Chapter 28
Amelia
Ithought the lack of sleep from having Elsa-Marie was bad enough, one night in lock up is far worse. One night and my body is weighted down with fatigue, fear, and a sense of numbness.
Seven other women have come and gone, and I’m still sat in the corner of the holding cell.
My stomach rumbles and I bring my knees up to my chest and hold myself tight.
I can’t see a clock but I’m guessing it’s morning by the change of officers and guards.
I haven’t spoken a word since I briefly saw my dad and explained what happened.
He couldn’t believe Clare would do something like that to me, but he did believe me.
A couple of the other women knew each other, and I sat listening to them talk and try to imagine I was anywhere but here.
The door opens and a female officer calls my name. Sliding off the bench, I move to stand on the line I’m instructed to.
“Follow me.”
I try not to look at anyone we pass and when she leads me through a series of doors, hope grows I’m going home. As soon as it spikes, it vanishes, it’s just another room and I’m added to a line of four people.
I learned quickly there’s no point in asking questions, the officers either simply ignore you or take delight in not answering you. Seeing their attitudes myself, I realise why so many people have no respect for them.
The line moves forward, and we’re led into a courtroom. We’re all told to sit along the front bench and as soon as my butt hits the wood, I look around for my dad. He’s sat on the other side of the room and Darius is sat next to him. I try to smile at my dad, but I can’t look at Darius.
The three women and a guy I’m certain is still intoxicated go before me and two of the women are released on bail and the other woman and the guy are denied bail. My heart hammers against my chest bone as my name and the case number is called and I’m ushered toward one of the tables.
Dad’s lawyer steps up beside me and I will the feeling in my legs to return. Dad said this would be to see if I could get bail and go home. It’s hard to keep up with what’s going on through the rising panic racing through me.
“Miss Haynes is no flight risk, she has a new baby waiting at home for her…”
The judge, younger than I was expecting, raises his hand and cuts him off.
“Miss Haynes should’ve made better choices if she cares for the child like you say. Bail is denied.”
My lawyer goes to argue but the judge slams the wooden hammer down and nothing more is added.
“Why didn’t you tell him the drugs weren’t mine?”
“This wasn’t the time for that…”
I don’t understand.
Bail denied.
Denied?
No, it can’t be. I need to be at home with Elsa.
Hot wetness rolls down my cheeks, but I can’t move to wipe it away.
From behind I vaguely hear my dad yelling at the lawyer. The lawyer is mumbling something back. But I can’t process what they’re saying.
Cuffs are put on me and I’m yanked up by my arm. Just before I’m led through yet another door, I turn in time to see my dad and hear him promise he’ll sort this out.
“What happens now?” I ask the officer hauling me down a long corridor.
I’m fully aware my voice is shaking.
“Now you get to check into Bolton’s finest hotel, where you’ll get to experience the finest cuisine, sleep on the softest sheets and if you’re lucky…” I frown at his sarcasm, and he sighs. “You’ll do as you’re told and keep your head down till you get out of here.”
“Do you know when that will be?”
“I have no idea. My advice, don’t think you have friends here. Rely only on yourself.”
“Can I call my dad, please?”
He stares at me for a long minute. “Oh shit, you’re gonna get eaten alive.”
A door slams behind us and it shakes me to my core. I can’t do this.