Page 19 of Elusive Embrace

“If you are sure Natalie?” PC Pitman eyes us.

“It… Matt is my friend. It wasn’t Matt who did—” A small tear rolls over her face and I give her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Natalie I know this is hard,” PC Pitman says, sitting down next to her. “But we need to get your statement while everything’s still fresh. We’ll take it slow and you can stop anytime you need to.”

Natalie nods and I squeeze her hand again. She glances at me and I see a flicker of something—gratitude, maybe—before she looks back at PC Pitman. Her voice is shaky as she starts talking about the wanker, about how it started with the usual shouting and then escalated, how she thought it was her fault. I feel asurge of anger, so intense it almost scares me, but I try to ignore it because this isn’t about me. It’s about making sure Nat is safe.

The constable writes everything down, asking gentle questions to clarify the details. I notice the other PC watching me, probably to make sure I’m not going to lose it. It's true, every detail she shares feels like a punch to the gut, and all I want is to make sure that monster stays away from her for good. But getting angry right now won’t help. What Nat needs from me right now is to be there for her, so I keep my focus on her. When she hesitates, I give her hand another reassuring squeeze to let her know I’m here.

The officer finally closes her notebook after what feels like hours. “That’s all we need for now Natalie. You’ve been really brave. We’ll take it from here.”

Natalie nods again and she's exhausted, completely drained.

“We’ll issue a Domestic Violence Protection Notice. This means Mr Brooke will not be able to enter your flat for seventy-two hours so you can get back and pick up some items. If you don’t have anywhere to stay we can extend that notice further.” PC Pitman explains.

“You can stay with me. I have a guest bedroom... if you want,” I offer and Nat looks at me with grateful eyes.

“Are you okay with that?” PC Pitman asks and watches us carefully.

“Yes. Yes. I’ll be safe with Matt.”

“Okay, good.” The male officer takes down my address and phone number and they promise to call us when we can go to the flat to pick up Nat’s stuff. They also confirm they will send an officer over to help us file a non-molestation order request.

I don’t want this wanker anywhere near her and if he’s smart he won’t violate the order as it would count against him in court.

PC Pitman gives me her card before they leave and I slip it into my back pocket.

The doctor comes in to examine Nat properly and I step back to give them some space. As the doctor tends to Nat I feel a mix of relief and helplessness. I’m glad she’s getting the care she needs but I wish I could do more. When they’re done, I help Natalie back to the car, supporting her gently as we walk. Luckily there are no internal injuries, only the bruising.

As I drive her home I realise this isn’t the end of this story—far from it. But at least it’s a start to get her away from him and make sure she is safe. And if she wants me to I’ll be there with her every step of the way.

Chapter 8

Natalie

It is four inthe morning by the time we get back to Matt’s. I’m not sure if it’s tiredness or just the whole situation but we are both quiet as we get ready for bed. Matt has given me a T-shirt and some shorts to sleep in. Both are a bit too big for me but I take comfort in that feeling.

“You can sleep here,” he points toward his double bed when I step out of the shower. “I’ll stay in the spare room.”

“No. No, Matt! I can’t take your bedroom from you,” I protest.

“There’s no way I’m letting you sleep on a blow-up camping mat. You’ve been through enough. You need a good-night’s sleep.”

“But…. Alright.” I know I won’t change his mind and he’s right. Every muscle in my body is starting to hurt and I just want to curl up in a soft bed.

“Good night then. Try not to think about things, if you can, just for tonight.” He presses a soft kiss to my forehead before grabbing one of the two pillows from the bed and heading to the spare room. As he shuts the door the silence hits me hard and I suddenly feel a wave of panic.What if Al finds me?

“Matt!” I call out, and he’s back in an instant, worry in his voice.

“Are you okay?”

“Can we leave the doors open? Please?” I sound like a child and hate myself for it.

“Of course. Will that make you feel safer?” His face is full of kindness, no pity or judgement.

“Yes,” I nod.

“Then we’ll leave them open. I’m just across the corridor, alright?” I nod again.

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