Farhan went on to explain that both women had their reasons for indulging in prostitution, and they should be protected from a scurrilous press. They were potentially material witnesses, and it was up to the police department to protect their identities. Detective Superintendent Goddard saw this as illogical.
Farhan counter-argued that legally in the United Kingdom they had not broken any law except the law of morality, and that was not a punishable offence, except by a higher power.
Isaac, amazed at the fluidity of Farhan’s argument and the fluency of delivery, in the end could only sit back and declare him the winner. Goddard, suitably impressed, thanked him for his honesty and his reasons but failed to give him his unanimous support.
‘Detective Inspector Ahmed, this is all very well, and given I want to give you a kick up the arse as well as a severe dressing down, which I do, how can I protect them and you?’
‘Official Secrets Act?’ Isaac asked.
‘What has the Official Secrets Act got to do with this?’
‘It’s there to restrict information. Why not for these women?’
‘I’ll need to meet with my contact; see what we can do.’
‘Angus MacTavish?’ Isaac asked.
‘I suppose it was pointless trying to keep that confidential,’ Goddard admitted.
‘What about the women?’ Farhan asked.
‘They need to keep a low profile. Explain that you need to know where they are.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
‘Don’t thank me. We’re not out of trouble yet, and you’ve still to receive my reprimand. Isaac will tell you that I don’t mince words. You’ve been a bloody fool. Whatever you do, don’t go sleeping with the witnesses until this is over. That applies to you as well, Isaac.’
***
Farhan, suitably humbled after his admission and thankful that there was a potential solution, focussed his attention on the two women. As much as he wanted to phone Aisha first, he decided that Olivia was the person most under threat. As a precaution, he had called Marion Robertson, indicated that she had committed a criminal offence by revealing the name of a witness. He was confident that she would say no more until he got to her office, which he intended to do within the hour.
Olivia was pleased to hear Farhan on the end of the phone. ‘What can you tell me? What’s going to happen?’ she asked. Her husband was on the phone line as well. Farhan could hear him breathing.
‘You’re not alone?’ Farhan asked.
‘My husband is here with me. We’re going to be alright.’
‘I’d like to thank you, Detective Inspector Ahmed,’ Olivia’s husband said.
‘This must be a difficult time for you both.’
‘We love each other,’ Olivia said. ‘My husband will forgive me in time, I hope.’
‘In time, as my wife says. I knew what she was before I married her and I know she only did it for the family. It will be hard, but we will survive.’
‘Do you want to come to the house?’ she asked.
‘I don’t think that’s necessary, and besides, I already know where you live. I believe it would be best if we don’t meet. Someone might be following me.’
‘How do you know my address?’
‘I’m a policeman. Your car registration plates. Caroline, am I correct?’
‘Caroline, yes.’
‘This matter is more involved than you realise. I’m not at liberty to say more. This goes beyond the death of one person.’
‘What can we do?’ Olivia’s husband asked.
‘Are you able to leave the country?’
‘We’ve discussed it, for the sake of the children,’ the husband responded.
‘Any possibility?’
‘My father was South African. I’ve citizenship there.’
‘When can you go?’
‘We had thought in two months. I need to give notice at work, and there’s the children’s schooling.
‘It would be best if you leave now.’
‘I understand,’ the husband said.
‘Are you suggesting we hide, have fictitious names?’ Olivia asked.
‘Nothing so melodramatic. The press is fickle, short-term memory. You’ll be forgotten in time, and there is still the other woman.’
‘Is she leaving as well?’ the husband asked.
‘Possibly. I don’t believe Marion Robertson knew how to contact her.’
‘She told me she didn’t, but you’d better check. She hasn’t come out too well in this.’
‘Maybe there are extenuating circumstances. I’ll reserve my opinion until I’ve met with her.’
‘We can leave within the week, maybe two days,’ the husband said.
‘Keep in contact. I’ll do what I can to protect you.’
‘Thank you, Farhan,’ Olivia said. Her husband thanked him as well.
With one woman’s situation hopefully resolved, Farhan turned to the one woman he hoped he could protect. Her phone, barely the first ring before she answered.
‘Aisha, where are you?’
‘Close to the office. Can we meet?’ she asked.
‘It’s not possible. We need to maintain a distance until this blows over.’
‘Why?’
‘They know me. I don’t want them following.’
‘You would know if you were being followed, wouldn’t you?’
‘Most of the time, but some of them are good. The risk's too great.’
‘Then it’s good that we spent time together yesterday,’ she said.
‘I wish we could repeat it today, but your safety is more important than my lust.’
‘Don’t you mean love?’
‘Of course, but I need to protect you now.’
‘That’s what people who love each other do, isn’t it?’
He had to agree. ‘Yes, that’s what they do.’
‘What do you want me to do?’
‘Maintain your normal routine. Go to work, go home, act normal.’
‘I’ll try. It won’t be easy.’
‘It will not be easy for either of us, but your protection is
