Page 100 of Fe
“I could pretend to be the man or woman you’re questioning?”
That wasn’t going to work, but Ripley played along. “You’re accused of embezzling a quarter of a million pounds from the company you work for.”
“Wow, I’m rich!”
“Is that a confession?”
“I didn’t do it. What does the company do?”
“Security firm.”
Fen put his book down. “Off you go.”
“Mr Waring. Would you like to explain what you did with the money from the Wave account?”
“No.”
Ripley made himself look stern. “This is a court of law. You are obliged to answer or you’ll be held in contempt.”
“Can I plead the Fifth?”
“Not in England.”
“I didn’t do anything with it.”
“Where is it then?”
“I’m sworn to secrecy.”
“I need you to share that secret with the court.”
“It was spent on wine, women and drugs. Obviously not by me. I’m happy with a cheap bottle from Tesco, not into women and only prescription drugs.”
“Who then?”
“Fine. Cornelius did it. He fiddled the books as he drank vodka from the teacup in the conservatory while high on weed.”
Ripley chuckled. He pushed to his feet and pulled Fen to his. “I can see this needs to be more thoroughly investigated. Upstairs to my interrogation room.”
“Sorry. I interrupted you, didn’t I? I don’t want you to have to say in court, I had to go and shut up my cohabiting nuisance, because you might get asked how you did that and I’d blush and everyone would know—”
Ripley kissed him. The case could wait. He had better things to do.
Fen wasn’t allowed to have his phone with him in court, so he gave it to Ripley to look after. Nor could he take in food, drink, writing materials or a whole load of other stuff. Clothes and shoes were about the only things that were deemed okay.
“Are you all right?” Ripley asked.
“Anxious. Do you think people are looking at me and wondering what I’ve done? I should have waited until I’d bought a unicorn onesie, then they’d know I couldn’t have done anything.”
“They wouldn’t let you in wearing that.”
“Now I’m sad.”
“I’ll meet you here at the entrance at lunchtime,” Ripley said. “I’ll be out as fast as I can. Same when the day ends. Try not to make me laugh if I catch your eye.”
“Make sure you throw it back.”
Ripley brushed Fen’s fingers with his and disappeared into the building. Fen joined the public queue. No way would he try to make Ripley laugh, though Ripley was far too professional to allow it to happen.
