The following morning saw both Kate and Maggie up early. A cryptic message from Lucy had intrigued Maggie. It was an address just outside of Markston and the sentence:
Come as soon as you can.
As DI Rutherford had cancelled all annual leave, given the murders and concerns about Kate’s safety, an idea popped into her head.
‘Do you want to have some time out before going into work? I don’t start for a few hours and you must be sick of being stuck here with a chaperone,’ Maggie interrupted Kate’s reading.
‘Now that sounds interesting! Where are you thinking of going?’ Kate placed her book on the table.
‘I’ve just had a strange message from Lucy inviting me to an address. If my detecting skills are any good, I am assuming this is the S.A.F.E refuge address. I know Lucy said it was just about ready to open, so perhaps we’re getting an early viewing.’ Lucy Sherwood had set up the refuge, aptly named S.A.F.E, where men and women who were in abusive relationships could escape to find strength, acceptance, freedom and empowerment.
‘Do you think she would mind if I tag along?’
‘I doubt it.’ Maggie was sure Lucy would be pleased that Kate was interested.
Kate’s phone bleeped indicating a message had come in. Looking at the screen, she smiled. ‘Message from Lucy. Guess we’re going out then.’
‘Excellent. A change of scenery will do us both some good.’
Maggie waited outside while Kate got her things together. They walked to the train station in silence.
***
Forty minutes later, including a short bus journey, they arrived at their destination. Maggie observed that it was far enough outside of the town not to put locals’ backs up as well as remote enough to keep the residents safe. They walked up the gravel drive to the front door. There was a security buzzer installed and Maggie pushed it, waiting for someone to answer.
‘Smile for the camera, ladies …’
Lucy’s voice came through the speaker. Maggie looked around and noticed a small camera on the right-hand side above the door. Looked like Lucy was on the ball with the security measures. If Kate’s installation fell through, Lucy might be able to recommend someone more reliable. They heard some clicks as the locks were undone and smiled back at the face that greeted them.
‘So great to see you, Lucy! This looks fabulous from the outside!’ Kate and Maggie hugged their friend.
‘I’m delighted you both could make it. Mark, Sharon, and a special guest are just in the room through there.’ Lucy pointed down the hall and followed behind them once she locked the doors again.
Maggie greeted her colleagues and squealed when she saw Vicki Wilkinson hiding in a chair behind Mark. ‘Oh my God! Vicki! How wonderful to see you.’ Reaching for her crutches, Vicki struggled to stand up, and Maggie rushed over, giving her a hug.
‘Hi guys. Bet you never thought you’d see the day. In fact, there were times I didn’t think I would either.’ A crooked smiled formed on Vicki’s face.
Vicki had been attacked last year by her ex-boyfriend and left for dead. She had suffered extensive injuries and had been in a coma for months. But everyone was willing her on and knew she was a fighter. Today proved that.
‘This is Dr Kate Moloney. She’s a criminal psychologist and worked on your case.’ Kate walked over and shook Vicki’s hand.
‘It’s really great to see you all. Lucy has done an amazing job putting this all together.’ There was a sense of pride in Vicki’s voice. Her face beamed and it was obvious she was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of working in the haven after her own experiences.
‘Hope you don’t mind me asking, but how has everything been?’ Maggie knew Vicki had been a long-standing drinker and had dabbled in drugs.
‘I’ve not touched a drop since this all happened. I attend my AA meetings and I’m also a mentor at the drug and alcohol services. I’ve had enough of that shit. I’ve been given the opportunity to stay clean and turn my life around and there’s no bloody way I’m going to fuck that up. I don’t want to let anyone down, least of all myself.’
‘She really has beaten the odds and I’m more than happy to support her. Vicki will be a resident keyworker here when she’s ready and able. I’ve a room set up so she has somewhere to stay until she feels ready to get her own place. But there will be no pressure from me; as long as she delivers her workshops, stays clean, and can lend a hand when needed, she’ll be welcome to stay.’ Lucy winked.
‘I’m really impressed with you both. Any chance of a tour?’ Kate looked around the room.
‘Absolutely. Follow me, folks. Will you be OK, Vicki?’ Lucy tilted her head.
‘I’ll be fine. I’ve got my phone and can catch up on things while you show them about. Don’t forget to show them the therapy room!’ Vicki’s face contorted slightly as she eased her way back into the chair, resting her crutches against the wall. She obviously had not fully recovered but Maggie was so impressed with how far she’d come.
Lucy showed them around each room and then pointed out back to what looked like three large sheds.
‘What are those then?’ Maggie moved closer to the window to get a better look.
‘Old sheds that have been turned into studio flats, a recreation room and a group room. It’s where the men will reside. Having both male and female survivors on the premises means we have to take all things – feelings especially – into consideration. We’ll be piloting a mixed group in the future though, focusing on shared experiences in domestic abuse, but for the time being they’ll be done separately.’
Maggie thought she saw movement behind one of the sheds. ‘Is someone out there?’ Maggie made a move to the door.
‘There shouldn’t be, why?’ Lucy peered through the window.
‘I’m pretty sure I just saw someone behind that building.’ Maggie opened the door and called out. ‘Hey! Can you step out, please?’ Her body tensed.
No response.
Maggie turned to her colleagues. ‘Stay here. I’m just going to check it out.’ She could see the look of concern etched across their faces. Lucy’s hand reached out for Kate.
Maggie ran to the back of the first flat. ‘Hey, I said come—’ No one was there. What the fuck? She could’ve sworn she caught a glimpse of a person. She waved back to the house. ‘Never mind. Seems I have an overactive imagination.’ But she wasn’t sure she was wrong.
They finished the tour and Maggie congratulated Lucy on how far she’d come. She pulled Lucy off to the side while the others chatted. ‘Can you check any CCTV you have out back and surrounding the building? If you do see anything, send it over.’
‘Of course. I’ll do that as soon as I can, but not all the cameras are up and running just yet.’
‘It could all be in my head, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.’ Maggie looked at her watch and then at Kate who nodded. ‘We have to go now, but fantastic work on the haven, Lucy. I’ll be in touch soon.’