Page 41 of Real Rocks
He shook his head. “I’m sorry, that’s not allowed either.”
“So you’re saying I can’t even talk to someone who is clearly innocent?”
“ABH is a serious allegation, Miss Barnes, and whether Mr Judd is innocent or not isn’t for me to decide.”
My head swam with his words. I had never felt so helpless.
25
Tris
Ibarely got any sleep. Every time I drifted off, a noise woke me, or I came to in a cold sweat, images of Carl’s bloodied face in my head.
When the officer brought breakfast, I couldn’t eat it. Although I could probably have bounced the scrambled eggs off the walls instead. It would at least have passed some time.
The minutes and hours dragged as I waited. I guessed they would be speaking to Carl, Saff, the staff from the club; anyone who had seen anything.
After what felt like an eternity, the door swung open and Detective Sanders stood there.
“If you could come with me,” he commanded.
As if I had a choice.
We walked back in the direction of the same interview room I’d been in last night. As we passed through the main area of the custody suite, Carl was at the desk, collecting his belongings. He turned and saw me, his face now bruised rather than covered in blood. I winced as I realised I’d been responsible. The pain in my own ribs reminded me I wasn’t the only one in the wrong.
“All right, mate? Get a good night’s sleep, did you?” he cackled. “I know I did.”
I chose not to respond, his laugh jarring right through me. At least if he was getting ready to go, I wouldn’t be too long behind him. I hoped Saff was still around. We could go and get breakfast, maybe find the place we’d had bacon rolls from the last time we were in Manchester, go back to the hotel and…
“Sit down.”
Detective Sanders’ voice broke into my reverie. I noticed the duty solicitor sitting at the table, and slowly my body grew cold.
“We’ve spoken to everyone involved in the incident at The Matchbox last night and believe there is sufficient evidence to charge you with ABH of Carl Doherty. You’ll remain here until your hearing at the magistrate’s court in the morning.” He slid a charge sheet across the table to me.
The blood drained from my face. “Pardon?”
“Did you understand what Detective Sanders said?” The duty solicitor touched my arm and I jumped as if she’d stabbed me with a red-hot poker.
How the hell could this be happening again? How could they believe I was doing anything other than trying to protect Saff?
I shook my head, trying to make sense of the situation. “No.” The word came out as barely more than a whisper. “That can’t be right. He was the one who attacked me.”
“Is there anyone else you’d like us to call?”
Saff. I wanted to speak to Saff. To make sure she was okay. To tell her I was going to be okay. Even if, deep inside, I knew I wasn’t.
With a fortifying breath, I sat up straight, staring at the wall opposite. “Jonas Barnes. I’d like to talk to Jonas Barnes.”
“Tris. How are you holding up?” It was almost reassuring to hear Jonas’ voice. He was the one person I knew who would be able to find a solution.
“I’m…” I didn’t know what to say. I felt numb. Not believing history was repeating itself.
“Have you seen Saff?” He filled in the gaps for himself and jumped in with another question.
I gripped the telephone handset. “No. She came in to make a statement, but they wouldn’t let her see me.”
“Rules, I guess.” Jonas paused. “Tris, what really happened? Saff told me about Carl threatening her.”
