PND demands

'So Tony explained that he spoke to Hazel the other day. Apparently she said she hates the things her father's done.'

'I should fucking hope so! At least it shows she's got some morals, I guess, but Christ.'

'I know... I suppose it's good to hear, but... ugh, I don't know how to feel.'

'If she's being outspoken about her disgust of Miles' actions, then perhaps she's reached a turning point. It's horrendous that it took what happened to Tristan for her to open her eyes, but it's better than nothing. Though having said that, you are absolutely within your rights to not trust her in the slightest, she's been completely appalling to you.'

'I'm still upset over that. What's made her change her mind? How has she gone from condoning torture to being against it?'

'Of course. If someone said that to me, I'd be furious. Hell, I'm fucking mad she said it full stop. Perhaps actually seeing one of his victims day in day out before the attack happened was a wake up call. Maybe she discarded your experiences as something that happened before she was born, to someone she barely saw and that distanced her enough to put it out of mind. Not that I'm saying it's the correct approach if I'm right, but it's the only thing I can think of. But seeing the triplets, and then Tristan disappearing, and the other two acting noticeably and understandably different... That's harder to ignore.'

'You're right. That does make it different.'

'I'm really sorry. It shouldn't make a difference.'

'Oh well... I should just look at it as a positive thing. I'm not going to get involved or anything though.'

'That's a good idea. Perhaps this is the boot up the ass the girl needs to re-enter the real world, but yes, it's definitely better to keep a wide berth.'

*KNOCK KNOCK*

'I'll get it!'

'I'm looking for Nalini. Is she here?'

'Jesus fuck man, your face.'

'Forget that, just answer my question.'

'Quick, hide me in the wardrobe.'

'I'll sneak you upstairs.'

'Please do.'

'Why should I help you after what you've done?'

'It's nothing to do with you. Go back to that parasite you call a child and leave the adults to it.'

'Ugh, fucking cunt.'

'You shut the fuck up. She's worth a million of you.'

'I haven't got time for this!'

'Hey, you can't just barge in! Nobody fucking wants you here! Are you deaf? You know a cop lives here, right?'

'Oh, as if he'll do anything.'

'Ah. I was right.'

'...Hello.'

'Hello. Can you make me another PND?'

'What's wrong with the current one? If it's broken, I can come round to have a look at it.'

'...Roxxi took it when she left.'

'Ah. I see. Well, the materials for it are quite scarce, so I can look into it but I'm afraid I can't promise anything.'

'It's rather urgent. Miles has sent another threatening letter. I'm in immediate danger.'

'Good.'

'Well, I can promise you that I'll definitely be making some calls about it.'

'How soon though? I really don't have time to spare!'

'I'll call tonight.'

'Good. Try to make it as quick as possible, alright?'

'She already agreed. I'm sure she'll do her best, so stop nagging her.'

'I can't be left at Miles' mercy!'

'Oh yes, that'd be unthinkable to do that to someone.'

'Rest assured, I don't need constant reiteration of how serious the situation is. I understand the danger.'

'So you can piss off now. Ellis will be bringing Nix back soon, and I don't want her around the likes of you.'

'Oh believe me, I don't want to be anywhere near the vermin.'

'Keep your fucking stupid views to yourself and just get out, you bloody bastard! And don't bother coming back!'

'Alright, fine! I'm going!'



*SLAM*

'Fucker!'

'I hope those bruises are agony.'

'I hope he walks under a bus on his way back.'

'Well I was going to ask if I did the right thing in lying about a materials shortage, but I think I did.'

'Oh, definitely. You're under no obligation to carry on protecting him. I won't encourage Miles' atrocities, but I'm washing my hands of the situation. My cunt of a brother didn't help when I was at his mercy, after all. I shan't do it for him.'

'Fucking hell. Come here. You don't need to rely on him for protection any more.'

'Thank God for that.'

'Tate can rot. I don't care what the hell happens to him, he's not worthy of protection and it'll take something pretty fucking big to get me to change my mind. I'd rather focus my time and energy on more worthwhile people.'

'I'm sorry you've been dragged into this, Nalini.'

'If I hadn't been though, I wouldn't have been able to provide Roxxi and the kids with their PND, nor help them leave. I'd rather be involved and have to deal with that pus filled genital scab than stand by and do nothing.'

'We all appreciate it.'

'Yeah, it's great the kids could rely on you.'

'And let's look on the bright side. I've got something else to write about in my fucking anger management diary now, so that'll make my therapist laugh.'