The Darkness Within by Iris Deorre Page A

last time I had a full English breakfast.’
    ‘Neither can I. It’s pretty good with vodka.’ She joked.
    He laughed.
    ‘Are you sure my drinking doesn’t annoy you? I mean with your past with your father.’
    ‘My father was abusive. He was hurtful and cruel. You’re not. You were landed in a bad situation and this is your way of coping.’
    ‘I don’t feel that I need it as much as I did before. I think the need is going away.’
    ‘I’m glad to hear it.’
    ‘I’m not sure whether it’s the fact Ronald is gone, or I’ve been able to talk about what happened to me for the first time that’s making me feel lighter.’
    ‘I think it’s a combination of both. You’re finally becoming free from all of it.’
    ‘And I have you to thank.’
    ‘Don’t thank me yet. We still have a few of them to go.’
    ‘Yes I know, but I’m already beginning to feel the benefits.’
    They continued to talk. Freya found herself talking more and more about herself. Ferguson listened without judgement and she in turn did the same. It was as if their paths had crossed on purpose.
    ‘Do you think there is life after death?’ she asked.
    ‘No I don’t.’
    ‘So no punishment after this life. No heaven or hell?’
    ‘Nope. When we die that’s it. We seize to exist. Do you believe.’
    She was silent a while. Freya hadn’t been brought up Christian, but she always thought there was something or someone bigger than they were.
    ‘I don’t know anymore. I used to think so until that awful thing happened to me. I just don’t know what to believe.’
    ‘Believe in me. Believe that you’re going to get justice, and then you’ll live your life happily ever after. With me of course.’ He winked.
    She giggled. ‘I’d love that.’
    ‘That’s great.’
    An hour later the couple sat in the living-room while Freya gave the names and as much information about the men who had raped her.
    ‘So you’re certain these were all the men?’
    She nodded.
    ‘So there’s Lewis, Lloyd, Blake, Trevor and Marvin, Ronald and of course Thomas.’
    ‘Yes I think that’s all of them. The ones I remember.’
    ‘If you think of anyone else let me know.’
    She nodded.
    ‘Do you have any other information about them. Surnames, where they lived or live now. Have you seen any of them?’
    ‘I kept my distance. I don’t know where they are or what they’re doing although I would recognise them. As for surnames, no I don’t have them.’ She felt disappointed.
    ‘Don’t you worry. My guy Gary will find the bastards. You all went to Leeds university so it won’t be that hard to find. Humans are predictable creatures. It is most likely that they hung out together, that they’re also all friends on face book. All I need to do is find one, and the rest will be easy.’ He took her hand into his and gave it a squeeze. ‘Don’t worry about it. It’s all in my hands now. They will all pay, I promise.’
    ‘I believe you.’ she leaned into his shoulder. It felt nice making progress.
    ‘So what would you like to do for the rest of the day?’ he asked.
    ‘I have no idea.’
    ‘Good, then I’ve got something to show you.’
    ****
    An hour later they were in the car heading for some place Ferguson wanted to show her.
    ‘Where did you say we’re going again?’
    ‘I didn’t’.’ He laughed. ‘But nice try.’
    ‘Yes well I hate surprises. I like to know where I’m going.’
    ‘Well you’re going to have to get used to it. I love surprises.’
    Freya giggled. It was nice spending the day with him, it made her drink less and crave cocaine even less. She’d taken some before they’d left but it wasn’t a desperate need.
    ‘I want to get clean,’ she said suddenly.
    He turned to her. ‘Really?’
    ‘Yes. I don’t want to depend on alcohol or drugs anymore.’
    He leaned close to her and kissed her forehead. ‘I’m proud of you and I’ll support you whatever you decide.’
    ‘I know you will.’ She leaned onto his