Page 44 of Real Rocks
I didn’t want to do anything.
I wanted to drown myself in a vat of vodka and disappear.
However, it seemed Darren wasn’t about to let me do that. When I eventually emerged from the bathroom, face scrubbed clean and feeling somewhat less nauseous, he’d cleared the table and placed the hotel’s notepaper and pencil on it, next to my somewhat bashed up phone. Looked like I’d have to get another one again.
He took charge, placing his own phone on the table, calling Jonas and putting him on speaker.
“Saff, how are you feeling?” Jonas’ tone came across terse, despite the words. “I’ve seen the story and the picture. We’re going to need to do some damage limitation for you, although Tris is my priority right now.”
Jonas was right. If I’d made Tris my priority a hell of a lot earlier in this tour, we wouldn’t be sitting here right now dealing with this shit. I buried my head in my hands.
“You need to go to the police and add to your statement, tell them about the messages and the threats. Had you seen him since the party?”
“He came to the launch night,” I whispered. “Didn’t say much more than his texts already had, said he could put the picture out and ruin me just like that.” I clicked my fingers. As I did so, I knew he’d already done it. There was no coming back from this.
“Saff, seriously, why didn’t you say something?” asked Darren.
“I thought I could handle it. I thought if I ignored him, he’d go away.”
“Parasites like him never do though,” said Jonas. “You need to tell the police too.”
“And write down everything.” Darren pushed the paper and pencil towards me. “Dates, that sort of thing. Anything you can remember apart from the messages.”
I brought a shaky hand to my forehead as I tried to recall everything. The messages would help jog my memory. I picked up my phone, steeling myself as a flurry of notifications still populated the screen. Frowning, I spotted a DM from Scott Lincoln of all people.
Saw the piece online. I’m sorry. I had no idea you were dealing with this shit and I probably made things a hundred times worse. Let me know if you need anything. Look after yourself Sx.
His words brought fresh tears to my eyes. After all his antics and swagger, he took the time to reach out to me. Although he was part of the reason I was in this mess in the first place.
27
Saff
Waiting outside Manchester Magistrates Court the following morning, I felt a lot lighter. Detective Sanders had been receptive to the additional information I wanted to add to my statement. I was hopeful it would help Tris’ case.
If everything went well, we’d be going home together later that day.
I’d even managed to get to the shops and purchase an outfit to help me live up to the ‘supportive girlfriend’ image. A knee-length black pencil skirt and a red and black patterned shirt, which made me the right shade of respectable.
Darren was waiting with me. He’d been an absolute legend. I didn’t know how to thank him for being there, seemingly knowing the right things to say and do, and encouraging me to come forward with all the extra information about Carl.
“You okay?” he asked, watching me light another cigarette.
“Nervous,” I admitted. “What if it doesn’t go the way we want? What if he ends up on remand?”
He rubbed my shoulder. “It will. The evidence points to self-defence and protecting you. Knowing everything Carl was putting you through will go in Tris’ favour.”
I puffed a stream of smoke up towards the sky. “God, I hope so.”
“Do you want a coffee?”
“You’re an angel. What did I do to deserve a friend as good as you?” I blew him a kiss.
Darren screwed up his face. “Because Rosie’s busy on a shoot in Paris?” He laughed as he headed towards the nearest coffee shop.
Rosie and I had talked long into the night. She had offered to come back from her shoot to come and support me. I’d told her not to be so silly; the hearing would most likely not last very long and if all went well, we’d be back in London by this evening. She could celebrate with us on her return.
Idly, I checked my phone until Darren came back.
