Broken Promises (Photo Story)

Walter’s reaction to Deirdre’s desire to take a break from their relationship left her worried about what he might do. She phoned Lena that night and arranged to meet the next morning.

 

Thanks for inviting me over. I know you must have a dozen things you’d rather be doing on a Saturday morning. (Deirdre)

Deirdre, I’m here to help in any way I can. So tell me what happened. (Lena)

Well, Walter showed up at my place pissed because he couldn’t reach me, and then he started making these crazy demands. I had been thinking all afternoon about the stuff you said at the cafe and I was fed up, so I told him I needed a break and…and he just snapped. He started ranting and raving about broken promises and… (Deirdre)

Did he threaten you? (Lena)

In so many words, yes…. (Deirdre)

Then our first priority has to be ensuring your safety. I know Walter hasn’t been physically abusive, but that doesn’t change the fact that the most dangerous time for a victim is when she is trying to leave. The lack of physical violence doesn’t make him any less dangerous, so do not underestimate him. (Lena)

I was a little worried about that, so I stayed in a hotel last night. (Deirdre)

Why waste money on a hotel? Do you have anywhere else you could go? What about Robyn’s place? (Lena)

I don’t want to worry Robyn with all of this just yet. Besides, the room didn’t cost me anything. I went to a place in the city where I’ve performed in the past. The manager offered me the room for free when I told her I was in town for the weekend. I’ll go home Monday since I have an appointment at PS Records. (Deirdre)

I really wish you’d reconsider talking to Robyn. If you’re worried about her saying, “I told you so” then you can stop worrying. I don’t think she’s that kind of friend. And I’d feel better if you were staying with someone, and avoided going places alone. (Lena)

Can’t I do something to keep him away from me? (Deirdre)

You can file for a TPO, a temporary protective order, which will order him to stay away and avoid all contact with you. The order is punishable by arrest and jail time if he violates it. But as the name indicates, it’s only a temporary solution. The two of you would have to go before a judge about a month after you file. At that time, the judge will hear evidence and decide if the order should be made permanent. (Lena)

I don’t know about all this. (Deirdre)

And when Walter pops up, make it clear that you don’t want any contact with him and be a woman of your word. Don’t take his calls or agree to meet with him and avoid being alone with him at all costs. (Lena)

Don’t you mean if he pops up? The TPO should keep him away, right? (Deirdre)

No, I mean when he pops up. He will have a hard time coping with what he feels is a loss of power and control over you. And he will certainly stalk and harass you in an effort to regain that control. His desperation will make him dangerous. Keep records of every phone call, email, and text message so you can prove to a judge that a permanent restraining order is justified. (Lena)

Lena and Deirdre finish their tea. On her way back to the hotel, Deirdre mulls the idea of filing for a protective order after her appointment on Monday.

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Monday Afternoon:

Deirdre is waiting for an elevator down to the lobby of PS Records when Walter approaches.

Walter, what are you doing here? (Deirdre)

I need to talk to you. I knew you wouldn’t miss your meeting with the record execs today. I didn’t want to come down here, but you left me no choice since you won’t answer my calls and haven’t been home any of the times I’ve stopped by. (Walter)

You shouldn’t be here. There’s nothing to talk about. (Deirdre)

Did you get the flowers I sent? (Walter)

Yes, I got them this morning- all twelve arrangements…but it’s too late to apologize, Walter. And I don’t have anything else to say to you. (Deirdre, pushing the elevator button)

You can’t do this to me. (Walter)

Huh? I don’t understand. (Deirdre)

No, you don’t understand! I love you, and you promised to love me. What gives you the right to walk out on me and break the promises you made? (Walter)

Deirdre is speechless. The elevator doors open.

After you… (Walter)

No, you go ahead. I’ll get the next one. (Deirdre)

I insist. (Walter)

I don’t care. I’m not getting on that elevator with you. (Deirdre)

Get on the f#ck!ng elevator. (Walter, gripping her elbow firmly and steering her toward the elevator doors)

Deirdre jerks away. As Walter reaches for her, he spots a security guard approaching.

Pardon me. Are you alright, Miss? (guard)

She’s fine. (Walter)

Miss? Is everything alright? (guard)

I said she’s fine. (Walter)

And I heard you, but with all due respect, sir I wasn’t talking to you. (guard)

What’s your name? (Walter)

Kevin. (guard)

Do you like having a job, Kevin? (Walter)

Deirdre interjects.

I just remembered I left something in the board room. I could use some help finding my way back, Kevin. My friend was just leaving. (Deirdre)

Kevin leads Deirdre away as Walter looks on. As soon as they’re out of earshot, Deirdre thanks Kevin for his help but warns him that Walter has enough influence to have him fired for interfering. Kevin isn’t worried.

I could walk you to your car when you’re ready to leave. (Kevin)

Thanks, that’s very sweet of you, but I don’t want you to go to any trouble. (Deirdre)

I don’t mind at all. That guy back there, your friend, didn’t look too friendly. (Kevin)

Deirdre reluctantly allows Kevin to accompany her to her car. Neither of them notices Walter watching from a short distance away.

Thanks for reading!