“What about that video?” Flanagan asked. “They’ll fire me.”
“It has no direct bearing on the case,” Davidson said. “Perhaps you could see fit to keep it confidential?”
Kapoor laughed. “I think the security lapses alone will impact on your career in property.”
Davidson made a note on his pad. “In the interests of cooperation, how about you recommend further security training rather than sanctions for Mark? He’s a good lad, just over enthusiastic. No harm done.”
“Tell that to Alice Madsen.”
“You know I don't mean that detective.”
“All right,” Kapoor said. “I’ll do what I can. But no promises. Anyway, Mark Flanagan, you are free to leave. Thank you for your co-operation.” She motioned to Manning to wrap up the recording. On completion of the formalities, Kapoor turned to Flanagan. “If you somehow hold on to your job, restrict your love life to your own bed.”
*
When Flanagan and his lawyer left, Kapoor spoke to Manning in the corridor. “Let’s talk to the estate agent about the viewers. And don't mention the video of that idiot and his girlfriend.”
“He gets a pass on that?” Manning asked.
Kapoor shrugged. “They’ll find out sooner or later. Anyway, not our problem.”
“Fair enough. Do you think this guy, Brian Hailsham or whatever his real name is, will go back to Madsen's house?”
Kapoor sipped on a plastic cup of water. “If this was a straightforward case, I’d say it’s unlikely. Too much hassle, too high risk. Given the changes made to the locks and alarm, he should look for another target. But...”
“This guy’s different?”
Kapoor nodded. “Think of the planning that went into this. Copying the keys. The disguised camera. We’ve seen footage of Flanagan in the bedroom, but he’s got footage of Alice too. So, what's he going to do with that?”
“Might depend on his motive. Is it a sexual power thing or is it connected to South Kensington?”
As she answered, Kapoor rubbed the back of her neck. “This is personal now. He’s stalking her, and he’s not finished yet.”
“What do we do?”
Kapoor crumbled the plastic cup in her hand. A massage would be good, she thought. Her shoulders and neck were stiff. She sighed as if that would ease the stress and tiredness. It didn’t. She shook her head. “The hard part first.”
“DCI Thorne?”
“No. I have to tell Madsen we let Flanagan go. Worse, we have no idea who broke into her house and that it is likely he’ll come for her again. We don't have the resources to watch the house, so she’s going to have to move somewhere safe until we catch the bastard.”
77
Laura rapped on Tim Burnham’s office door, even though it was open. Burnham looked up from his desk. “Yes Laura?”
“I want to run something by you. You got a few minutes?”
He nodded. “You got 2.”
“I want to make a follow up piece on South Ken. Interview survivors and get their thoughts on the backlash against the Muslim community. But I also want to explore the social media vitriol aimed at Alice Madsen. She was arrested and released, yet people still think she's involved. People threatened her. We could also look at the impact the attack had on the injured and their families.”
Burnham fiddled with a pen for a moment, then he shook his head. “Don't see it, Laura. Sounds like it needs a full production team.”
“Are you saying I can't do it?”
“You're a reporter, not a producer.”
“But this is a report.”
“More like a current affairs piece with a too heavy human interest angle.” He shrugged. “Not our thing. Sorry.”
“Thanks, Tim. That’s just great.”
He turned his attention back to his computer. “You’re welcome.”
78
Alice sat in a comfortable room in the Paddington Havens with specialist counsellor, Dr Eloise Traynor. With gentle expertise, she dismantled the Alice’s barriers. Soon Alice told her every detail about the assault, including the mace and the fact she’d kept that from the police. Eloise assured her of confidentiality, and Alice felt able to talk about Ved Volden and what had happened in Copenhagen. Alice spoke fast, and over the course of an hour, she felt the burden ease a little. Eloise neither judged nor offered solutions. She listened to what Alice had to say and gave unquestioning support with nothing demanded in return.
When she finished, Alice said, “The detective told me they have the guy in custody. But there’s no closure. The sense of violation won't go away. I still carry the…” She looked down at her wrists. “…scars. Mental scars as well. Too damn many of them. Will they ever go away?”
“With time and therapy you can heal.”
“But I’ve been carrying some for years.”
Eloise nodded. “It’s never too late to begin the healing process, and with proper treatment you will get better. However, right now we need to focus on the physical.”
Alice shook her head and groaned. “You mean that examination?”
“The Forensic Medical Examination,” Eloise nodded. “You mentioned he used his finger on your vagina, so...” She spread her palms wide. “It would be no harm to have you examined.”
Alice crossed her legs. “Another invasion.”
“I understand.” Eloise leaned in closer. “It’s no harm to see if there has been any abrasions or small cuts. If there is any physical evidence of assault, they can use it in court.”
Alice pulled on her lower lip with her teeth. She wasn’t sore now, but if she went looking for pain, she was sure she would find it. “I don't know whether the pain is real or imaginary.”
“Why don’t you speak to the doctor?”
“Depends.” Alice shifted in the chair. “Is it... I mean who...”
Eloise nodded. “It’s okay. Her name’s Miriam, Dr Miriam Lambert. She’s excellent.”
“Can the
