Chapter 4
Following yesterday's events, Carla felt a sense of relief, like a weight lifting from her heart. She had always found it hard to share the details of her life, but Lisa made it effortless. The connection they shared made her feel truly heard and understood in a way she had longed for. Even after baring her soul and revealing her past traumas, she was enveloped in an even deeper sense of connection, overshadowing any fears of vulnerability. Lisa's unwavering support made Carla realise she could freely express herself. And with gentle reminders of all the burdens Carla had listened to regarding Becky, Betsy, and Lisa's struggles at her job—or lack thereof when she was wrongly arrested and suspended—Carla felt a growing sense of mutual connection in their bond.
Every day she spent with the captivating detective only intensified the feelings blossoming within her. While she kept her true feelings close to her heart, reluctant to voice them too soon, she couldn’t deny the rush of emotions coursing through her. She loved Lisa with a fierceness that was both exhilarating and terrifying. This wasn’t just infatuation; it was something profoundly deeper than she had ever felt before. The way Lisa laughed, the warmth in her eyes, the simple kindness she showed—it all wrapped around Carla like a comforting embrace. As she contemplated their future, she couldn’t help but hope that Lisa felt the same. The idea of waiting too long to reveal her feelings left Carla feeling a mix of longing and anxiety, fueling a deep desire to dive into the unknown, hand in hand with the woman who had come to mean so much to her.
As the sun rose on the third day of their new relationship, golden rays streamed through the window of Carla’s home, casting a warm glow over her cozy room. Carla lay in bed, still basking in the afterglow of her previous day with Lisa. It felt as though time had paused, allowing her to cherish each moment shared, from deep conversations to laughter that filled the air.
Today was significant, but not just for the blossoming connection between them; Lisa was returning to work after taking yesterday off as annual leave, and while Carla would have loved to spend the entire day with her, she understood the importance of Lisa's job.
Carla's phone buzzed with a message from Lisa. “Good morning, beautiful! Just waking up. Hope you’re ready for a lovely day! Miss you already.”
With a warm smile, Carla replied, “Good morning! Any chance of visiting before your shift?”
“Of course, but I need to keep it short. Need to be at the station shortly!” Lisa responded. “Let’s make the most of it though ;)”
Excitement bubbled inside Carla as she prepared to greet Lisa. Recovering from brain surgery meant she needed ample rest, but she was determined to see her partner, even if just for a little while.
When Lisa walked in, her bright smile and two coffees from Roy’s in hand, Carla’s heart soared with happiness. “I could easily get used to you bringing me treats from Roy’s every morning!” she said, chuckling softly.
“That’s definitely possible,” Lisa replied, her eyes sparkling as she moved toward the sofa where Carla had settled after letting her girlfriend into the flat. They embraced warmly, sharing a gentle kiss, and in that moment, Carla felt a rush of affection envelop her.
Settling into the cozy atmosphere of the room, they chatted lightly, relishing each other’s presence. With Carla’s health still a priority, Lisa nestled next to the brunette on the sofa, ensuring her girlfriend felt relaxed.
“This feels nice,” Carla said, her eyes twinkling. “I’m really happy you’re here. You always lifts my spirits.”
Lisa reached out and held Carla’s hand, her voice gentle. “You mean the world to me. I want you to focus on resting and recovering. I know how desperate you are to get back to the factory but you’re doing amazing, you know.”
Carla smiled, feeling her heart lift at Lisa's words. “It’s tough not being back at work, but having you here makes everything feel a bit brighter.”
As they talked, they shared stories about their lives, dreams, and even silly moments from when they were kids. Laughter flowed easily, filling the room with warmth and love. Carla felt lighter, as if the burdens of her recovery momentarily faded away in Lisa’s presence.
Yet, as time moved on, Carla felt the weight of their reality. “I know you have to get to work soon…” she said, a hint of sadness lacing her voice.
Lisa nodded, a flicker of regret crossing her features. “I wish I could stay longer, but there’s a case I need to attend to. I need to interview a suspect first thing. It’s important.”
“Absolutely, I understand,” Carla reassured her, despite the pang of disappointment. “Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself too.”
With tender sincerity, Lisa agreed, “I promise. But I’m looking forward to our next time together already.”
With a shared understanding, they embraced once more, feeling the bond between them deepen. Carla realised that even amidst the complexities of work and her recovery, what they shared was meaningful and worth every moment. As Lisa prepared to leave, they exchanged a passionate kiss, starting the day with warmth and hope. Their journey together was just beginning, rooted in resilience and the promise of a bright future ahead.
————
Lisa's heart was heavy when she arrived at the station. The laughter she’d shared with Carla lingered in her mind, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her. She pushed her emotions aside as she entered the sterile, bustling office, focusing on the task that lay ahead: interviewing Matty Radcliffe.
Matty was notorious in Weatherfield—he had a history of crimes, but it was the recent robbery that had drawn Lisa's attention. It wasn’t just that; he was slippery, always evading justice. All she saw was a man in the room who she suspected might have a hand in Carla’s assault, yet every attempt to link him to the crime had fallen flat. And now, he’d slipped in another dagger, taunting her with details about her late wife’s passing, a topic that stirred a fierce anger within her. How could he know those things?
As Lisa entered the interrogation room, accompanied by DC Green, she was met with Matty’s casual demeanor, grinning like butter wouldn’t melt, which made her blood boil. “Detective Swain,” he said mockingly, leaning back in his chair. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Lisa snapped, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “Give it a rest. We both know why you’re here.”
“Ah, the robbery,” he said with a shrug. “Another boring day for me, right?”
“Boring for you, perhaps. But for me, this is serious.” Lisa took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Can you tell me where you were the night of the burglary at number 4 Coronation Street?”
“I was around,” he replied, his casual tone unwavering. “Hanging out with friends. You know how it is.”
“Friends who can vouch for you?” Lisa pressed, wanting to dig deeper.
He chuckled, a deep, irritating laugh that only fueled her anger. “They’ve all got alibis. You need to get better sources, Detective.”
Lisa leaned closer, locking her gaze onto his. “You’re lying, Matty. I know you were involved. You’re always hanging around that area.”
“Oh, is that so? Maybe I just like the view,” he shot back, his eyes glimmering with mockery.
“Your knack for trouble is going to land you in a cell one day,” Lisa warned, her voice low. “And if it doesn’t, I’ll find another way to make sure you pay for what you’ve done.”
“D.S Swain” D.C Green warned, knowing that his superior was crossing the line of professionalism.
“Is that a promise?” Matty said, smirking.
She fought the urge to lunge across the table at him. “You think this is funny? You seem to know quite a bit about me—my past, my wife. Maybe you could tell me what I need to know. The truth would go a long way for you right now.”
He leaned in, a glint of mischief in his eye. “I know how to play the game, Swain. But you? You’re losing. You’ve got nothing.”
Lisa clenched her jaw, frustration clawing at her insides. He was playing with her, taunting her weaknesses, and the knowledge that she had no hard evidence to pin on him made her feel powerless. “You thought you could disclose a detail or two about my wife’s passing and that would scare me off? You’re mistaken, Matty. That’s not how this works.”
“Then it seems I’m still one step ahead,” he smirked, leaning back comfortably, his swagger irritating her even more.
Lisa’s mind raced as she collected her thoughts, wanting desperately to turn the tables on him. “All right. Let’s talk about your recent activities. Who were you with? Did any of them witness the robbery?”
“Activities?” He feigned innocence, but the glimmer in his eyes told her he was enjoying this more than he should. “Wasn’t me, Detective. I like to keep my hands clean—unlike you, with all those feelings dragging you down.”
Every word felt like salt in the wound, but Lisa pressed on. “I have no doubt you might’ve shared what you know. Perhaps about your friends’ involvement in the robbery?”
Matty shrugged, his relaxed demeanor infuriating. “You’ll have to do better than that.”
That was it—she needed something, anything. “What if I tell you I’m onto you for the attack on Mrs Connor? I know you think this is just a game, but I will get my evidence. One way or another.”
A flicker of uncertainty crossed his face for just a brief moment before he regained his composure. “You really think you can scare me?”
“No, Matty. I don’t want to scare you; I want to bring you down,” she replied, her voice even but her heart pounding with a mix of anger and determination.
Lisa could feel her resolve waning as she realised Matty might slip through her fingers yet again. But no—she couldn't let this be the end.
As the interview wore on, she tried different angles, questions and tactics, but Matty was a stone wall. Frustration boiled beneath her skin, but she refused to give in. She left the room, her mind racing with thoughts of Carla laying in a hospital bed just a few days ago, and a vow forming in her heart: she would bring Matty to justice.
He may have slinked through this time, but she would find a way. Somehow, she would gather the evidence to ensure he paid for his crimes. Whatever it took, for Carla, for Becky, for herself, she would not rest until Matty Radcliffe faced the consequences.
—————————
Lisa leaned against the cool wall of the station, her breath shaky, her chest tight with suppressed emotion. Matty’s smugness replayed in her mind like a cruel taunt. She reached for her phone, fingers trembling as she dialed Carla’s number.
“Hey!” her partner’s cheerful voice on the other end only intensified the lump in Lisa's throat. “How's it going?”
Taking a deep breath, Lisa struggled to find the words. “I… I don’t know how to say this. I’m really struggling right now.” The floodgates opened as the tears spilled over. “You remember the lad i was telling you about, who i think was involved in what happened to Becky. Well…I just faced him, and it’s all so overwhelming. I feel like I’m failing.”
“Oh, no,” the brunette’s voice softened. “Lisa, you’re not failing. It’s okay to feel this way. You can tell me anything, anytime, remember?”
“I know,” Lisa sobbed. “But he thinks this is all a game, that he can get away with everything. I’m trying to protect Betsy and get justice for Becky... and what if I can’t?” Each word came out choked with emotion, the weight of the situation pressing down harder.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Carla offered gently. “I’m here. You don’t have to carry this alone.”
“It’s just—he’s slippery; I don't know how to get through to him. It makes me feel like I’m chasing shadows.”
“Lisa, listen to me. You’re doing everything you can. You have to remember that you’re strong and capable. You’ve faced tougher things than this.”
“I feel like I’m letting everyone down,” Lisa admitted, regret gnawing at her.
“You could never let me down. I care about you for who you are, not just for what you can accomplish. Just know that I believe in you, even if it feels dark right now. So, take a moment to breathe. Just breathe Lisa. And when you’re ready, we’ll figure this out. You don’t have to do it all at once.”
With those reassuring words, Lisa felt a weight lift, even if just a little. She could picture Carla’s warm smile and sparkling eyes, bringing a small comfort amid the chaos. “Thank you,” Lisa replied, her voice steadier now.
“Anytime, darling. How about we go to the Bistro for dinner tonight? We can ask Betsy if she wants to join us.”
A faint smile broke through the tears, comforted by the thought of a shared evening. “I’d like that.”
As they hung up, Lisa took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination replace her despair. She could see a path through the darkness, and it began with standing up for the people she loved. She would expose the truth behind the games, and she wouldn’t be easily shaken.
Tomorrow was a new day, and she would face it head-on. For Carla, for Becky, and for Betsy—her suspect would learn that he couldn’t play games with her heart. Justice would prevail.
———————
Later that evening, Lisa walked into the Bistro with Betsy, after finally persuading her daughter to join her and Carla for dinner. The familiar scent of baked bread and roasted garlic wafted through the air, drawing them toward the entrance. Lisa felt the weight of the day begin to lift as they stepped inside.
The Bistro buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, a comforting mix of sounds that reminded her of the joy beyond the turmoil of her job. Just as they reached the table where Carla was seated, Carla stood up and leaned in, planting a quick kiss on Lisa’s lips. Although their relationship was still a secret, Carla had already scanned the room for familiar faces before the Swains arrived. She felt assured that no one they knew was around, except for Nick and Toyah behind the bar, who were too wrapped up in each other to notice anything else happening.
Betsy rolled her eyes dramatically, crossing her arms. “Ugh, seriously? You two again?” The sarcasm dripped from her words, a clear sign that the teenager was still grappling with her mum being in a relationship with her boss.
Lisa chuckled, trying to brush off Betsy’s discomfort. “Just a little affection, sweetheart. It’s harmless.”
“Harmless? Right,” Betsy muttered, her tone dripping with disbelief. She plopped down onto the chair and shot Carla a questioning look. “Next thing you know, i’ll be buying a hat for your wedding.”
Carla just smiled, unfazed by Betsy’s sarcasm. “Oi! Give it a rest, Betsy. Not every kiss is a wedding proposal.” She chuckled.
As Lisa took her seat across from Carla, she felt the warmth of the Bistro wrap around them. “How was your day, Bets?” she asked her daughter, attempting to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness.
Betsy huffed, clearly still annoyed. “Fine, I guess. Just another day of trying to avoid the gossip at the factory. Sean, Sally, and Fizz are like sharks circling.”
Carla just smiled, her voice steady despite the circumstances. “Betsy, if you’re worried about them talking, you know how to keep things private. Just focus on your work.”
Betsy sighed deeply. “I get it, but maybe just once I’d like to leave the drama of work at work. It feels like they have their radar on anything involving me.”
“Hey, it’s just a phase. They’ll move on to something else soon,” Carla reassured her
“Yeah, maybe,” Betsy replied, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a small smile. “Just try not to be too mushy in front of me, okay? I don’t want tomorrow’s gossip to be about you pair.”
Toyah arrived promptly to take their order, and Lisa ordered her favorite linguine, while Carla chose a vibrant salad. Betsy opted for a burger, still sulking but unable to resist the tempting aroma of the Bistro's cuisine.
As their meals arrived, the light banter resumed, with Betsy recounting her attempts to sidestep Sean’s questions and Sally’s incessant curiosity about her life. Lisa couldn’t help but laugh, the camaraderie a soothing balm against the trials outside their little table.
In between bites and shared desserts, Lisa leaned back in her chair, her heart warming with affection for the two important women in her life.
“I just wanted to say how thankful I am to have both of you,” she began, glancing from Carla to Betsy. “I’ve been dealing with a lot lately, and your support means the world to me.”
Betsy hesitated for a moment, sensing her mother's struggle with Becky’s case weighing heavily on her. Remembering the updates her mum had shared, she softened and chose her words carefully. “I guess I can deal with it... as long as it’s just occasional kisses,” she said, attempting to lighten the mood with humor, even as she felt a pang of concern for her mum's burden.
Carla nodded in agreement, a knowing smile on her face. “Exactly, Betsy. At least your mam has people who care, right?”
They all raised their glasses in a toast. “To caring, strength, and... less mush,” Betsy declared, trying to hide her smile.
“To less mush!” Lisa and Carla echoed, laughing together.
As the night unfolded, warmth and laughter filled the air, the earlier tension fading into the background. Lisa felt a renewed sense of hope and determination, realising that together they could navigate any challenge ahead.
With Carla’s unwavering support and Betsy’s developing acceptance, Lisa knew she was not alone. They’d continue to forge these bonds, slowly but surely, amidst the complexities of life.
And maybe, just maybe, they could find a balance between affection and teenage sarcasm that worked for them all.