Page 15 of Stolen Ones
If he had abducted Grace, and she played her cards right, they could have the child home by supper time.
‘Okay, Mr Harte, is there anything you’d like to say to me?’ she asked, taking a seat.
It was not a formal interview, so she had no requirement for anyone else to be in the room. The camera in the corner was her witness, and if he was wasting police time, better that it was only hers.
‘Please call me Steven, and I’d return the question to you, Inspector.’
‘Where is Grace Lennard?’
He shrugged as if he had no idea what she was talking about. ‘I thought we were going to talk about Melody Jones.’
‘Did you leave Melody’s bracelet at the day centre?’
‘What bracelet? Did Melody Jones have a bracelet? There was no mention in the press of any missing jewellery.’
‘Mr Harte…’
‘Steven…’
‘Mr Harte…’
‘Steven, I insist,’ he said, pushing back his chair.
‘Okay, Steven,’ she said, gritting her teeth. ‘I repeat the question: did you abduct Grace Lennard and leave Melody Jones’s silver bracelet at the scene earlier today?’
‘Another girl has been abducted?’ he asked with surprise.
‘You already knew that.’
‘How would I have known that?’
‘You told me earlier that I was about to become very busy.’
‘You’re a detective inspector – I would imagine you’re very busy most days.’
Kim had the sudden feeling she was a piece of meat being mauled by a lion. It was not a sensation she relished.
‘Mr Harte…Steven, this is becoming tiresome. I’m not sure exactly what game you’re trying to play with us but—’
‘Have you spoken to Melody’s family?’ he asked, tipping his head.
‘Why would I do that?’
‘You should do a follow-up. Talk to them, understand her life. I think you’ll be surprised.’
‘Are you saying that Melody’s family were involved in her disappearance?’
‘I’m telling you that you should peel back a layer or two of that particular onion so that you understand.’
‘How does that affect Grace Lennard?’
Her focus had to remain on the child who was missing now.
‘Most lost children turn up eventually, unharmed, don’t they?’
‘Are you saying…?’
‘I’m simply stating a statistical fact.’
