CHAPTER NINETY-FIVE

Lucy closed her eyes and took in the sound of the birds singing outside the cell window. If she shut the world out, she almost forgot where she was. Almost. A key turned in the lock and brought her back to reality.

‘Gather your things, Lucy – looks like you’re being released today.’ The guard smiled.

‘What?’ Lucy thought she must be dreaming. She pinched herself just to make sure.

‘This is no dream, Lucy. CPS have dropped the charges. Someone else has been arrested. Get your stuff.’

She didn’t have to be asked twice. In a daze, she quickly gathered up what she could, the rest she left for anyone who wanted it. The less she took, the less she’d be reminded of the experience. The prison officer directed her to the reception, where an offender manager explained that she was being released. Someone else has confessed to the crime. Lucy’s mind was in overdrive, a million questions, but she signed papers without reading them. All she wanted was to be on the other side of those prison gates.

As she approached them, she saw Maggie and Kat. Both gave her a little wave. She had to stand and wait while the prison officer unlocked the gated door to her freedom. Maggie greeted her, ‘Hi, Lucy. I bet you’re confused.’

‘Yes,’ she said meekly, still stunned. She wanted to be happy, but couldn’t take in what had happened. Expected it to be all taken away. The realization that Rory had probably confessed weighed heavily on her mind, and wiped away any of the happiness that freedom brought with it.

‘We’re here to take you to the station.’

‘What?’ Lucy looked at the door behind her. ‘Why did they let me go if you’re just going to arrest me again?’ Fear crossed her face.

‘Whoa, Lucy. Calm down. Let Maggie finish,’ Kat interjected.

‘Get in the car, Lucy, and we’ll explain everything.’

Lucy reluctantly entered the police car. She fidgeted with her shirt as she listened to Maggie explain what had happened: although Rory had confessed to the murder, Lucy was being bailed and may be charged with perverting the course of justice.

Maggie probably should have cautioned Lucy first and not explained anything until they arrived at the station, but she could see the fear in Lucy’s eyes and thought that she’d suffered enough. Her now short hair accentuated her thin frame. She was not the same woman they had known. Prison changed Lucy, physically and mentally.

‘Why are you telling me all this?’ Maggie had momentarily forgotten they were dealing with someone who had a criminal justice background. All she saw was a vulnerable woman who needed to be reassured that everything was going to be all right. Lucy had been a victim long enough.

‘You’re right, I shouldn’t be telling you any of this – but you deserve to know. We just want you to know that you’re safe.’

Lucy started to cry, tears falling onto her lap in the car. She cried for herself. She cried even more for Rory and what he’d now be facing. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably.

It was then that they heard a muffled sentence from Lucy’s lips … ‘Thank you …’ and all concerns were gone.