‘Can you tell us what happened, miss?’ asked one officer as he walked over to Cheryl.
She was hesitant, her voice quavering as she began to tell them what happened. ‘I…I’m a nurse and I went to visit a colleague of mine who has taken up midwifery. You…you see I’m thinking of taking the course too. I didn’t realise how late it was when I left, and missed the last bus home. I was on my way to Battersea Park Road, hoping to hail a taxi, when…when…’ With a sob, Cheryl buried her face in her hands.
‘It’s all right, miss. Take your time,’ the constable said, and Val was pleased to see that he looked sympathetic.
‘A…a man grabbed me. He…he pulled me through some broken railings and dragged me into the park,’ Cheryl continued, her voice cracking, ‘and…and then he attacked me. I tried to fight him off, but I couldn’t. Oh, God, he raped me!’
‘Can you give us a description of him?’
‘He…he was youngish, and I think he had red hair.’
Val could see that Cheryl was struggling now, so hastily broke in. ‘I saw him, officer,’ she said, relieved that both constables now turned to her. ‘I couldn’t sleep and got up to make myself a cup of cocoa when I heard what I thought was a scream. It’s usually quiet around here at this time of night and I was concerned, so I went to look out of my window. I could see something going on in the park, some sort of struggle, but then nothing else.’
‘I see, and what did you do?’
‘Well, to be honest, nothing, though I did continue to look out of my window. I didn’t hear another scream, but then a while later I saw a man coming through a gap in the railings and then running to a car that was parked just along the road.’
‘Did you get a good look at him?’
‘The car was parked close to a streetlight so yes, I did, and as I was a bit suspicious I also took note of the number plate.’
The officer turned a page in his note pad, taking down Val’s description of the man, the car and the registration number, then saying, ‘And what time did you say it was?’
Val was surprised at how calm she felt. It was as though going over the story so many times had set it so deep in her mind that it felt true. ‘I didn’t, but I think it was around midnight. I stayed at the window, wondering if there had been a fight or something, but then saw this poor young woman staggering out of the park. I didn’t stop to think, but rushed outside in my dressing gown, and as she was in such a dreadful state I brought her into my flat. Oh yes, and I don’t think I was the only one who saw something. A woman who lives above me appeared as I was bringing her in and offered to help. I told her I could manage so she went back upstairs to her flat.’
‘Can you tell us her name, and what flat she lives in?’
‘I don’t know her name, but she lives in number six.’
‘We’ll have a word with her later, but for now,’ he said, turning to Cheryl, ‘I think you should come with us to the station. We’ll get a doctor to take a look at you.’
Her eyes now wide with fear, Cheryl wailed, ‘Oh, no…no, I don’t want to.’
‘Is there anyone you could call, someone to come with you?’
As Cheryl frantically shook her head, the constable moved Val to one side, saying quietly, ‘She’ll need to be examined for corroborative evidence. I know you’ve only just met, but would you mind coming with her?’
‘Oh, for goodness’ sake,’ Val said imperiously, ‘it’s nearly one in the morning. I took the girl in, managed to calm her down, even let her take a bath, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to bed.’
‘She had a bath? Bloody hell, that will have mucked up the evidence. You should have called us earlier.’
Val stretched her neck, feigning indignation. ‘Please do not swear, constable, and as for calling you earlier, the girl was hysterical and it took ages to calm her down.’
‘Pardon my language, miss.’
‘Yes, well, I did the best I could. How was I supposed to know that she shouldn’t bathe?’
He exhaled loudly, as though struggling to remain calm, then saying, ‘She still needs to be looked at, so will you come with us? As a witness you’ll need to give a statement and we can do that at the same time.’
‘Oh, very well,’ Val said huffily.
With a bit more persuasion they got Cheryl on her feet, her hand gripping Val’s as they left the flat to go to the police station.
Once there, Val was asked to accompany the constable into a side room where he took down her statement. She doubted at this hour that they’d question Betty until morning and hoped she’d had the sense to go to bed. ‘How much longer is this going to take?’ she asked crossly as she signed the document.
‘That’s it, Miss Thorn. You can go now.’
‘What about that poor young woman?’
‘Once she’s been examined she’ll be driven home.’
Val rose to her feet, baulking at the thought of leaving Cheryl, but worried that it would look suspicious if she waited for her. ‘And what about me? Surely you don’t expect me to walk home at this hour?’
‘If you’d like to wait at the desk, I’ll see if I can find someone to drive you.’
‘Well, don’t take too long. Look at the time! If this is what happens when you try to help someone, I certainly won’t be doing it again,’ Val said indignantly before she stormed from the office. Shortly afterwards, she was told that someone would drive her home; with no sign of Cheryl, she left the station to climb into a police car. Her head was now thumping with worry. Would Cheryl crack? Would she fall apart when questioned again? And what about the medical examination? How was she coping with that?
With barely a thank you to the policeman who had driven her home, Val climbed out of the car and, going into her flat, almost fell onto the sofa. Oh, Cheryl, surely it’s over. Please ring, she urged, looking at the telephone.
When there was a soft knock on her door she went to answer it. Betty scuttled in wearing a dressing gown and hairnet. ‘The police haven’t been up to question me and I saw you drive off. What happened?’
‘They’ll probably wait till morning now. You should go to bed.’
‘I won’t be able to sleep.’
‘No, I suppose not. I just hope we hear from Cheryl soon.’
An hour passed, then another thirty minutes, with Betty dozing fitfully on the sofa, but knowing that she wouldn’t be able to sleep until she heard from Cheryl, Val was drinking coffee when the telephone finally rang. She hurried to answer it, relieved to hear Cheryl’s voice. ‘Oh, God, what took so long?’
‘I had to wait ages for the doctor, but don’t worry, it all went well and I feel sure we’ve pulled it off.’
‘I’ve been worried sick. Are you all right?’
‘Yes, I’m fine,’ Cheryl replied. ‘After this, going to court will seem like a doddle.’
‘Court, yes, the next stage. I’m not looking forward to it,’ Val said worriedly.
‘It’ll be fine. You only have to repeat your statement, Betty too when she gives it, and then it’s all over.’
Once again Val was surprised by how assured Cheryl sounded; again she was the strong one. ‘Cheryl, you’re absolutely marvellous, and well done for pulling it off so well.’
‘Thanks. I didn’t know I had it in me, but I must admit I feel totally worn out now.’
‘Yes, I’m sure you are, and I think its only adrenaline that’s been keeping me awake.’
‘I’m glad I haven’t got to report for duty tomorrow.’
‘Today you mean,’ Val said, ‘but like you, I’ve got the day off.’
‘When will you tell the others?’
‘Betty’s here, but I won’t risk ringing Paula until later.’
‘All right. Night, Val.’
‘Night, Cheryl.’
‘The telephone woke me. Is Cheryl all right?’ said Betty, sleepily.
‘Yes, she’s fine and it all went well. You’d best get back to your flat and grab a little more sleep before the police turn up to question you.’
‘I’m not looking forward to that.’
‘You’ll be fine,’ Val said, and then yawned widely.
‘I hope so, but go on, get yourself to bed too.’
It was only when Betty left that the realisation hit Val with a rush. They had done it–they had actually done it! Her plan had worked and at last she would be able to get some well–earned sleep.
Betty awoke to the noise of someone banging on her front door. Thrusting on her dressing gown, she hurried to open it, her eyes blinking blearily at the policemen. It had been the early hours of the morning before she’d got to bed, and now at nine–thirty the police were here. She felt exhausted from her broken night’s sleep but, as the nerves kicked in, her mind cleared. With feigned horror, she cried, ‘Oh, God, please don’t tell me that something has happened to one of my children.’
‘No, madam, we’re only here to ask if you saw an incident in the park last night.’
‘You’d better come in.’
As the two constables walked inside, she said, ‘I saw a young woman being attacked, if that’s what you mean.’
‘Can I ask why you didn’t report it?’
‘Huh, I left it to that high–and–mighty woman who lives on the ground floor. It was she who went to the young woman’s rescue and, though I went down to offer my help, the woman insisted she was perfectly capable of handling it on her own. Honestly, I don’t know who she thinks she is, but I assumed she’d ring you.’
‘Yes, she did, but can you tell us what you saw?’
Betty told them her rehearsed story, described the man, and when finished one of the constables said, ‘Thank you, and when the car drove off, did you take the registration number?’
‘No, I’m sorry. I didn’t think of that.’
‘Would you be willing to come to the station to make a formal statement?’
As though giving the question consideration, Betty pursed her lips, then said, ‘Well, I suppose so, but if you catch the man, does that mean I’ll have to go to court?’
‘Yes, I’m afraid so, but only to repeat what you saw.’
‘Oh dear, I’ve never been in court before, but that poor young woman was in a dreadful state so I hope you catch him.’
‘With the information we have, we’ll get him, you can be sure of that.’
Betty agreed to go to the station later, and then showed them out, heaving a huge sigh of relief as the door closed behind them. She was already late for work, and so tired that she couldn’t face going in. She rang her employers’ country house and made her excuses to the butler; that done, she at last smiled.
When the police had questioned her it had been easier than expected and Betty was pleased with her performance. There’d been no sign of suspicion, no sign that she hadn’t been believed. And now, once Ian Parker was arrested, there was just the court case to face.
Betty didn’t feel any shadow of guilt for setting Ian Parker up. In fact, she just felt an enormous surge of pleasure to know that once he was behind bars, Paula’s life could get back to normal.
Val opened the door to Betty then poked her head outside. ‘If the other tenants saw the police, they’re bound to be curious. We don’t want to make our friendship obvious.’
‘It’s all right. There was no one around when I came down here.’
‘Good, but I thought you’d be at work by now.’
‘I took the day off.’
‘How did it go when the police questioned you?’
‘It was fine and I’m just off to the station to give a formal statement. Goodness, Val, you look exhausted.’
‘I set my alarm for seven o’clock so I could ring Paula before she left for work. She’s over the moon.’
‘I’m glad, but it isn’t over yet.’
‘I know, but when it comes to court, I’m sure Ian Parker will be found guilty.’
‘Have you spoken to Cheryl this morning?’
‘No, not yet. She’ll probably be up by now so I’ll ring her shortly.’
‘I’d best go, but I’ll call in again when I get back from the station.’
Val closed the door, her eyes bleary from lack of sleep as she went to the telephone. When Cheryl answered she asked, ‘Hello, how are you doing?’
‘I’m fine, but wondering if they’ve got Ian Parker in custody yet.’
‘I don’t know, but as Betty’s just gone to the station to give her statement, she might hear something. If she’s got any news I’ll ring you again. When are you back on duty?’
‘I start night shift on Monday.’
‘We won’t be able to meet up, but I’ll keep in touch.’
They spoke for a while longer, and then, saying goodbye, Val slumped onto her sofa, her eyes slowly closing until she fell asleep. She awoke an hour later with a start, realising that someone was knocking on the door. She went to answer it.
‘They’ve got Ian Parker in custody,’ Betty said as she hurried inside. ‘There’s going to be an identity parade later today, and they want me there. I should think they’ll want you and Cheryl too.’
Val fought to clear her head. ‘Right then, and if we meet up at the station, don’t forget to act all huffy with me. We don’t want to give them any inkling that we’re friends.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll remember. Paula will be so much better when she hears that he’s in custody.’
‘He may get bail,’ Val warned.
‘Oh, no, I hadn’t thought of that.’
‘It’s a serious crime, so let’s just hope he gets remanded in custody. I’ll give Cheryl another ring to let her know about the identity parade, and Betty, you had better go now. If the police call to ask me to attend the line–up, it might look a bit suspicious if they find you here.’
‘All right, but let’s hope it’s the last we see of them until the case goes to court.’
‘It should be, and once we’re in the clear, we’ll all meet up somewhere out of the borough for a celebratory drink. That should please Paula.’
‘Yes, and I might even break the habit of a lifetime by having something alcoholic,’ chuckled Betty.
They had all been called to the station at the same time, and now sat waiting for the identity parade. Betty was playing her part perfectly, her expression one of disdain when she looked at Val.
It was hard for Val not to laugh, and if this was anything to go by she felt Betty had missed her vocation–the woman perfect for the stage. It boded well for their future plans; ones she hoped would seem easy after this.
Cheryl was called in first, looking pale and nervous, but as she was supposed to be a rape victim, it didn’t arouse any suspicion. In fact, she had been assigned a woman police officer, who was being very supportive and sympathetic as she led Cheryl into the room.
Next it was Val who, as she looked at the line–up, was pleased by her forethought. Two other men had red hair, one more vivid than the other, and had Paula not pointed out Ian Parker first, it would have been difficult to pick him out.
‘Take your time, miss.’
Val made a show of studying all the men. ‘Ask them to turn to the side.’
The instruction was given, and when they turned to the front again, Val shuddered as she looked at Ian Parker. This was the man who had raped Paula and he deserved everything he was going to get. ‘Number three, that’s the man.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘I’m not blind,’ she snapped, keeping up her haughty manner. ‘It was definitely him.’
Betty was next, and then they were told they could go. As she and Betty lived in the same block, and the police knew that, Val decided it would look odd if she didn’t offer her a lift. ‘Excuse me, but as we live in the same flats, perhaps you’d like a lift home?’
Betty feigned surprise, then said, ‘Well, if you’re sure.’
‘What about you, my dear? Can I give you a lift home too?’
‘It’s a bit out of your way,’ Cheryl said.
‘It isn’t a problem,’ and then, her tone imperious again, Val added, ‘Now do come on. I haven’t got all day.’
Once again Val had to hide a smile when she saw Betty lifting an eyebrow to one of the constables, her expression one of
‘Hark at her.’
The man smiled as though in conspiracy, but then they walked out to climb into Val’s car, only just managing to clear the station before bursting into laughter.
‘Oh, Betty, you are a card,’ Val gasped.
‘It was the same policeman who came to question me. I had already described you as high and mighty, so your uppity manner played right into my hands. Honestly, Val, talk about wasted talent. You should be on the stage.’
‘That’s funny, I was thinking the same thing about you.’
‘What about me?’ asked Cheryl.
‘Yes, you too,’ Val said. ‘Well done. You’ve been marvellous, your role the greatest, and I’m so proud of you.’
Cheryl’s voice became sombre. ‘I felt awful when I picked Ian Parker out. He looked so scared and for a moment I felt sorry for him. After all, he didn’t do it and we’re sending an innocent man to prison.’
‘He may be innocent this time, but I just thought about what he’d done to Paula, and it was easy,’ said Betty.
‘Yes, I suppose you’re right,’ said Cheryl, but there was a trace of doubt in her voice.
‘Cheryl, for goodness’ sake,’ Val snapped. ‘You seem to have forgotten that he raped Paula, and he’s getting no more than he deserves. We’re putting him away, stopping him from doing it to some other poor young woman–so as far as I’m concerned, the end justifies the means.’
‘My thoughts exactly,’ said Betty.
‘Yes…yes, I suppose you’re right,’ Cheryl murmured.
‘Oh come on, cheer up. We should be celebrating.’
‘Val’s right, Cheryl, and I’m over the moon that we pulled it off.’
‘I am too,’ Val said, ‘but we’ve still got a way to go yet and I hope it isn’t long before the case goes to court. In the meantime, Betty, as I said earlier, I think we can risk meeting up out of the borough for a celebratory drink. Paula will love it, so who’s going to give her the good news?’
‘I will,’ Betty offered.
‘Right, let’s make a date for Sunday afternoon. We’ll all travel separately and perhaps meet up at Regent’s Park?’
‘Yes, all right,’ said Cheryl, her voice still lacklustre.
Betty agreed too, and after dropping Cheryl off at the nurses’ quarters, she said, ‘I suppose I can understand how Cheryl feels, but I still think we’ve done the right thing.’
‘Me too.’
They were quiet again until Val pulled up at traffic lights, Betty then musing, ‘I wonder which of us will be next?’
‘I don’t know, but we’ll wait until Ian Parker’s case goes to court before we make any plans. Not only that, I think we all need a break.’
‘Yes, I suppose you’re right, but it could be ages before his case comes up.’
Val caught the hint of disappointment in Betty’s voice. ‘It may not be too long,’ she consoled, then concentrated on the road until they drew up outside the flats. ‘I don’t know about you, and it may be something to do with being at the police station, but somehow I feel a bit grubby and can’t wait to have a bath.’
‘Yes, I must admit I feel the same.’
She said goodbye to Betty, and once in her flat went to run a bath, climbing in to let the water splash over her shoulders. It wasn’t over yet–there was still the court case to face–but Val felt such a huge sense of relief. She had hidden it from the others, but the plan had lain heavily on her mind. It had been her idea, and so far it looked as if they’d pulled it off, but if it had gone wrong they could all have ended up in jail. How would she have felt then? Instead of relief, there would have been anguish. So from now on she was determined that any further plans they made would not involve the police.
When they all met up on Sunday, Betty saw that Paula was already looking better, even going so far as to wear a splash of lipstick. Her clothes were still dowdy, but her hair was down, framing her pretty face.
Paula flung herself into Betty’s arms, and then gave Val and Cheryl a cuddle too, her eyes moist with tears. ‘Thanks for what you’ve done,’ she croaked, voice cracking with emotion.
Betty felt a surge of pleasure, so pleased now that she had agreed to join them. She had been a housewife, a mother, and was now just a housekeeper, but look how much she’d changed–how, thanks to Val, her confidence had grown. She’d found an inner strength, and of course, she thought with a smile, an acting ability that had been a hidden talent. It felt wonderful to be a part of something–to have achieved something. Looking at Paula, she felt it had all been so worthwhile.
‘It isn’t over yet,’ Val cautioned, ‘there’s still court to face, but at least he’s remanded in custody.’
‘I know, but he’ll go down, I’m sure of it,’ Paula said.
‘Yes, I am too. Now come on, this is supposed to be a celebration. Let’s find somewhere quiet to have a drink.’
It was a lovely day, the sun bright as they headed for the nearest pub. Betty wasn’t sure what to order, so when Paula recommended a Babycham she agreed to give it a try. The pale, golden liquid sparkled in the glass and she tentatively took a sip. ‘Oh, it’s lovely.’
‘See, I told you,’ said Paula, smiling happily.
Betty was glad to see Paula and Cheryl. With nothing else to concentrate on for the last couple of days, her mood had lowered, and she found her thoughts constantly turned to Richard. She didn’t want to think about him, about Mel, the baby. What she needed was another distraction. ‘I can’t help wondering whose turn it’ll be next.’
There was a gasp from Cheryl. ‘How can you even think about the next plan when there’s still the court case to face?’
‘I know, but after all the planning, all the excitement, things seem a little flat now. Well, except for this,’ she chuckled, holding up her glass of Babycham.
‘Drink up and I’ll get you another one,’ Paula urged.
‘Oh dear, I might get tipsy.’
‘Go on, let your hair down for once.’
Betty finished her drink and then, taking their glasses, Paula went to the bar. ‘The same again for the rest of you?’ she chirped.
‘Yes please,’ Val and Cheryl chorused.
Betty did indeed get tipsy, but enjoyed the afternoon and was sad when it came to an end. It was hard to say goodbye to Paula, the young woman clinging to her like a limpet before she was finally able to say goodbye. Cheryl too looked sad when they parted, but until Ian Parker’s case came up, they had no choice but to stay away from each other. Only she and Val would be able to meet when they sneaked to each other’s flats. With only one flight of stairs separating them, and as long as they checked that no other tenants were in sight, it was easy to do. At least seeing Val offered some consolation, and, anyway, maybe she could persuade Val to think about their next plan.