An Unusual Boy by Fiona Higgins

Author:Fiona Higgins [Higgins, Fiona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

13

‘Mrs Curtis, take a seat.’

The detective ushers me into a private room and motions at another bland white table with two chairs on either side. No mirror, no art therapy supplies, no glasses of water. It’s just me and her, and I’m barely here. I’m utterly overwhelmed, struggling to understand what just happened in that interview room with Jackson. The only thing that’s patently clear is that Andy would have been a much better advocate for our son.

‘Can I call my husband now, please?’ I feel incapable of carrying this burden alone any longer.

‘Not yet,’ the detective replies. ‘You agreed to be the designated support person for Jackson’s initial interview and this conversation is an extension of that. You can call your husband afterwards.’

The numbness begins to transform into anger; I feel a sudden urge to slap the woman’s carefully arranged face.

The interview earlier was sickening, watching her lure Jackson with all that faux-friendly banter. Reeling him in with her warm smile and casual questions, building trust and empathy for the purpose of ensnaring him.

And Jackson fell so easily under her spell, I hate her for it.

But I hate myself more.

Now I find that I’m the parent of a child who’s hurt another child, a nine-year-old girl who could have been my daughter. Instinctively I seize my phone to message Hannah, then toss it back onto the table in disgust. Who am I kidding? Hannah won’t want to hear from me, ever again.

‘Mrs Curtis.’ The detective folds her hands on the table. ‘It’s not my job to determine whether Jackson is guilty of the allegation. That’s something for the courts to decide. Today’s interview was for initial information collection only.’

Fuchsia-coloured lipstick weaving over chalky-white teeth.

‘But I do need to advise that Jackson’s interview suggests that a serious offence has occurred, which means police investigations will be ongoing.’

The ingratiating charm has vanished.

‘To further our investigations, I’m filing for magistrate’s permission to conduct a DNA swab on Jackson today. I’d be grateful for your continued cooperation. You can stay here while that application is processed. It shouldn’t take long.’

My mind is barely keeping pace with her words. ‘Please, slow down. What… DNA are you checking?’

‘Evidence has been collected from the victim, Mrs Curtis. A clothing sample has been retrieved. I’m not at liberty to discuss the details.’

‘But, uh… what exactly is the allegation?’

‘Assault.’ The detective’s face is expressionless. ‘The DNA swab will help us ascertain the precise nature of it and the degree of severity. Potentially a charge under Section 66A of the Crimes Act 1990 for Sexual Intercourse-Child Under 10.’

It’s as if an electric volt has passed through my body.

‘Digital penetration, if it occurred, is deemed sexual intercourse under the law, Mrs Curtis,’ the detective continues. ‘The charge carries serious penalties, including imprisonment.’

I gape at her. ‘But I didn’t hear anything that suggested…’

‘An assault of some kind has occurred, Mrs Curtis, that’s indisputable. We have the physical evidence. Now we just have to find out what type of assault. That’s why we’re here.

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