Page 29 of Fortune's Ashes
Barnes’s eyes widened a fraction; by contrast, Katling appeared to be almost slavering at the mouth with glee. ‘Why ever not? The answer could immediately clear her name.’
‘She is protecting her source.’
‘But I thought the alleged source was anonymous and unknown to her,’ Katling zipped back.
Barber was steady in his response. ‘At this time, DC Bellamy will give no answer that might reveal their identity. She will say nothing more on the matter.’
‘You can trust us, Emma,’ Barnes said.
I shook my head; I had no faith in my voice to speak. I couldn’t trust them, not in this.
‘Do you have any proof that DC Bellamy spoke to the victim?’ my solicitor asked, ‘Do you have any evidence that she was involved in the arson attack against him?’
‘She was outside his flat when he died,’ Katling stated.
Barber dismissed him immediately. ‘That’s circumstantial – and she didn’t attempt to conceal her presence. You have nothing.’
‘We have motive.’
I held up my hands. ‘You’ve taken swabs. There’s no accelerant on my skin. And your supposed motive is flimsy, at best.’
Katling stared at me. ‘We shall see about that, Bellamy,’ he said finally. ‘We shall see.’
ChapterEleven
‘They have nothing,’ Barber said, when the interview finally ended in the wee hours of the morning and we walked out of the station. ‘You really don’t need to worry.’ That was easy for him to say. ‘The best-case scenario is that Alan Cobain will wake up in a few hours’ time and tell them who actually set him on fire, then you’ll be in the clear.’
Unless Alan Cobain didn’t wake up, or he had deliberately set himself alight in a bid to frame me. I shook off that second thought. It seemed too far-fetched to consider – and too risky for Cobain.
‘They’ll keep your phone until it’s been fully examined and you’ll remain suspended for the time being.’ Barber clapped me on the shoulder. ‘I suggest you take the next day or two off to relax and get your energy back. You’ll be pounding the mean streets of Soho in no time. Those fangy vamps won’t know what’s hit them!’
It was unfortunate for Barber that Lukas took that moment to walk up to us. ‘Uh,’ the solicitor stammered. ‘What I mean is … uh … shit … uh…’
Lukas smiled professionally. ‘Thank you for your help this evening. I am sure that Emma appreciates your support. I know I do.’
Barber’s cheeks were flaming red. ‘You … you’re welcome.’ He glanced at me. ‘I’ll be in touch as soon as I hear anything more.’ He spun on his heel and all but sprinted away.
‘You scared him,’ I said to Lukas.
He shrugged. ‘It wasn’t my intention.’ He gazed after the fleeing solicitor. ‘He seems very young and not particularly capable. I can engage another lawyer for you. Phileas Carmichael isn’t the only supe solicitor in town.’
‘Actually, I like Barber,’ I said. ‘He did a good job. I think I’ll keep him around.’
Lukas’s black eyes grew sharp. ‘Are you going toneedhim around?’
I bit my lip. ‘That remains to be seen.’ An awkward squirm flashed through me. ‘Thanks for waiting.’
His gaze held mine. ‘I’ll always wait for you, D’Artagnan.’
It didn’t take a police detective, suspended or otherwise, to understand the double meaning behind his words. ‘I know we need to talk, Lukas. There’s a great deal I have to explain.’
‘That can wait,’ he said gruffly. ‘You’ve been up half the night and you look dead on your feet. There will be time later.’
A sudden well of unexpected emotion rose up in my throat.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked, not disguising his flicker of alarm.
I sniffed. ‘Nothing. Everything.’
