Roger helps
Roger was known locally as someone who was always willing to help anyone who needed help. He was divorced and had moved to the small town after the divorce. If asked he would grudgingly admit he had given more than half to his ex-wife, so that she could live where her friends were. What galled him was that her friends deserted her, he found out that he had been popular and his wife "not so much."
He had moved out of London and was perfectly happy in the country.
"Roger, could you help me for a couple of days please?"
The man asking was Steve who ran the local helping charity.
"Of course, just tell me where and when."
It transpired that a woman had moved to the town. No explanation why. Roger did not need to know.
Roger and Steve decorated the house and helped move furniture in. He never met the woman.
Steve thanked him and promised to call on his services next time.
They smiled at each other. They both knew that there was always a next time, always someone needing help.
"Roger, Gail would like to meet you."
Steve didn't bother explaining any more. Roger guessed that Gail was living in the house they had decorated and furnished.
"Hello Roger, I am Gail."
Roger stood and smiled, but also took in the discolouring of her face. He guessed they were old bruises. He decided not to say anything about them.
Gaile sat and Roger bought her a drink, although she had wanted to buy him a drink as thanks for his work.
They sat and chatted about their new location, and Roger expanded on his history.
"I know you are being polite about my face."
He didn't know what to say so he simply nodded.
"My husband has a drink problem, which translates into him using his fists. He has been arrested and I have moved here. Nobody knows my address."
They sat and chatted and had a pleasant evening, before going their separate ways.
Three nights later the phone rang.
"Roger, it is Steve, can you urgently get to Gail's house."
Roger rushed, no idea about why, but suspecting bad news.
"He has found out this address, somehow."
Steve arrived just afterwards.
The three of them sat in the room the two men had so recently decorated.
"Steve, you should go home, you have to go to work in the morning. I can stay and work from her if Gale doesn't mind."
Roger quickly went home and brought some clothes, a sleeping bag and his laptop.
When Roger drove back, Steve went home..
"I am fine down here, see you in the morning."
Gale smiled but it was faint. She looked very worried.
Roger settled in for the night. He had no idea what her husband would do but he would try and protect her as best he could. He was fit, he had played sports at school and college but he was not aggressive.
It came in the middle of the night.
Loud banging on the door and cursing from outside.
Roger had been sleeping but instantly came to.
He stepped out of his sleeping bag and quickly got dressed.
He went to the front door and put the chain on before opening it.
"Who the fuck are you."
"Who are you?"
Roger could smell the drink on his breath even from where he stood.
"Open this fucking door."
"No, go away, or I will call the police."
"I already have."
Roger half turned and saw Gale standing at the foot of the stairs holding a poker.
"You fucking cow."
