A Pathway of Adversity
Chapter 40
Joey Collins froze as she listened to the radio news.
"...And lastly, today, Police made five arrests after a disturbance broke out near a popular restaurant in the sea-side town of Summer Bay. Trouble started when locals were discussing recent events concerning the death of a well loved member of the Summer Bay community.
Irene Roberts, who was brutally murdered last month in local woodland, is believed to have been befriended by a young woman who is possibly now a suspect in this case and who, we believe, is still at large, but not at this stage being sought after by the Police. The young woman, thought to be in her mid twenties has mysteriously disappeared from the bay and now residents are demanding this person be found, arrested and brought to justice by the Police. Police were called in after local resident, Leah Patterson, made a complaint about the disturbance. She said she had seen nothing like this in all the years she and her teenage son had lived in the Bay.
After breaking-up the crowd, Police made several arrests. They have not as yet made a statement about the missing girl.
And the weather tomorrow will be thirty five degrees, blue skies with a light breeze..."
Joey switched the radio off and stared at the window. Were the folks of Summer Bay; the people she had grown-up with, worked with, laughed with and loved, really blaming her, Joey Collins, for Irene Roberts' murder? What possible reason did they have to believe that she could have cold bloodedly put an end to the life of such a lovely woman as Irene?
Joey shuddered. She looked around the small, gloomy room which had become home for the last few days. How long would she have to stay here? When would it be safe to leave and be at liberty again?
Upon sudden impulse, Joey made a rush for the bedroom; snatching the holdall from the top of the creaky old wardrobe and hastily began to stuff the bag with all her belongings.
What was the point in staying in this 'safe house' if she would eventually be hunted down like a dog and allowed to be publicly humiliated in the market place?
As Charlie neared the safe house, she had an uneasy feeling that something was wrong. Last time she had visited, Joey had indicated that she may not wish to return to Summer Bay after Irene's murderers had been charged. Charlie could hardly blame her. After witnessing the antics of the ordinary people of Summer Bay that very day, why would anyone wish to return to live among such bigoted minds?
As Charlie steered her car into the little lane which led to the Police safe-house, her heart stopped beating. Joey's car had gone! She pulled up quickly and sat opened-mouthed, observing the scene. The little house looked bleak and desolate and no longer held safe, the woman she loved.
Joey drove fast along the highway. She glanced in the rear view mirror from time to time; keeping an eye out for Police cars. If Summer Bay and the media had chosen to condemn her without a trial, it's possible, the state Police could already be out looking for her, to bring her in for questioning and so-called justice.
Charlie's beautiful face appeared before her eyes and Joey swallowed. Of course Charlie would not allow anyone to hurt her while it was within her power to do so. But now, maybe it was not! Charlie had broken many rules to enable Joey to leave Summer Bay safely and quietly. Maybe Charlie had been found out and suspended from duty. Maybe there was no more that Charlie could do for her girlfriend! Maybe...
Suddenly, her mobile phone began to ring. Joey glanced down at it on the passenger seat as Charlie's name was flashing on and off the screen. Joey moved her eyes back to the road ahead and tried to ignore the constant, irritating tune playing, trying to entice her to pick up the phone.
"Oh for God's sake, Joey... Pick up!" Charlie moaned to herself as the ringing tone continued. "Please, please pick up!"
"For God's sake, stop ringing!" Joey yelled at the phone as it continued to fight for attention. "Hasn't anyone heard of voice mail?!"
Suddenly, ahead, she could see two Police cars parked at the side of the highway. Joey eased her foot onto the foot brake and slowed the racing vehicle.
"Damn it!" She screamed and pulled over into a lay-by.
The mobile phone was still ringing loud and clear.
Joey cut the engine and sighed. She noticed the three Policemen standing together ten or so metres away look in her direction. Maybe they could hear the mobile phone ringing! Quickly, Joey picked up the phone and answered it.
"Hello." She said, grudgingly.
"Thank God! Where the hell are you?" Charlie yelled at the other end.
"I-I had to get away, Charlie! I heard the news! They'll track me down, Charlie and that will be it!"
"Don't be stupid, Joey! They have no idea where you are! I am the only person who knows! Do you think I would ever tell them?" Charlie cried; the hurt in her voice showing.
"I don't know, Charlie! People do funny things!"
"So you're saying you don't trust me?"
Joey swallowed. She did trust Charlie. She loved her with her heart and soul, but what possible use could Joey ever be to Charlie from now on?
"Where are you Joey?"
"Look, Charlie, you're better off without me! Just let me disappear into the sunset... Forget me!"
"Don't be a bloody fool, Joey! The Police know you are not guilty – it's only a matter of time before they bring in whoever was responsible. But you running away like this won't convince anyone in Summer Bay that you're not guilty!"
Joey was silent for a few moments.
"I'm scared, Charlie." She whispered, still watching the Police standing at the roadside ahead.
"I know you are, sweetheart; that's why I've come to see you! To convince you that all is well, regardless of what you might hear on the radio or see on television. Please, just calm down and tell me where you are and I'll come to meet you."
As Joey listened to Charlie, she suddenly became aware that one of the Policemen was wandering slowly towards her. She swallowed.
"Charlie. It's too late! The Police have caught up with me! They're coming for me!"
"What Police?"
"The Police who were waiting for me!"
"Joey! There are no Police looking for you!" Charlie reiterated.
"G'day, lady. Is there a problem?" The Policeman asked as he stood at Joey's car window.
Joey swallowed; her throat suddenly becoming dry. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words issued from it. She half smiled at the officer and like a child, passed the mobile phone to him.
"What's this for, love?" The Police officer asked.
"It's for you." Joey croaked.
The Policeman frowned but put the phone to his ear.
"Hello, Constable Simons speaking. Can I be of assistance?"
Charlie was taken aback by the new voice speaking to her.
"Err, hello Constable. My name is Sergeant Charlie Buckton; Yabbie Creek Constabulary. I was talking to my friend – is she alright?"
The constable glanced at Joey who had gone quite pale.
"In truth, Sergeant, she looks a little unwell. Is there something wrong with her?"
"Not physically, constable, but she's been under a great deal of strain just recently. I need her to remain where she is until I get there. Can you keep her there for me?"
The constable looked sheepish.
"Is there something mentally wrong with her, Sergeant?" He whispered into the mobile phone.
"No, Constable... She's just tired and frightened. Can you help me?"
"Yeah, no worries, Serg."
The kind Police Officer gave Charlie directions after learning Joey's name and a brief history of her circumstances.
"Don't worry, Sergeant. She's in safe hands."
Charlie thanked the officer gratefully and jumping back into her car, followed his directions to find Joey.