey's brother.
"You're not making any statements, Joey! You know it's all lies! What's got into you lately!" Brian shouted. "You know Bob wouldn't do that to you! You're just lying for attention!"
"Just a minute! Who are you?" Charlie said raising her voice and standing up.
"My name's Brian Collins. I'm her brother and I'm taking her home!"
"I'm sorry, Mr Collins, but your sister is making a statement and isn't ready to go home just yet." Charlie pointed out, forcefully.
Joey rose from her chair and began to follow her brother as he marched unceremoniously from the interview room.
"Joey!" Called Charlie, "Where are you going?"
"I'm sorry, Charlie!" Joey said almost in tears as her brother grabbed hold of her wrist and started to drag her away. Joey cast a sad look at the Policewoman then disappeared from view.
Charlie could do nothing to stop them. She stood open mouthed and frustrated in the middle of the Police station reception area.
"Blimey! Glad he's not my brother!" Watson remarked. "He'd be another one who would end up with a sore arse in Scotland!"