The Darkness Within (10 page)

‘Yes. I’m surprised I was able to maintain and keep it. I mean with my drinking and in and out of hospital it hasn’t been easy.’

‘You won’t have to worry now. Everything will be okay.’

She stopped turning the bacon in the pan and turned to him. ‘You really think so?’

‘I know so. Once we’ve done with breakfast, we can sit down and you give me the names of the men that hurt you.’

She turned back as she nodded.

‘We’ll get to the bottom of this.’

‘I want to be with you when you do it,’ she said without turning.

‘You do?’

‘Yes. I want to see the terror in their faces. I want them to know that it’s over and it will never happen to anyone again.’

‘If that’s what you want my darling, then I will allow you to be there.’

She smiled. She wanted to see them suffer like they’d made her suffer.

Minutes later they were enjoying a full breakfast.

‘This is great. I can’t remember the last time I had a full English breakfast.’

‘Neither can I. It’s pretty good with vodka.’ She joked.

He laughed.

‘Are you sure my drinking doesn’t annoy you? I mean with your past with your father.’

‘My father was abusive. He was hurtful and cruel. You’re not. You were landed in a bad situation and this is your way of coping.’

‘I don’t feel that I need it as much as I did before. I think the need is going away.’

‘I’m glad to hear it.’

‘I’m not sure whether it’s the fact Ronald is gone, or I’ve been able to talk about what happened to me for the first time that’s making me feel lighter.’

‘I think it’s a combination of both. You’re finally becoming free from all of it.’

‘And I have you to thank.’

‘Don’t thank me yet. We still have a few of them to go.’

‘Yes I know, but I’m already beginning to feel the benefits.’

They continued to talk. Freya found herself talking more and more about herself. Ferguson listened without judgement and she in turn did the same. It was as if their paths had crossed on purpose.

‘Do you think there is life after death?’ she asked.

‘No I don’t.’

‘So no punishment after this life. No heaven or hell?’

‘Nope. When we die that’s it. We seize to exist. Do you believe.’

She was silent a while. Freya hadn’t been brought up Christian, but she always thought there was something or someone bigger than they were.

‘I don’t know anymore. I used to think so until that awful thing happened to me. I just don’t know what to believe.’

‘Believe in me. Believe that you’re going to get justice, and then you’ll live your life happily ever after. With me of course.’ He winked.

She giggled. ‘I’d love that.’

‘That’s great.’

An hour later the couple sat in the living-room while Freya gave the names and as much information about the men who had raped her.

‘So you’re certain these were all the men?’

She nodded.

‘So there’s Lewis, Lloyd, Blake, Trevor and Marvin, Ronald and of course Thomas.’

‘Yes I think that’s all of them. The ones I remember.’

‘If you think of anyone else let me know.’

She nodded.

‘Do you have any other information about them. Surnames, where they lived or live now. Have you seen any of them?’

‘I kept my distance. I don’t know where they are or what they’re doing although I would recognise them. As for surnames, no I don’t have them.’ She felt disappointed.

‘Don’t you worry. My guy Gary will find the bastards. You all went to Leeds university so it won’t be that hard to find. Humans are predictable creatures. It is most likely that they hung out together, that they’re also all friends on face book. All I need to do is find one, and the rest will be easy.’ He took her hand into his and gave it a squeeze. ‘Don’t worry about it. It’s all in my hands now. They will all pay, I promise.’

‘I believe you.’ she leaned into his shoulder. It felt nice making progress.

‘So what would you like to do for the rest of the day?’ he asked.

‘I have no idea.’

‘Good, then I’ve got something to show you.’

****

An hour later they were in the car heading for some place Ferguson wanted to show her.

‘Where did you say we’re going again?’

‘I didn’t’.’ He laughed. ‘But nice try.’

‘Yes well I hate surprises. I like to know where I’m going.’

‘Well you’re going to have to get used to it. I love surprises.’

Freya giggled. It was nice spending the day with him, it made her drink less and crave cocaine even less. She’d taken some before they’d left but it wasn’t a desperate need.

‘I want to get clean,’ she said suddenly.

He turned to her. ‘Really?’

‘Yes. I don’t want to depend on alcohol or drugs anymore.’

He leaned close to her and kissed her forehead. ‘I’m proud of you and I’ll support you whatever you decide.’

‘I know you will.’ She leaned onto his shoulder.

He put his hand on her head and rubbed it gently. He wanted to make sure she’d be happy whatever she did. He would be right by her side always, that was a promise he made to himself.

The car stopped outside the theme park.

‘Are you kidding me?’ she laughed.

‘Nope. I think it will be fun. Get ready to be a kid again.’

‘I think I am.’

The door opened, he took her by the hand and they headed for the park. The minute she stepped in, Freya became a kid again. Everything was forgotten and all that mattered was the time she spent with him. It was a happy time and she’d never laughed so much in her life. Things seemed simple and easy, but beneath all the laughter darkness still lay in both of them and it would only get worse. They just didn’t know it yet.

Chapter Nine

Lewis was a manager of a luxury car dealership. He was married with two children. Two boys. He seemed to have a good life. A loving wife who was a teacher and a home that kept them all. He paid his bills on time, took time to get home in time to give the kids a bath and put them to bed. His wife would never have known that her dear sweet husband was a rapist. A man who participated in the drugging of an innocent woman and forced himself on her.

He was in work early that day because there was an important client who had booked to see the latest Bentley. It was vital that customers were treated like royalty, since they were about to spend big money. He made sure everything was ready, that the drinks were out and that his assistant was ready to be the best she could be.

Gary had found Lewis’s whereabouts quite quickly. He was the easiest to find and once he’d been found, the others were just as easy except for Blake. Gary was having trouble finding Blake.

The jeep parked outside the car dealership. The door was opened and Ferguson stepped out. He pulled on the sides of the suit jacket and straightened his tie. The moment he got to the door, Lewis was right there ready to welcome him in.

‘Mr Banks. Welcome.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Can we get you something to drink?’

‘A coffee would be great thanks.’

Lewis gave the order to his assistant and led Ferguson to the fancy office that looked out onto the cars.

‘Please have a seat sir.’ Lewis knew how to suck up. It would mean a nice commission if he got a sale.

Ferguson took a seat; Lewis took a seat too. There was an awkward silence as Ferguson watched him. There was a lot going through his mind. He wanted to strangle the bastard there and then, but he’d promised Freya would be a part of it and it wasn’t really the place and time.

‘So what are you looking for in a car. Luxury, sport, status? I see you already have a beautiful jeep. Probably many more.’

‘You’re correct, but a man can never have too many cars.’

‘That is correct sir.’ He slammed his hand on the table lightly to show emphasis.

‘Give me your best sales pitch on your latest and best sports car.’

‘Right.’ He rubbed his hands together excitedly. ‘That baby over there. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 cabriolet is a mean machine! That one is in black with red leather. As you know you can personalise your vehicle, make it your own.  Acceleration from 0-100km/h in 4.7sec. It’s a mean baby!’ He was so enthusiastic that he added his own little lies and exaggerations to the description of the car. Ferguson knew how it worked. The sales man would beef him up with the best sales pitch offering him the moon and throwing in the stars. Most of the time Ferguson didn’t even buy his own cars. He would have a look online, send Gary out for a test drive and trust Gary’s opinion on the car.

‘Sounds like a winner. What about that Mercedes?’ he asked.

Lewis switched gears and began to sell that car too. He knew the ins and out of each car that were on the premises. It was his job to know. It meant money in his pocket. As he was in the middle of his speech the assistant walked in with the hot drinks.

‘Thank you,’ said Ferguson and then he watched the way Lewis kept his eye on the beautiful woman.

‘So what do you think, sir?’ he asked after doing his best to sell the Mercedes.

‘Sounds great. I tell you what, why don’t you continue to impress me over dinner? Or don’t you do dinner with clients?’

‘I do whatever the client wants. We’re here to serve, and knowing who you are just makes it that more important.’

‘Excellent. I have my eyes on a few cars, so I will make it worth your while.’

‘Sounds like a good plan to me.’ Lewis felt his heart skip a beat. The pound signs were rotating around his head. He had to close this deal soon. ‘When would you like to meet?’

‘How about…’ He pulled his phone from his suit pocket. ‘Let’s say Thursday evening. Is that any good?’

‘Yes perfect.’

‘I’ll send the details of where we could meet. Is that good?’ He had wondered if he could get Kevin to pick him up, but that wouldn’t look good.

‘That’s perfect.’

‘Great. If you give me your card, I’ll have my assistant send you a message with all the details.’

Lewis sent the card flying across. ‘Sorry. Slipped my hand.’ He was over enthusiastic.

‘Not to worry.’ He picked the card from the desk and slid it onto his pocket. ‘I have an idea what cars I’m interested in. Just be sure to bring your portfolio. I’m still easily convinced to change my mind.’

‘I will do.’

‘Great. I will be off.’

Lewis walked him to the door feeling satisfied. It looked like he was going to close a big deal. He’d looked Ferguson up and knew that he was a billionaire many times over. Buying a few cars would cost him nothing, but it would give Lewis a big commission.

‘Until Thursday.’ Ferguson proffered his hand.

‘Until Thursday sir. You won’t be disappointed.’

‘No I won’t.’ Ferguson left.

****

‘Right you have a good evening, I’ve got dinner tonight so I have to be off early,’ Freya said to Bailey.

‘Is it with that sexy billionaire? Do you know how much he’s worth? I’ve been doing some checking up on him.’

‘No and no. I’ll see you in the morning.’

‘C’mon. Give me something,’ she laughed.

‘Sorry I have nothing. I’ve got a lot on my mind.’

‘Yes well, that may be true, but you’re looking happier.’

Freya stood for a moment. She did feel a lot happier and she’d really lowered on the drink. It wasn’t as easy as quitting cold turkey, she’d need professional help for that, but the less quantities were helping her in every way. The more she talked about her experiences with Ferguson, the light she became.

‘Yes I think so too. I feel it.’

‘Then he’s good for you.’

‘I agree. See you tomorrow.’ This time she really was off.

Freya stepped into the lift and headed for the ground floor. Two people joined in on the fourth floor on the journey down. Neither of them spoke, their heads down concentrating on their phones. As soon as the door pinged opened she was out and into the waiting car.

‘Evening Mark.’

‘Miss Johnson. It’s good to see you.’

‘You too.’

He knew where he was taking her. He’d been given her timetable for the week and things would only change if she informed him.

They headed for the Indian restaurant at the end of Leeds town centre. She got out and headed for the table where her father and Amanda were already waiting.

‘You’re late,’ said Amanda.

‘Only ten minutes. Not that bad. I was held up at the office. Sorry.’

‘Oh give her a break,’ said Nicholas. ‘The point is she’s here.’

‘That’s the problem dad, you’re always making excuses for her.’

‘Clearly you’re upset with me. So I’m sorry for being late.’ She sat down.