After learning of Vicki’s assault and Patrick’s arrest, Lucy’s head was a mess. She didn’t know whether to call Patrick first and hear his side of the story, or call the DAHU and speak to Mark. She didn’t want to be blindsided if any questions were asked. No doubt the police would be looking for a recall on Mick, but that would depend on the charges and whether the police had remanded him in custody. Lucy knew if Mick O’Dowd was charged with the assault on Vicki, however, that could lead to a serious further offence investigation and awkward questions might be asked, given that Mick had been arrested after starting a fight with her husband. Fuck! How the hell did Patrick end up in all this?
Patrick would still be in bed at this time and, not wanting to deal with him, she contacted the police station. If she appeared vague and didn’t offer any information, they might not immediately realize that Patrick was her husband.
‘Domestic Abuse and Homicide Unit, DC Maggie Jamieson speaking, how can I help?’
‘Hi, Maggie, it’s Lucy. Is Mark about? I have a message to call your team.’
‘Oh, hi! Good timing. No need to speak with Mark – I can tell you what you need to know and hopefully you can help us out.’
Damn. Lucy’s friendship with Mark meant that he’d sometimes share additional information. ‘Sure thing, Maggie. I heard that Mick O’Dowd has been arrested.’
‘Yes, he was, but he has been bailed with GPS tagging. We’ve charged him with criminal damage and affray, but it’s unlikely the affray will stick as both Mick and the other injured party don’t want to press charges. We’re still waiting for further evidence to connect him to the assault on Vicki Wilkinson, but what we really wanted to know is whether he can be recalled?’
‘Erm … tough one. Given that you have him tagged and based on the information you have just shared with me, I’m not convinced the Parole Board would feel he is enough of a risk. They’ll view that the tag will keep him indoors and he’ll be monitored by the police. I trust there are conditions to keep away from the victim of the affray? Is it a female? Sorry for all the questions, I need to get as much information as I possibly can, so I can discuss it with my line manager.’ Lucy realized her hand was shaking. ‘In all honestly, with prison overcrowding, it’s unlikely my boss will agree on this one.’
‘Well what about the serious assault on Vicki Wilkinson? Who manages Vicki’s case?’
‘Sarah Hardy, but I’d still be responsible for Mick’s recall. Has he been charged with anything in relation to that?’ Lucy was getting worried now; if two people who she worked with on her caseload were involved in serious matters, it meant more stress. Once they learnt that her husband was involved in the affray, they may want to investigate further. Lucy wasn’t ready to disclose what had been happening at home.
‘Not yet. There’s not enough evidence, but the investigation is ongoing.’
‘Same situation then, I’m afraid, Maggie. Can you account for his whereabouts?’
‘He says he was at The Smith’s Forge during the time of the assault. We’re speaking to witnesses to corroborate that information. He also said he and Vicki saw you earlier in the day. We’ll need to discuss that.’
‘Of course. I did send the home visit information over to the police group email and spoke briefly to Mark about that.’ Lucy closed her eyes and hoped Maggie couldn’t hear the tension in her voice.
‘Ah, OK. Crossed wires, I guess. I’ll have a look and come back to you if I need anything else. Are you OK, Lucy? Only, you sound a bit funny.’
‘Uh, no … I’m fine.’ Wanting to change the subject Lucy asked, ‘So what was the affray about? Do you know any details?’
‘I’ll scan over the charge sheet, you can have a read. In fact, can we drop by at some point to have a chat about O’Dowd and Wilkinson? My gut is telling me he was involved; I just don’t have anything on him and it’s frustrating the hell out of me. You might be able to help. One of us will call you to confirm.’
Lucy checked her diary, her hand still shaking. She had a meeting she couldn’t reschedule easily. She fiddled with her earring. This whole situation was a nightmare.
‘My diary is clear in the afternoons for the next few weeks, just let me know when you are coming in case I have to move something about. Is that OK?’
‘That’s great. We’ll be sure to let you know when we’re coming. See you soon.’
Lucy hung up the phone and dropped it onto her desk. She needed to speak to Patrick, and to her boss. It felt like her two worlds were coming together and the collision would be disastrous.