Nobody Will Harm You
Where have you been? Peter snapped as his wife walked into their flat, his tone laced with impatience.
I was at work, she replied, her voice weary.
But its Saturday!
I work Saturdays as well, you know that.
Yet you work so much and theres never any money! His words bit at her.
Youre not working at all
Watch your mouth, Peter hissed, stepping toward her with menace. Now get to the shops! Theres nothing to eat in this house.
Peter, weve got only twenty pounds left, and pay day isnt until next week. Maybe if you tried to get a job, or do a bit of driving for a minicab service.
Am I a cabbie now? You should be grateful I let you live in my flat, he spat, flinging the door open. Now go to the shop!
***
Tears welled up in Natalies eyes as she struggled to swallow her hurt. How did it come to this? Four years of marriage, and things had started well enough. Their parents had pooled their savings hers and his to help them buy a modest two-bedroom flat in Manchester. Later, they managed to buy a car nothing fancy, just a small British make, but they were happy. Of course everything was in Peters name he was the man of the house. Natalies parents lived in a small town nearby, but they gave their share.
Peter had helped his father run a small business. It was never hugely profitable, but it kept them afloat. Yet Peter, always so proud, decided he deserved better and, after a series of arguments with his dad, managed to lose it all. He hadnt worked in a year, just sat around, waiting for something to change.
Now he yelled at her, sometimes worse than that. Natalie spent six days a week working, but it was never enough, and Peter kept shouting at her as if she were to blame for every little problem. Sometimes she thought of running back to her parents place, but her two younger sisters still lived at home. She couldnt be a burden to them as well.
***
Wiping her tears, Natalie left the building and headed for the shop. She couldnt bear the thought of going to the nearest one and returning home so soon, so she headed for one farther away, where prices were better and the walk a little longer.
At the carpark outside a Tesco Metro, a sleek Range Rover pulled up. She caught sight of a man climbing out, slightly limping.
Natalie! he called, his voice lighting up with delight.
She spun around, startled. Victor!
Of course, Victora classmate from school. Victor had been disabled since they were little, something wrong with his arms and legs. Half their school days, hed spent in hospital. The other boys used to mock him, but Victor never let it get him down. He outperformed everyone in their year, in the whole school, really. After every round of treatment, he could move a little easierby sixth form, he walked unaided, if a little stiffly.
Now, stepping out of a high-end car, he approached her beaming.
Natalie, I cant believe its you! Havent seen you in ages. We had a reunion two years back, Julia said shed let you know, but you never showed.
Well things came up, she replied awkwardly, which he immediately noticed.
Off to shop, are you? Victor asked, changing the subject.
Yes.
Great, so am I. Lets go, he said, leading her towards Marks & Spencer. But Natalie hesitated; it was far too expensive for her. Victor caught her pause, glanced her over, and in an instant, he understood a great deal more.
Natalie he started gently.
No, Victor, I cant go in there. Sorry, she said, pulling her hand free and heading off towards Lidl.
***
Natalie bought her groceries, counting every penny. As she left, Victor was waiting by his car. He strode over with quiet determination, firmly took her hand, opened the passenger side and ordered, Get in.
She did as she was told. He slid in beside her. Tell me everything, he said softly.
So she did. Nose sniffing, voice quivering, she poured out her story, holding nothing back.
Just leave him, Natalie. Thats all there is to it.
Victor, where would I even go? Everythings in his name.
Natalie, Im one of the top solicitors in the city. It doesnt matter whose name is on the deedsyoure entitled to half. Now, give me your number. He handed her his mobile, and she read it to him. He dialled her then and there, her phone burst into song.
Its Saturday. On Monday, well file for divorce. Ill tell you what to do and what to write. He started the engine. Let me give you a lift. Where do you live?
On Dickens Road, by the post office.
Ive just moved in nearbysee that new block? he pointed out a gleaming nine-storey building.
***
They pulled up at her flat. Victor jumped out, opened the door for her.
Think about it, Natalie. Ill call you Monday. And if anything happens over the weekend, ring me straight away.
Her heart thudded. Victor, Im scared.
Dont be, he smiled, solid and reassuring.
***
As soon as she stepped inside, Peter came charging into the hall.
Who was that you were driving with?
Peter, it was just an old friend from school.
Unbelievable. Im at home starving, and youre out gallivanting
The torrent of abuse that followed made Natalie drop her shopping bag, and, overcome by pain and rage, she bolted out onto the streetright into Victors path.
Get in the car! he said, opening the door. She didnt resist.
***
Natalie came to her senses in Victors three-bedroom flat.
Victor, where are we? Whats going on?
My flat, he said. Youre safe here. I live alone.
Her phone rangthe angry roar of Peter on the other end.
Where on earth are you now?
More shouting followed, but Victor calmly took the phone from her and answered in a steady voice.
Natalie is filing for divorce. The flat stays with her.
What the hell? Who are you?
If you give us any more trouble, Ill make sure you spend a couple of years at Her Majestys pleasure.
Who do you think you are?
Ive said all I need to. Victor hung up and handed the phone back. Natalie, helpless, began to weep.
Enough, Natalie. Go freshen up. Well have some lunch, Victor said kindly.
While she washed the tears away, he put the kettle on and made a call.
***
They picked at their food, neither with much appetite. Victor set down his mug.
Lets get this sorted with your husband now, he said with resolve.
No. Fear flickered in her eyes. I cant face him
Natalie, he said reassuringly, you get to decide how this ends. Im with you.
A police Land Rover was waiting outside the block. A young officer hopped out, saluted Victor.
Mr. Harris, at your service.
Victor shook his hand, they ushered Natalie into the car.
***
A few minutes later they knocked on Peters door.
What now? Peter sneered, opening the door.
Peter King? the officer asked sternly.
Yeah.
I need to ask you a few questions. May we come in?
Peter glared at Natalie, then grudgingly waved them in. Once inside, the officer sat at the table and began his report.
Natalie, gather your documents and anything youll need for the time being, Victor said in a calm, firm voice.
It had been so long since shed heard anything but anger and accusation at home. And now, suddenly, someone shed only ever thought of as a friend at school, someone shed never imagined as her knight in shining armourshed wanted a dashing prince in a gleaming white car, not a boy with a limp, however kind.
She handed Victor her papers instinctively. He smiled at her with a light in his eyes that surprised her. Natalie scurried to fetch her things, barely thinking about what might come next. But for the first time in years she sensed things could only get better, that Victor would never abandon her, and a quiet hope began to stir inside.
Finished, Mr. Harris, the police officer stood.
Thanks. Could I have a word with Peter alone?
Victor sat across the table from Peter.
Heres the situation, Peter. On Monday, your wife files for divorce. Youll need to file your paperwork. Since you have no children, itll be settled quickly at the registry office. Any shared assets will be fairly split.
And if I refuse? Its all in my name.
In that case, Natalie will be adding reports to the court for divorce, division of property, and, most seriously, domestic violence. Im the head of one of the largest law firms in the region. Trust me: the court will see justice done.
Ill have a word with her tonight, Peter sneered, and things will go as I say.
And who said your wife will be with you alone?
Shes still my wife. She should be in my flat.
In that case, Ill arrange your immediate arrest for assaulting your wife. Youll spend the weekend in the cells, and your wife will stay here. Does that sound preferable?
Peter, defeated, muttered, Fine, she can go wherever she bloody wants.
Excellent. Ill be by to collect you Monday morning, and well file the paperwork together.
***
Natalies phone rang. She broke into a smileit was her mum. Since separating from Peter, relations with her parents had been coolthey never approved of divorce, being married themselves for over twenty-five years without so much as a row.
Mum! she called, suddenly giddy.
Hello, love, came her mothers heavy reply.
Mum, whats the matter? You sound down.
You sound chipper. Happy now youve left your husband, are you?
I am, honestly, Natalie said, steady and sure.
Well, its your life.
Mum, why did you call?
Its your sister, Olivia. Shes thinking of getting married.
Oh! To who?
To some city lad. Wants to live in Manchester like you. Has no property or savings, just love. We met his parentsnot much to their name either, they have three bedrooms, but another son at home. Weve agreed to help buy a small flat for them, but no big wedding. Now Olivias moping around.
They can stay in my place for now. Well work it out.
Natalie, what about you, where will you live?
Mum, Natalies joy shone down the line, Im getting married again.
Barely done with one, and already
I promise, this time is for life. His names Victor. And Ive never loved anyone more.There was a pause on the line. Natalies heart thudded. On the other end, her mothers breath caught, and just as Natalie braced for an angry reply, her mothers voice brokegentler, uncertain.
Is he is he good to you?
Natalie felt tears burn behind her eyes, but this time they werent from fear. Mum, hes the kindest man Ive ever known.
For a long minute her mother was silent, and Natalie listened to the small sounds in the backgroundthe clatter of a tea cup, the creak of an old floorboard, her fathers muffled voice. Finally, her mother spoke again, fierce and soft all at once.
Then well come and meet him. Dont worry about Olivias weddingjust bring him round. Thats all we want, Natalie. For you to be happy, and safe.
Natalie laughed shakily, relief sparkling in her chest. I love you, Mum.
After they hung up, she found Victor in the kitchen, watching a kettle boil. Sunlight streamed through the window, spilling gold across his shoulders. He turned, and she saw he was holding two mugsone for her.
She crossed the room and stood, trembling ever so slightly, and he smiled that gentle smile.
Your mum? he asked.
She wants to meet you, Natalie said, and she was beaming now, so wide it hurt. And Victor thank you. For everything.
He set the mugs down and, after a slight hesitation, took her hand in his. Were just at the beginning, Natalie. From now on, nobody will harm you. Not if I can help it.
The city bustled below, but inside that kitchen it was quiet, and Natalie was wrapped not in fear, but in hope. She pressed her head to Victors shoulder and closed her eyes.
For the first time in years, the future beckonedwarm and bright, shimmering just beyond the window.
She was safe. She was loved. And at that moment, Natalie knew: she was finally home.
