Elemental Fear (35 page)

Elliott’s face turned to me and unnatural gleam in his eyes. I took a step back.

“Did I not just tell you not to look at her” Dominic snapped, dragging Elliott like a rag doll down the alley at the side of our building.

Dominic’s fist reared back and a fast as lighting cracked into the side of Elliott’s jaw, the sound echoing along the brick walls. I covered my mouth as a scream escaped. He pulled his fist back in quick succession as he pounded his fist into Elliott’s face. The crack of knuckles hitting bone and flesh with the added grunts of pain from Elliott were sickening.

“Eve?” I turned at the sound of Johan’s concerned voice.

I pointed down to the side of the building towards the two men, taking notice that Elliott was
now on the floor, Dominic looming over him.

Johan ran towards me, held his arms out and grabbed my elbows forcing me to look at him, but when my eyes remained on the man I loved beating the man I hated, Johan followed my stare.

“Fuck.” He huffed and let go of me, running towards the two men. “Dominic...Jesus let him up.” Johan slid his arms through Dominic’s elbows restraining him from behind. Dominic struggled kicking his legs out at Elliott who was shuffling away and grabbing for leverage on the wall.

“Let me go Johan” demanded Dominic, even though he was a few inches taller than Johan, he was struggling to free himself from his hold.

“You need to go inside and deal with the Jenson account; they’re standing in the foyer waiting for you.” Johan growled.

“I’m not leaving her” Dominic snapped.

“I’m here; do you want every fucker to know what’s been happening?” Johan’s tone laced with anger penetrated through Dominic’s rage.

Dominic looked up at me and shook his head.

“Okay, then I’ll let you go. Go inside, deal with the clients and I will take our gorgeous girl for lunch.” Johan didn’t immediately release Dominic, he walked him towards me, away from Elliott first then standing with his body acting as a shield between Elliott and Dominic he released his hold.

A tear slid down my face as I watched the anger dissolved from Dominic and his shoulders slumped.

“Sorry,” he said quietly. He came toward me cupped my face and pressed his lips gently to mine.

“He hurt you
?” He panted. I shook my head. He nodded and pressed another kiss to my mouth. “I have to go babe, stay with Johan okay?” I nodded. Dominic released me and walked back to our building.

When Dominic’s tall frame disappeared into the foyer I turned my attention back to Johan and a bruised Elliott. Johan had walked towards me and stood by my side, Elliott leaned against the wall wiping at his bloodied face. His eye was already swelling and his lip oozed blood.

My back straightened when he slowly pushed away from the wall. From the corner of my eye I noticed Johan square his shoulders and stand taller.

“What the fuck was that all about?” Elliott asked looking in the direction of where Dominic had gone.
“Come on” Elliott said, moving his hand towards me but I pulled away standing closer to Johan. Elliott tilted his head to the side regarding me like a skittish animal.

“I...iii’m not going.” I stuttered.

“Oh you’re coming with me –“

“No...not anymore. I...it’s over. I...” I turned to look at Johan to make sure he was still there “I’m with Dominic now. I can’t do this any –“ I stopped when Elliott stepped forward.

“Fucking worthless whore.” He opened his mouth and spat directly in my face. I gagged at the feeling of blood and spit all over my face.

I wiped the sleeve of my coat over my face.

Crack!

I gasped as Johan’s fist connected with Elliott’s jaw.

“Elliott, you are a fucking moron.” Johan snapped. He turned put his arm around my back and gently pushed me towards the door to the offices.

“You hit him?”

“Can’t let Dominic have all the fun.” Johan laughed without humour “well I hope it hurt him more than it hurt me...” He clenched his fist then shook his hand out “because my hand hurts like a motherfucker”

I stared at his hand then up at him. I smiled then giggled, which turned into a full out laugh.

“Proud of you darling, standing up to him that way.” Johan muttered.

I swallowed as a fresh wave of emotion threatening to explode from me. Then it hit me full force what I had done.

“Louise and Ellie –“

“Go to the police, report him. Have him arrested
.” Johan said simply.

I nodded and knew to protect my sisters after today’s events I had to do it.

“I can go grab my coat and we will go down to the police station now if you like, call Lou or your Mom to go with you –“

“I can’t do it with them there...I’ve told
mum, but some stuff...I just can’t face them being there. I haven’t even told Lou yet, about any of it.” I sniffled.

“Do you think you could face going now? Alistair is out at a meeting he won’t know about us being away from the office. Besides you have a run on, I’m awaiting samples and other than a late conference call I’m free”

I shook with absolute fear but nodded my acquiescence. Johan ran up the stairs, when he returned with his coat and a determined look on his face, I regretted having to involve him, but I loved him for staying by my side.

The interview at the police station took much longer than either of us anticipated. Johan had to return to the office and left me with the specialist officers, but like he promised he returned after his conference call. He had spent hours
sitting in the police station waiting area, and I felt so guilty I was  the cause of this, but he remained by my side in spirit if not physically as I explained to two female offices what my life had been like for the past nine years. I expected both of them to look at me as if I was insane, lying or just plain disgusting. But neither of them did, they asked questions some mortifyingly embarrassing but I answered. They didn’t appear shocked or sickened by me, they were incredibly supportive and offered sources of advice and help to deal with what had happened. They explained in detail what would happen. I hated that they needed to do a forensic examination, the external one was bearable, but the internal one brought me to tears. I sobbed uncontrollably when the police surgeon performed it.

I closed my eyes tightly, clearing the ordeal from my mind. I didn’t want to think about it anymore, I felt dirty and exposed. I hadn’t heard from Dominic since the altercation in the alley outside work. Elliott had disappeared back into the shadows ready to attack at any minute. I felt weary and completely drawn out, I couldn’t take anymore today. A gentle tug on my elbow made me lift my gaze up to meet a friendly pair of concerned blue eyes.

“I know you don’t drink gorgeous but I think strong liquor is needed tonight. It will help you sleep okay?” Johan asked, lifting his hand to stroke his fingers down my cheek.

My chin trembled and I closed my eyes letting tears slide down my face.

“Don’t cry, you were amazing today” his voice softly rasped. “I feel...my skin is crawling” I whispered.

“Hi...Eve? What’s wrong you look like shit
.” Lou said hopping down the stairs.

“Not now Lou
.” Johan said softly.

“You had a spat with Ell –“

“Reel it in Lou. She doesn’t need the third degree today.” Johan snapped.

“Listen G.I _”

“NOT NOW LOUISE!” He shouted and I jumped. My eyes widened at him shouting, my mouth hung open. He closed his eyes briefly and shook his head.

“Sorry...I’m sorry
,” he said earnestly.

Lou stood staring at him, a strange expression on her face, I expected anger but all I saw was
hurt.

“Listen I’m going to go get a shower and go straight to bed.” I said stepping forward onto the bottom step of the stairs.

“Eve what’s going on?” Lou asked placing her hand on my arm to stop me.

I shook my head “I can’t right now” my voice sounded as tired as I felt “Johan...” I turned to look at him pleading with my eyes.

“I’ll bring you that drink,” he said and reached out taking hold of Louise’s hand and gently pulling her to him. I smiled and ascended the stairs. I needed to clean my skin.

“I’m sorry for shouting at you
.” Johan said softly to Lou as they went into the kitchen.

****

After a scolding hot shower I felt some semblance of clean, my skin still itched when I thought of what had happened and what I had to finally admit. People say that when you confess your sins you’re absolved and you feel pure and clean – not with me. I still felt bogged down. I could still feel the surgeons hands taking forensics, Elliott’s marks were ingrained into my skin, I felt him always, in my head, my heart and on my skin. When I closed my eyes all I saw was the degradation of my body, the pitiful woman he had created, the broken body he had discarded and left to rot. I closed my eyes tightly willing the visions to subside to let me have a moment’s peace. My head throbbed and I wanted to howl, to yell, to scream until my lungs burned and my throat was raw.

The click of my bedroom door made me lift my head and look at the doorway. Standing there

with red rimmed eyes and a glass of amber liquid that shook in her dainty hand was my little sister. “I thought you could use this.” She held out the glass, her hand shaking making the liquid quiver.

I smiled as she walked slowly towards me. Silently I accepted the glass, knowing the smell alone

would make me vomit if I tried to take it slowly, I took a deep breath put the glass to my lips and swallowed it all in one go. I gagged at the horrible taste, coughed at the burn in the back of my throat but relished the slow heat that spread through my body. I put the glass on the bedside table and slowly laid my head back on the pillow.

Lou stood at the side of the bed staring down at me biting her lip. I could see her lips were trembling and she fidgeted with her hands knotting them in her jumper.

“I don’t know what to say Eve, so can I just get in there with you?” She pointed to the bed. I smiled

and scooted across the bed pulling the quilt up. We used to do this when we were kids when she had bad dreams. She would always come into my room and get in bed with me rather than go into
mum and dad’s room.

She wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed. Her body shook with silent sobs and I soon followed suit.

“I love you Evie-Beevie.” She whispered.

“I love you too Lou-Lou” I choked and pulled her closer.

We didn’t say anything else. I don’t think either of us wanted to talk, I certainly didn’t. We drifted off to sleep wrapped in the comfort of each other.

****

I hit the alarm as it chirped its annoying tone.

I felt groggy and completely exhausted. I had managed some sleep, but I kept waking with images of sterile rooms and Doctors probing and asking the same questions over and over. I thought that once I confessed everything I would feel free and light, but in truth I felt empty and hollow. Like my body didn’t quit
e belong to me, and I was watching myself live life rather being a part of it. I pulled the quilt back and got out of bed, my head felt fuzzy almost like a pre-warning to a monster headache.

I got dressed, performed the monotonous task of personal hygiene and went downstairs to be
greeted by the wonderful aroma of coffee and...bacon.

“Are you making bacon butties Johan?” I asked smiling at his naked back. He had a pair of smart trousers on, no shirt but when he turned to face me I laughed loudly at the site of him in Lou’s baking apron. Someone bought her it as a secret Santa last year. It’s a rather provocative Mrs Santa...not one the kids in her class would be allowed to see.

“Rocking the tassels Johan” I winked but laughed when he struck a pose and pouted flicking his imaginary hair over his shoulder.

“I think I may be slightly too hairy to pull the look off
,” he said laughing.

“I don’t mind waxing your back, sack and crack
.” Lou replied seriously coming up behind us. “I’d quite enjoy it to be honest.” She smiled deviously. I covered my mouth to hide the laugh when I saw Johan’s stricken face. He cupped himself “My boys have just gone into hiding.”

Both Lou and I cracked up laughing.

He placed some fried bacon, a coffee pot and mugs on the table then turned around and both Lou and I were speechless when we saw the delicious homemade pancakes.

“You made us pancakes?” Lou asked in astonishment. Our usual breakfast consisted of cereal or
toast.

“Yeah, I fancied some when I woke this morning. Mama-su always made me pancakes; only thing is you have no syrup. Ladies we need to talk about the state of your cupboards.”

Both Lou and I looked at each other and nodded guiltily. We had very little in the line of...anything really.

We all sat around the table tucking into our pancakes, Lou moaned loudly and Johan dropped his fork and coughed into his coffee. He patted his chest as if moving the liquid down his throat.

“I suppose now you’re back Eve I’ll go back to my apartment. I can come by later tonight, after work and gather my stuff if that’s okay.” Johan asked sadly.

“Yeah –“ I started to say.

“Stay. The room you were in isn’t used anyway.”

“What?” both Johan and I gasped in shock.

She shrugged her shoulders. “Johan has been a great support to you and I think after what’s happened...” She looked over at me and smiled apologetically. Then she took a deep breath and squared her shoulders and I knew she was gearing up for something. “I just think that both of us would feel a bit better having a man in the house, but seeing as none are available we can always make do with Johan.”

I laughed choking on my pancakes.

“Gee thanks.” Johan scoffed shaking his head.

“It’s only a small room, but it’s yours if you want to stay. It’s been nice having you around
.” Lou said sincerely, she looked at me for confirmation then at Johan. When he held her gaze and smiled at her, a deep blush rose up her neck colouring her cheeks. Both of them looked down at their pancakes with shy smiles on their faces.

Reminder to oneself: ask what the hell happened whilst I was away.

****

“Evelyn may I have a word in my office now please?” Alistair called as I walked through the door leading to all our offices. He was
standing in the hall talking with Liam and Mike the other lab analysts. “Sure. I’ll just put my bag in my office” I felt slight pressure at the small of my back and turned to

see Johan offering a tentative smile.

I opened my office door and put my bag on the floor, took my coat off and threw it over the back of a chair. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“Don’t worry; he’s probably just going to talk to you about Paris and the results you got over there. Don’t start panicking about stuff
okay?” I nodded.

“Come here
.” Johan said as he pulled me into a hug. I buried my face in his shoulder then pushed gently feeling awkward after the reaction to our hugging last time.

I smiled up at him, as he turned to walk away I automatically looked into Dominic’s office and caught blue eyes glaring back at me. His glasses intensifying the colour making them appear almost unreal. I smiled gently at him, hoping he would smile back. He didn’t. I couldn’t blame him,
yesterday after Johan took me to the police station I turned my phone off and as of yet had to switch it back on. I lifted my hand to offer a small wave, but he remained unmoving. His eyes fixed on me. I closed my eyes in submission and turned away from him

After speaking to Alistair, which admittedly wasn’t the meeting from hell I’d imagined, he simply wanted to praise a job well done with the samples and working things out at H. Ealing. The contract on said product was now secured due to the stabilisation of the Ealing-o’sinic.

I spent a few hours in the lab preparing samples and setting runs going for tomorrow’s products. My stomach grumbled and I looked up at the clock noticing it was almost lunch time, the lab had quieted and when I looked around it appeared everyone had already gone to lunch.

I set the automated programme to run whilst I was out. Grabbed my data sheets and headed to
the changing room to take my lab coat and goggles off. I entered the corridor leading back to my office I paused when I noticed Dominic’s door was closed; I hadn’t seen him since this morning. When I returned from the meeting with Alistair his office was empty. When I enquired with Emily where he was she said that he had a meeting with the accountancy department. But when I walked by his door had been left open, now it was closed so it was possible he had returned.

I was a little apprehensive that he was annoyed with me after yesterday, I felt guilty for turning my phone off, because without looking I had a feeling he would have tried to contact me, or I at least felt hopeful he’d contacted me and hadn’t just washed his hands of me after the debacle with Elliott. I wasn’t even sure whether he was hurt in the scuffle and guilt settled harder in my gut. I should have made sure he was
okay before going to the police.

I knocked quietly on his door. He must have been annoyed at me because he had closed his blinds, he never closed them and my office was the only thing his window faced.

"Come in.” He shouted irritably. I walked in cautiously.

Upon seeing me, he let out a long, loud breath and rubbed his brow, making his glasses fall down his nose. I couldn’t help but admire his gorgeous face, even though it was currently scowling at me. I loved it when he wore his glasses, they somehow emphasised the colour of his eyes.

"Sit down Eve, I suppose we better get this over with." My heart sank at his tone; clearly he was annoyed with me rather than upset. I sat in the chair opposite his desk, my hands knotted together in my lap.

"Why were you with Elliott
?” He asked, looking at his desk not meeting my eyes. 

"I...I...Dominic I swear to you...he just turned up. I didn’t even know he was there I went out to
get us some lunch; I wanted to surprise you with your favourite sub roll. He shouted me and when I turned around he was at my side, I just froze. Then he saw you so he kissed me. I...” I looked at my hands shaking in my lap. “I told him” I whispered not sure he would hear me.