by Black, Helen
‘What?’ Jack gave a mirthless laugh. ‘You expect me to believe that?’
‘I may be many things Jack, but a liar is not one of them. Lydia introduced me to Chloe and she asked for my help. Sorry to disappoint you but I was involved in this case long before you arrived.’ She narrowed her eyes at him. ‘Now, if you’d like to discuss the case or the evidence then be my guest, otherwise I’ll go back in to my client.’
She watched Jack’s Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed down the information she’d just delivered.
‘Why don’t you wait here while I get the statement of the officer who found the knife?’ he said.
‘I think I can do that,’ she answered.
* * *
Jack wasn’t even sure he had a copy of PC Waterman’s statement in his briefcase. He didn’t need it anyway and could tell Lilly pretty much word for word what it said. But he needed a minute away from her. Mary, Mother of God, that woman had always had a way of crucifying him and today was just one of many where he made a complete and utter twat of himself trying to argue with her.
If he’d learned one thing over the long years he’d known her, it was that she would never, ever back down.
And what in the name of all things holy had he been doing accusing her of dishonesty? Lilly was the most honest person he had ever met. How many times had her brutal need to tell the truth cut him to the bone?
He didn’t even try to find the statement but threw himself into the nearest toilet. He shouldn’t let her get to him like this and he certainly couldn’t let her see the effect she was having on him. He ran the cold tap and splashed his face repeatedly. If she saw this chink in his armour, she would use it to Chloe’s advantage, no doubt about it. He had to act as he would to any other solicitor.
The paper towel dispenser was empty and he was forced to wipe his face with toilet roll, which left a grainy residue around his mouth. He picked off the white flecks with his thumbnail and went to speak to Lilly.
He found her, still outside the shrink’s office, pinning her hair up, a grip in her mouth.
‘I’m afraid I don’t have the statement,’ he said. ‘Sorry about that. I’ll make sure it’s mailed to you as soon as.’
She spoke around the grip. ‘No worries.’
‘And I’m sorry about before.’ He spoke slowly and clearly. ‘I was just shocked to see you here. No excuse for rudeness.’
Lilly nodded, but there was still a tightness around her mouth even after she removed the grip and slid it into her curls.
‘We’re both professionals,’ he continued. ‘We’ve worked together many times without any problems, haven’t we?’
Lilly looked puzzled. They had worked on the same cases before but they both knew it had always caused problems.
‘Business is business,’ he said and clapped his hands together to signal that the matter was at an end. ‘Let’s get to it.’
I watch the chief superintendent shut the door behind him. He keeps himself holed up in there like an animal hibernating in winter. I wouldn’t be in the least surprised to find his desk drawers full of nuts and berries.
I bumped into him on one of his rare forays to the toilet and asked after his health. Only good manners. When he asked me how things were going, I told him about the dead girl, and the fat girl. And, of course, Jack.
‘Tell him to give me an update,’ he said and went back to his cave.
I pull out my phone and send a text:
To: Jack
From: Kate
Just spkn to CS and he was very interested in your case. Get you, Mr Big Shot. Expect u have it und contrl and will be promoted this time next wk.
‘Shall I give you the gist about the knife?’ asked Jack. ‘Do you need to grab a notebook?’
Lilly watched him carefully. He’d moved from Mr Angry to Captain Reasonable in moments and she didn’t know which one she liked least.
‘We should get the prints back within the hour,’ he said. ‘But we’re pretty certain they’ll be your girl’s, seeing as how the blade was found hidden among her clothes.’
Shit. There was the evidence stacking up.
‘I think it might make more sense to discuss whether she’s fit to be interviewed first,’ Lilly said.
He looked like he was about to speak and she was anticipating an argument when his phone beeped.
‘Excuse me,’ he said and slid his phone from his pocket. As he read a text, a hint of laughter crossed his face. ‘Sorry.’
‘Something funny?’ Lilly asked.
‘Not funny …’ He searched for the right word. ‘Nice.’ He reread it and slipped the phone away. ‘Where were we?’
Christ, bring back Mr Angry, all was forgiven.
‘Fitness for interview,’ Lilly prompted.
He nodded. ‘Right. Right. I’m assuming you don’t think she is. Fit that is.’
‘I’m not a psychiatrist.’ Lilly shrugged. ‘But I’d say it’s definitely an issue. Well, you saw the state she was in yesterday.’
‘I suppose our resident shrink backs that up?’
‘He’s adamant,’ said Lilly.
‘I’ll have to talk to her at some stage,’ he said.
‘Maybe,’ Lilly agreed. ‘But in the meantime you know she’s not going anywhere. She’s held here under a section after all.’
Jack sighed, but it wasn’t the sound of frustration, more that he was weighing his options. Lilly wondered, if this was an act, just how long he could keep it up.
‘I’ll tell you what, Lilly. Let’s have a quick word with Chloe and see how the land lies.’ He could not have sounded more reasonable. ‘Then I can judge for myself.’
‘Okaaaayyy.’
He nodded politely, almost a bow, then pushed open the office door. As one, Chloe and Harry looked up. At the sight of Jack, Harry’s face darkened. In contrast, Chloe’s seemed to light up.
‘Are you the police?’ she asked.
Jack allowed Lilly to step into the room before him then addressed the girl. ‘That I am.’
‘At last,’ said Chloe.
‘I don’t think you should say anything.’ Harry placed a cautionary hand on her arm and Chloe looked down at it as if she had never seen anything like it.
‘I need to ask you a few questions Chloe,’ said Jack.’ I just need to be sure whether today is a good time or not.’
Chloe looked up slowly, the radiance replaced by a thunderous desperation. ‘And is it?’ she whispered.
‘Your doctor says not.’ Jack jerked his head towards Harry. ‘And your solicitor says the same.’
‘Then surely that’s an end to it?’ said Harry.
Jack smiled. ‘Not exactly.’
‘You’re not going to overrule my expert opinion?’ Harry stood and stepped behind Chloe, hands placed firmly on her shoulders. No doubt he meant it to be comforting but Chloe cringed. ‘You’re not a doctor after all.’
‘Just a lowly copper, I’m afraid,’ said Jack.
Harry threw Lilly a searching look.
‘Though Jack will take your view and mine into account, the final decision rests with him,’ she said.
‘That’s preposterous,’ said Harry.
‘That’s the law,’ Jack replied.
The two men stared one another down. Harry outraged, Jack looking faintly amused.
‘Look, Jack,’ Lilly interjected. ‘No one is trying to undermine your authority here.’ She shot Harry a glare. ‘I just think that given how ill Chloe was yesterday and the fact that she is still under the influence of a huge amount of medication, it would be better not to interview her today. We should at least wait until the prints on the knife come back from the lab; it’s not as if she’s going anywhere in the meantime is it?’
It looked as if Jack might agree when there was the sound of a slap. Like the smack of meat on a butcher’s counter. Again and again.
It was Chloe, hitting her cheeks with her open palms. First one side and then the other. ‘No, no, no,’ she g
roaned, the intensity of each blow increasing.
Harry tried to grab her hands. ‘I warned you, but you wouldn’t listen,’ he spat at Jack. ‘This child is not well.’
Chloe dodged Harry and lurched forward towards Jack, flinging herself at him. He was much leaner these days, and her weight knocked him backwards, but he was also much fitter and agile, soon recovering and twisting Chloe’s arm behind her back, bending her forward from the waist.
‘What the hell are you doing?’ Harry roared.
Jack ignored him and concentrated on Chloe. ‘What’s the problem here, Chloe?’
‘The problem is you are assaulting one of my patients.’ Harry’s voice rang out.
Jack didn’t look at the other man, instead his own voice dropped. ‘Can I let go now, Chloe?’
The girl nodded and Jack released his hold, spinning her gently so she was facing him. Lilly could almost see the heat coming from her, like a cloud of yellow steam.
‘Okay?’ Jack asked.
Chloe looked up at him, her mouth slack. ‘Please take me to the station.’
‘What?’
‘I want to go to the police station,’ said Chloe. ‘I want to go now.’
Chapter Six
Fact Sheet For Those Involved in Care Proceedings
Q: What is Cafcass?
A: The Children and Family Court Advisory Service.
Q: What does it do?
A: It safeguards and promotes the welfare of children involved in court proceedings, making sure their voices are heard and their needs met.
Q: What is a Children’s Guardian?
A: A Children’s Guardian is the person appointed by the court to represent the children when Social Services have applied to place the children into their care.
Q: Are they independent?
A: Yes. They do not work for Social Services or the court.
Q: What do they do?
A: The Children’s Guardian represents the children during the court proceedings. They do this by instructing a solicitor who specializes in this type of case, by advising the court what the children need, by visiting the children regularly, and by writing a report saying what would be best for the child.
Q: Does the Children’s Guardian always recommend what the child wants?
A: The Children’s Guardian will always listen to the wishes of the child and will inform the court about them. However, their report will say what they think is best for the child. This is not always the same as what they want.
Q: Is information given to the Children’s Guardian confidential?
A: Any information given to the Children’s Guardian may be included in their report and passed to the court and all the other parties.
Following Chloe’s outburst, Jack had decided to take her into the police station and called for a squad car to do the ferrying.
‘I’ll meet you there?’ he asked Lilly.
She was about to admit she didn’t have her car with her and face the embarrassment of being forced to cadge a lift, when Harry suggested they go together. She was grateful to be spared the twenty-minute journey with Jack either chatting inanely or scowling ahead in silence.
They slogged their way across the car park, Lilly’s feet sinking deep into the fresh snow. As the cold hit her ankles, she wished she’d worn boots.
‘You okay?’ Harry laughed as Lilly lifted her feet high, like a dressage pony.
‘We need a bloody sledge,’ she said, and he laughed again until he reached a silver Porsche Cayenne and pointed his keys to unlock it. What was it about posh boys and four-by-fours? Did they all have one in case of emergencies?
Inside smelled of clean new leather and Lilly grimaced at the thought of the puddle that would be forming at her feet, as the ice that was stuck to her socks melted.
‘They might not let you in, you know,’ she told him.
Harry gunned the car forward. ‘Let me in where?’
‘The station,’ she said. ‘Usually no one’s allowed in the custody area except lawyers and job.’
‘There’s nothing usual about this situation though is there?’
‘No,’ Lilly agreed. ‘But I’ve never known a suspect’s doctor get access.’
Harry smiled. ‘Then you’ve never met a doctor as persuasive as me before.’
Lilly smiled back. Harry was certainly persuasive and, as far as policemen went, Jack was on the reasonable end of the spectrum, but this was a murder investigation.
‘Why do you think Chloe asked to be taken in?’ she said.
Harry’s smile slipped. ‘She’s in a very confused state of mind.’
‘She seemed very clear about it,’ said Lilly. ‘She told me before that she needed to explain something to the police.’
‘Did she?’
Lilly nodded. ‘She was adamant. When I was on my own with her, she begged.’
Harry contemplated Lilly’s words, clearly marshalling his thoughts. When he spoke his tone was measured. ‘It’s possible she feels she should be punished for what happened to Lydia.’
‘She says she didn’t do it,’ said Lilly.
Harry pulled up outside the station. ‘Do you believe that?’
‘What I believe is neither here nor there.’
Harry saluted and dropped into a fake German accent. ‘I am just following ze orders, commandant.’
Lilly punched him gently on the shoulder. ‘It’s not like that and you know it. I just can’t afford to get caught up in maybes. If Chloe says she didn’t do it then that’s good enough for me. Right now my only job is to stop a vulnerable girl digging herself into a hole she can never get out of.’
Jack was waiting for them in reception. He looked Harry up and down.
‘Where’s Chloe?’ Lilly asked.
‘She’s with the custody sergeant being processed,’ said Jack.
‘You’ve arrested her?’
Jack shook his head. ‘No, no. I wanted to wait for you to get here to explain the caution to her. Just to be safe.’ He meant he didn’t want his main suspect admitting to anything he couldn’t use against her at a later date. ‘The sarge said he’d rustle up a uniform to sit with her in a side room until you got here.’
He moved towards the security door but stopped, hand over the keypad. ‘I’m afraid you’ll have to wait here,’ he told Harry.
Lilly turned to Harry, she had told him to expect this, but his face gave nothing away.
‘I think you need me in there,’ he said.
‘A kind offer, but I’m told Chloe was perfectly calm on the way over here,’ Jack replied. ‘And we have an FME at hand if there are any problems.’
‘Nothing altruistic about my offer,’ said Harry. ‘In fact, it’s not an offer.’
‘No?’ Jack narrowed his eyes.
‘More a statement of fact,’ said Harry. ‘You need me in there with Chloe.’
Jack gave a polite nod. ‘I’m afraid I have to decline that offer.’
‘As I say, it’s not an offer.’
Lilly had to hand it to Harry, he was persistent. In other circumstances she would have sat back and enjoyed the show, but she needed to speak to Chloe. She needed to impress upon her that she must say absolutely nothing to the police.
‘Perhaps you could stay out here for now, Harry?’ she said. ‘If there’s any suggestion that Chloe needs medical attention, we could call you through.’
‘Sounds like a plan,’ said Jack.
Harry rubbed the edge of his scalp with his thumbnail. ‘I’m obviously not making myself clear here, which is probably my fault, but the fact remains that I have to be given access to Chloe. The law is very straightforward in this regard.’
Lilly sighed. She’d advised Harry that the law stated doctors had no right to be with their clients. She understood how protective he felt about Chloe, but he needed to let this go and allow her to do her job.
‘I think Lilly and I are fairly au fait with the law in this regard,’ said Jack.
Harry cl
icked his finger and pointed at Jack. ‘Then you’ll know Chloe is a minor and as such requires an appropriate adult. You can’t speak to her without one.’ He opened his arms wide. ‘And here I am in all my appropriateness.’
Jack didn’t miss a beat. ‘The custody sergeant will be ringing Chloe’s parents as we speak. I’m sure one will arrive soon.’
Harry threw back his head and laughed. ‘Good luck with that.’
‘What?’ Jack asked.
Harry shook his head as if it were one of the funniest jokes he’d ever heard. ‘Chloe hasn’t had any contact with her parents in years.’
Lilly snapped up her head. In all the furore, she hadn’t had any time to discuss Chloe’s background. She’d assumed there would be a family worrying about her, much like Lydia’s.
‘Who looks after her?’ Lilly asked.
‘We do,’ Harry replied. ‘A social worker might visit her every six months, but I’ve never met the same one twice.’
Lilly felt her throat constrict at the thought of a child with no one in the world to rely on except doctors and nurses. How lost must the poor kid feel? Her nightmare was interrupted by Jack’s phone, which he snapped open.
‘Sarge,’ he said.
She couldn’t hear what was being said, but assumed by Jack’s expression that what Harry had told them was true. When he hung up, he didn’t speak to Harry but punched in the code and gestured him and Lilly through, before marching off ahead of them to the custody suite.
‘Is he always such a charmer?’ Harry whispered.
Gem pulls a clean pair of trousers over Tyler’s bum. He smiles up at her, jam round his chops.
‘You’re a messy little beggar.’ She tickles him, making him scream and laugh and hiccup all at the same time. ‘Do you hear me, messy beggar?’
‘You’ll make him sick,’ says Mum, searching through her dressing gown pockets for a fag. ‘Anyway, why aren’t you in school?’
Gem don’t answer and fishes through a pile of socks for a pair, then she smoothes each one over the baby’s little toes, rubbing them, making him laugh again. They both know Gem ain’t going to school today and they both know Mum ain’t really bothered. It’s just something she says ’cos she thinks she should. Like when she says she’ll take Tyler to the park. Just stuff they talk about at Sure Start.