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January 2018
A few days had passed, Smithy had been her rock, he was attentive, sweet, affectionate and mostly supportive. She had been back and forth on the idea of reporting Declan and Smithy had vowed to support her and see it through with her, which ever decision she decided to make. She had made an appointment to report it, it was the right choice. Smithy had checked, Declan wasn't working and Neil had agreed to the meeting, this was it, no turning back. She stopped outside the man's office and Smithy turned back to face her "You okay Stevie?" he asked
"I don't know if I can do this"
"Stevie, if you want to turn and bolt, that's fine, I'll run with you for as long as you need me but, if you want to stand up and fight, I'm going to be with you every step of the way"
"What if no one believes me? Declan said no one would"
"You know what Stevie, people will take sides, people will believe him but you know what he did to you and I don't have a single doubt in my mind you are telling the truth. I also think you know what to do, to help you heal from this"
"You think I should report him, don't you?"
"Stevie it doesn't matter what I think"
"It matters to me"
"I think he should pay for everything he has put you through but you are going to have to fight him and bastards like him, they ain't easy to fight and I absolutely think you are strong enough to do this but I don't think you should do it if it's not what you want"
"Stevie" Neil's voice startled her as he opened his office door "Are you ready? I have another meeting in thirty minutes"
Taking a glance between the two men Stevie appeared apprehensive. "I'm not sure sir" she responded "Smithy, I need you to tell me what to do?"
"I can't Stevie, it's not my choice to make"
"Please Smithy"
"Gov, DS Moss has something personal she wishes to discuss with you" Smithy smiled gently to her "I believe in you Stevie".
Stevie had been sat opposite Neil for the last five minutes, not really sure where to start, he looked concerned, she wasn't sure if it was about her or the fact that he had another meeting shortly. She looked over to Smithy who was leant against the wall, he smiled at her reassuringly. "Stevie, I don't mean to rush you but I have other meetings"
"Sorry Sir" her voice barely audible "I have been having a difficult time recently"
"I'm aware Stevie and I have to say I agree with DI Flynn"
"Excuse me?" she responded
"He came to see me yesterday, informed me you are struggling with your mental health and have been having issues with harming yourself"
"Erm, I don't know how to respond to that" she spoke
"I think you need to see a doctor, get some help, let Dec support you, he is a good man and he cares for you deeply. You must understand I can't have you back at work until I feel confident you can do your job"
"Sir"
"If that is all, I'm very busy". She stood up, slightly dumbstruck, how could she think she could stand up to Declan. Tears escaped her eyes, she had fallen at the first hurdle, she moved to the door.
"That isn't all actually Sir" she turned back to see Smithy had moved to the desk where Neil was sat "Ask Stevie about her relationship with DI Flynn?"
"I am aware of their relationship Inspector Smith"
"Are you?"
"Smithy" she moved towards him "Let's just go"
"Stevie you asked me to help you, let me help you". She nodded and turned away from the men, unable to see the situation unfold. "You may be aware of Flynn and Stevies relationship Sir, are you aware he beats her to a pulp? Or that he rapes her? Or that she has no control of any part of her life because he has taken absolutely everything from her?"
"Stevie" Neil's voice sounded closer. She forced her eyes closed "Is this true?" he was beside her, she could sense him. She simply nodded "Smithy can you ask my secretary to cancel my meetings, Stevie come and sit down". She opened her eyes in time to see Smithy leave the room and she allowed Neil to guide her back to the chair she had vacated a few moments ago.
"Sir, I am not sure I can make this official" she glanced to the door as Smithy re-entered.
"Stevie, if Declan has done what you just said he has, he needs to be behind bars and at the very least out of the police force and definitely my nick, so are you telling me that you have been a victim of domestic abuse Stevie?"
"Yes Sir, I have".
"Okay, I'm going to arrange for an Inspector from another station to come and take your statement, we will ensure they haven't had any previous interactions with you or Declan and once we have your statement I will suspend Declan from duty pending an enquiry and then he will be arrested"
"And what about keeping Stevie safe from imminent harm?" Smithy asked
"We can apply to the court for an emergency injunction and look at finding a refuge for you"
"I would like to apply for an injunction but I am staying with Smithy and I would like that to continue"
"Of course Stevie. Go back to Smithy's now, I'll contact the commander and once I have an officer to take your statement, I will be in touch"
"Thank you sir".
They had returned to Smithy's and she had retreated to her bedroom, telling Smithy she needed to lay down, when truth be told, she needed to think. She could feel her emotions in overdrive, she was happy she had finally spoken out against Dec but shortly she would be making a statement, how did you describe what he had done, what he had put her through. Tears were streaming down her face when she heard the knock and the door move open slightly. "Oh Stevie" he moved inside and sat on the side of the bed, she moved into his arms "It's going to be okay" he kissed her head "You have been so brave today"
"Brave, yeah right"
"Stevie you have reported him"
"And what happens when I have to make a statement and I break or if it actually makes it to court and I have to face him and I" unable to finish, she let out a sob "Smithy, he beat me and he raped me and I just sat there and took it"
"No, you were frightened"
"I'm a copper, I shouldn't of been frightened, I should of stood up to him from the very beginning"
"Maybe you should Stevie, but then what, he might have killed you" he wiped the tears from her face "You are here and telling your story because you are brave and a fighter and you will bring him down Stevie and he will pay and if he don't go down, I'll end up doing time for him". Stevie let out a slight giggle, not entirely sure if Smithy was making a joke or not. He held her close as she sobbed.
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