Web of Lies

CHAPTER 5 FRIENDLY SUPPORT

CHAPTER 5

FRIENDLY SUPPORTJamie stepped into Liz’s apartment and fell into her friend’s arms, stifling a cry. Liz patted the back of her head in silence. Pulling away, she manoeuvred around the timber dining table and made her way to the couch, ignoring strewn magazines and manila folders by the side of the couch. The light emitted from the open sliding door was comforting and offered a view of the tiled balcony from the first floor.

Jamie made space for Liz to sit beside her. “I am sorry it’s so late, but I needed to talk to someone.”

Liz clasped Jamie’s hands with her dainty fingers and shook her head. “Listen, girl. You are one of my best friends and I am here for you any time, any day. No questions asked. Now tell me what brings you by?”

Jamie avoided the question for now. “How is Matthew?” She had to ease into the conversation, knowing that several months ago, Liz had endured her own trauma when her violent ex-boyfriend had been released from prison. Poor Liz could have died but luckily had recovered, looking like a top model with her tall and slim physique.

Her hazel eyes lit up like a woman in love as she threaded her fingers through her jet black hair. “He is amazing and I love him. He just left to give us privacy. So what is going on?”

Jamie took a breath and swallowed, her head pounding as if it would explode. “My father has been arrested for murder.”

Liz drew back, taking a deep breath. “Jesus, Jamie. Who, and why would they think he murdered someone?”

Jamie rubbed her hands together and explained her conversation with Gregory and her mother. “It has to be a mistake. I cannot believe he would hurt anyone, Liz, and I am so ashamed that he abused a young girl. A fifteen-year-old. How could he do that? I thought I knew my own father, but obviously he had secrets for God knows how long.”

Liz touched her throat. “Have you seen him?”

Jamie shook her head. “No, we’re waiting for him to get out on bail. It might not be for another week or two, but I have questions for him.”

Liz turned away, buzzing in their friend, Bella. “I’ll just let Bella in. Now you sit tight and I’ll make us all a cup of tea.”

Bella walked into the apartment, her expression softening at the look on Jamie’s face. Marco must have explained what had happened. Bella was not as tall as Liz, but her shoulder-length brown hair and green almond-shaped eyes gave her the appearance of a top model too. She had an innocent and sweet beauty and was less wild than Liz, who thrived on having fun and socialising, but Matthew had tamed her somewhat.

Jamie rose from the couch and Bella wrapped her arms around her. Liz wandered into the kitchen. No words were needed as she breathed in the warmth of her friend, who had also been through trauma by neglectful parents. She pulled away, and they made their way to the couch with Liz opposite. “I take it you heard the news?”

Bella nodded. “I am so sorry. It’s quite a shock, Jamie. I wonder if there is more to this situation, but Marco will get to the truth no matter what. Have faith in him.”

She looked at Bella and Liz and pressed her lips together. She rubbed her arms as if fighting a chill in the warm home. “I cannot get the image of that poor wounded girl out of my head.” She bowed her head. “I knew we wouldn’t be able to save her by the way she appeared. She had been raped multiple times and the bloody wounds everywhere. . .” She stopped short. How stupid am I? Jamie cleared her throat. “I am sorry. I didn’t think about what you had gone through, Bella. Please forgive me for being insensitive.”

Bella shed light tears. “Oh, Darling. No apologies necessary. You are going through a lot and I wish I could do something to help. But keep the faith. We are here for you. Liz and I. You can lean on us any time.”

Liz headed back into the living room after making hot drinks. She handed them a mug of tea each, then grabbed her own. “I can at least help with your stomach. Have you eaten?”

Jamie shook her head. “I don’t have an appetite but thank you.”

Bella sipped on her tea and held it tightly in her hands. She straightened and smiled at her friend. “Marco told me that Tim’s on leave and has a replacement. I take it you met the new detective?”

Jamie nodded, her face warming. “Yes, I did. His name is Angelo and he seems to know what he’s doing. I hope they get answers because I get the feeling there is more to the situation. But the evidence against my dad is solid, and I am hoping Gregory will get him off with no need for a trial. We’ll see.”

Liz moved to Jamie’s side and held her hand. She gave her a reassuring smile. “Keep us in the loop, girl. Let us know when your dad’s out and we can have a chat. If you need any kind of help, let me know.” Jamie nodded. Liz’s worried expression caused her to feel sick as she didn’t want to burden anyone with her issues. She should be working through her ordeal on her own.

“Oh, Liz. I hate to think of how much you suffered with Domenic, and here I am burdening you with my problems. It does not compare to the terror you experienced. I only wish I had your strength.”

Liz wrapped her arms around Jamie and caressed her back before pulling away. “Oh, stop it, Jamie. We are not here to compare experiences. When one of us suffer, we help each other out. Your pain is my pain, girl. And you are one of the strongest women I know.” Jamie understood how challenging Liz’s work as a social worker was, helping traumatised youth and children.

Bella rubbed her cheek. “Oh, God. Don’t make me cry, Liz.” She stared at Jamie, who fought back her own tears. “But Liz is right, Jamie. It does not matter what we went through in the past, right now, you are our sole focus. We’re here for you.” She squeezed Jamie’s shoulder.

Jamie’s heart warmed, nurtured by the actions of her friends. She loved them like sisters.