Chapter 8: Problems

Eric

We sat on an old bench near the main drive and were finishing our lunch when Ernie turned up in a police car. "We've got problems," he announced, "I took May to the hospital in Shrewsbury this morning. Her face was swelling like a balloon and she was running a fever and she hardly knew me. I got her into the car and radioed control and went with sirens and blue lights on. Don't often get to do that these days. The doctors took her into the operating theatre and drained off a lot of fluid and they've given her antibiotics and she was sleeping when I left. There was some damage to her cheek bone that became infected."

Louise looked quite downcast and there were tears in her eyes but she didn't comment. I asked further questions as to May's health but didn't learn anything more. "You realise, this opens up a whole new can of worms, Eric, for us and for Louise. The doctors will report a non accidental injury and all sorts of enquiries will be made, probably not much will happen before tomorrow when May is awake and able to talk. We could all face court action, you especially Louise."

Through her tears she kept repeating, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," and then after a pause, "Does that mean that I will be sent to prison anyway?"

"Possibly."

"Then there is no need for me to be a slave any longer." I realised this too but it was Ernie who replied. Obviously he'd had more time to think about it.

"Probably not, but it will look better in court if you have a permanent address and a steady job. I know your mother doesn't want you to go to prison, and she told me often enough that she wouldn't testify against you and legally I don't believe they can make her do that. Eric and I as witnesses, must, if asked in court tell what we saw and what happened afterwards. That could include the indenture document and the spanking. We could all be in trouble."

"And I could add blackmail and rape?"

"Yes, if you wish your mother further pain."

For several minutes we sat in silence, each trying to weigh up the situation as it concerned us. "Have you any suggestions?" I asked Ernie.

"I would expect this to be dealt with at the Crown Court so we'll need a solicitor and the best local one I know of is Terry Shaunessy. Louise is likely to get legal aid as she has no funds, but I doubt we will get it. I'll contact him when I get back if you like." Even Louise agreed but I could tell she was extremely worried.

"Let's get back to work," I suggested when Eric left.

"Do I have to?"

"No, you can leave right now. There's no need to live with me so feel free to go. See if Social Services will find you a place this time." That was an underhand remark after her experience with them earlier and she glared at me. "Like Ernie said, it could go easier with you if you have a proper address and a job and going back to work now might help to take your mind off things for a bit. I'm going back; you can join me if you wish."