‘She’s not told you?’
‘I know she told him that his time on the programme was over, and he had responded with some choice words.’
‘Stuck-up bitch, that sort of thing?’ Williams said.
‘That’s about all I know.’
‘I think you’d better talk to her again. It’s more serious than that. Nobody out at the production lot knows ‒ only me and maybe Sally Jenkins.’
‘Why only you two?’
‘Firstly, Jess came and told me, and secondly, Sally had a tendency to listen in to conversations.’
‘What is it that Jess had against Charles Sutherland?’
‘It would be best if it came from her.’
‘Let me have your version first?’
‘I’m afraid I cannot do that. It would not be helpful if I distorted or misinterpreted what she told me.’
‘I’ll grant you that. I need to see her as soon as possible.’
‘Then I would suggest that you bring her in to the police station, sit her down and get her to explain. It may become an integral part of any future trial. Not against Jess, but against Sutherland.’
Chapter 16
The first of the two escorts was not difficult to spot. The entrance to Hyde Park, just across the road from Marble Arch, the designated meeting place. It had been a good choice as it was a bright and sunny day.
Farhan could not help but be struck by the woman’s beauty. She was of medium height, full in the figure, not fat, dressed in what looked to him to be expensive clothes, and her shoulder length hair dark and full.
She had a pleasant smile when she came over to him and introduced herself. Farhan thought the smile was a veneer.
‘I’ve taken time off work to come and meet you. Everyone thinks I’m at the dentist.’
‘I hope I’m not as painful as all that,’ he joked. He warmed to the woman, the embodiment to him of the ideal female. She appeared to have some Indian heritage, although her skin tone was light.
‘It’s not you. I have an image to maintain, and this man being murdered has put me in an awkward position.’
‘Why?’ he asked. They moved from the gate and strolled through the park. He was enjoying himself. She was nervous, but not as nervous as she had been when they first met.
‘I work for Marion, but it’s not the sort of thing you want your friends and family to know about, and certainly not in the office.’
‘Where do you work?’
‘I work with a legal firm, not five minutes’ walk from here. I’m training to be a lawyer.’
‘Why the escort work?’
‘It pays well. Life is expensive. A junior in a legal office doesn’t get paid much.’
‘Is it purely money?’
‘Not altogether, but it’s a large part of it.’
‘What’s the other part?’
‘I like sex.’ It was an unexpected admission.
‘The men can’t always be pleasant,’ he said.
‘It’s a balance. Most of the men are ageing but generous. I make sure they enjoy themselves. You don’t know what kind of an aphrodisiac the money is.’ It seemed to Farhan the words were spoken as a defence mechanism.
‘Charles Sutherland. I am under the impression that he was not a particularly pleasant man.’
‘I remember him. He was into threesomes, and he liked some lesbian play before. He liked to sit and watch.’
‘You had no problem with his watching?’
‘Why should I? Law school is expensive, and I intend to get through with honours at least. Then I’ll find myself a good position as a lawyer, corporate law. That’s where the money is.’
‘And escorting?’
‘I’ll stop as soon as I finish law school.’
‘No regrets?’
‘Of course not. You sound prudish. Do you disapprove?’
‘As long as no one causes anyone harm, then I maintain a neutral view.’ Farhan realised he had made a similar statement to Marion Robertson, the purveyor of women such as Samantha.
‘My family would disown me.’
‘Then why take the risk?’
‘I see nothing wrong with what I do.’ She failed to answer his question.
‘Can we get back to Charles Sutherland?’ Farhan had deviated from his questioning. He, like Isaac, was susceptible to the charms of a woman. With Isaac, they saw him as a stud. With him, they saw someone to mother.
Isaac would take advantage; he never had, at least not yet. He had made a decision. The purity and boredom of a loveless marriage did not compensate. He would protect the children, but as for his wife, he had no further use for her.
‘I wouldn’t say it was an enjoyable night,’ she continued, ‘or two nights, as we went back again. We provided the service, spent a few hours there, and left.’
‘The night he died. Were you there?’
‘Yes, but when we left he had a smile on his face. He was very much alive.’
‘The other lady?’
‘I only know her as Olivia. We don’t talk about our private lives.’
‘What time did you leave Sutherland’s suite at the Savoy?’
‘Just after midnight. I always check the time of departing.’
‘Why’s that?’
‘I need to ensure that my parents are asleep when I get home. I don’t want any awkward questions as I walk in the door.’
‘You live at home?’
‘A good Muslim girl. Yes, I do. I’ve shocked you again.’
‘Too many years as a policeman. I’ve seen it all. I’m not easily shocked, but a good Muslim girl, a beautiful woman, acting as an escort…’
‘My name’s Aisha.’
‘Your real name?’
‘Yes. You will keep my involvement confidential?’
‘That’s what I promised Marion. I will make the same promise to you, although you must realise this may soon be out of my control.’
Unaware, they had walked some distance, further than expected, and found themselves on the other side of the park. In a flurry, late for an appointment, she hailed a taxi. ‘Call me once this is over,’
