A Dark, Divided Self by A.J. Cross

Author:A.J. Cross [Cross, A.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

FIFTEEN

Same day. 2.15 p.m.

Judd was driving cautiously with intermittent glances at Carly Driscoll in the passenger seat, handbag clutched on her lap, a large plastic bag on the floor at her feet. She had a good idea as to how this young woman was probably feeling. During a case a while back, Judd herself had been sexually threatened. She still remembered it like it was yesterday. She went over what she and Watts had agreed for the interview. The focus would be on engaging Driscoll to obtain her best account. The interview would be a standalone with no indication that it might be linked to a larger investigation. She glanced at her.

‘It’ll be just me and my DCI – sorry, detective chief inspector.’ Seeing her look away, Judd wondered if she should say it. She went for it anyway. ‘He’s really nice with witnesses. Gentle. Patient. He knows his job.’

It got no response. To Judd’s eyes she looked tired, no colour to her cheeks. Her mother had been upbeat, encouraging, but Judd had seen the anxiety flicker across her face as they left. Judd guided the car into headquarters’ rear entrance to avoid loitering media and parked. Five minutes later she led the way into Watts’ office and introduced Driscoll.

‘And this is Detective Chief Inspector Watts.’ Aware that his height could be seen as intimidating, Watts stayed seated.

‘Thank you for coming in, Miss Driscoll. We really appreciate it.’ He paused. ‘Remember I said that you could have a parent with you—’

‘I don’t want them hearing any of it.’

Judd indicated one of three comfortable chairs that Sarge had fetched from somewhere. Driscoll sat down, placing her handbag and the plastic bag on the floor beside her. Judd also sat as Watts explained in basic terms the purpose of the meeting and its process. She sent quick glances to Driscoll as he got that process under way. Driscoll was now looking relatively at ease, some colour returning to her face.

‘I’d rather you called me Carly.’

‘No problem, Carly. We understand something happened to you recently. We’d like you to tell us about it. Whatever you do tell us will be at your speed. Chloe is going to listen, write and ask some questions. She’s first-class at all three. Let’s start with your full name, address and date of birth.’

‘My name is Carly Driscoll and I live at …’ Judd wrote details, pausing at the birth date. Eighteen. ‘I really wanted to go back to work today but I … couldn’t.’ Judd smiled encouragement.

‘I’m guessing that, like me, you enjoy your job.’

Driscoll nodded.

‘I do. I work for the city as a junior clerical officer.’

‘We understand that this whole situation is difficult,’ said Watts. ‘What we would like is for you to take us through the main facts of what happened.’ Driscoll shifted on her chair, folded her hands together.

‘I’m a bit worried in case I get it wrong. Say things in the wrong order.’

‘Don’t worry about that,’ said Judd. ‘Just tell us all you remember, as it comes.

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