A Pathway of Adversity
Chapter 31
Constable Watson's mouth fell open as she listened to the information which Alf Stewart was now filling her head with. As Alf paused for breath, Watson broke in.
"Mr. Stewart, are you quite sure about this information?"
"I haven't gone soft in the head if that's what you're thinking! I had a heart attack, not a flaming brain melt-down!" He replied, indignantly.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Stewart, but your accusation is incredibly serious! I must be sure that all the details you have given to me are as accurate as possible. I think I had better contact Sergeant Buckton and we'll both come to the hospital to take a statement."
Joey got out of her chair after a loud rap at the door made her jump. She opened it and was half glad and half resentful to find Charlie standing in front of her.
"Joey!" Charlie said, pushing her way in.
"Charlie! What on earth...?"
"Get in quickly and close the door. I need to speak to you!" Charlie said, taking Joey by the hand and dragging her into the lounge.
Making sure the window was closed, Charlie began.
"Joey, why didn't you tell me that Irene had written to you?"
Joey frowned.
"Irene?" She answered in wonder.
"Yes! Irene Roberts! She posted a letter to you two days before her murder; a very provocative letter which I have in my procession!"
"I-I don't know anything about a letter, Charlie! I didn't receive anything from her! If Irene had something to say, she'd ring me or visit!"
"Joey! Please! I need the truth! If I'm going to help you out of this, I need you to confide in me totally!" Charlie said, taking a tight hold on her girlfriend's shoulders.
"Charlie! I did not receive anything from Irene! If you have the letter, why did I not receive it? What's happening, Charlie! What's going on?"
"The letter was franked and opened before it came into my possession as evidence in the murder enquiry! It was found in your brown leather briefcase at the murder scene! This is why I need you to tell me the whole truth, Joey!"
"Charlie! I am telling you the truth! I have not received any letters for the last four days! Ask my postman! I've been waiting for a letter from Brett in prison and the postman knows this as he was a good mate of Brett's and always wants any news I have about him!"
Charlie was startled by this latest information. Of course, Joey could be lying to get out of a hole. She loosened her grip on Joey's shoulders, though her hands remained there. She looked up at the ceiling for a few moments but as she opened her mouth to speak, her mobile phone rang. Ignoring it she looked back at Joey.
"Joey! I just hope to God you're telling me the truth!"
"Dear God! What will it take to convince you, Charlie?"
Charlie closed her eyes and pulled Joey to her body.
"I love you so much, Joey and I want to believe you with all my heart, but I must warn you that the evidence against you isn't looking good!"
"I'd lost my briefcase! I thought I'd left it at work, but when I went to get it, it had gone! Shit Charlie! What does this all mean? What the hell is happening?"
Charlie held Joey tightly.
"Joey, I need to get you away from Summer Bay!" Charlie cried. "You have to go into hiding. This evidence is so strong against you, regardless of what your postman might say, that they'll pull you in for her murder!"
"What!" Joey cried, pushing Charlie away. "Do you really believe I could have murdered Irene? I loved Irene, almost like my own mother!"
Charlie froze at the irony of Joey's words.
"Why should I go into hiding when I've done nothing wrong? You've got to believe me, Charlie! If you don't, who else will?"
Charlie looked deep into her girlfriend's eyes. In a moment, the truth of Joey's words convinced her without a doubt that she was quite innocent and the letter must have been planted.
"Joey, I do believe you! I'd stake my own life that you never touched a hair on Irene's head, but in your turn, you must trust me! You must do as I advise and if it means disappearing for a few days, you must do it!"
"But Charlie, I've done nothing wrong! Oh God! This can't be happening! I'm so scared!"
"I know you are, my darling! I am too! That's why I need you to trust me completely!"
Joey in her turn looked deep into Charlie's begging eyes and totally gave in to her trust. She trembled and realised just how much she needed Charlie to guide her to safety.
"I'll do anything you say." She replied, meekly.
Constable Watson sighed. Charlie was not answering her mobile phone now. She had tried her house telephone, but to no avail. She had to find Charlie to give her information which could lead them to Irene Robert's murderer. There was nothing more to do; she must go and find the Sergeant.
Joey quickly packed a small bag which Charlie agreed would not alert anyone to the fact that Joey was leaving home for a few days. Her neighbours, if observing, would assume Joey was off on a normal, daily sales trip and would undoubtedly expect to see her later that evening. Charlie advised Joey to leave her mobile phone at home as it could be traced if she tried to use it, and instead, gave Joey an old spare mobile phone which she used when she was on holiday.
"Nobody should ring this number. The only people who have the number are Ruby, Dad and Morag. They will not ring it because they know I'm in Summer Bay. The only person who will ring you will be me. You will see my name come up on the caller display. Do not answer any other calls." Charlie instructed, handing Joey the phone.
"Charlie, when I tried to ring you earlier, I wanted to tell you about a conversation I had with Doug Smooter; he's the Dispatch Manager at work. He intimated that I should 'watch my back' – not in a threatening way, but just as if he knew something and was trying to warn me!"
Charlie's eyes narrowed.
"I will have a discrete chat with Mr. Smooter; see if he can enlighten me a little!"
"Charlie, where shall I go to?"
Charlie dug into her trousers pocket and pulled out an envelope.
"Joey, listen to me carefully. Drive in a westerly direction for an hour. It doesn't matter where you go; just keep driving! Then, when the hour is up, pull over and read the directions to a safe house. The key is in the envelope. It's not in use at present, and it's quite remote. Before you are anywhere near the safe house, go into a shop and buy provisions to see you through the next week, but keep a low profile. There will be electricity in the safe house and you'll find everything you need to be comfortable until I can bring you home. Once in the house, lock the door and upon no account unlock or leave! Don't make yourself obvious to anyone. Don't answer the door; only to me! Is that clear? And only contact me if it's an emergency, okay?"
Joey nodded. Her legs were shaking and tears had begun to appear in her eyes.
"I'm frightened, Charlie!" She sniffed.
"I know you are, my darling. I know what I am doing is technically wrong and could make things much worse for you, but I have a feeling if anyone finds out that your name is mixed up in this affair, they will be baying for your blood!"
"But Charlie, you had all this prepared... What if I'd confessed to Irene's murder?" Joey asked, touching her girlfriend's arm.
Charlie looked down at the little hand resting on her arm.
"I guess I'd have got you away regardless." She whispered.
They stared at each other for a few long moments; knowing that the bond between them was strong and regardless of the circumstances, was unlikely ever to be broken.
"Oh Charlie, I..." Joey began.
Suddenly, Charlie's work mobile phone rang again.
"Charlie Buckton." The Sergeant said, this time answering the call.
"Charlie! It's Watson! I've been trying to get hold of you for ages! I've been driving around Summer Bay looking for you! Where the hell are you? I have some important information about the Robert's case concerning Joey Collins, of all people!"
Charlie swallowed; once again wondering if she was doing the right thing by believing in Joey. But another look into Joey's eyes confirmed her belief.
"I'll meet you at the Police Station in half an hour." Charlie replied and finished the call.
"Who was that?" Joey asked uncertainly.
"Georgie Watson. She has some news about... Well, don't you worry about it. I want you to get on the road shortly after I leave here, okay? Promise me?"
Joey nodded.
"Remember; only contact me if it's an emergency. Don't communicate with anyone else! Is that clear?"
Joey nodded again.
"Good. Well, I'd best be going. Take care of yourself and don't worry; I'll get this mess sorted out."
"Thank you, Charlie." Joey said in a small voice. "I wish you were going to be with me."
Charlie looked at the small, vulnerable girl standing before her, looking every inch a helpless child. She pulled her into her arms and hugged her tightly.
"God bless you." She whispered.
Their lips found each other and they kissed hungrily until Charlie pushed them apart.
"Leave five minutes after me and don't stop for an hour at least!"
Joey nodded.
"I love you, Charlie."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
And with that, Charlie was gone.