Page 51 of Twisted Lies
The man before her was a similar height to herself, with a short, dark haircut that didn’t eradicate all the grey at his temples. He wore dark jeans and a white polo shirt. A pair of glasses hung around his neck.
Kim was quick to offer her identification to his questioning gaze.
‘May we come in, Doctor Crewson?’
‘Regarding what?’ he asked, making no effort to stand aside.
‘Regarding one of your patients.’
‘Which one?’ he asked, still withholding any invitation to enter.
‘A fourteen-year-old boy named Tommy Phipps.’
‘You have to know that any clients of mine are protected by confidentiality laws?’
‘I understand that, Doctor Crewson, but we’re investigating a murder.’
He raised an eyebrow. ‘Tommy Phipps murdered someone?’
‘No, but he is closely related to our victim, so will you please allow us into your house?’
He shook his head. ‘I don’t see the point for what will be a very brief conversation. If Tommy Phipps poses no danger to himself or—’
‘Are you being deliberately unhelpful, Doctor Crewson?’ Kim challenged.
‘Absolutely not, Inspector, but I will not be breaking any confidences.’
‘You did hear the word murder?’ Kim snapped.
‘Your problem not mine. I am tasked with providing a safe, secure environment for my clients so—’
‘Mr Crewson,’ Bryant said, stepping forward. Kim was guessing her colleague had seen her fists clenching at her sides. ‘We would never ask you to compromise your professional integrity, but we are trying to catch a killer who may strike again, which, as you say, is definitely our problem not yours, but any help you can offer to help us save innocent lives would be greatly appreciated.’
Exactly what she’d been about to say. Almost.
‘I shouldn’t reveal anything at all without a court order.’
‘Feel free to speak hypothetically, Doctor Crewson,’ Bryant advised.
The doctor thought for a moment, and Kim realised there was no way he was letting them into his home, which made her want to get in there all the more.
‘I treat people for many different reasons: depression; anxiety; stress; behavioural problems; phobias. You name it, I’ve treated it. Some cases are deeper than others. Some require years of therapy, and for others it’s a problem of adjusting to a new situation. Big change can be harder for children than it is for adults and can last for years. It’s like a grieving process.’
‘We understand that the family moved into the area around five years ago. Was Tommy still receiving treatment this far on?’
‘I won’t discuss specifics, Officer, as I’ve already said. I can only tell you that a sudden move for children is a traumatic experience. The effects can last for years.’
‘But why was the move so sudden?’ Kim asked.
The doctor said nothing.
‘You know, don’t you?’ she pushed, feeling this man held the key to unlocking all of the Phippses’ secrets.
‘I’m sorry, Inspector, but for that you are definitely going to need a court order,’ he said, closing the door in her face.
Forty
Michael Crewson only let out the breath he was holding once he heard the car pull off the drive.
