Page 118 of Never Too Late to Date

‘I heard crying, and I was worried.’

‘We’re fine. You can pull your beak in and go back to bed.’

‘I need to know that Aoife is OK.’

‘You don’t need to know anything, you nosy cow.’

Using every bit of strength she possessed, Vicky forced open the door. Aoife lay on the bed, curled up like a defenceless child. Even from the doorway, Vicky could see the purple bruise on her arm. She rushed to the young woman’s side, Jordan right behind her.

‘Hey, what the hell do you think you’re doing?’

Kneeling beside the bed, Vicky held the girl’s hand and stroked her hair.

‘Are you OK, sweetheart?’

Jordan tried to force his way between the two of them.

‘Of course she’s OK, aren’t you, babe? She’s just a bit tired.’

‘I want to speak to Aoife myself. Are you OK, sweetheart?’

The young woman’s face was whiter than a sheet as she shook her head.

Vicky turned to face the man in front of her. The drink was making him sway, and she had at least a couple of inches on him. Alex might have tackled the poisoner, but this was one villain she was going to deal with personally. Just let him try and land one on her. She didn’t want to meet violence with violence, but she’d give as good as she got if she needed to.

‘Listen to me, you despicable piece of shit.’

Jordan’s mouth opened, but no words emerged.

‘And don’t bother denying anything. You’re going to get out of here, leave the sanctuary and never come back. If you do, the police will be waiting.’

The vehemence of her voice had brought Graham to the door in his pyjamas and dressing gown.

‘Can I help?’

‘Please go and wake Seamus and ask him to come up here sharpish.’

Graham rushed off into the night on his mission, slippers flapping.

Vicky held Aoife’s hand as Jordan stood over her, glaring at both of them.

‘You don’t want that, do you, babe? It was just a bit of fun that got out of hand.’

His face was locked in a sneer.

‘She likes it rough, you know. She’s well up for it.’

Vicky had heard that one before too. Men trying to make out that their partners had somehow asked to be beaten up. Aoife’s crying intensified and tore at Vicky’s heart.

‘Let’s ask her, shall we?’

Looking deep into Aoife’s eyes, Vicky willed strength into the girl.

‘Do you want Jordan to stay?’

She didn’t know what she’d do if she said yes, but she’d deal with that when it happened.

Slowly, Aoife looked from one to the other, and Vicky saw her shudder at the set of Jordan’s face. She shook her head. ‘No, it’s over. It’s well and truly over.’