***
‘I’m sorry about this, Jess.’ Isaac, acting on information supplied by Richard Williams, had no option but to call her in. If it was, as Williams had suggested, ‘important’, then he had to follow police procedure; no longer an informal chat and a brief kiss.
‘My client will only answer questions pertaining to Charles Sutherland.’ She had brought along legal representation. Isaac had phoned her before her official summons to the police station, advised her that it would be a good idea.
She had been taken aback initially but acquiesced when he had explained the situation. ‘Vital evidence, evidence that may be used in court, needs to be given in the correct manner. It’s best for you to come in, honestly answer the questions and clear the air.’
‘I thought you were protecting me,’ she had said.
‘I still am. Believe me, this is the best way. We need to clear up a few accusations that have been made.’
‘My dislike of Sutherland, is that it?’
‘Please say no more. Come to the station in your own vehicle. Park it around the back, and no one will know you’ve been here.’
It was late in the afternoon when all the concerned people were present. Isaac conducted the formalities.
‘This interview is being recorded and is being held in Interview Room 2 at Challis Street Police Station. I am Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Cook. Miss O’Neill, could you please introduce yourself.’
‘Jessica O’Neill.’
‘Detective Inspector Ahmed,’ Isaac said.
‘I am Detective Inspector Mohammad Farhan Ahmed.’
‘Mr Wrightson.’
‘I am Michael Wrightson, Solicitor, of Wrightson, Loftus and Evans.’
‘The time, if we can agree, is 4.10 p.m. At the conclusion of the interview, Miss O’Neill, I will give you a notice explaining exactly what will happen to the tapes. Do you understand?’
‘Yes.’
‘Do you understand the reason for the interview?’ Isaac asked.
‘Yes,’ she replied.
‘Thank you. I would remind you that you're not under arrest, you need not remain here, and you are entitled to legal representation.’
Farhan sat alongside Isaac, facing Jess O’Neill’s legal representative. Neither Isaac nor Farhan liked the look of him. He was a tall, slender man with pronounced features. The man spoke in a superior manner.
‘Miss O’Neill, thank you for coming in.’
‘I will answer all questions put forward, subject to my legal representative, Mr Wrightson, agreeing.’
‘That is fine, Miss O’Neill,’ Isaac responded.
‘Please call me Jess.’
‘Jess, it is,’ Isaac replied.
She looked at Michael Wrightson. He nodded his head in affirmation and spoke to the microphone in the middle of the table. ‘That is acceptable.’
‘It is known that you argued with Charles Sutherland. Is that correct?’ Isaac asked.
‘Argued, yes, but it hardly seems relevant.’
‘Why?’
She looked over at Wrightson before responding. He nodded his head. ‘It’s part of my job to maintain momentum, to put everyone in their place. It’s a tight schedule on production days.’
‘Are you saying that you only argued on production days?’
‘I argue with a lot of people on production days, but nobody takes it seriously. Tensions are high, tempers are short, and some of the actors think they’re major stars, worthy of preferential treatment, kid gloves.’
‘Charles Sutherland. One of those?’
‘Charles Sutherland and Marjorie Frobisher were the worst.’
‘We will come to Marjorie Frobisher later.’ Isaac realised he could not go too easy on her, and besides, Farhan was there as well. He could not be seen to be weak in front of his junior.
‘My client is not sure where this is proceeding.’ Wrightson felt the need to speak. ‘Miss O’Neill has not been formally charged. Why is she here?’
‘I am informed that Miss O’Neill had more than a dislike for Charles Sutherland. It has come to my knowledge that she had a hatred of the man.’
‘That is not correct,’ Jess protested.
‘My client does not need to respond to that accusation,’ Wrightson said. Isaac had had enough of the man; his input was obstructive.
‘I am not asking Miss O’Neill to incriminate herself. I am purely giving her the opportunity to confirm her hatred for this man categorically and why. It is understood that there may have been reluctance before. The previous times that we spoke were unofficial and unrecorded. It is imperative that your client is entirely honest with us.’
Jess turned to Wrightson. ‘Michael, what should I do?’
‘May we halt this interview for five minutes,’ Wrightson asked. ‘I need to advise my client as to her legal position.’
‘4.25 p.m. Interview with Miss Jessica O’Neill halted.’
‘Thank you,’ Wrightson said.
‘I’ll send in some coffee. Take as long as you like. We’ll be outside.’
‘Make it tea for me.’ Jess managed a weak smile.
Isaac and Farhan left the room.
***
‘Michael, what am I to do?’ Jess turned to face Wrightson.
‘You haven’t done anything wrong.’
‘I know, but it’s a clear motive.’
‘It will look worse if you don’t speak now. DCI Cook, what’s the situation with him?’
‘I like him. He likes me. No more than that.’
‘He seems to be going gentle on you. Did you sense it?’
‘He seemed very rough to me.’
‘I’ve been in these places before. He’s trying to help. It would be best if you trust him with this information. I’m not only your legal representative, I’m also married to your sister. I’m family. I suggest you state clearly the full story in your own time, make a statement.’
‘Why? There was no one else there.’
‘It always comes out. One day, when the pressure’s on the police to wrap up the case, when they have a suspect in mind, you will let it slip. I just don’t think you’re a good enough actor not to let it out.’
‘Not good enough for the soap I produce?’
‘You may be good enough for that.’
‘I will follow your
