I take a seat at the breakfast bar.
‘So what’s this about?’ Justin asks.
‘We’re looking into the possible disappearance of a young woman named Scarlett Parker.’
Justin doesn’t even flinch. ‘I’ve never heard of anyone with that name.’
‘It may be something or nothing, but we believe she may be of interest to your organisation. I’m sure you understand, we need to cover all bases.’ He pauses. ‘You know what? I will have that lemonade.’ The DS continues to show Justin a degree of reverence. ‘My sister has been to a few of your gigs. Is that what you call them? Anyhow, she’s spreading the word. Trying to get her friends along.’ He’s playing up to his ego. ‘Marvellous work you’re doing.’ He’s reeling him in.
Justin is biting. He can’t resist it. ‘I’m glad to hear it and thank you.’ He hands the DS the glass of lemonade.
The DS puts the glass on the kitchen table. He taps his foot, looking from one to the other of us. He pulls out a photo from his suit pocket. He shows it to Justin. ‘If you wouldn’t mind taking a look at this.’
There’s a flicker in Justin’s eye.
‘Have you ever seen this woman, Justin?’ the DS asks.
Justin shakes his head. ‘Who is this?’
‘Scarlett Parker, the woman we’re looking for.’
‘Never seen her before. Never heard of anyone with that name. Sorry we can’t help you more.’
The DS turns the photo to me. ‘Beth, do you recognise this young woman?’
My pulse quickens as I stare at the photo.
It’s Immy.
And I look the officer in the eye and I lie.
62
BETH
‘I’ve never seen her before.’ I hold onto the breakfast bar to steady myself. This isn’t good. That girl’s name is Scarlett, not Immy. I told him she wasn’t who she said she was. I damn well told him.
‘Are you OK?’ the DS asks me. ‘You’ve gone quite pale.’
Justin butts in. ‘My wife has cancer, officer. She’s not at all well. This is very stressful.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ the DS says. ‘It shouldn’t be stressful. I’m just making a few enquiries. But we won’t bother you any longer.’ He slowly waves the photo in front of our faces. He’s toying with us. ‘So neither of you have seen this woman before then?’
I shake my head.
Justin says, ‘And the point is? I’m not sure I follow. What interest does this woman, whoever she is, have in our organisation?’
‘The point is, Justin, that Daisy, Scarlett’s sister, died of a suspected drug overdose.’
He’s on to us. I’m a mess. I can tell by his expression that he thinks we know something.
‘Scarlett was adamant there was foul play. I’m inclined to believe her and am taking a personal interest. This is my case, Justin. Now she has disappeared, and I need to find her. Can you imagine what their mother is going through?’ DS Porter looks at Justin and then me.
DC Wiggins appears at the kitchen door. She catches the DS’s eye for a split second.
‘You see, when I get my teeth into a tragic case like this, I won’t let go. I’m unbearable until I get a solution. Isn’t that right, DC Wiggins?’
‘Totally unbearable, sir,’ she adds as if this is a performance they’ve rehearsed for moments when they know they’re on to something. Or someone. It’s intimidating.
