Page 112 of The Jealous Girl

I drew back, his words like fire scorching my heart.

Compatible.

We’d been together for years. University. Malta. Here. He’d proposed twice. And yet now he wanted to see if we were compatible?

My chest tightened.

What did that even mean any more?

39

NOW

Late August

Friday

My gaze drifted around the small, white-walled room. It looked just like it did on TV or in the movies.

Except this wasn’t the movies.

This was real.

‘Thank you for coming in,’ PC Grove said, drawing my attention back to him.

‘No problem,’ I replied, impressed by how calm my voice sounded.

It’s a voluntary interview, I reminded myself. That’s what PC Day had said on the phone.

Yet nothing about it felt voluntary.

If it truly was, I wouldn’t be here.

Then again, if Ben hadn’t been with me when PC Day called, and insisted on driving me, I might well not have come at all.

‘It’s just a conversation,’ Ben had said on the way here.

I wasn’t sure if either of us actually believed that.

PC Grove pressed a button beside him.

‘Kirsty Palmer, this interview is being recorded. You’re not under arrest and are free to leave at any time. You may have a solicitor with you if you wish. You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you don’t mention, when questioned, something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Do you understand, Ms Palmer?’

It all felt so formal.

‘Miss Palmer, do you understand these rights as I have explained them to you?’

‘Yes,’ I said quietly.

‘You mentioned, when we spoke yesterday, that Charlotte disapproved of you because of your lack of familiarity with the equestrian world?’

‘Yes,’ I confirmed, unsure why they were even questioning it. My lack of experience was hardly a secret. Nor was Charlotte’s opinion of me because of it.

‘Would it be fair to say that her concerns particularly focused on your fear of the horses?’

‘Yes,’ I replied again.

Maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad.