NOBODY WILL HURT YOU
Where on earth have you been? barked Peter as his wife stepped through the front door.
I was at work, replied Emma, trying to keep her voice steady.
But its Saturday!
I work Saturdays as well, Pete.
You call that working? We never have any money.
Well, at least Im doing something. When was the last time you had a job?
Watch your mouth, Peter hissed, taking a menacing step towards her. Now, get down to the shop! Cant even rustle up a bit of grub in this house.
Peter, weve only got forty quid left and its a week till payday. Maybe if you found work Or even tried driving the car as a minicab
I hardly think Im taxi driver material, thank you very much. Be grateful youre living in my flat, he snapped, holding open the door. Just get on with itoff you go shopping!
***
Emma blinked back tears as she hurried down the stairs. How is it fair? Was it really all her fault that life had gone pear-shaped? Four years of marriage, and though it had started out with at least a glimmer of hope, things had gradually slipped into misery. Both sets of parents had scraped together their savings to help buy this modest two-bedroom flat. Later, they managed to get a carBritish, nothing fancybut they were chuffed all the same. Everything put in Peters name, of course; head of the family and all that. Emmas parents still lived in a small town, but they contributed what they could.
Peter and his father once ran a modest business. Not exactly printing money, but they got by. Then Peter, convinced he was destined for better things, lost the lot after falling out with his dad. Now, a year unemployed and doing nothing except waiting for divine intervention, hed turned bittershouting at Emma, sometimes even worse. She worked six days a week, but they barely scrimped by, and Peter absolutely refused to contribute. More and more, Emma considered running home, but with her two younger sisters already crammed in her parents place, she couldnt face burdening them as well.
***
She left the building, hurriedly wiping her eyes, and walked towards a shopnot the closest one. No, she went further, where groceries were cheaper and, if she was honest, she could delay her return.
Suddenly, from the other side of the car park, a Land Rover pulled in and someone got out, limping slightly. Emma caught it out of the corner of her eye.
Emma! Is that really you? His voice was happy, familiar.
She spun round. James!
Of courseit was James Brown, her old classmate. James had always had a bad leg and dodgy hands, something since childhood. He spent half of school in hospital, but never let it get him down. In fact, he out-performed everyone academically, not only in their own class, but the whole year. With each round of hospital visits, hed come back a bit stronger. Hed been carried into Year One, but by their A-levels, he was walking for himself, albeit with a limp and a grin.
Now, here he was, coming towards her from a very posh car, clearly delighted.
Emma, I cant believe its you! Havent seen you in ages. We all met up a couple of years agoSophie said she texted, but you didnt come?
Oh things got in the way Emma mumbled. James picked up on her awkwardness. He glanced over her, noting the tiredness she tried to hide.
Heading to the shop? he asked.
Yeah.
Rightlets go together! I need to pick a few things up too.
He steered her towards the expensive shop shed carefully avoided. She hesitated, and James immediately understood.
Emma
No, James, sorry, I cant. Ill go to this one, thanks, she said, breaking away and heading for the cheaper supermarket.
***
Emma shopped, counting every penny, then headed back out. There was James by his car, waiting for her. He marched straight over, took her bags, opened the passenger door and declared, Hop in!
She didnt protest. He got in too. Tell me whats going on.
Sniffling like a child, Emma told him everything.
Well, just leave him. Simple as that.
James, its not so easy. Everythings in his name.
Emma, Im one of the best solicitors in the city. Doesnt matter whose name its inhalf of its yours by law. He whipped out his phone. Right then, whats your number?
Emma read it out, hesitating, and he dialled in front of her. Her phone sang. There we are. Its Saturday todayapply for a divorce on Monday. Ill walk you through everything. Where do you live?
Chaucer Street, by the Post Office.
Brilliant. I moved into that new building up the road, he nodded at the newly built flats.
***
They arrived at Emmas flat. He opened her door with a flourish, telling her, Now thenmake your mind up. Ill call you Monday. If anything happens over the weekend, ring me, OK?
She shook her head. James, Im scared.
He gave her a warm, reassuring smile. Youll be fine.
***
Inside, Peter was waiting, prowling the hallway.
Who was that you were with? Driving around in someone elses car?
It was an old classmate, Emma tried to explain.
Oh, so your husbands sitting here starving while youre off on a jolly, is he?” He finished with a string of expletives anda blow.
Emma dropped her bag, stifled a sob and ran, fleeing the flat. As she barrelled out the front entrance, she almost collided with James again.
Get in, he said, opening the door.
She obeyed, and off they went.
***
Emma only came to her senses after James led her into his spacious three-bedroom flat.
James, what are you doing?
Dont fuss, youre perfectly safe here. Its my place, no one will hurt youI live alone.
Her phone rang, Peters number. She picked up, and Peters furious voice blasted out.
Where the devil are you? More curses followed. James calmly took her phone and said, in an icy, professional tone, Emmas divorcing you. The flat stays with her.
What?! Who the hell are you?
If you keep threatening, Ill make sure you see the inside of a cell. Goodbye.
He hung up and handed the phone back, as Emma wept quietly.
Its fine now, Emma. Pop to the bathroom and freshen upwell have some lunch in a minute.
While she washed her face, James put the kettle on and made a quick phone call.
***
After a half-hearted cup of tea, James declared, with his familiar no-nonsense tone, Time to deal with Peter.
Emma recoiled. No Im frightened.
Emma, he smiled, its entirely up to you. No one will force you.
Downstairs, a police Land Rover was waiting, with a young constable who saluted and declared, Ready when you are, Mr Brown.
James and the officer shook hands and helped Emma into the vehicle.
***
A few minutes later, they knocked at Emmas old flat.
A surly voice: Whos that?
The officer straightened. Mr Peter Benson?
Yes.
I need to ask you a few questions.
Peter glared and, with gritted teeth, spat, Right, come in then.
James and the constable headed into the living room and sat at the kitchen table, the officer jotting down notes.
Emma, pack up your papers and anything you need for now, James said quietly. It was the first time in ages shed felt genuinely protected. Shed always thought of James as a dear friend from schoolnothing more, if she was honest. Back then, all the girls dreamed of a prince on a white horseor at least a BMW, not a boy with a limp and kind eyes.
She packed her things, not really registering why, just knowing she finally felt hope rather than dread. She handed her documents to James, who gave her an encouraging grin. She set about gathering her clothes, for the first time feeling as if things could finally get better, that maybe, just maybe, shed found real happiness.
The officer finished up. All done, Mr Brown.
James sat down across from Peter. Look, Peter, your wife will file for divorce on Monday. Youll need to sign as well. No children, so all straightforward. Youll split the assets fairly.
Peter sneered. And if I refuse? The flats in my name.
Jamess smile vanished. Then Emma will file extra applications: divorce, asset division, and, most importantly, domestic abuse. I run one of the largest solicitor firms in the county. The court will see fair play.
Peter scowled. Ill speak to my wife alone tonight, and shell listen to me.
And what makes you think youll be alone with her?
Shes my wifeI can insist she stays here.
Then Ill have you arrested for assault on the spot, and youll enjoy the weekend in a cell. Meanwhile, Emma will stay here in her flat. That clear?
Peter hesitated, jaw working. Fine. Let her do what she wants.
Sorted. Ill pick you both up Monday morning. Well sort the paperwork and be done with it.
***
Emmas phone chimed. She lit upit was her mum. Since the divorce talks, her mum hadnt said much; her parents disapproved of separation, since theyd been together over thirty years without so much as a cross word.
Hi Mum! Emma chirped.
Her mum sounded off. Hello, love. You sound very jolly. Happy to be rid of your husband, are you?
Emma didnt hesitate. To be honest, Mum, yesI am.
Well, its your life, dear.
Mum, was there something you needed?
Its your sister, Chloe. She wants to get marriedsome city lad without a penny to his name. He lives with his parents in a tiny place and they want us to club together for a flat in town. I suggested she could live in yours for now, but shes in a strop about it.
Let them stay in mine for a bit. Ill manage.
Emma, what will you do?
Mum she could hardly keep the excitement out of her voiceIm getting remarried.
You only just got divorced! To who?
I promise, this ones for keepshis names James. And I love him to bits.Her mums stunned silence finally broke into a gentle chuckle. Well! Your dad wont know whats hit him. I hope this James treats you better.
Emma smiled, feeling lighter than she had in years. He already does, Mum. Tell Chloe the flats hers as long as she needs. And give Dad a hug for me, would you?
She ended the call, still grinning, and looked up to see James at the doorway, watching her with those steady, kind eyes.
Everything all right? he asked softly.
Emma nodded. Better than all right. I feel free.
James grinned. You always had it in you, Em. Just needed a little backup.
She laughedthe first real laugh in forever. Thank you, James. For everything.
He offered his arm with a theatrical flourish. Come on then. Lets go somewhere with sunshine. You can tell me all about what comes next.
Hand in hand, they stepped out into the bright afternoon; leaving behind the shadows, walking side by side toward a future that, finally, felt theirs to choose.
