“As you know, I’m a psychologist. I was helping alongside pastoral care. But my job wasn’t religious.”
Connor nods. “He said you used to teach sign language in the evenings and that it was a great distraction for him and the boys. They got quite good, and sometimes they still talk to each other with their hands. They think it’s funny no one else can understand.”
It can be fun.I sign, before nudging a frowning Katie. It manages to crack a smile out of Connor, and finally, the ice is broken.
“My cousin taught me. He said I’d never know when it would come in handy.”
“What can you tell me that will help you?” I ask.
He’s silent for a moment but glances at the door.
“Nothing,” he says, but he moves his hands quickly.
Visitor.He signs.
“Okay. Has anyone been here to visit you?”
I’m going completely off script, but this is a chance to get some answers from Connor.
“Just my family.”
Old soldier.He signs again, and I make a note. Katie cranes her head so she can read my pad, her eyes widening. Connor’s lips flatten together.
I sign back to him.She's a friend. I trust her.
He nods, and I continue.
“Has the army reached out at all to support you? I’m not aware if they’ve provided a lawyer or if you have a public defender.”
“It’s a public defender. The army is ready to give me a dishonorable discharge.”
Danger. Liar.
Katie frowns at me, and I jot down the two words underneathOld soldier.This must be annoying the hell out of her.
“Okay, I understand. I’ll see who I can talk to about that. I’ll see if we can put that on hold until after the trial.”
“Don’t go out of your way. They already think I’ve done it. The evidence is too much.”
I change tack.
“How long have you owned the house on West Cromwell Street?”
“Three years.”
“You bought it young, that’s pretty impressive.”
“I wanted to get on the property market quickly so I could pay it off earlier.”
“But you live with your girlfriend, even though your registered address is the house.”
He shifts again, rubbing his mouth with his hand.
“Technically, I live there. I just spend a lot of time at Hannah’s.”
“More than a lot, she said you’d stayed there every night for over a year.”
“I guess that’s true if she says so.” He shifts uncomfortably, his eyes darting to the security camera.
