Robert hesitated.
“And we ran. Legged it back to the window, but the old boy came after us. Gave me a bloody great whack on the leg.”
Robert peeled down the top of his trousers to reveal a huge purple bruise on his hip.
“After that, Davey just went for him. Kicking, punching, whatever.”
“And you just stood by?” Helen replied, incredulous.
“I gave him a kick and that, but it was Davey who... He stamped on his head, for fuck’s sake. I bloody pulled him off. He would’ve killed him.”
“He might have already killed him. He’s in a coma, Robert.”
“I know. I can read, all right?”
His retort was full of defiance, but Helen could see the boy was scared and upset.
“Have the police spoken to you? Or Davey?”
“No,” he said, turning to her, confused. “You going to arrest me?”
The million-dollar question. Of course she had to arrest him and Davey.
“I don’t know, Robert. I’m considering it, but... let’s see what happens with Mr. Thomas. It’s possible he will make a full recovery...”
It sounded weak and Helen knew it.
“And I know that there are mitigating circumstances in your case, so... so I’m going to give you a second chance.”
Robert looked stunned, which only made Helen feel more pathetic and wrongheaded.
“You’re a decent guy, Robert. You’re smart, and if you committed yourself to something worthwhile, you could have a good life. But you’re on the wrong path now, hanging out with the wrong guys, and youwillend up in jail if you carry on like this. So here’s the deal. You will stop seeing Davey and his mates. You will work hard and look for opportunities to better yourself. You will try to live a decent life. If you do that, then I will let this go. If you fuck up, though, I will throw you in jail, right?”
Robert nodded, relieved but confused.
“I’m going to take an interest in you. And I want you to repay my faith. If you feel you’re struggling or that you are going to get into trouble, I want you to call me.”
She scribbled her mobile number down on the back of one of her official business cards.
“This is a big chance for you. Don’t fuck it up, Robert.”
He took the card, looked at it. When he looked up again, Helen saw gratitude and relief on his face.
“Why? Why are you doing this for me?”
Helen hesitated, then eventually replied:
“Because everyone needs someone to watch over them.”
•••
Helen walked quickly away from the park. Now that she had done the deed, she just wanted to be away. She had taken a big risk coming here, and in making contact with Robert had done something she’d vowed she wouldn’t do. She had crossed the line. Yet despite this, despite all the dangers that lay ahead, she didn’t regret it. While there was still a chance of saving Robert, it was worth it.
52
Jessica Reid marched up the street, tears stinging her eyes. She swallowed hard to stop the sobs escaping—she wouldn’t give those women the satisfaction of breaking down in front of them.
She had debated whether to keep Sally in nursery. Her first instinct had been not to return, to hide away from the world, but Sally liked it there, so Jessica had nailed her courage to the mast and taken her down. Sally needed some stability—best to keep to the familiar routine.
