SSC Vanessa Broadbent put her pen down, holding up a hand to Neil, and requesting he pause his story. “If I may be so bold detective,” she said, removing her glasses, “your defence may be better suited to leaving some of these details out.”
“I asked Detective Townsend to tell me everything.” said Sir Jeremy, turning to face Vanessa. “Since he has explained his… er… condition? I think it fair to assume he was only complying with my request.”
“That does not change the fact he has already given evidence for two crimes, on top of the crime he committed that…”
Henry coughed to Vanessa’s side, interrupting her. “I think you will find, SSC Broadbent, we are here to discuss allegations. Until those allegations are proven to be truth by a law that sits beyond the members of this room, Detective Townsend remains an innocent man; a man who has committed no crimes.”
“My apologies.” said Vanessa, catching the intent in Henry’s eyes and turning back to Neil. “That is correct. However, you have still presented evidence for the attempted assault of a civilian, and the consumption of alcohol during police hours.”
“Miss Broadbent.” said Sir Jeremy, with a derisory air. “I had a shot of brandy after my eggs this morning, about five past nine, just into what is classed as my working day. Do you wish to charge me now, or shall I await a formal hearing?”
“Sir Jeremy,” said Vanessa, blushing, “I did not mean to…”
“Law is law Miss Broadbent.” continued Sir Jeremy, deepening his voice. “Am I to be charged in the same manner as Detective Townsend? And know that whatever your answer is, it shall apply to us both.”
“Er…” said Vanessa, lowering her head to her notes. “I don’t think that will be necessary.”
“Good.” said Sir Jeremy, motioning toward Neil. “As for the other charge, it was clear to me that the assault, if it were not actually a beating handed out to Detective Townsend, was clearly aggravated. As we do not have a secondary witness, or the civilian in question present to ascertain the veracity of the story, I would assume there can be no crime to speak of.” He smiled, turning to Henry. “Would that be your interpretation as well DCI Blackwater?”
Henry took a sip of water, knowing he had been put on the spot. “I suppose that could be seen as true.”
“Excellent!” said Sir Jeremy, turning back to Neil. “So, detective, you were telling us about the end of your first day of investigations, before SSC Broadbent so rudely interrupted you. Do you have any thoughts to add to what you have given as evidence so far? Did you decide to continue your association Mister Crane?”
Neil looked down, rubbing his hands together in reflective silence. If SSC Broadbent thought the first day with Artimus went badly, he was not sure continuing the tale was a good idea. Looking up, he caught the expectant stare of Sir Jeremy and swallowed away his doubts; he had a story to complete.
Day 3
Chapter 17
The Morning After
Out of Time Page 16