‘She says he came on to her and touched her backside and she slapped him, and he must have been angry and followed her up the alleyway to attack her.’
‘Was she with anyone who can corroborate her version of events?’
‘She said her friend felt ill and had gone home, so she was alone in the nightclub.’
‘How convenient. Tony was with a group of lads on a stag night. If what Noel Harper told me is the truth, they can corroborate his version of events.’
‘If they’re willing to make a statement I’ll ensure the early turn CID speak to them.’
‘What did the WPC who took the statement make of Brooks?’
‘She was present when the Forensic Medical Examiner examined her, and after taking the statement she said that although she couldn’t prove Brooks was lying, she wasn’t convinced her story was entirely true.’
‘Why lie like that and accuse an innocent man of something he didn’t do?’
‘The WPC has a theory on that.’
‘Which was?’
‘She was frightened she’d be arrested for indecency in a public place and her husband would find out.’
Jane was surprised. ‘She’s married as well... Tony’s more stupid than I thought.’
‘I know it’s of little consolation where Tony’s concerned, but she wasn’t wearing her wedding ring. The WPC noticed a white mark on her ring finger. When asked if she was married, Brooks became nervous and said she’d taken her wedding ring off because her finger had swollen up and it hurt.’
‘Did you contact her husband?’
‘The WPC asked Brooks if she’d like us to, but she said he was away on business and she’d tell him when he got back. She also declined a lift home and when she got in a cab I rang her home address. A man answered and said angrily, “Is that you, Laura?” I said I’d got the wrong number and put the phone down.’
‘Sounds like Brooks panicked, thinking she’d be arrested for public indecency.’
‘Possibly — if her allegation is false.’
‘Will you be interviewing Tony, or will you hand the case over to early turn?’
‘I’ll interview him after I’ve spoken to Noel Harper. If their stories match, I’ll release him on bail pending further enquiries and deal with the case myself. I’m back on day shift Monday.’
‘I know I’m pushing my luck but is there any chance I can see him?’
‘I’m not sure that’s a good idea.’
‘I won’t mention I’ve spoken to you or Harper — I just want to speak to him about my sister and tell him to be truthful.’
Boon stood up. ‘I’ll tell the custody sergeant you’re family and I’ve approved a short cell visit — but I’ll have to be present.’
‘Of course.’
As Boon opened the cell door, Jane saw Tony sitting on the bed with his head in his hands. As soon as he saw Jane he started to well up.
‘I’m sorry, Jane — I really messed up. I’m so ashamed of what I’ve done.’
‘So you should be, Tony — even more so for giving a false name and using my address.’
‘I was worried Pam would find out I’d been arrested.’
‘If you hadn’t fancied a sordid quickie up a dirty alleyway, you wouldn’t be here now. This is DS Boon, and he’ll be dealing with the investigation and interviewing you.’
‘I swear, Jane, I didn’t assault her — she’s lying.’
‘I’m not here to discuss your arrest or persuade DS Boon you’re innocent. He will decide what happens to you, but you must tell him the truth and give him the details of the friends you were with so he can interview them.’
Tony was surprised by her bluntness. ‘I don’t want to drag them into this mess.’
Jane could see through his apprehension.
‘Only because you’re worried your arrest might get back to Pam. You may need them as defense witnesses — especially if you end up in court. If a jury finds you guilty, you could get ten years in prison.’
She knew this would frighten Tony, but that was her intention.
He looked at her with fear in his eyes.
‘Ten years?’
She nodded. ‘And I don’t think Pam would stand by you either—’
‘Are you going to tell her?’
‘Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t.’
‘I don’t want to lose Pam or Nathan. I love them both with all my heart.’
‘You should have thought of that before you went over the side with another woman!’
‘I didn’t mean to—’
‘Oh, so you accidentally went down the alley and, without realizing, fondled each other’s genitals?’
‘It just sort of happened... I’d had a few drinks and liked the fact another woman fancied me.’
‘Drink is not an excuse. Have you been unfaithful before?’
‘No, never. But I haven’t had sex with Pam since she had the baby. When the woman touched me, I felt aroused—’
‘So, you’re saying you would have had sex with her if the police hadn’t come along?’
He started to cry. ‘I guess so, yes.’
‘You need to listen to Jane’s advice, Tony. I’ll go and call the duty solicitor so he can represent you during the interview.’
Boon felt that the conversation was getting personal and he should give them some time alone.
‘Thanks, Simon. I won’t be much longer.’
She sat down next to Tony.
‘I know you’re not capable of attacking or sexually assaulting a woman, Tony, but you created this mess and I can’t get involved.’
‘Are you going to tell Pam?’
‘There’s part of me that says I should as she’s my sister, but I also feel you should tell her. Are the two of you having problems at home?’
‘She was fine when Nathan was born, then after a couple of months she became distant and didn’t want to have any form of physical contact with me. I thought at first she might be seeing someone else, but I knew I was imagining it and realized she was just worn out from looking after Nathan day and night. I tried to help Pam more with him, but she wouldn’t let me and kept saying I didn’t know what I was doing. She doesn’t even like me picking him up in case I drop him.’
‘Sounds like a bad case of the baby blues. You need to talk to her, Tony — tell her how you feel and try and resolve the situation.’
‘It’s worse than you realize, Jane. She screams and throws things at me. She goes berserk about silly little things that don’t really matter. I dread going home after work — I’m even sleeping in the spare room.’
Jane was shocked. She knew Pam could be quick-tempered and hot-headed at times, but she hadn’t noticed any drastic changes in her behavior. She wondered if Pam was depressed, suffering in silence and keeping her feelings from the rest of the family.
‘I’m not going to tell Pam. Whether or not you do is your decision, but like I said, the pair of you need to talk. Try and get her to speak to her doctor about her depression. He may be able to prescribe some medication that will help or arrange some form of counselling.’
‘I promise I’ll do what I can to help her.’
‘You can ring me at home any time if you want advice or just need someone to talk to.’
‘Thanks, Jane. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Do you think I’ll be charged later and then released?’
‘DS Boon seems a fair man to me. I’m confident he will look at all the evidence and re-interview the complainant before making a final decision, which means you’ll be released on police bail pending further enquiries. However, if she sticks to her story, it’s your word against hers, and our solicitors’ department may feel you should be charged. Then it’s up to a jury to decide who’s telling the truth. Hopefully it won’t come to that.’
‘Should I wait and see what happens before telling Pam?’
‘That’s up to you. But even friends may let the cat out of the bag unintentionally, so even if the allegation is withdrawn, Pam might still find out. My advice would be to go back to your friend Noel’s house first and take some time to reflect on what’s happened before you go home to Pam.’