Storymania - Taming Sophie by Martine Hayes (Chap. 11)

Taming Sophie (Continued)
Martine Hayes

Chapter 11

Rixi walked solemnly towards the town centre, and placed himself heavily onto an empty bench. He knew what he should do, but somehow he wasn’t quite sure if it would help Sophie or not. He didn’t want to add any more unnecessary injury to her. He thought constantly and tried to imagine the worst case scenario, as well as the best case. If he did go to the police then at least she would be safe. If he didn’t go, then she could be in real danger. If he did go to the police then, perhaps she could face a prison sentence. If he didn’t go, then perhaps she wouldn’t be around to even prove her innocence. It was worth the gamble to go. It had to be. Rixi thought again and again and could find no other choice in the matter. He liked Sophie, he trusted her and he knew she was innocent, surely the police would believe her too. Rixi decided to follow his own gut instinct and headed for the local police station, he knew a few of the police men there, they would at least listen to him, perhaps even give him the benefit of the doubt as far as Sophie’s innocence was concerned. He was still cold and slightly hungry as he made his way along the crowded street. Rixi stopped to listen to one of the buskers in the middle of the street. He watched the peoples faces and for the very first time, actually listened to the music. He had passed the busker every day, sometimes twice or more and had never actually listened, or shown any interest. A small crowd had grown around and Rixi watched as some of the shoppers threw money into his empty guitar case. He was good. For some reason, life had seemed to slow down for Rixi, he began to notice the small children with their little pink cheeks, and cold, red, hands, he noticed the innocent smiles on their faces, the trials of life on the faces of the elderly, and the secrets of life which they held. Perhaps he was growing up, perhaps he was becoming less selfish than he had previously been. Rixi left the crowd knowing that for him, life had changed, something had changed it and thought of nothing but Sophie until he reached the Police Station.

The Station was quiet and smelled of disinfectant. The tiled floor squeaked as he walked and posters hung neatly on the walls. A familiar face greeted him as he arrived at the desk.

‘Well, hello young Rixi. What’ you been up to then?’

‘Hi, can I talk to you in private?’ The sadness in his face echoed towards the policeman making him change his greeting from one of playfulness to that of a serious, caring one. Rixi waited as the policeman left the desk area. A few minutes later, the same policeman that had stood adjacent the desk, was now behind Rixi, peering through an open door.

‘Come in, young Rixi lad,’ the policeman guided him towards an empty interview room. It was very quiet and well furnished. It reminded him of his head teachers office at school without the books.

‘Take a seat. How can I help you?’

Rixi took a deep breath and began his story of the meeting in the fast-food restaurant.

Sarah was nearing her stop on the train, her tummy was fluttering with excitement, she had missed Sophie so much. She carefully collected all her belongings and placed them into her rucksack. Removing her brush, she set about altering her appearance. She didn’t want to set off the train looking like a trout, she wanted to look her best, as usual.

The Station looked busy, and Sarah made her way to the ladies at the opposite end of the station. Sarah threw some nice, cold water onto her face and brushed her hair again, she undid the zip of her make-up bag and began to apply a fresh coat of lipstick. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Sophie’s face as she opened the door. Her only fear was that they would both be out for the day and that she might have to wait for a few hours on the doorstep. That would be embarrassing. Sarah often pictured the happy couple in her mind she thought of them together, comfy and warm, all snuggled up together on the sofa, drinking wine and watching a film. She had described the scene too many times to friends and family at home. It had seemed as though the whole of Glasgow had wanted to know all the details of Sophie’s new love life. Wherever she had gone, whether work or play, Sarah was always bombarded with questions from old colleges and school friends of Sophie’s, each one wanting to know the ins and out’s of her romantic fiasco with an older and totally rich boyfriend. Sarah was so eager to tell them all she could. Some of the girls who enquired were hoping that it had all been rumours and that Sophie was actually back home in Glasgow. Sarah took great joy in confirming their worst jealous fears. It had been quiet without her, and Sarah was holding out for a great night out with her best friend again, just one more night. Clive would have to take a back seat tonight and let the girls have their fun. Sarah made her way to the taxi rank and hopped inside an awaiting cab.

She gave the address to the cabby and sat back. She looked excitedly from the window, as the cab passed through the city. It wasn’t long before she felt the uneasy stare of the driver through his mirror. Sarah tried to ignore the glare, she fumbled anxiously with the zip on her rucksack until she could feel the urge to say something.

‘Do you always study your clients in such a detailed way, or am I just too freaky?’

The cabby averted his gaze back towards the road ahead and muttered something which Sarah never understood.

‘Sorry, I didn’t hear that, can you say it again for me?’ Her sarcasm didn’t match her beauty. Sarah didn’t care, she could be as nice or as nasty as the person she was talking too, and in this case, he had annoyed her. The driver never looked at her again. The street seemed as quiet as usual as they pulled in, Sarah gazed at the flat, searching for signs of life. Sarah made her way to the front door and rang the bell. She stood nervously thinking what to say as Sophie answered, she couldn’t wait to see her face. She rang the bell again, and hoped that she hadn’t faced her worst fear of having to sit on the doorstep. Her fears were overthrown as she heard the sound of footsteps approaching behind the door. The door opened quietly and Sarah laughed as Clive stared in amazement at the visitor.

The policeman was taking his time, reading over the statement. Rixi was really hungry now and although he had warmed up a little, he wouldn’t say no to a nice cup of tea. He would wait until the policeman had finished reading the report before asking. The policeman sat back into his chair and looked over at Rixi.

‘Rixi, I will have a word with my officer in charge, and we will try to find out anything we can, but we don’t really have a lot to go on really, without her surname or previous address in London, it will be hard to trace, you don’t even know the name of the man that was killed or how long ago this was. I wouldn’t hold your breath at this moment, you sure, that there is nothing else you can tell me, no matter how little it seems?’

‘No, I have told you all I know. Except, she did mention that this boyfriend had also killed a security guard with the same gun, but I don’t know anything else about it, that was all she told me, she seemed really upset and frightened. She’s so nice and kind, she gave me a tenner you know. You must be able to do something?’

‘We can’t promise that, Rixi, you see she might have been telling lies, or imagining the whole thing, it has been known before you know.’

‘No, no way. Honest, this girl is so nice and she needs your help, please believe me.’

‘Wait here for a moment and I’ll go and see if I can find out anymore for you. You say that she is already wanted by the police in connection with this murder?’

‘She thinks so. James, that was his name James. I remember now, he was her boyfriends best friend.’

The policeman stood up and walked towards the door. ‘Would you like a drink?’

‘A cup of tea and a biscuit would be good.’ Rixi beamed his overpowering smile over to the policeman who left the room with a carbon copy of it on his own face.

A few moments later he reappeared with two plastic cups and a packet of sandwiches.

‘I’ve passed all the information on to CID. They will look into it for you and see if they can help you. I suggest you eat this and while your here, we might see about fixing you up with a bed for the night at the local hostel.

Clive stood with the shocked look still on his face waiting to react to Sarah’s introduction, he wasn’t sure weather she had come for revenge or weather she simply didn’t know what had happened. He was delighted when he realised that the latter stood.

‘Well, aren’t you going to let me in then, or are you going to leave me out in the cold all day.’

Sarah pushed passed him and rushed towards the sitting room, the house was untidy and dark. She rushed into the kitchen it too was a clutter of dirty dishes and empty bottles.

‘Wow, did you have a party or what?’ Sarah put her bag on the floor and reached for the kettle.

‘I suppose she’s out shopping is she?’

Clive turned in reflex ‘Yes, shopping.’ He sat down at the table and watched and listened as Sarah reanimated her whole life since leaving Sophie. He pretended to listen while his mind drifted into sheer panic. What would he say, she couldn’t stay here, she was bound to find out. Maybe it was all a trap, perhaps she did know, she had to go, he had to go. That was it, he would go out, pretend he was going for Sophie, then he could think of what to do.

‘I have to go and pick up Sophie,’

‘I’ll come with you, I can’t wait to see her face.’

‘No, no, you wait here, it will be a better surprise, she’ll love it.’

Clive walked round the corner and gathered his breath. He hadn’t been prepared for this, he thought he had seen the last of Sophie and her mate, he would have to tell Swifty The bad news.

Sarah began to tidy in anticipation of her next meeting. She found it hard to sit down anyway, and placed the dirty cups in the dishwasher. When the kitchen was tidy, she decided to go and make sure she was presentable, she felt silly doing this, but somehow, she wanted to look her best for Sophie, she knew Sophie would be wearing the best clothes affordable. Sarah made her way into the untidy bathroom. Clothes lay scattered on the floor, all Clives. Her mobile phone rang as finished applying yet another layer of fresh lipstick.

‘Hello?’

‘Sarah is that you? Sarah?’

‘Yes, Sophie, how are you, I’m waiting for you. Clive has just left, he’s on his way to get you.’

‘Sarah, get out of there, Get out.’

‘Sophie, are you all right? What’s wrong? Where are you?’

‘I’m at the bus station, I can’t stay on this phone long, you have to get out of there. your in danger. I’ll meet you at Victoria Bus Station, just get out of there before he comes back.’

‘Okay, See you there.’ Replied Sarah in much confusion.

Sarah wondered at the conversation she had just had. She looked around again, that was why the place was a mess, and the clothes on the floor were all Clive’s, Sophie had left. Something was definitely wrong. The door opened and Clive appeared. Sarah thought it best to act normal, she knew that if Clive thought she was in the know, he might not be as welcoming.

‘She wasn’t there, she’s obviously making her own way home.’ His voice remained calm and still held it’s politeness. Sarah thought carefully of her reply. She couldn’t let him be aware of her new knowledge via the telephone call.

‘Probably, that’s Sophie for you.’ Sarah struggled to remain calm and kept her eyes from making any direct contact with Clive’s. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she knew that her friend was in trouble and that Clive had something to hide. Sarah, for the first time in her life, felt quiet and out of her league, her hands fidgeted nervously on her lap. Clive was pacing now, making her feel the unpredictability in the atmosphere. She knew she would have to speak, but she could find no words of friendship or humour, only questions which she dare not ask for fear of disclosure. She couldn’t let Clive know that she had even the smallest inclination as to what was really wrong, and she certainly didn’t know enough to ask. The door bell rang, making Sarah jump. Clive seemed to know extingtively who was calling as he walked calmly towards the hall.

‘That will probably be Sophie, now.’ He rubbed his hands together and set off to open the door.

Sarah knew perfectly well that it would not be Sophie. She couldn’t help wonder weather the poor bastard was expecting her. In all his richness, he seemed empty and confused. She began to wonder just what had happened between them. Perhaps it was just one of their first tiffs, and Sophie, being Sophie, had taken things too personal and ran off. Sarah eagerly awaited the first sight of the caller, and listened carefully to hear a voice. Clive appeared followed by a man she had never seen before.

‘Sarah, meet Swifty. My dear mate and work colleague.’

Sarah stared at the stranger, and extended her hand to meet his. He seemed anxious and studied Sarah as completely as she studied him. Clive walked off into the kitchen and beckoned for Swifty to follow him. Sarah watched nervously from the lounge as the two men walked sneakily off, out of sight. Her only desire now, was to leave. She had obviously become an unwelcome visitor, and she knew that she was in the way. Her eyes fixed anxiously onto the silent telephone, she wished it to ring again. Where was Sophie? What was happening? Sarah stood up and walked towards the kitchen, she could stand it no longer. Whatever had happened between Sophie and Clive was there business, but she had come too far to play pig in the middle, and she certainly wasn’t going to sit in silence any longer.

Clive and Swifty turned to face her as she entered the kitchen, they looked startled, like little boys being caught smoking behind the bike sheds.

‘Sorry to interrupt, but I have had enough of this, I know you two have had an argument or something, and I don’t really care what it was about, but I am not going to sit here and be treated like an intruder. I came all this way to visit, I’m tired and hungry. So, why don’t you just tell me what happened. I’ve had Sophie on the phone already, she sounded really upset, and your standing here telling me that everything is all right, so what is it?’

She had barely finished speaking when Clive butt in.

‘You spoke to Sophie? …. When?’

‘While you were out, she phoned my mobile, she sounded really upset, what the hell happened?’

‘What did she say?’

‘Not much.… Something about meeting her at the station.… I think she wants to go home.’

Swifty and Clive stared at each other, and Clive raised a smile.

‘Which station?’ Clive began to walk closer towards Sarah, he seemed excited and desperate.

‘I think it was.. Victoria.’ She stopped to gather her thoughts. If something was really wrong and Sophie did want to get away from Clive, then perhaps she shouldn’t be too quick to betray her best friend, after-all, her loyalty lay with Sophie, not Clive. She decided it would be better to find out exactly what was happening before giving too much away. Her best friend might be nursing a black eye or bruised ribs. Perhaps he had beaten her, perhaps she should just go now to the station and wait for Sophie. If it was a tiff, at least she could try and mend it, but if it was serious, she could take her home. Either way, she would be there for her.

‘Clive, What happened, please tell me, I might be able to help.’

Swifty piped up from the background.

‘What time were you to meet her?’ He glanced at his watch.

‘I can’t remember... I don’t think she said a time.’ She wasn’t going to tell him. It had nothing to do with him. She certainly didn’t like the way the conversation was going, Clive had to tell her now, or she was going to leave.

Clive sat down at the table. He rested his head in his hands.

‘I love her Sarah, I don’t want her to leave. If I could just talk to her, try to make her come back to me. Please? .... You are the only one who can help. Just tell us what time you were to meet her, then I can go and talk to her before it is too late.’

Sarah looked at the sorry sight. He obviously did love her, and she could help.

‘Okay, just tell me what happened, and I will help.’

Clive took a deep breath, and sighed.

‘We had a row, a silly row, and she just left. That’s all.’

‘A silly row? .... Come on! …. Sophie wouldn’t leave for a silly row, she’d give as good as she got. It must have been more than that.’

‘Look, just fuckin tell us what time!’ Swifty snapped at her. Sarah froze, she stared at Clive who was smirking.

‘Fuck you, no wonder she left, and if you want my opinion she is better off without you, did you let him talk to Sophie like that too. And another thing, what the fuck has it got to do with you anyway? ....’

‘He’s just concerned, that’s all.’ Clive rose from the table as Sarah rushed into the lounge. she grabbed her bag and stood, ready to leave.

‘Yeah, concerned my arse.... I’ll know better after I’ve seen Sophie.’

Swifty grabbed her by the arm. ‘Your going nowhere.’

Clive calmly walked towards them both and removed Swifty’s grip from her arm.

‘You see…. I’ve just been thinking…. If Sophie wants you, she’ll know where to find you. Perhaps you’d be better off here, Sarah. If you really want to help.’

Sarah lifted her knee and rammed it into Swifty’s balls. She didn’t watch as he fell to the floor, she headed straight for the door. Clive ran and got there first, blocking her only exit.

‘I said, you’d be better off here.’ He grabbed hold of her and threw her onto the sofa.

Swifty got up from the floor, his face was red and Sarah felt his anger as he rushed towards her. She felt the pound of his fist against her jaw, then nothing.

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