Again, could make uncomfortable reading.

July 2017

"DS Moss a word, now" Declans voice echoed through the large room of CID. Stevie glanced up from where she sat at her desk. Things had been okay the last few weeks, it was fair to say she was frightened of Declan, petrified even but she had changed her lifestyle to be who he wanted her to be. She never spoke out of turn, she didn't leave his sight without him knowing where she was going and who with and only ever for work. She had no home, no money of her own and no friends left, she had cut everyone she loved from her life. It had started with missing drinks after work but was now at the point she barely made eye contact and never small talk. People had made the assumption she had no time for them now she had Declan, when if truth be told she was too frightened to have time for anyone else. "Stevie" he shouted.

"Yes Gov" she spoke quietly as she entered the room

"Close the door" she followed his instructions "I had my meeting this morning, with the borough commander, the one I needed this suit for" he gestured down the suit he was wearing, he looked smart, gorgeous actually

"Yes, how did it go?"

"It went well, all things considered" Stevie shook her head, unable to anticipate where the conversation was heading "What's this?" he pulled the jacket open to reveal the white shirt underneath

"I don't know Dec"

"It's a crease Stevie"

"I'm sorry Dec"

"If you didn't want to iron my shirt, you should of said, you didn't need to humiliate me"

"I'm sorry Dec, it was a mistake"

"A mistake?" his voice was low as he moved close and she was aware she could scream and all of CID would hear her, but where would that get her "You have humiliated me Stevie"

"Dec, it's not even that noticeable, I promise" he grabbed her arm and pulled her close, his nails digging into her skin

"And that makes it okay, you stupid bitch-" the door opening interrupted them, he released his grip and she turned away, so the man entering couldn't see the pain in her eyes.

"Everything okay?" Smithy asked

"Fine" Declan replied "What do you want?"

"Super needs to see you, now"

"Okay" Declan replied before heading to the door "DS Moss get back to work, we will continue this discussion later".

She kept her back to the door and she felt the reassurance of Smithy behind her "Are you alright Stevie?"

"Mmmm, course, just got work to do" she turned to walk past him and he stepped in front of her "Smithy, honestly I'm fine, it's just a stupid row, please move". Smithy stepped aside and she moved from the room.


Stevie had dreaded going home, the continuation of the conversation she had been dreading. Declan, however, seemed happy, his meeting had gone well and he had been pleased with her case today, she had solved an armed robbery in under five hours. They had ordered an Indian from a take away round the corner, it wasn't the best but it was good enough, they had enjoyed a bottle of wine and had been relaxing on the sofa, she was cuddled happily in his arms when he said he was off to sort the dishwasher, it was unusual for him to do it but he was in a good mood. "Stevie" his voice shouted through from the kitchen.

"Please don't tell me you can't find the dishwasher?" she joked. Her laughter stopped as she arrived in the kitchen door way "Declan" her voice betrayed her fear as she noticed the iron rested on the kitchen side, the steam coming from it "Please"

"Sit down" he said as he popped the ironing board up "We need a little lesson in ironing" he pulled his shirt from his body and placed it onto the board "Now watch carefully"

"Dec" he raised his hand to silence her and pointed to a chair, she sat down. She watched as he slowly ironed his shirt

"Perfect" he spoke and he held it up, his face angered and he screwed it up and threw it on the floor "Get up"

"Please don't do this Dec, I promise I will get it right next time"

"Get up". She reluctantly rose to her feet and moved to him "You need to learn this lesson Stevie"

"I have" he grabbed her arm and forced it onto the iron board "Please don't Dec, I love you, please don't do this" the searing pain shot through her body as he held the edge of the iron onto her bare skin, her body gave out bellow her and only his grip on her arm stopped her from collapsing completely.

"Count to five"

"Dec, please" she screamed

"Count to five Stevie". Stevie struggled through the numbers before he released her arm. She sunk to the floor sobbing as she clung onto her sizzling flesh. "Now, tidy this shit up and you are going to want to run that under cold water" he said as he left the room.


Stevie had deliberately picked a time she knew the canteen would be empty. She had chosen a table in the far corner with only one chair and flumped down and gulped back some pain killers with her bottle of water. She could still feel the iron against her skin, her arm was throbbing, the pain hadn't stopped since last night, she had ran it under cold water and attempted to clean in but just touching it was painful. "Penny for your thoughts?" she glanced up as Smithy moved a chair to her table

"I honestly just need some time alone".

Smithy nodded and leant back in his seat "Yeah, I don't believe you Stevie"

"Please Smithy"

"What's going on?" he asked

"Just leave me alone" she stressed as she rose to her feet, his hand gripped her arm and she doubled over in pain, falling back into her seat as her whole body weakened with the agony "Please let go Smithy". He let go instantly and tears streamed down her cheeks

"What's wrong with your arm?"

"Erm, nothing, it's just a graze, rough and tumble of the job, you know?" she attempted to force a laugh.

"Stevie, you can talk to me"

"Please don't Smithy"

"Stevie" Declan called from the canteen entrance and she stood up "You have work to do"

"I'm coming" she replied

"Stevie, what ever is happening, I'm here, whenever you need me, whenever you are ready to talk, I'll be here" Smithy smiled.

Stevie felt tears prick her eyes "Honestly, nothing is going on, I'm fine Smithy".

Please review