Who is Alice?

by Miranda Manning

  “I can’t see it here,” the nurse said.“I had better check the paper files.Each patient will have a paper record as well and sometimes on a busy night they don’t all get put into the computer.This could take some time.Can I call you back?”

  “All right,” Nicola replied.“Thanks.”

  The next call she made was to the Gardaí and she was almost expecting the reply.

  “There is no record of Christine O’Neill making a complaint on that night.No squad car went to her house.”The sergeant was sure.

  Nicola was afraid to feel relieved.She knew that the Gardaí didn’t record every single call.She was extremely puzzled.She had always got on well with Christine and always regarded her intervention in her life as having had a good outcome.So why would she lie?

  She was not surprised when the staff nurse rang and said that there was no record of Christine or her children anywhere in the A&E on the night in question, or at any time in the recent past.

  Nicolaphoned Pat and told him.

  “Can we call off the meeting?” she asked, expecting that to be only a formality.

  “Oh, no!It must go ahead now.She has made a serious allegation and it must be dealt with through the normal disciplinary channels.The fact that you got this information obviously helps your case but we must go ahead.And don’t, in any circumstances, approach the client.”

  “You’ve already told me not to do that!” Nicola was exasperated.She could have done without this extra hassle, though she was really curious as to why Christine might accuse her of breach of confidentiality.

  Alice rang her back within the hour.

  “The oldest piece of official documentation I can find is Grace’s birth certificate.It clearly says that the address is 3, Lady Gregory Court.But shewas twelve on the 29thof October, so we’re a fewweeks short.” Her voice was panicky.

  “Do you have the card you get from your doctor or gynaecologist with the record of your prenatal visits?”

  “No, I don’t think I kept those – even if I did I don’t have them now.Is there anything else I could use?”

  “A bank statement. You said you have a bank account.What address is on that?”Nicola tried to keep the anxiety out of her voice.

  “Lady Gregory Court, of course.”

  “When did you open the account?”

  “I opened my first bank account when I went to work for Jack and his wife.”

  “Do you remember what address you used then?It was hardly Galway seeing as you were living in Dublin.”

  “No, I used Jack’s address and then, when I moved here, I changed it.”

  “You should ring the bank and ask them to send you a letter stating when the account was opened and when you changed the address on it.They should have a record of that.If you have any trouble with that we can ask your legal team to help us.If you can think of any other documentation or come across anything else which might be useful get back to me.I’ll keep you informed of what is going on or Séamus will ring you if he needs to.Try not to worry.”

  Putting down the phone Nicola realised that they could be in trouble.She knew getting an injunction was not easily done and applicants had to have their i’s dotted and their t’s crossed, not to mention coming to the court with ‘clean hands’ – that is, free from any unfair conduct in regard to their claim– but at least they were safe enough on that score.

  Pat put his head around the door.

  “Feeling better about the complaint?”He seemed positively chirpy.

  “Yes, but I can’t believe she did it.I liked her and I thought she was pleased with the way things turned out for her when she was one of my clients.I really am surprised.If she was someone whose case had gone badly I would understand, or if she really had been assaulted and had to go to A&E I could understand that she might have thought, in her confusion, that I could have told her ex where she was.But this is very strange.She appears to have made it up.”

  “Are you sure you asked about the right date?”

  “I did – twice!Do you still think I could have done it?”Why was it that every man she had contact with this week was turning out to be severely lacking in one department or another?

  “I never said I thought you could have done it.In fact I didn’t think at any stage that you could have done it – but you know the procedure. We have to take every complaint seriously and follow a transparent procedure.”He smiled, clearly believing that he had explained himself sufficiently.

  “Go away.I’ve more serious things on my mind at present and I have to work on them.”

  “Hardly that woman who believes that Jack Madden is the father of her children?” A resigned look crossed his face.

  “Yes, as it happens.But things have become complicated and the apartment she was living in is up for sale.”She was sorry she said it the minute it was out of her mouth.Suddenly she didn’t trust anybody.

  “And what does that mean?You’ve found her another place, haven’t you? I hope you haven’t harassed Jack Madden further at this difficult time.”

  “Yes, on both counts.I have found her another place and I haven’t gone near Jack Madden since I called him the day she turned up in my office.It’s just a jolt for her, that’s all.”

  “Well, you watch your step.If you do anything rash I’m not going down with you.”It was the second time he’d told her he wouldn’t support her in this case and Nicola didn’t like it.

  “Get a grip, Pat,”she said.

  She decided that she wouldn’t tell him anything else about the case.At that point she was so depressed with the system she just didn’t care what happened to her.She decided that she would work on this case as hard as she could and, if it rattled a few cages, so what? There and then she decided that if she got through this with her job intact she would take a career break and maybe look at going into a different field.If the case led her into trouble with her superiors, the decision would be made for her.One way or another she hoped that by this time next year she wouldn’t be working in this office, not knowing who to trust.

  Chapter 9

  The following Monday Nicola arrived at her office bright and early.She had her meeting with Christine O’Neill on that day but more importantly she was going to the Circuit Court with Alice in Ennis on the following day, Tuesday, seeking the injunction preventing the sale of the apartment. She had never felt so uptight in her life.She was reasonably confident about the meeting with Christine O’Neill but the injunction was another matter altogether.She wasn’t sure of the procedure but that wasn’t her responsibility because Alice would be ably represented by the legal team.

  Séamus had been a tower of strength, organising everything in double-quick time.She was only going for moral support and Cassandra was going as a witness.But she had this morning’s meeting to get over first and then she would go out to The Coven to talk to Alice. She knew that Alice was absolutely dreading the proceeding but Séamus and the barrister he had engaged, Gerard Murphy,were confident they could get the injunction.The real problem would arise after that – getting title to the property through adverse possession.They felt she had a good case but private property being such a big deal in Ireland, being specifically protected in the Constitution, they were not completely confident they would succeed.Going up against Jack Madden wouldn’tdo either of their careers any good at all, though they both assured Alice and Nicolathat they had no ambition to be Attorney General in the near future and, besides, who knew what would happen if there was a change of government?

  At nine thirty Pat put his head around the door.

  “Ready?” he enquired.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” Nicola replied with a grim smile.

  Christine looked nervous when she came into the room.She was with her sister whom she had brought along for moral support.Christine looked shabby and lacking in confidence.She was wearing jeans and a fleece that had seen better days. She had changed her hair colour from blonde to jet black since Nicola had last seen her and at first s
he wasn’t sure it was her. The sister was brasher and looked like she was ready for a fight.She had a piercing in her nose and a small tattoo of a heart on her neck.She looked Nicola straight in the eye when she came into the room.

  Pat opened the proceedings by introducing everybody.The sister’s name was Gemma. They all nodded to each other.

  “Christine, would you like to tell us the nature of your complaint?”Pat then said gently.

  “Well, last week my ex-partner came to my house and threatened me.”

  “What do you mean he threatened you?Did he have a weapon?Was he in the house?”

  “He didn’t have a weapon but he was in the house.My son let him in.He didn’t recognise him at first.He started shouting that he wanted the kids and that I was an unfit mother.I was really scared.”Her voice was shaking as she spoke.

  “Is this the son who had to have the X-ray on the night because you suspected he had broken his arm?” asked Nicola.

  “Yes. He is thirteen now and he tried to stand in front of me when his father went for me.His father pushed him out of the way and he landed funny on his arm and I took him to A&E.”

  “Were you injured yourself?”Pat asked. “Or the other children?”

  “No. Only Jason.I shouted that I would phone the Guards and I had my mobile in my hand so he left.” Christine seemed to know that the story sounded lame because she didn’t elaborate.

  “Why would you think I could have told him where you were, Christine, given that I was the one who arranged for you to get transferred in order that he wouldn’t know where you were and couldn’t visit you again and assault you again? I remember well the first day I met you and you were seriously injured by this man.Why would I tell him your whereabouts?”She was trying to sound calm and conciliatory.

  “I know it could only be you.You are the only one who knows him. Anyway you never liked me.”

  “You must remember as well that I have never met him.I’m not sure you ever even told me his name.” Nicola paused, expecting Christine to react, but there was no response. “I’m wondering why you came up with this story. I have checked with A&E and you didn’t go there on the night in question nor did you make a complaint to the Gardaí. Why are you doing this, Christine?”

  Gemma spoke up. “Are you calling my sister a liar?If she said she went to A&E, she did.Who are you to say different?She probably just got her dates mixed up.” She was aggressive and much more confident than Christine.

  “I’m not calling her a liar but I know that for some reason she is not telling the truth now.I don’t know why.She came into this office and said she had been threatened the previous night.It is unlikely that she got her dates mixed up, as you say, so soon after the event.” Nicola paused, thinking that Christine would offer an explanation, but she didn’t. “I don’t know what happened that night but the two things that Christine said which could be proven are untrue so it would be very difficult for anybody to believe the rest of it.If her accusation is true I could lose my job so that is why I am so anxious to find out why she is doing this.”

  Christine burst into tears. “I didn’t mean it! I just want to go home!” She sobbed great convulsive sobs.

  At this point Pat intervened.“Christine, you are not in trouble.Just tell us again what happened on the night before you made the complaint.”

  “Didn’t she tell you already?” demanded the sister.“That gobshite came to her house shouting the odds and threatening to take the children from her and pushing her and the children about.Isn’t that the point? What are you going to do about it? And, anyway, I don’t believe that A&E told your one over there that Jason never went there. Isn’t that service private as well or should she make a complaint against them too?”

  Christine looked at her sisterand smiled slowly. Nicola could see her confidence coming back.

  “Christine, you know the first day I met you I took you to A&E because you were so badly beaten up?” Nicola said. “Your ex had done that several times before.I don’t believe that he was anywhere near your house last week because, if he was, you would have been injured and anybody in your house who tried to protect you would also have been injured. What is happening here?” She tried to make her voice sympathetic. “Why are you accusing me of letting him know where you were?You know it could cost me my job.”

  “You might find out what it is like for us then, you stuck-up bitch!” said Gemma.

  “Would you just shut up?” Nicolasaid angrily. She was surprised at herself.She prided herself on being restrained but this woman was making things worse.

  Her outburst clearly shocked both the other women but Gemma recovered quickly.

  “You can’t speak to me like that,” she said, looking at Pat for confirmation.

  Pat looked from one to the other of them. Then he calmly asked, “Christine, do you still wish to make the complaint or do you wish to withdraw it?You can walk away from this now and there will be no consequences for anybody.If you wish to proceed you will have to produce some proof that your ex was present in your house on the night in question and that you visited the hospital with your child as a result and that he was X-rayed.It would be helpful if you could also identify the Guard you say you spoke to since they are telling us that you didn’t make a complaint.”His voice was gentle but firm.

  Christine started to cry again.Her sister was silent.

  “I want to withdraw the complaint,” Christine said through her tears.

  “You lot are all the same!” Gemma said. “All in league with one another.The Guards, the hospital, the community welfare!” She was very angry but less confident now.

  “My advice to you is to take your sister home and not to make another complaint against anyone unless you can prove it,” said Pat. “Now Nicola and I have to get back to our work.Good morning to you.”

  “I’ll show you to the door,” Nicola said.She felt sorry for Christine though she was mystified as to why she would make up something like this.

  “We know our way out.We don’t need your help,” Gemma said and Nicola and Pat watched as the two women turned and left.

  “I wonder what that was about?” Pat mused after the door closed.

  “So do I.”

  “Probably thought we’d pay them off to shut them up.”

  “Or someone paid them off to try and shut me up,” Nicola said.She was sorry she spoke as soon as the words were out of her mouth.

  “You’re paranoid,” Pat said dismissively.

  Just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out to get me, Nicola thought to herself but she didn’t say it. She wondered again if Jack Madden could have had anything to do with it, given that he had threatened her.

  Nicola went to The Coven immediately after lunch.Alice was there looking fearful.Nicola felt so sorry for her. There was no preparation for the morning necessary.The legal team said that they would be doing most of the talking.All that would be needed was that Alice would say she had been living in Number 3, Lady Gregory Court, for the past twelve years and that she could provide written evidence to prove that.The fact that Cassandra, as a neighbour, was willing to verify that would be helpful.

  Hugo picked Alice’s children up from school so that the women would have an opportunity to discuss anything that was bothering them and Nicola assured Alice, yet again, that she would go to Ennis with her and that Cassandra would be there as well.Séamus would accompany the barrister, saying that though he occasionally had to inform clients that they might have squatters’ rights he had never before had to follow a case up and actually seek those rights for them.

  Alice was clearly nervous and Nicola was concerned to see that Eliza seemed to be preoccupied.They were in the sitting room of the main house at Eliza’s invitation. She would not be accompanying them the following day to the court.There was no need and, in any case, she had a medical appointment.

  Alice had all her documentation ready. She’d got a letter from her bank stating clearly that her address
twelve years ago was 3, Lady Gregory Court.She had ample evidence that she had lived there without a break for the subsequent twelve years.

  They rang Séamusand he seemed happy that all was in order.He had established who the directors of the company were – Jack Madden was one, of course –and had made them aware of the impending proceedings.

  Nicola wondered what Jack Madden thought about that.She hadn’t spoken to him since that first day and while he was, no doubt, aware that she had tried to get in touch with him once since then, she was now glad that she hadn’t succeeded in talking to him.The less he knew about what she was up to in relation to Alice the better.He would in all probability send legal representation to the court and, unless a stray hack got hold of information about the hearing and who the respondent was, it was likely that the injunction would be granted, or not, without the general public being any the wiser.She knew this and she knew that Jack Madden knew this so she had presumed that she wouldn’t hear from him, and she had been right.

  Alice was relieved that she wouldn’t have to come face to face with Jack at this early stage. She still felt very vulnerable.

  “I don’t know how I’d feel if I saw him.” Her voice was low and shaky. “I have only just about come to terms with the fact that he has dumped me and the girls without so much as a backward glance.And you know something?”

  “What?”asked Nicola, dreading the answer.

  “He never said goodbye.”

  And with that she burst into tears and Nicola held her till her tears subsided.

  Just then Eliza came in carrying a tray of tea and scones.

  “What’s this? We can’t have this.If you don’t stop I’ll start crying myself and I don’t want to do that now.”

  Nicola stared at her.Her voice was shaky as well and she noticed for the first time that day that Eliza appeared to be a bit pale.