Page 47 of The Woodcarver's Model
“What kind of sick mind would think that having my home bulldozed into the ground was helping?”
“I don’t know what’s happening. Please believe me, I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“I can accept the fact that you’ve lied to me, and used me—”
“He also tried to fuck that Eric guy, didn’t he?” Kevin added.
“But I cannot accept,” Mitch continued, “what you’ve done to my home and family. Now, get out! It’s over.”
Mitch ran off to the bedroom and slammed the door.
“Rob’s busy at the moment,” Kevin muttered into the phone. “I’ll have him call you back. Bye bye!” He hung up.
Just then there was a knock at the door. Neither Kevin nor Rob moved to answer.
“You never change, do you Robby?” Kevin sneered.
A second set of knocks, this time more insistent, sent Rob to the door. Two RCMP personnel stood at the entrance.
“Robert Hanson?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Inspector Sandra Collins and this is Staff Sergeant Bill Needy. RCMP.”
“Oh,” said Rob, feeling even more defeated than before.
“This just keeps getting better,” Kevin gloated.
“Mr Hanson, were you aware that we were looking for you?”
“I…I’m sorry, things have been a bit crazy…but…”
“Were you not told that Staff Sergeant Needy and I had been by earlier and had requested that we be contacted as soon as you returned?”
Rob looked at Kevin, who shrugged. “I guess I forgot.”
“Well, thankfully the ferry operator was more cooperative.”
“Look, I just came through the door.”
“Would you please get your coat and car keys, Mr Hanson?”
“Why? Where are we going?”
“Victoria. Beyond that, well, that depends on how cooperative you are.”
“Better and better.” This time Kevin laughed. He sauntered back into the room and handed Rob his belongings. Mitch had crammed everything into a carryall and left it outside the bedroom door.
* * * *
The trip to Victoria was quiet. Collins rode with Rob, and Needy followed. Francis made a special crossing just for them. Frances was there but, other than glowering at Rob, she communicated nothing.
At the RCMP office, Rob waited three hours for Chief Inspector Chris Mali who oversaw the meeting. Much to Rob’s relief, it was more of a questioning than interrogation and the wait had allowed Rob time to review the pertinent events in Somalia that had led to all of this.
The meeting was recorded and, having given up the option of having legal representation present, Rob told his version of the events of the night which ended with the shooting of his driver.
“And that covers everything, Mr Hanson?” Mali asked.
