A Conversation with Abigail

You’re just packing up when Abigail enters. She doesn’t look that happy.

“You free?” she asks. “You want to go down the pub?”

You nod your head. She waits until you’re packed, and you head out together.

“Nobody else joining us?”

“No, Spencer’s husband wants her home. Anissa doesn’t feel comfortable if it’s just me and her. I told her Krystal’s away this weekend so she won’t be there, and I think Blair’s busy as well, so I’m guessing it’s you she’s frightened of.”

“Why would she be frightened of me?”

“She’s nervous around all men. She had a very sheltered childhood somewhere rural in France, she told me where, but it didn’t mean much to me. That’s why she wants to be a nun. Get away from men.”

At the Drowned Guppy you buy the round and sit in the back opposite Abigail. You let her take a sip of her wine. The conversation about Anissa has calmed her slightly, but she still looks disturbed.

“You don’t look happy. Is everything alright?”

“Honestly, no. I… You know I told you my ex is in prison.” You nod. “Well, apparently he’s been let out for good behaviour.”

“You’re not OK with that?”

“I… I don’t know. They didn’t tell me, or, more likely, they tried to tell me but couldn’t find me. That’s what I’m hoping anyway. I’m just… Look, he blames me for putting him in prison in the first place, which to be honest is true. It’s my testimony that put him there. And I know he didn’t want a divorce. He would have contested it, if he wasn’t going to prison. He told me he’d find me when he got out, and I’m worried he’ll try. He shouldn’t find me here. Why would be even consider looking for me here, but I’m still worried.”

“You talked to the police about it?”

“What can they do? I’m just worried that if I make any kind of fuss, that’ll be enough for him to find me. I cut all my ties with my previous life when he went to jail. There should be no way he can find me, but you know… I know he’ll look for me. If he does find out I’m here…”

“I don’t have any friends I could ask in the police I’m afraid. All I can do is keep an eye out for him. It’s not a big town. If he does come, maybe we can spot him before he finds you.”

Abigail nods. “Thanks. I don’t think I need to. I’m certain he won’t look here. I just needed someone to talk to. I wanted to talk to Spencer, but she ran off, husband problems. And Anissa, all she’ll do is tell me to talk to her priest. I’m not into religion. And I don’t trust priests anymore than anyone else.”

“As I say. I’ll look out for him. But I don’t know what he looks like.”

Abigail agrees again. She goes to her phone. She spends a while on the internet, before pulling up a picture from some newspaper article. Clearly she doesn’t have any personal photos of her ex. He’s a tall man, rugged and handsome, a widow’s peak of black hair and dark brooding eyes. Clearly, he’s considerably older than Abigail, well into his forties by now.

You try to take her mind off her ex by talking about classes. You’re not too successful, but after the drinks are finished Abigail appears more relaxed. You bid each other goodbye and head back home.