Trustees.’
‘How old was she when you met her?’
‘She was fourteen. Her mother had died. But I deny anything untoward took place at the orphanage.’
‘So would I, in your shoes. Nevertheless, while Yvette was in care, she got pregnant and gave birth to Russell at the age of fifteen.’
Poole’s tone became almost haughty. ‘Well, I’m not the father, Inspector. Like I said, nothing improper happened between us.’
‘Was it your decision to let Yvette keep the baby at the orphanage?’
Poole hesitated. ‘Partly.’
‘How would that work?’
‘We had suitable family quarters away from the rest of the residents. It seemed. . unnecessary to separate mother and child.’
‘Especially if you were over a barrel and had to do as you were told,’ sneered Noble.
‘I’m not the father,’ insisted Poole. ‘How many times?’
‘You can prove that?’ asked Noble.
‘I don’t need proof. You can’t tie me to unlawful sexual intercourse because it never happened. It would be the word of a deranged young girl against mine.’
Brook’s eyes narrowed. His show of temper had thrown Poole off-balance and loosened his tongue but the expathologist was smart enough to avoid crowing about DNA tests.
‘So you don’t have proof,’ persisted Brook.
Poole looked away. ‘I told you. I don’t need it.’
‘If we find out which company you used to test your DNA against Russell Thomson’s, all the denials in the world won’t wash,’ said Brook quietly. ‘Even if there wasn’t a match, the fact that you sought a professional judgement is damning enough.’
Poole looked puzzled for a second then broke into a wide grin. ‘Good luck making that case, Inspector,’ he said, almost laughing now. Brook was wrong-footed for the first time.
‘If you’re not the father, who is?’ asked Noble.
‘Take your pick,’ said Poole. ‘Yvette did. She could string anyone along. All the boys lusted after her at St Asaph’s. You’ve seen her. She must have given you two the treatment. She always does.’ Brook stared back at Poole while Noble shuffled uncomfortably on his seat. Poole grinned again. It was an unpleasant sight. ‘I see she did, Sergeant. Did she come over all vulnerable? Did she make you feel strong and masterful?’ Noble made to stand but was halted by Brook’s voice.
‘Then there’s the money.’
‘Money?’
‘The money you used to set her up.’
Poole shrugged. ‘I could deny it, but why would I? I felt sorry for the girl. I helped her out when she left the orphanage. I could afford it.’
‘And that’s when the sexual relationship started?’
‘Yes.’
‘Did your wife know?’
‘No, thank God.’
‘And Alice?’
Poole just shook his head.
‘And now?’ asked Brook.
Poole sighed. ‘Now I’m getting married again, I’ve decided to turn off the tap. She can make her own way in the world. She won’t have any trouble finding another benefactor.’
‘But she doesn’t see it that way.’
‘She thinks I owe her. I move and she follows. Then she asks for money.’
‘Which you gave her willingly for eighteen years.’
‘I told you, I felt sorry for her. And I could afford it.’
‘What changed?’
Poole became evasive. ‘I just said. I’m getting married. I decided — enough is enough.’
‘And you’re worried she might take it badly and come after you, spouting her lies.’
‘Hell hath no fury. .’ Poole shrugged.
‘Did she threaten you?’
‘Not exactly. But with this lad drowning. .’
‘Wilson Woodrow!’ exclaimed Brook. ‘You think she had something to do with that?’
‘It was a suicide,’ added Noble. ‘We have it on film.’ Noble knew he’d said the wrong thing almost at once. Brook’s imperceptible glance in his direction spoke volumes.
‘Maybe not then,’ admitted Poole. ‘But this Wilson — the lad who drowned — he was always pestering her, trying to get into her bed. He may even have succeeded, for all I know.’
‘Yet you still rang her this morning after Sergeant Grey tipped you off?’
Poole hesitated. ‘I didn’t ring her,’ he said firmly.
‘But Grey rang you.’
Poole picked his words carefully. ‘He’s a friend. He thought it might be Kyle’s body. He thought I ought to know.’
‘But you didn’t think Alice ought to know.’
‘Pardon?’
‘You rang Yvette in the early morning to tell her we’d found a young man’s body, maybe Russell’s body, maybe Kyle’s body, you had no way of knowing. .’
‘I told you-’
‘. . but you didn’t see fit to tell Kyle’s mother,’ pressed Brook.
‘It wasn’t Kyle.’
‘You didn’t know that.’
Poole took a deep breath. ‘I didn’t want to alarm Alice. She’s sensitive.’
‘And Yvette isn’t.’
‘Only to her own needs.’
‘You think she didn’t care that her own son might have drowned?’ said Noble. ‘She was there in a shot.’
Poole stared back, mute.
Brook drained his tea. ‘When we check the call you made to Yvette. .’
‘I told you,’ answered Poole confidently. ‘I didn’t ring her. Go ahead and check. I’ve got nothing to hide.’
Brook smiled his understanding. ‘No, you didn’t need to ring her, did you? When Grey rang you, you were already there, at her house. In her bed.’
Poole stared straight ahead. When Brook and Noble wouldn’t break their gaze, he sighed. ‘I felt sorry for her.’
Noble bristled and his fists clenched. ‘You snivelling-’
‘She can’t be alone, Sergeant,’ said Poole. ‘Believe me. It kills her. Since the orphanage, she’s always. .’ He hung his head. Noble’s breathing slowed. A moment later, Poole looked up. ‘About that cigarette.’
Noble reluctantly pulled out his pack and offered it round. There was silence as each lit up, appreciating the temporary kinship of tobacco.
‘Does Alice have to know?’ said Poole finally.
‘Oh, I think Alice already knows what she’s getting into without our input,’ replied Brook.
‘What does that mean?’
‘It means, like Yvette, she knows the basis of your relationship and what it makes her.’
Poole’s face betrayed his fury. ‘I don’t think there’s any need for that!’
‘Did money change hands?’ asked Brook, ignoring Poole’s indignation.
‘Money?’
‘Grey. Did you pay for the heads-up?’
