“What news?”
“A policeman was killed at that peaceful little demonstration tonight. Not a local chap, but one of us, nonetheless.”
“Is that why Dennis is still at the station?”
“We’re still questioning people, yes. It’s serious, Jenny. I haven’t seen Dennis Osmond, never even heard of him. But they won’t let him go till they’ve got his statement, and we’re not giving out any information to members of the public yet. It doesn’t mean he’s under suspicion or anything, just that he hasn’t been questioned yet.”
“And then?”
“They’ll let him go. If all’s well you’ll still have some of the night left together.”
31
Jenny lowered her head for a moment, then glared at him again. “You’re being a bastard, you know,” she said. “I don’t like being teased that way.”
“What do you want me to do?” Banks asked. “Why did you come?”
“I … I just wanted to find out what happened.”
“Are you sure you’re not trying to get him special treatment?”
Jenny sighed. “Alan, we’re friends, aren’t we?”
Banks nodded.
“Well,” she went on, “I know you can’t help being a policeman, but if you don’t know where your job ends and your friendships begin… Need I go on?”
Banks rubbed his bristly chin. “No. I’m sorry. It’s been a rough night. But you still haven’t answered my question.”
“I’d just hoped to get some idea of what might have happened to him, that’s all.
I got the impression that if I’d lingered a moment longer down at the station they’d have had me in for questioning, too. I didn’t know about the death. I suppose that changes things?”
“Of course it does. It means we’ve got a cop killer on the loose. I’m sure it’s nothing to do with your Dennis, but he’ll have to answer the same questions as the rest. I can’t say exactly how long he’ll be. At least you know he’s not in hospital. Plenty of people are.”
“I can’t believe it, Alan. I can understand tempers getting frayed, fists flying, but not a killing. What happened?”
“He was stabbed. It was deliberate; there’s no getting around that.”
Jenny shook her head.
“Sorry I can’t be any more help,” Banks said. “What was Dennis’s involvement with the demo?”
“He was one of the organizers, along with the Students Union and those people from Maggie’s Farm.”
“That place up near Relton?”
“That’s it. The local women’s group was involved, too.”
“WEEF? Dorothy Wycombe?”
Jenny nodded. Banks had come up against the Women of Eastvale for Emancipation and Freedom before- Dorothy
32
Wycombe in particular-and it gave him a sinking feeling to realize that he might have to deal with them again.
“I still can’t believe it,” Jenny went on. “Dennis told me time and time again that the last thing they wanted was a violent confrontation.”
“I don’t suppose anybody wanted it, but these things have a way of getting out of hand. Look, why don’t you go home? I’m sure he’ll be back soon. He won’t be mistreated. We don’t suddenly turn into vicious goons when things like this happen.”
“You might not,” said Jenny. “But I’ve heard how you close ranks.”
“Don’t worry.”
Jenny finished her drink. “All right. I can see you’re trying to get rid of me.”
“Not at all. Have another Scotch if you want.”
Jenny hesitated. “No,” she said finally. “I was only teasing. You’re right. It’s late. I’d better get back home.” She picked up her scarf. “It was good, though.
The Scotch. So rich you could chew it.”
Banks walked her to the door. “If there are any problems,” he said, “let me know. And I could do with your help, too. You seem to know a bit about what went on behind the
scenes.”
Jenny nodded and fastened her scarf.
“Maybe you could come to dinner?” Banks suggested on impulse. “Try my gourmet cooking?”
