Frost 4 - Hard Frost

by R D Wingfield

  Frost led him to his office. As he opened the door he nearly tripped over a heap of clothes. Liz and Burton were asleep on the floor near the radiator, locked in each other's arms. Neither was wearing very much. Frost backed out, closing the door firmly. "We'll try next door," he said.

  They went into the office Cassidy was using. Frost sat at the empty desk and offered Perry a chair. "So what can I do for you?"

  Perry unzipped his solid leather briefcase and pulled out two typed statements. "I am acting for Miss Millicent Fleming and Miss Julie Adams. You took statements from them yesterday?"

  "Not me," said Frost. "My colleague Inspector Cassidy."

  "The statements were taken without a solicitor being present."

  "They were asked if they wanted one. They both declined."

  Perry smiled. "I am sure everything was explained to them. The thing is, my clients would like to withdraw their statements."

  "Can't be done," said Frost.

  Another smile. "Come now, inspector. All things are possible. They admit the crime but the prurient details . . . the sexual relationship . . . the photographs . . . They are going to cause such a stir."

  "I'm afraid so," nodded Frost.

  "They have families . . . friends. They are respected members of the church. They would much prefer that these details were not part of the case against them."

  "So what are you suggesting?"

  "Hoxton came to rob them. He tried to rape Julie. Millicent hit him to stop him and he died. That is not in dispute. But surely there is no need for the sexual aspect to come out. They are both most concerned almost suicidal about this."

  "Their statements will have to be read out in court."

  "I'm suggesting we tear up the original statements and destroy the tapings of the interviews. They will give you fresh statements that will omit the sexual aspect."

  "I don't see why we can't do that," began Frost. "I'll have a word with my colleague, it's his case."

  As if on cue, Cassidy came in, scowling his annoyance to find his office being used by Frost. "Can I ask what's going on?"

  Frost explained.

  "No way," said Cassidy emphatically. "No flaming way."

  "It wouldn't harm our case," said Frost.

  "It would be bending the rules," said Cassidy, 'and I don't bend rules for anyone." He stood pointedly by his desk, waiting for Frost to give up his chair.

  Frost pushed himself up. "Sorry, Mr. Perry."

  Perry gave a sad smile. "I tried," he said. "They'll be terribly disappointed, but I tried."

  In the corridor outside, Frost watched Perry, shoulders sagging, walking towards the custody area. He chased after him. "Mr. Perry!"

  The solicitor paused and turned.

  "I shouldn't be surprised if the original tapes and statements get lost," whispered Frost. "I'm well known for losing things. Give me a call later today. We might need your clients to give us fresh statements."

  Perry twisted his head up and down, making sure no-one could hear. He lowered his voice. "Your colleague is dead against it. I wouldn't want to get you into trouble, inspector."

  "I don't need outside help to get me into trouble," said Frost. "I can do that very well on my own."

  He sailed past Perry and out into the lobby.

  "Have you seen Wonder Woman this morning?" called Wells. "Mullett wants her."

  "She might be taking things easy this morning," said Frost. "She had one winkle too many last night."

  He turned up the collar of his mac and stepped out into the pouring rain. There was a dead firework on the pavement. He kicked it away.

  THE END