Arrested

Luke

I read Bethan's text and my heart sank. I'd be lying if I didn't feel relief as well but that didn't last. I was so geared up. Ever since we agreed to meet, I've been rehearsing in my head what I'd say, how I'd explain what happened. I thought about what to tell her, what not to tell her. It's dominated everything. I know, it's always been there, casting its shadow but in this build up, it's like I've been buried under snow, unable to breathe, it's been so there, in my face, crowding my mind, image after image, word after word, just there, not leaving me be!

I finally thought I'd be able to get it out and now this, this text. And now, I have sit with it a bit longer.

The itch is so bad. I could just take away the edge, just give myself some respite for a bit. I'm fighting it but...it's hard. Just one drink...

Bethan

I've never been in handcuffs before and I could tell that Christine hadn't either. I saw her face when she phoned Katie to tell her that something had happened and not to worry but she might be some time and that she was with Dad. She never actually told her what was going on. She never mentioned me. I'm not sure if that was deliberate or whether it just never occurred to her while she was making the call. Perhaps it's because she's not had a chance to talk to Katie properly about all she knows.

It's not how I'd have done it but she's not my daughter.

I think that was a mistake. I didn't text Katie either. There was too much to say and I didn't know how to put in a text Your dad's tried to kill me and your mum saved my life and make it sound softer. There's no room for softness there, is there?

They asked me if there was anyone I wanted to call but there's no-one. No-one to call.

They took photos of my injuries. The bruising on my neck is quite pronounced now. I've been checked over. I'm okay, just sore. Now, I'm just waiting to be questioned.

Bring it on.

Katie

Something's happened! I know it has! Mum sounded so weird on the phone, telling me not to worry. She said that something had happened to Dad and that's she's with him and not to worry. But she never said what. She didn't tell me where they were or what. Hospital? Why wouldn't she tell me?

I've texted Bethan and she's not replied. I've phoned too and it's ringing out as is Mum's as is Dad's. Only called him out of desperation, just to see if he'd answer.

What the fuck is going on?

Christine

They've taken Dave to hospital because of his head and they think that he may be suffering from dehydration.

They're treating me like I'm a criminal but I don't mind because I've got nothing to feel guilty about. The handcuffs felt weird. Once that helicopter appeared, it all happened quite quickly. Loads of police. Some of them armed. I was relieved but shocked. It was like a film. This whole day has been like a melodrama. Who knew that when I got up this morning, I'd be arrested?

They questioned me and I told them the truth. I told them about following Dave; I told them about the camera; I told them about it being hidden and about how it was Laney's. I didn't feel like they were taking much notice of that but when Bethan corroborates it, perhaps they will.

They asked if we, Dave and I, often have "domestics" and I laughed. They didn't like that but it was such a strange thing to ask in my opinion, like what had happened in the quarry was just some tiff that had got out of hand. I don't think they realised the seriousness of what he did.

I wonder what he's told them. I know they took him to hospital because of his head. They don't tell you where everyone else is or whether they've spoken to them. They keep you in the dark. They're not as polished as they are on the crime dramas with their questioning either. There's a lot more "ums" and "ers". I wasn't overly impressed. I could do a better job myself.

I wish Bethan were still with me.

I hope that bastard isn't telling a tale.

Maybe I should have told Katie what was going on. But how do you broach that with your daughter in a five minute conversation?

Perhaps they'll contact her anyway and tell her what's going on. I expect they will. That's what they do on TV anyway.

I hope they take this seriously. I hope they search our house for evidence and I hope they find the camera. I wonder what he did with it?