The Lies Beneath Us by C. L. Janet

Author:C. L. Janet [Janet, C. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-18T00:00:00+00:00

20

Chrissy breathed a sigh of relief as they emerged into the corridor, glad to leave behind the suffocating ambience of the interview room. Soft, overhead lights cast a gentle glow, offering a welcome reprieve from the harsh fluorescence they had just experienced. Though a faint staleness still hung in the air, a hint of freshness, perhaps carried from an open door or window, gently reminded them of the world beyond the station's walls.

As they walked, the sound of their footsteps echoed along the corridor, the polished floor reflecting their movements as they made their way forward. With each step, Chrissy felt the tension in her shoulders gradually dissipate, her breaths falling into a steady rhythm that matched the calming cadence of their progress.

‘It’s definitely odd that he let his daughter disappear for over two years without trying to find her, isn’t it?’ Ross asked once they were far enough away from the interview room that they wouldn’t be overheard.

‘Yep,’ Chrissy replied, her head clearing now they were on the move. ‘I think Mark Douglas likes his life and doesn’t want anything or anyone to disrupt it. That’s why he was pleased when Janey moved away where she couldn’t be an inconvenience.’

‘That’s a harsh opinion,’ Ross said turning to face Chrissy. ‘I’m guessing you didn’t like him much.’

‘I didn’t. But that’s not the point. I don’t think he was telling the truth about Janey or his relationship with Connie McAllister.’

‘Neither do I. Come on. Let’s go and see if Lotte has said anything.’

He pushed open the door to see Diane perched on the edge of a desk, her boots swinging as she kicked her heels against the drawers.

‘What are you doing here again?’, he asked, his tone telling everyone he was still angry at his ex-wife.

‘Evie is on her way over with some information about the remains. I said I’d meet her here. I think she wants some moral support before she enters the lion’s den,’ Diane replied, her gaze challenging her ex-husband to retaliate.

Ross stared at her, his face deadpan before turning to Hugh who was stuffing a fried egg and bacon sandwich in his face, a blob of grease dripping onto the front of his shirt.

‘Did you get anywhere with Lotte Douglas?’ Ross asked him, his voice still resonating with irritation.

Hugh wiped the sleeve of his suit jacket across his mouth and placed the remains of the sandwich down on the desk.

‘No, not really. Isla and I went in to question her, but she isn’t talking. We only got as far as reading her rights when she declared she wouldn’t talk to anyone until she knew where Mark was and what he’d said. We tried with a few questions, but she wasn’t having any of it.’

Chrissy could see a muscle pulsing in Ross’s cheek as he nodded stoically, his teeth pressed tightly together.

‘And what about Connie McAllister?’ Ross asked, loosening his tie.

Hugh’s face pinked up at the mention of Connie. He cleared his throat, averting his gaze so he wouldn’t have to look at Chrissy or Diane who were both staring at him avidly.

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