Page 52 of The Girls in the Lake
He squeezed his eyes shut. Christ, they knew about Marcus. He didn’t want to grass him up, but what else was he to do? He nodded, feeling miserable even though he owed him nothing. She waited patiently while he sipped at the water.
‘I went downstairs to get some more champagne and saw them.’
‘Saw who?’
‘The girl who went into the water; she was backed into a corner. Marcus had his hands on her, trying to…’ He really didn’t know what to say. What would be the correct terminology? Grope? Assault was far too strong; it was probably more of a drunken fumble.
‘What was he trying to do, and what did you do?’
‘I wasn’t sure if they were, you know…’
She shook her head.
‘Getting it on.’
‘Did she look happy about the advances Marcus was making?’
He sighed. ‘No, she didn’t. She looked upset. I told him to get off her, and she pushed her way past him and went back up on the deck.’
‘Then what happened?’
‘I got the champagne, told Marcus he was an idiot and went back up. I didn’t see what happened. The first I knew about it was when I heard a group of girls screeching followed by the splash. But she was okay; there was a boat nearby that pulled her to safety. Look, I know it was a mess, but why don’t you ask her what happened. She can tell you far better than I can.’
‘We can’t ask her. I’m afraid Tamara Smythson was found dead this afternoon.’
He wondered if this was some kind of sick joke. He stared at the detective’s face, waiting for her to break into a smile. She didn’t. Her face was like granite and the serious expression on it told him this wasn’t a joke at all. The girl really was dead.
Fifty-Nine
James Marshall was sitting back in his chair, his legs crossed and hands behind his head. He didn’t look in the least bit bothered about being here, which infuriated Josh when he walked into the room
‘James, I’m Detective Sergeant Josh—’ He was interrupted before he could finish his introductions.
‘I know who you are, we only spoke the other day. I have a good memory. What is this about?’
Sam sat down. ‘We need to find out what happened last night.’
He turned to stare at her. ‘What’s to know, that girl drank too much and fell into the lake. End of story.’
‘That girl is called Tamara Smythson; she fell off your boat into the water. She told me that someone pushed her. I want to know who. I don’t think that’s too much to ask, is it?’
‘I want a lawyer. You told me this was to give a witness statement. I don’t like the tone of your voice, therefore, I won’t be talking to you until I have legal representation.’ He sat back and crossed his arms, glaring at them both.
‘That’s your choice. Do you have a preferred one you’d like me to contact?’ Sam asked him.
He nodded then reeled off the number of the family solicitors. ‘Ask for Oliver; I don’t want anyone else.’
Josh stood up, leaving the room before he exploded; he didn’t like the cocky, self-assured idiot. Sam followed him outside, closing the door behind her.
‘It was worth a shot.’
‘He’s an arse.’
‘Yes, and a rich one. You didn’t really expect him to spill his guts, did you, Josh?’
‘No, I suppose not.’
Sam went to make the call, and Josh went to find an officer to sit with James until the solicitor arrived.
