I didn’t hear back from Charlie after that, so I picked myself up of the floor and went to get ready for bed. I had another early start tomorrow morning at the soup kitchen.
But no matter how much I tried, nothing could prepare me for what was about to happen.
Chapter 13
After yet another sleepless night and getting my usual five hot drinks, I made my way to the soup kitchen feeling more apprehensive than ever before. I knew Wayne wouldn’t be there, but I prayed Rachel would. I was dying to find out if she was okay and if she needed any help. I wasn’t sure how I could help, but I certainly was going to try. She had been through enough with her daughter dying and being homeless for whatever reason. She certainly didn’t need to add this beating and what happened after.
As I made my way, my phone alerted me to a text message. I opened it thinking it was Charlie, but it was Uncle.
Still waiting, Livy. Call me when you get a chance. We need to make plans for your homecoming.
Shit! I knew this was coming, but I was hoping I’d have more time. I bit my lip, wondering if I should reply, but knowing it would be best for my treacherous body if I didn’t because it always let me down.
So, against my better judgement, I put the phone away and carried on walking.
When I got to the steps, I noticed that only Marcus was there. My god, this was getting worse. Where was everyone?
“Marcus, what’s going on?”
He looked at me with a confused expression. “I have no idea. I don’t know where anyone is.”
I bit my lip, but handed him his usual tea with three sugars. “Thanks, babes.”
I sat down next to him. In my eagerness to get there, I noticed I still had a little over ten minutes before I started.
“You look so worried,” he observed.
I looked at Marcus’ own concerned expression. “I do worry. I worry about you all.”
Marcus placed his hand on mine. “There’s no need to be. Some of us actually prefer things this way.”
I frowned. “How do you mean?”
Marcus laughed. “I used to be a lawyer.” My eyes widened. “Go figure, ha?” He took a sip of his tea. “I was like this power-hungry monster, Olivia. Everyone hated me. Even I hated me. I gained a lot of enemies because my struggle to get to the top consumed me. I was married, with a baby on the way, and I was dumb and stupid enough to think that my wife, Beth, was happy. She did everything for me, even though I was never home. I loved her, but I ignored her half the time because I was too busy working. Even at home, I would shut myself in the office at night and bury myself in cases. I defended scum. Scum I knew were guilty as hell, but I defended them anyway. I was an arsehole because only arseholes get to the top. I was so close to being made partner in the firm, I could almost taste it. But the problem was that being an arsehole only gets you so far. Before you realise it, everything is taken from you.”
I placed my hand on his arm, trying to offer him comfort. He was obviously struggling now. “What happened?”
Marcus sighed. “Losing Beth and the baby happened. She had a placental abruption and bled so much, she passed out. When I came home that night, I went straight into my office. My wife was lying dead in the kitchen, but I was more worried about my next case.” He shook his head in frustration.
“I came out at about two in the morning and went to bed. It was only when I noticed she wasn’t in bed that I went searching for her. That’s when I found her lying on the floor in a pool of blood.”
A tear ran down Marcus’ face as he looked at me. “She was desperate for that baby. So desperate, in fact, I took measures to make sure she got pregnant. There was a new drug that could help infertile women conceive. I had to give it a shot and it worked. It’s just… Now I wonder whether it was the new pill that killed her.” He huffed. “Well, that’s what I keep telling myself so I don’t keep thinking her death was all my fault.”
He sighed with a sniffle. “Anyway, that was my wake-up call. Nothing mattered to me after that. I sat at home and virtually drank myself to death. I had no friends or family because everyone had deserted me after the appalling way I treated people. And who could blame them? I was a fucking monster.” He shook his head.
After a deep breath, he continued, “Eventually, I lost everything. My job, then my house. For three years, I lived off the money I had saved, drowning myself in alcohol. It was the worst three years of my life. Once I lost my home, I thought that day marked the end of my life, but it brought me new meaning instead.”
I smiled when I noticed he was now smiling, too. “Really?”
Marcus’ face brightened. “I roamed the streets for a while, contemplating how I was going to end my life. After a few weeks, I bumped into Thomas. He showed me where he hung out and the friends who all rallied around him. I was accepted into their domain with open arms. No questions asked, no judgements made. That day opened my eyes and brought me hope. I realised there was far more to life than money and power.” He looked at me, capturing me with his dark brown eyes. “Friends, family, love… That’s more important than anything. It’s just a shame it took me so long to figure it out.”
I tugged at Marcus’ arm and lay my head on his shoulder. “You’re never alone with us, Marcus.”
I felt him kiss the top of my head and when I looked back up at him, he smiled. “I know. I wouldn’t know what to do without you all in my life.”
I thought back to when Uncle had found me all those months ago. I could empathise with Marcus because I was once in exactly the same position. The position when you realise you’re at the lowest point you can get. But, with help, I got better.
“You know, with your skills, you could always do something for the people. You know, like pro bono.”
He smiled and patted my hand. “I know. I’ve thought about it but, right now, I’m not in that place. I think just having people rallying around me is all the comfort I need for now. I don’t want to go back to that life again, Olivia. I swore I never would.”
I rubbed his arm. “And I’m sure you never would. You’ve been through too much to let that happen again.”
I looked at my watch and noticed I was now late. “Shit, I keep doing this!”
Marcus laughed. “Sorry, honey. That was all my doing.”
I shot up from the step. “Are you coming up in a few?”
Marcus nodded with a smile. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
*****
Today was slow, almost as if no one wanted to eat. Like food had suddenly become unnecessary. It didn’t help the fact that everyone I cared about, apart from Marcus, wasn’t there. I kind of figured Kit wouldn’t turn up because he was probably sulking after last night.
But what did I know? I didn’t know anything about that frustrating man. I knew things I needed to know, but not everything. For some reason, I knew I could trust him, though. I didn’t know why, but I just did. Except for what happened last night, I knew he never would have pushed. I just wished I knew what was going on in his head. I wished I knew what it was he felt. His emotions seemed to show themselves last night, but only through his actions. It was strange. Normally, people grumble that words aren’t enough, but I could do with words right now. Words seemed to be my best friend at the moment. I would love to hear some words from Kit.
If only he would open up to me.
I didn’t know how long I’d been standing in a daze by the food, but when my phone alerted me of a call, I quickly snapped out of it.
Rubbing my hands on my apron, I fetched my phone out of my pocket. It was a local number, but one I didn’t recognise.
“Hello?”
“Olivia!”
My heart sank. “Thomas? Thomas, is that you? Where are you?” I heard a chair scrape and Marcus ran over to me, a worried look on his face.
“I’m by Church Street at the corner of Wilkins. I think I found Rachel.”
I stared at Marcus. “Okay, Thomas. Hang in there. I’m on my way.”
r />
I hung up the phone and Marcus stood there, waiting for me to speak. “Thomas is on Church Street at the corner of Wilkins. Do you know where that is?”
Marcus nodded. “It’s about a mile-and-a-half down the road.”
I took my apron off and hung it on the hook in the hallway, Marcus following my every move. “Will you come with me?”
He gave me a half-smile. “It goes without saying.”
I nodded and shouted for Tammy. Looking a little out of sorts, she emerged and stared at Marcus. “I need to get going. Are you going to be okay here? It’s really quiet anyway.”
Tammy huffed out an exasperated sigh. “I guess so.”
I didn’t hang around to argue. I picked up my things and ran outside with Marcus.
“She’s a barrel of laughs, isn’t she?” Marcus observed.
I shook my head with a smile. “Don’t get me started.” I followed Marcus because he knew exactly where to go. I was still a little rusty on some of the areas. I knew the main areas, but beyond that, I’d be lost.
It took a good twenty-five minutes to get there, but once we turned the corner of Wilkins Street, we saw Thomas. “Shit, Olivia. I’m so sorry.”
I ran up to him, putting my arms out to try and calm him. “What’s the matter, Thomas? What is it?”
He bit on his nail, looking flustered. “When I called you, I didn’t know.”
I frowned. “Know what?”
“I got this tip on her whereabouts and, on the way, I found this phone box.” He pointed to the red box on the corner. “Anyway, when I knew you were coming, I went to the place to find her.” He pointed to a warehouse just a little further down the street.
“Did you find her?”
Suddenly, Thomas looked ill. He nodded, whispering, “Yes.”
I sprinted in the direction of the warehouse, determined to get to her and make sure she was okay.
“Olivia!” Thomas shouted behind me. “Olivia, you shouldn’t go in there.”
I didn’t listen to him as I sprinted towards the warehouse. If Rachel needed me, I was going to make sure I was there for her.
“Olivia! Please!”
I kept on running until I reached the entrance to the huge warehouse. All was quiet. Not a sound filled the air.
I stepped in with a shudder. Something was telling me all was not right, but my need to see Rachel outweighed all that. I ventured further in and saw two young girls on a mattress. They were scantily dressed and looked like they hadn’t bathed in weeks. Both were obviously high on drugs as their eyes were glassy and unfocused.
I looked to my left and saw a black man in his forties sitting down laughing. When he saw me, he pointed. “Hey, gorgeous girl. Fancy a fuck?” He laughed again and licked his lips, but I ignored him and ventured on.
I walked into the hall where two people were having sex. A man on top of this young girl. She barely looked seventeen, but was obviously as high as a kite. The man was grunting and moaning on top of her, but the only expression on her face was vacancy. She didn’t even acknowledge the fact that I was standing there. Her eyes just rolled into the back of her head, the man picking up his pace.
I didn’t hang around. I wanted out of there, but I also wanted to make sure Rachel was okay. I saw some stairs and was about to go up when I felt a hand on my arm.
Gasping, I turned and saw both Thomas and Marcus standing there, out of breath.
Thomas looked up the stairs. “You shouldn’t go up there.”
The man having sex with the young girl roared, then all went silent. I was in a fucking nightmare.
Thomas glanced in that direction, looking disgusted. “This isn’t a place for you.”
I pulled my arm away. “It isn’t a place for you, either, Thomas, but you’re still here.” He sighed and I made my way up the stairs, both men following.
“Olivia, you really shouldn’t go in there. Please.”
I ran up the stairs before he could stop me and entered another vast room. I saw a couple sleeping in the corner, and another few people were smoking something I could only imagine was illegal. Used needles and condoms were scattered around. It smelled, but I resisted the urge to gag.
As I walked forward, I spotted her. Rachel lay on an old, dirty mattress, face down, a needle stuck in her arm. Her eyes were wide and her skin looked pale. I started to rush forward, but Thomas grabbed me.
“Rachel!” I screamed, but there was no movement from her at all. “Rachel!” I screamed again, trying to get to her, but two sets of arms were holding me back.
“Get off me. I need to help her. Rachel!” I tried pulling myself away from the arms, but they wouldn’t budge.
“She needs help. Let me go. Why aren’t you letting me go?” I could feel my breath coming in gasps and the tears welling at the sudden knowledge that she wasn’t moving and probably hadn’t in a long time.
Thomas pulled me back to him. “Olivia, she’s dead. I’m so sorry, but she’s dead.”
I sank into his arms and screamed. My body started shaking as intense sobs wracked through me. I stared into the lifeless eyes of the woman who had lost her daughter the exact same way. It was hard to take. Hard to see her like that. When I was met by the same lifeless eyes as my father, I turned and gripped onto the lapels of Thomas’ jacket. I sobbed as he stroked my hair.
“It’s okay, Olivia. I’ve got you. I’m so sorry. I should never have let you come up here.”
He held me to him until my sobs calmed down to little sniffles. From behind, Marcus placed a hand on my shoulder and I turned to circle my arms around him. I knew Marcus had been through so much and I thought we both needed a hug right now.
“I’m sorry, babes. You shouldn’t have seen this.”
I sniffled a little and looked up at him. “Why did she do this? Her daughter did the same thing. Why, Marcus? Why?”
He shook his head, looking pained. “I don’t know. Under such grave circumstances, I guess some people do things they wouldn’t normally do. She was obviously in a very bad place when she turned to this.”
I sighed, resigned to the fact I knew exactly from where he was coming. I, too, did some stupid things when I was desperate and depressed. It seemed illogical now but, at the time, I felt it was what I needed in order to end my despair.
“We need to call the police.”
I turned to Thomas and nodded. “You’re right. Not just for Rachel, but for those poor girls downstairs. They’re just kids.”
Thomas shook his head. “I know. Fucking damn shame.”
I sniffled again and took my phone out. I placed the call, then waited outside for the police to arrive. I didn’t want to stay in that building one more second.
Once the police showed up, Rachel’s body was taken and an officer came up to me. “Are you Olivia? The one who called it in?” I nodded and he gave me a reassuring smile. “I just need to ask a few questions. How did you come across Rachel Williams?”
I explained that I worked at the soup kitchen and she had been missing for a couple days, telling him of Thomas calling me when he got a tip on her whereabouts.
“She left a note for you.”
I looked up into his dark blue eyes. “She did?”
The police officer put his hands in his pockets and pulled out an evidence bag, handing it to me.
With a shaking hand, I took it from him.
Olivia,
Please do not be sad for me. I am with her now.
R xx
Another sob left me as I handed the note back to the officer. “I’m sorry, miss. I know this must be hard for you. Were you close?”
I shook my head. “Not really. I had only really known her a couple weeks. I think it’s just that the people I work with come from such pain and suffering, a bond instantly connects you. I don’t know if I’m making sense, but it just seems that’s the way it is.”
The police officer nodded with a reassuring smile. “I understand.” He paused a moment. “Do you know what s
he meant by ‘I am with her now’?”
I nodded. “Her daughter. She died of the same thing.” I shook my head. “Such a waste.”
The police officer bobbed his head. “I agree. This job isn’t easy at times.”
Then I remembered the teenage girls. “What about the girls in there? They look so young.”
The police officer sighed. “Yes. They’re all runaways. The youngest is fifteen and has been missing for the last two weeks. I’m sure her mum and dad will be keen to reunite with her. It’s just a shame that she’s so high, she doesn’t even know what’s going on.” He shook his head in dismay and looked back at me. “Anyway, I appreciate you calling it in, Olivia. My name’s Gareth. Maybe I’ll see you around sometime.” He winked and walked off.
“Another one of your admirers?”
I jumped and saw Marcus behind me, smiling. “Oh, don’t be silly.” I brushed him off, but when I looked, Gareth looked back, smiled, and waved as he got in his car.
Marcus raised his eyebrow. “Really?”
I turned to him. “Are you and Thomas going to be okay?” I looked over his shoulder and saw Thomas speaking to a female police officer. She said something, he laughed and winked at her.
I looked at Marcus and he shook his head. “Oh, I think Thomas is going to be fine.” His expression sobered. “What about you?”
I sighed. “I’m going to miss Rachel. I didn’t know her that well, but I knew enough of the good soul inside her. I just wish I had been given more time before the powers that be took her.”