Confrontation

The court was still a source of fascination for Mared. The magistrates court where Prosser had been referred to court had been the small historical building on the edge of town. This place was much bigger. More intimidating- although she had given evidence in Crown Court before this time was different. She wasn't here as a police officer or expert witness. She was the victim. A word she had refused to associate with herself. Mared Ann Rhys was not and never would be a victim. She stared at the austere Crown Court in the middle of Llanelli she couldn't help but feel the urge to run.

"DI Rhys?" She turned as a young woman in a court ushers uniform appeared. Mared nodded. She knew Tom was currently giving evidence and Siân had already done so. It was just her, Lee, Delyth and Lloyd to go. Until then she wasn't allowed to speak to any of them.

"Yes?"

"You should be in the Victim Support Suite."

"No. I needed some fresh air. I'm not used to being in that room."

"I know."

"This place. It's fascinating." Mared read the little plate on the solid oak door. "So full of history."

"Built in 1789, it's seen a few cases. A few characters. If walls could talk eh?"

"What's your name?" Mared asked. The immaculately dressed blonde smiled.

"Joanne Adams. And no, this isn't a Welsh accent. I married a Welshman - I'm from Birmingham really. And I don't speak Welsh which, when we lived in Cardiff didn't matter."

"But it does here." Mared understood. North and mid Wales was a different world to South Wales in many ways. She smiled. "Welsh is important."

"I know, I don't need the speil." She lit a cigarette. "I also know this is a no smoking area and this crap will kill me."

Mared smiled slightly. She hated smoking. Always had. Seeing her gran die of emphysema would always stick in her memory. She also knew the woman in front of her could make her own decisions.

"It will."

"Aye, well." She shrugged. "You don't smoke?"

"No. Never have." Mared read the signs again. She desperately wanted to be anywhere else; preferably with Tom and Elin. The thought of facing Prosser in court made her feel sick. "Has Siân given her evidence yet? DS Siân Owen?"

"Yes. That's all I can say."

"Is she ok?"

"Yeah. Looked alright. She's back in the police room. The DCI is in there now."

Mared nodded, suddenly feeling vulnerable as she realised she and Siân could still be targets. Prosser's boys were still out there.

Xxxxxxx

Siân fed change into the ancient looking coffee vending machine. She needed as much caffeine as was safe to drink. Every cell in her told her that Prosser was still trying to get the upper hand.

"Cmon." She pressed the button on the machine. The dark liquid hit the plastic cup as she tried to plot her next move. She wanted to talk with her team, her friends. She glanced at her watch, knowing she was free to leave the court now she was no longer needed. She knew Lloyd would be worried about her. She sipped the hot liquid, wincing as her shoulder burned. Moments later she was calling her contact. It was time to get some answers.

Xxxxx

The rain began to batter the streets of Llanelli as Tom gave his evidence. He knew the prosecution would press him for details. Then the defence barrister would try to rip him to shreds. He kept his hands on the oak panel in front of him as he answered the questions. Prosser had wanted them dead. That he had orchestrated Mared's abduction, their attack. It had been Prosser that had paid to have their car run off the road. He glared at the man he once respected as he told the woman defending him what had happened.

Hate boiled in him even though he knew Mared had told him it would do no good. He hated that he wouldn't be able to be with Mared until after she had testified. He hated that she had to be in the same building as the man who had hurt her so much; that had taunted her everyday since he had returned to Aber and walked around knowing he was Elin's biological father. He knew the teenager deserved so much more. The judge finally let him leave as the stand as Prosser smirked. Every cell in Tom's body screamed to leap across the court and kill the man but he knew that would do no good.

Xxxxx

Sian walked along the sea front, glad to be back in Aberystwyth. The sea air calmed her as she headed along the wooden prom towards the middle aged man.

"Ieuan."

"Hello Cariad." He leant on the weather beaten barrier. Siân smiled slightly.

"You're looking well."

"Diolch." He nodded. "You too, apart from the sling. What happened?"

"I was shot."

"Shot? Bloody Hell!"

"A fortnight before Prosser's case gets to Crown Court. Coincidence? I'm the arresting officer and someone threatens to kill me and shoots me outside the station. Who was it?"

"I dunno love."

"I don't believe that." Siân narrowed her eyes. "You're ex police. You worked for Prosser, he's the reason you aren't in prison now."

"I was innocent."

"Yeah, if you say so."

"I have never held a gun in my life. I did not shoot you."

"No, I believe that but you know who did. Why does he still have influence? Ieuan? Why are you still so scared of him?"

Ieuan looked away. Siân had hit a nerve; now she just wanted the truth.

Xxxxxc