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Warning: chapter contains domestic violence issues.

Chapter 35

A Serving of Justice

1950 – Hereford, UK

"Elvis be careful…"

The phone went dead. He was gone. She knew her words were in vain. Elvis had a one-track mind, and at the moment it was focused on Reginald. Georgie heard most of it, the intrusion, Olivia's angry, panicked voice, Elvis' calm, calculated reaction. That is what really set her nerves on edge. When Elvis is this calm, is when he is most dangerous. She only hoped Olivia was ringing the police.

1952 - London, UK

Reginald raised an accusing finger at Elvis. "You sir, have no right to tell me what I can and cannot do in my own home!"

"He has the right!" Olivia said.

"Oh, really? Because you say so? Where the hell is my wife?" Reginald said clenching his fists.

Olivia ignored him and instead began to relay her report to the police over the phone.

"Reckon ya ain't privy to Laura being in hospital, eh Reg?" Elvis said.

The words had the same effect as a physical blow. It took everything Gwain had to maintain his bravado.

"It is no wonder. The child's behavior is irresponsible."

"More so than yours?" Elvis said taking a step toward him.

"She never should have left! That was her doing!"

"She may 'ave walked out of 'ere but you gave her a shove!" Elvis said moving even closer.

"You stay back Harte! I am warning you!"

"Warning me of what?"

"The police are on the way," Olivia said. "Let them handle this, Elvis."

"Nah, there's unfinished business 'ere the police can't solve."

"Is that a threat?" Reginald said.

"It's a promise," Elvis said bringing himself inches from Reginald's face. He could smell the fear in the man's sweat.

"I will have you put behind bars," Reginald said.

"That so? Who the fuck ya think you're talking to?" Elvis said. Gwain tried to blink away the steely gaze of the army captain. Elvis saw the white knuckled fist of his opponent clenching and unclenching. "Go on. Let's see wha' ya got. I'm dying to defend myself."

"Both of you, stop it! Reginald don't be a fool!" Olivia said.

"What's it gonna be pal?" Elvis said goading the staring match on.

Reginald considered his options, then placed his hands in his suit jacket pockets saying, "Another time perhaps."

"Name it."

"You do not get it, do you? The police have been contacted. It is over." Reginald said walking away toward the lounge.

"Not over by half! Not between you and me," Elvis said. "Oi, hold up, you're heading that way. Out the door. Deb wants you gone." His hand gesture was sharp, authoritative.

Reginald stopped, nostrils flaring. He knew he was no match for Harte but his loathing for the man was difficult to quell. "I do not take orders from you. This is my home, not some army base."

"Your wife says otherwise. She binned your arse, now, if that ain't civilian enough for ya….."

"Reginald, just go! Please! Debra wants you out of here," Olivia said.

Gwain pinched at his forehead, the ire and embarrassment were almost unbearable. Lifting his hands as though conceding, he sauntered past Elvis but swung around with a hot fist. Before the punch could land however, Elvis countered with a brisk response of his own. Whilst his left arm blocked the fist, he struck out with his right, searing Gwain solidly in the mid-section. Concerned about the retching and gasping, Olivia cried out, "Enough! No more!" Reginald looked up from his doubled-over position, still coughing and reeling from the exquisite pain.

Elvis regarded him. "He's OK, just stupid."

Xxxxx

Debbie did not expect to see a police car parked in front of the house. She slowed, almost to a halt as she passed by, and strained to see what could possibly be going on inside. The entire ground floor was lit up. She could see people moving around but nothing specific, until she spied Reginald.

"Oh no…."

She pulled into the driveway. Despite a nap earlier she was exhausted. She needed anything but a situation with Reginald. Walking through the front door she could hear one officer talking and her mother answering his questions. A female office was stood next to her mother. Debbie was shocked to see the broken window and shards of glass beneath her feet. Elvis laid eyes on her and said, "Olivia," tilting his head towards the door. Everyone turned to inspect his discovery.

"What's this?" Debbie said, carefully stepping over the glass.

"Officers, this is my daughter," Olivia said moving to take hold of Debbie's arm.

"Mrs. Gwain?"

"Yes. I'm Debbie Gwain."

"This is Officer Haskell dear," Olivia said indicating who she was speaking with.

Debbie studied Reginald. He appeared pale and disheveled, but his eyes were dark, unkind, and worrisome.

"Mrs. Gwain, had you asked your husband to vacate the home?"

Debbie realized then that Reginald must have broken the window. "Yes."

"He feels the request is unfounded," Haskell said.

Elvis snorted and crossed his arms.

"Of course he does, but I assure you officer, it is well-founded," Debbie said. "He was drinking and abusive. My child ran away because of things that he said. I fear for my safety and I do not want him here!"

Crisp clapping turned every head. Now Reginald had their undivided attention. "Bravo my dear," he said.

"Shall I show them the bruises from our prior disagreement?" Debbie said shedding her coat. When she rolled up the sleeves on her jumper, Olivia gasped.

"You piece of shit," Elvis muttered.

"Are you accusing your husband of those marks?" Officer Haskell said.

"Indeed. I am."

"Debra! Have you gone completely mad?!" Reginald burst out.

"You did this to me!"

"That is a lie!"

"Please, get him out of here!" Debbie said.

Xxxxx

2025 – Hereford, UK

Georgie looked in on little Daniel. It brought her peace to see him sleeping without a care in the world. Hearing what happened in London today deeply affected her. On one hand she was relieved that Elvis displayed some measure of restraint with Reginald, but on the other, she would have pounded him herself. Georgie knew there were problems and she genuinely felt sorry for Debbie. Fortunately, the Simms have incredible legal connections to assist with restraining orders and divorce proceedings. Then there is Laura. Living in two worlds. As if dealing with a dysfunctional family life was not enough, now she will need to heal, physically and mentally.