Hit and Run, Maria Frankland [books like harry potter txt] 📗

his pen and ram it where the sun doesn’t shine. I had thought they were on my side.

“Then there’s the financial trouble you’re involved in. You’re in it up to your neck Fiona. So desperate that you even colluded with your husband to rip off his firm.”

“I knew nothing about that.”

“That’s not what Mr Phillip Bracken believes. Or us. In fact, from our inspections of Robert’s computer, it seems the two of you were pretty desperate to lay your hands on a large sum of money as quickly as possible.”

“I’ve already told you about that.” God, this is a nightmare. “Can I have some water, please?”

She buzzes through to request some, then slides two pages from a folder and places them gently, one by one, in front of me. One is the loan document, and the other is the re-mortgage agreement. “Is that your signature Fiona?”

“Yes, but he’s forged it.”

“Who has? Robert?”

“Yes. I found copies of these documents in his desk the other day. And I knew nothing about them. It was the first time I’d seen them. Nor did I know about him being suspended from work for fraud. I’ve only found out since he died.”

“Unfortunately, that doesn’t add up Fiona. Not when we sit it side by side with the recent text messages, you’ve sent him. Thanks Sarge.” She smiles at the man who brings in a jug of water and three plastic cups. “She sets another piece of paper down in front of me. “For the benefit of the camera, I shall re-read them,” she says.

Twelve days ago - 30th May. So what about this money then?????

And this one from 11th May, one month ago. Have you paid it in yet? This could change our life.

“You can’t tell me you weren’t colluding in your husband’s financial dealings when you were sending text messages of this nature to him?”

“I’ve already admitted to giving him some of my money to invest. But that’s where my involvement ends.” I rub at my temples. My migraine is getting worse. Great.

“What do you have to say about the fact that the money embezzled from his employers was in your joint account?” She pours water into the cups, passes one to me and one to PC Robinson.

“I know absolutely nothing about it. And it’s not there now.”

“Do you know someone called James Turner?”

“I know a large sum of money, some of it mine, has been paid to him. I thought he was some sort of intermediary for the two share opportunities Rob told me about.” Just talking about James Turner sets my teeth on edge. “But I’ve contacted him, and he says he knows nothing about it. In fact, he wouldn’t even speak to me. He’s the man you should look into.”

“What did Rob tell you about these share opportunities?”

“All I can remember is that one so-called opportunity was to do with a Chinese company, a block chain thing. The other was a shopping centre that’s opening in Harrogate. He told me that anything I put in would be multiplied tenfold. I’ve already told you this.”

“Which explains why you would want to lay your hands on as much money as possible.”

“Why do you say so-called opportunity Fiona?”

“Because, as things stand, I do not know where all my money is. In fact, you’ve no idea how stressed out I am about it. It’s James Turner you need to be questioning. Not me.”

“We’ve been told you’re a recovering alcoholic.”

I see distaste swimming in her eyes. “What’s that got to do with anything?”

“I imagine it’s cost you a lot over the years. Eaten away at your inheritance. No wonder you wanted to get your hands on some easy money.”

“Has Bryony told you about my past drink problem? Which by the way, is in the past.” My voice is strong and steady, but inside, I want to weep. How much has Rob told his bloody ex about me? He’s laid on a slab in a hospital mortuary, well by now, he might be at the chapel of rest, and he’s managing from wherever he is, to take me down. Why? “I’m not saying anything else to you without a solicitor present.”

“That’s fair enough. That’s about all we’ve got to ask. For now, anyway.”

“So I can go then?” The tension in my shoulders sags as I contemplate getting out of this hellhole.

“Not just yet. I’m sorry.” She doesn’t look sorry at all. “We must return you to your cell whilst the Crown Prosecution Service decides whether formal charges will be brought against you.”

“Charges for what?”

“Murder, or manslaughter. Causing death by dangerous driving, fraud, embezzlement. Quite a list for starters, don’t you think?”

Sarcastic cow. I regret saying a single word to them without waiting for a solicitor to be present. I thought it would get me out quicker. I can’t believe I’ve got to go back in that cell.

They return me to a different cell, this time it’s one that reeks of urine. I perch on the edge of the concrete slab. “It’s disgusting that you are treating me like this,” I shout at her. “You won’t be getting away with it. This is a violation of my human rights. Have you smelt it in here? You can’t lock me in here!”

She half smiles as she closes the door. I can’t believe what is happening. I’ll be sick if I have to stay in here for long. I close my eyes and bring my t-shirt over my nose. Breathing deeply to calm myself, I try to take myself out of where I am, if only just inside my mind. But the problems won’t stop swirling. My head feels as though it is being squeezed in a vice. I can’t cope.

I don’t know how long I sit there, still as a rock, too numb to cry, too shocked to process what is happening. Eventually, there is a click as they release the door.

“You’re free to leave Fiona,” a different police officer says.

“Free?”

“We’re releasing you on police bail.”