by Diane Ezzard
“You alright?” I raised my eyebrows but there was no eye contact from her. She hadn’t registered I was there. I moved over to the boy on the bed and checked his pulse. It was weak, but he was breathing. There were bruises on his body and a cut over his eye. I turned him on his side and put him in the recovery position. I was no doctor, but he looked none too clever.
Moving over towards the girl, she flinched when I approached.
“It’s okay, I won’t hurt you.” I raised my hands up. She laughed a high-pitched cackling laugh.
“What’s your name?” I asked her. No response. I tried a smile and crouched down close to her. “My name’s Jack. I come in peace.” I’d been watching too many movies, and I almost finished with “To infinity and beyond,” but didn’t think she’d be too impressed with my Buzz Lightyear impression. She’d have me down as a serious whacko. I took hold of her hand and she winced again.
“Don’t worry, I don’t bite. I want to help.” I noticed bruise marks on her arms. Her spaced-out expression didn’t change. I tried again to get her to speak and on the fourth attempt, it worked.
“Jade,” she offered.
“Your name’s Jade?” She nodded.
“What are you doing here, Jade?” She looked at me and blinked.
“I live here.” Her head flopped back and forth. I frowned.
“And the boy, what’s his name.” She didn’t register at first, so I pointed to the bed. She shook her head and hunched her shoulders.
“Don’t know.” Her speech, although brief, was slow and slurred.
“Does anyone else live here, Jade?”
“Sometimes.”
“Who, who else lives here, Jade?” I tried to show concern in my voice as I spoke.
“Don’t know.” I sighed. This was going to be a long night.
“You don’t know much, do you Jade?” She ignored me.
“What have you taken, Jade?” I raised my eyebrows and smiled at her.
“Just weed.” It was then I noticed a syringe down by her side. I held her arm and saw the injection marks.
“It’s heroin, isn’t it, love?” She shrugged. Her head drooped forward.
“I’m here to help you.” I didn’t know what my intentions were in that instant, but I had to do something. “Wait there.” The girl made no signs of movement.
Walking over to the bed, I lifted the boy. He didn’t stir. He was light and looked malnourished. My immediate reaction was to remove the pair before the gang came back. I left the front door open as I carried him to my car and sat him up on the back seat. His body slumped, so I left him there and went back for the girl. When I got back, Jade was cradling her body, shaking,
“Come on Jade, get up.” I grabbed her wrists and tried to help her. She made no attempt to move. “Can you move or are you hurt?” No reply. I took off my glove and felt her skin. Her hands felt icy cold. There was no heating on. I removed my jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders then scooped her up. She was lighter than the boy. I collected my bag from behind the door and carried her out to my waiting car. She didn’t protest.
Placing Jade in the front seat was a difficult manoeuvre. Her head flopped around as I wrestled with the seatbelt. I checked the boy, he was still out cold. I fired up the vehicle. Still not 100% certain where to take them, I decided against the hospital. It would be murder at this time on a Saturday night. The place would be overrun with the remnants of drunken brawls.
Where do you take two stoned teenagers for safety? My mind worked overtime as I tried to come up with a plan.
Chapter 7
Jack
Caroline was the first person who came to mind. She was an ex of mine and a nurse. She only lived in Rochdale, ten minutes away. I phoned her.
“Jack, what are you doing phoning me at this time of night?”
“I’ve got a problem.” I explained about the two kids in the car.
“Just take them to the hospital. They’ll check them out.”
“I don’t want to sit in A & E with them all night and I feel responsible for them now. I can’t leave them.”
“Jack, this is crazy. Phone an ambulance.”
“No, they would involve the police. I’d have too much explaining to do.”
“Oh, Jack. I don’t think it’s a good idea to come here.”
“If you’re otherwise engaged, I understand.”
“It’s not that. It’s my night off, Jack.”
“Pretty please. Could you take a look at them?” I could hear her moaning on the other end.
“Okay, bring them here if you must but if I think they should be in the hospital, you’ll have to take them there, anyway.”
“Fine, I’ll take that chance. I’ll see you shortly and Caroline…”
“What?”
“Thanks, I owe you one.”
“You owe me more than one, Jack,” she said, and the line went dead.
I pulled up outside Caroline’s small semi and it dawned on me I hadn’t replied to Sophie. I ought to ring her, but I didn’t think she’d be pleased if I told her where I was. Taking out my phone, I sent a text: Something’s come up. It’s gonna take longer than expected. Get yourself home x.
It would only heighten my guilt if I knew Sophie was still in that cold empty house keeping watch for me while I was here with Caroline. Sophie replied straight away: Will do, take care x. I quickly added another text: Thanks for everything. Speak in the morning x.
I left the two youngsters in the car and walked up to Caroline’s door. She wore a plum-coloured velour tracksuit and even without makeup, her face looked radiant. Her long blonde hair was swept up off her face and held with a clip.
“Where are they?” she whispered. I pointed to the car. “Come on, let’s get them inside.”
“The girl is called Jade, but the young boy hasn’t woken up or come to yet.”
Caroline’s charm appealed to Jade more than mine as she allowed Caroline to help her out of the car and she walked unaided up to the house. I carried the boy in. As I plonked him on the sofa, he stirred.
“Where am I?” he shouted as he looked up. His head darted about in bewilderment. He rubbed his eyes.
“It’s okay son, you’re safe.”
“Don’t call me son. I’m not your son,” he shouted.
“Fine, so what’s your name?” I nodded. He scowled at me then looked over at Jade and Caroline.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“I’ve brought you somewhere safe.”
“You can’t do that.” He grabbed hold of the arms of the chair and his head swung around. Panic flashed across his face as he jerked his body and got up and made for the door.
“Whoa, whoa. Sit down a minute. Where do you think you’re going?” I blocked his route.
“I’ve gotta get back. I can’t stay here.” His voice shook.
“Sit back down and we’ll have a little chat.” I used my heavier torso to drag him back onto the sofa. He scowled again. I stared at Caroline imploring her with my eyes to intervene.
“Would you like a drink and something to eat?” she asked him. He frowned. “I could make you some toast or a sandwich?” she offered.
“No. just leave me alone.” He looked down. Caroline looked over at me.
“Make some toast, Jack, while I check over these two, please. I’m sure you’ll remember where everything is.”
Was Caroline having a dig at me? We were together for two years off and on. We argued so much that eventually, I couldn’t bear the conflict anymore and called time on the relationship. We fought and split up over the slightest thing. She could fall out with me over the way I stayed quiet when she spoke. She walked out of a restaurant on me once because she didn’t like the way I looked at her. Whoever she wanted me to be, I couldn’t be that person and nor was I happy to change for her. She had some good qualities though. She was caring, as you’d expect from a nurse. I tried to ignore her fit body and attractive features. I was with Sophie now a
nd we were happy. Our relationship was less confrontational, and we had grown closer together and were comfortable with each other. I knew Caroline’s maternal instincts would come out with the children. They would do better in her hands. I busied myself in the kitchen until she walked in. I looked at her, blinking rapidly.
“Are they okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, I’ve checked them both. I think they’ll be fine. Jade needs to sleep it off. The boy is called Marcus. I’ve left them watching a DVD of Twilight.”
“Gosh, you’ve worked your magic, haven’t you?” I laughed as I buttered the toast. She took a piece and bit into it. “I wouldn’t have thought they’d be any fit state to watch anything,” I said.
“Jade’s worse than Marcus. I can keep an eye on her. There’s jam in the fridge,” she pointed. “I don’t remember you being this domesticated when I knew you,” she smiled. I was conscious of her body as she stood too close. Picking up the plate, I was about to take it through to the lounge after grabbing the jar of jam. She pulled on my arm. I jerked my head back, my skin tingled.
“We need to contact Social Services. They’ve both taken illegal substances,” she whispered.
“Yes, you’re right.” I walked through with the food. Was it a mistake to come here? Caroline was correct, of course. I glanced over at Marcus’s face. He looked washed out. His sweatshirt and jeans were grimy. There was mud on his trainers. There was more resemblance to a street tramp than a young schoolboy. With his greasy straggled hair touching his shoulders, and the whiff when I went near him, it was obvious he hadn’t washed in some time. I wasn’t good in situations like this. Caroline would have more chance of getting information out of them if I wasn’t there. She nodded for me to return to the kitchen.
“Are you going to phone the police and Social Services, or shall I?” I would have some explaining to do when the police arrived.
“I don’t think I have much choice. It needs to be me.” Caroline nodded.
“They’re both settled, now. You make the calls and I’ll chat to them if I can get them to tell me any more.”
“Sure, I think they’ll talk more freely to you.”
I phoned through to the emergency duty team at Social Services. They were already stretched for cover. This was turning into something of a nightmare. I didn’t go to A &E because I didn’t want to be there all night. Now, it looked like I’d be here for hours waiting for a social worker. I gave them all the details, and the woman asked to speak to Caroline. I put her on the phone and sat trying to listen in.
“Yeah, yeah, course, no problem. They’re both stable. I agree it’s probably better to leave them here now. Yes, that’s fine.”
Caroline came off the phone and gave me the news I’d guessed. They’d be sending someone over as soon as they could, but they didn’t think it would be for another five hours or so. Caroline offered to give her bed up to let them sleep. I wasn’t going to stay. She looked disappointed. I told her I had things to do and would come back in a few hours unless the guys from the authorities got there sooner. She said she’d let me know if that happened. We stood in her hallway and she took hold of my hands and looked at me smiling.
“It’s so good to see you, Jack. Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” Her body was too close. I could smell her perfume. I moved from foot to foot.
“No, thanks for the offer and I appreciate your help. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Any problems call me. I’ve got something urgent I need to do.” She moved to kiss me, and I swerved my head to the side, so she only caught my cheek. I had to get out of there fast. She waved me off on the doorstep. I didn’t tell her the urgent thing I needed to do was have a kip on my own, in my own bed away from temptation.
Chapter 8
Jack
I arrived back at Caroline’s first thing the following morning, far too early to be up on a Sunday. Now I’d had time to think, I knew I’d overstepped the mark asking for her help. I didn’t want to abuse her hospitality anymore, and I didn’t want her getting any wrong ideas about us. Leaving last night was a wise move. She got more information from the pair.
“Shush,” she whispered, putting a finger to her lips, “They’re both still sleeping.” She beckoned me through into the kitchen and quietly closed the door. It turned out Marcus was from Whitefield, near where I lived. He told Caroline he ran away from home three months ago. He talked about the gang members brandishing guns. In his time away, he had stayed at different addresses but didn’t know where they were.
He worked for the gang. At first, they seemed friendly, he told her. He’d been asked to carry packages and in return was rewarded with a pushbike, money and clothes. He said it seemed too good to be true. It was, as he worked all hours dropping off drugs. He didn’t always know what was in the parcels. He confessed that more recently he had been dealing himself in return for booze and drugs. He did a stint in Blackpool and said sometimes he enjoyed it. She asked him if he was scared. He clammed up and said they did bad things to him if he didn’t carry out their instructions but wouldn’t say what they were.
“How old is he?” I asked.
“He’s thirteen.” I shook my head. She continued, “There’s someone from the Child Protection team on their way over with the police. I don’t know if we’ll get any more out of him because he’s shut down again. I think he got frightened. He’s seen things that no one of his age should have seen.”
“And what about Jade? Did she say much?”
“Not really, I let her sleep. I dozed on the sofa and gave the beds to those two. It’s a shame you couldn’t have stayed to keep me company.”
“Sorry about that and sorry to land this one on you, but you’ve been amazing. I appreciate what you’ve done. I will have to repay the favour sometime.” She nodded.
“I’ll think about that.” She winked at me and smiled. I didn’t smile back.
“Should we get them up? Social Services will be on their way.”
“Yeah, I’ll wake them both.”
I’d been in touch with a mate of mine, an old colleague from the drugs squad in Bury. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t getting too involved where there were bigger fish to fry. They weren’t aware of the house in Oldham. That was a relief. The cops had warned me not to interfere in their operations. I sat on the sofa, waiting. Jade walked into the room. She wore a tracksuit that was two sizes too big for her and although she looked rough, she still looked better than last night.
“How are you, Jade?”
“I feel sick.” She tightened her shoulders and folded her arms.
“Well, let me know if you’re going to vomit and I’ll get a bucket.” She ignored me and ran out of the room with her hands over her mouth. Just then, Marcus walked in. He wore the same clothes as the previous night, but they were now clean. Caroline must have been up early washing and drying them. He looked like he’d showered. He seemed the most refreshed out of all of us.
“How are you doing, mate?” I asked. He didn’t reply. The corner of his mouth turned down.
“We’re sorting out help for you.” He ignored me and frowned. Marcus wasn’t keen to talk, so we sat in silence. The girls returned, and Caroline nodded and beckoned me forward. I walked into the kitchen with her.
“She’s not saying much. I don’t know if you want to see if she’ll talk to you. I’m doing better with Marcus,” Caroline whispered. “I’ll make some breakfast.” We walked back together into the lounge and I sat down next to Jade on the sofa. She still looked peaky.
“You alright, love?” I patted her knee. She flinched and hunched her knees up close into her body. She didn’t reply.
“Anyone for a full English?” Caroline said from the doorway.
“Yes please,” Marcus smiled. Her charms were winning him over.
“Can I have a bacon butty?” I asked. I was due over at Sophie’s for Sunday lunch.
“Sure, what about you, Jade?” Caroline asked.
“Nothing for me, thanks.” Carol
ine and I looked at each other.
“Well, I’ll make some toast and if you don’t want it you can leave it.” From Jade’s size, she couldn’t have much of an appetite.
“Marcus, do you want to come and help me in the kitchen?” Caroline asked. He bowed his head but left the chair and followed her. I sidled up towards Jade.
“It will be okay, love,” I said in the most caring tone I could muster. The tracksuit sleeves of her outfit were too long, and she clenched them, putting both her arms in front of her face.
“I’m scared.”
“I understand. We will get you some help and make sure you’re safe. What’s your surname, Jade because Social Services will ask when they get here?”
“It’s Weston-Smith.” She didn’t look like a double-barrelled sort of girl but then who was I to judge.
“And how old are you, love?”
“I’m seventeen. It’s me birthday in a couple of weeks. I’ll be eighteen.” I raised my eyebrows. She looked much younger than her years.
“We’ll have you home for your birthday, don’t worry.” She gave me a look of disdain and shook her head.
“Dom will kill me for leaving.”
“We’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.” She didn’t look convinced. “And who’ve you got at home?”
“It’s just me and me kid bro’, Jonathan, he’s seven and me mam.”
“Your mum must be worried sick about you.”
“No, she don’t give a toss. She spends all her time drinking. Don’t make me go home.”
“Why? What’s the problem at home?”
“She’s a right alkie. She’s half cut most of the time. I never know whether she’s gonna be out of it or okay.”
“I see,” I nodded.
“I don’t want to go home,” she repeated.
“Your little brother will wonder where you are, and your mum will be worried.”
