Page 72 of Deep Down
Chapter 26
Craig
Craig was overwhelmed with the number of friendships he’d developed since Casey had introduced him to the crew at Crush. Logan being there enabled Craig to calm because he knew at least one person was friendly. The people he had clicked with were Logan, naturally, and Sean and Asher. They appeared settled, so easy-going and affectionate towards each other and their friends, too.
Sean and Asher invited Craig over to visit for dinner one day soon. He’d shocked himself when he’d agreed, but a warmth in his stomach caught him unawares. He was happy. He had friends again.
While they’d been out one night, Logan had also introduced him to Johnson, a lawyer who specialised in abuse cases. Craig met with Johnson at his office a few days later.
“Nice to see you again, Craig. Come on in and take a seat. Do you want coffee? Or tea?” Johnson waved him in and raised his eyebrows in question.
“Um, coffee would be great, thanks.” Craig sat on the leather two-seater sofa as Johnson passed their drink order to his assistant.
Johnson came and sat opposite him with a file and notepad, crossing his legs to rest them on. “Okay. I’ve received copies of the reports from the police. The first thing I need to do is go through the statement with you and make sure everything we need is there. It’s fine if you feel like you need to add information in. Everyone knows that the statement taken at the time can have holes in it. But I’m here help fill holes and find everything we can to make sure Darren stays where he is for as long as possible.” Johnson glanced at the papers. “Does that sound alright to you?”
Craig exhaled, clenching his fingers together tightly on his lap and nodded.
They spent the next hour going through everything that happened on the night of the incident, other injuries involving the hospital, and any other times Craig could remember. For the latter part, Johnson prodded Craig with things that could have happened. Craig still saw some of what had happened to him as normal and not abuse. It was something he would have to speak with Amanda about.
“Could I take a copy of what we’ve talked about to my psychologist?”
“Sure. Would you be willing to allow me to talk with your psychologist, too?”
Craig hesitated. He had no issues with it in theory, but what if Johnson thought he was an idiot. He closed his eyes and exhaled and inhaled to his beat until he got the thoughts under control.
“I don’t have to, it’s not a problem.” Johnson’s retraction made Craig certain his own thoughts were flawed.
“No, it’s fine. I’m…working through some things and have to fight against my instinctual thoughts before I can carry on a conversation. Sorry.” He took a breath. “Yes, you can talk with her. Amanda Bagworth.”
“Brilliant. If it’s okay with you, I can send the report straight to her? I will arrange to have a conversation with her, which you are more than happy to attend.”
“I’ll check with Amanda and see what she thinks is best.”
They spent a few more minutes going over the final things Johnson needed to get the case started.
“How do you want to be paid for this? Do you do it monthly or at the beginning or end?” Craig asked.
“You don’t need to worry about it.” Johnson stood and circled around to his desk, placing the papers on it.
“What do you mean?”
“Pro bono for friends.” Johnson winked.
“No, you can’t. You hardly know me!”
“Logan has vouched for you. That is more than enough to know you are now a friend of mine also.”
Craig knew his mouth was open and his eyes were wide, but he could not fathom how Johnson would be willing to do this with no recompense.
“Seriously, Craig. Go home. Rest up. I’ll speak to you soon.”
Not knowing what else to say, he thanked Johnson and drove home. Walking through his front door, he froze, surveying his surroundings. He was finally feeling like himself. While being with Darren, he’d become an introvert without his knowledge. With that in mind, he marched to his bedroom and flung open the door. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he dialled.
“Hey, Sean. I wondered if you would be able to help me out?”
Two hours later, Sean arrived at his house, surprising Craig with a Max-sized tagalong.
“I hope you don’t mind, but when you told me your idea, I thought we could use the help of the interior decorator variety.”
