A Game of Proof

As always with Sarah, the tears were short-lived. She turned, brushing them away with her hand. ‘And so he stalked her for a while, and then he followed her that night when she and Simon had their quarrel …’

‘Probably.’

‘… and then he jumped out at her somewhere and thought that since she was two-timing both her boyfriends she wouldn’t mind doing it with him as well. That’s the way these perverts think, isn’t it? Then when she refused, he pulled out his knife and — Jesus, Terry!’

She stopped, took hold of his arm. ‘Let’s not go any further, if you don’t mind. You realise where we are, don’t you?’

He looked, and saw what she meant. They were less than half a mile from where Jasmine’s body had been found. They turned back towards the city.

‘Of course this is all speculation. The only confession he’s made so far is to Sharon.’

‘Which you’ll have the devil of a job getting admitted in court. I couldn’t.’

‘There’s lawyers for you.’ Terry said, regretting it instantly. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean …’

‘Yes you did.’ She walked on, looking down moodily. ‘Everyone hates us, except when we’re needed.’

He changed the subject. ‘How’s Simon taking it? Surely he must be grateful.’

‘Oh yes.’ She offered a wry smile. ‘But to you, as much as to me. I’m surprised he hasn’t been round to thank you. You’re his hero, right now.’

‘I’ll look forward to it. And Bob? He must be pleased?’

‘Yes, of course.’ Sarah sighed. ‘His problem is that not only did he shop Simon in the first place, he also believed in his guilt. Which makes things rather difficult in his relationship with Simon, you see. And in his relationship with me.’

Terry searched for an answer. ‘You’ll get over it. In time.’

‘Will we, Terry?’ She looked up at him. ‘I wonder.’

They walked on for a while in silence. As they reached the car park, she turned and took both of his hands in hers. Over her shoulder he could see the Norman castle on its mound, and in front of it the elegant eighteenth century law courts where so much was decided. For better or worse. She pressed his hand gently, and smiled.

‘Anyway, we got something right in the end, between us, didn’t we?’

She reached up, kissed him gently on the cheek, and was gone.