Page 137 of Tell No One
“My stepfather said he didn’t want to lose his other daughter as well, that I had to take responsibility because I was the one in charge. He was right about that. I was in charge and I let Louise down.”
“It was your parents who let her down, not you,” Henry said. “They let you down as well. I think you have a case for a retrial. I know where your brother and sister are if—”
“No—thank you. I don’t want to see them. I don’t want another trial.” Tag touched his chest. “I know I never did anything to intentionally hurt my sister. Delaney believes me and that’s all that matters. I don’t care what anyone else thinks. I was fourteen years old when my life fell apart. They didn’t even come and see me when I was locked up. I have no interest in any of them.”
“If it was a miscarriage of justice, you’d be entitled to compensation,” Henry said.
Tag shook his head. “Do you think any amount of money could make up for what happened? I wouldn’t be able to spend a penny of it without thinking of why I’d been given it.”
“But if someone else was responsible, they’ve gotten away with it,” Henry said.
“My stepfather was a bully and quick with his fists. Sallyanne was six years old and spoilt. But she was hit like we all were. She thought it was normal. She lied because it was the way she’d learnt to survive. I hope she doesn’t remember what she did. I hope she’s happy. I don’t hate her. But that time has gone and I don’t want it back in my life. I don’t care what my brother wants, it’s what I want now.”
Henry nodded.
Tag took a deep breath. “Do you believe I killed her?”
“Not on that evidence,” Henry said.
Tag smiled as he pushed to his feet and held out his hand.
Henry stood up. “Thank you, again. I did wonder if you’d be interested in working for us.”
For one brief moment, Tag felt a sense of pride that he hadn’t been found to be completely useless, but this life wasn’t for him. “No, thank you.” He could almost feel Delaney vibrating at his side.
“Don’t dismiss the offer out of hand. Think about it,” Henry said.
“I’d never work for an organisation that employed Barker,” Tag said. “He’s an arsehole.”
Henry laughed. “I’m afraid everyone who works here has been called that at one point or another. He’s just insecure, manipulative and ambitious, like many others.”
“Don’t let him take over from you, then,” Tag said.
“I don’t think that’s likely. Think about my offer, Tag. You’d be an asset.”
As they left, Tag was handed a piece of the shortbread.
“Don’t share it,” Magda said.
Tag smiled. “Thank you.”
Neither he nor Delaney spoke as they left the building.
“Want to leave the car for a while and go for a walk?” Delaney asked.
“Are you worried I’ll rip your head off if we go back to your place?”
“Do you want to rip my head off?”
“Is it actually physically possible?”
Delaney let out a choked laugh. “No.”
“So you can sleep peacefully.”
Tag went over to the car and waited for Delaney to open the door. He didn’t want to go for a walk and end up crying in public.
“Are we going to talk about it?” Delaney asked as he set off.
