43
Daniel awoke in the early hours of the morning to his mobile ringing. Drowsily he leant over the bed to see it on the floor. Jenna’s name was flashing. Immediately he jolted and became wide awake.
‘Jenna?’
‘Daddy… I can’t wake Mummy up.’ Daniel froze. His heart stopped for a moment.
‘Emily, where are you?’ he asked, desperately trying to stay calm when inside he was crashing.
‘At the house in Liverpool.’
‘Where’s JonJo?’
‘He isn’t here… and Mummy won’t wake up…’ Emily started to cry, breaking him even further.
‘Listen, Emily, it’s all right, I’m going to get someone to you… Don’t cry, Sweet Pea. You get back into bed and take Mummy’s phone with you.’
‘But Mummy…’
‘You do as I say, Emily, good girl and I’ll ring you back in a few moments. Go now. I’ll stay on the phone till you’re back in bed.’ Daniel imagined little Emily clutching the phone as she went back into her bedroom and climbed into bed. His chest was hammering. ‘Are you in bed, Emily?’
‘Yes,’ said a small voice.
‘Emily, is anyone else there?’
‘Just me, Polly and Snuggles.’
Daniel closed his eyes. ‘Well you give them a big hug and wait for me to ring you back – good girl.’
‘OK.’
Christie was rousing and heard the tail end of the conversation. Rubbing her eyes, she saw Daniel punch out a number urgently on his phone.
‘What’s happening?’ she asked drowsily.
Daniel turned sharply. ‘Emily’s on her own and can’t wake Jenna up.’
‘Oh no…’ Then she heard Daniel speak to the emergency services, giving clear, concise information and the address in Liverpool for the police to attend to. Christie got out of bed and dressed. How could she help? After Daniel had finished his call, he rang Emily back. It was heart-breaking listening to him trying to calm Emily, when he himself was in such distress too. After twenty minutes, which seemed like an eternity, Emily opened the door to a police officer, whilst all the time Daniel was on his mobile guiding her. Once Daniel had spoken to the attending officer he quickly dressed.
‘I’ve got to get there.’ He was frantic.
‘I’ll drive you,’ Christie replied. ‘You’re in no fit state.’ Together they ran back to The Templar. After waking Dermot to tell him what had happened, Christie and Daniel got in the car, bolted to the motorway and up to Liverpool.
‘If she’s pissed, I’ll kill her.’ The shock had worn off now and Daniel was gradually getting angrier by the minute. ‘And where the fuck’s that JonJo? Emily’s all alone there!’
Christie momentarily put her hand on his lap. ‘Don’t panic, stay calm, Daniel,’ she soothed.
‘Stay calm?’ he squeaked. ‘That’s what my fucking solicitor said, and look where that’s got me!’ he thundered, then stopped. ‘Sorry, Christie.’
‘It’s fine, honestly.’ Then to her horror, Daniel started to cry. His shoulders shook as great, racking sobs escaped from him. All the pent-up tension was being released and Christie let him get it out of his system. Thank God he wasn’t driving. Eventually Daniel quietened. ‘Emily’s in safe hands now,’ Christie softly reminded him.
‘I know, the police officer was brilliant.’ Then, taking out a piece of paper with the station details on, he gave Christie the directions to where Emily had been taken.
‘Was there any news on Jenna?’ asked Christie, suddenly realising that she hadn’t asked, such was her concern for Emily.
‘No,’ he answered flatly. To be honest, she was the last thing he cared about at the moment. All he could feel towards Jenna was pure fury.How dareshe get into such a state, leaving Emily so vulnerable? He was incensed with rage. One thing for sure, he was going to fight tooth and nail to have Emily living with him. This incident was definitely going to be addressed at the appeal hearing.
Finally, Christie pulled into the police station car park. Daniel shot out of the car and ran to the enquiry desk. It was now 5am and daylight was breaking. The police officer on reception knew to expect Daniel and immediately took him into a private room.
