mistake.’
With an air of finality the DI straightens a stack of papers and begins issuing instructions. She wants the manager of the mobile phone shop and his assistant brought to the station.
‘Patrick locked her car,’ I say.
Veronica Cray stops in mid-sentence. ‘What does that have to do with anything?’
‘It just strikes me as an odd thing for a killer to do.’
‘Did you ask him why?’
‘He said he didn’t want anyone stealing it.’
23
Little Alice is riding her chestnut mare. Her hair is braided into a single plait that bounces up and down on her back as she rises and falls in the saddle, doing long slow circles of the enclosure.
Three other students are mounted and have joined the class, all wearing jodhpurs, riding boots and riding helmets. The instructor, Mrs Lehane, has big hips and messy blonde hair. She reminds me of a CO’s wife I met in Germany, who was more intimidating than her husband.
I can smell the horses. Never trust animals that are bigger than you are, that’s my motto. Horses may look intelligent and placid in photographs but in real life, up close, they ripple and snort. And those big, soft, wet eyes are hiding a secret. Come the revolution four legs will rule the world.
A couple of the parents have stayed to watch their children ride. Others are chatting in the parking area. Alice has nobody to watch her except for me. Don’t worry, snowflake, I’m looking at you. Sit up straight. Trot, trot, trot…
I punch the numbers on the mobile and hit the green button. A woman answers.
‘Is that Sylvia Furness?’
‘Yes.’
‘The mother of Alice?’
‘Yes. Who’s calling?’
‘I’m the good Samaritan who’s looking after your daughter.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘She had a fall from her horse. Twisted her knee quite badly. But it’s OK now, I’ve kissed it better.’
There’s a sharp intake of breath. ‘Who are you? Where’s my daughter?’
‘She’s right here, Sylvia, lying on the bed.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘She was muddy after her fall. Her jodhpurs were filthy. I popped them in the washing machine and gave Alice a bath. She has such lovely skin. What conditioner do you use on her hair? It’s very soft.’
‘I–I-I don’t know which one.’
‘And she has such a pretty birthmark on her neck. It’s shaped like an almond. I’m going to kiss it.’
‘No! Don’t touch her!’
Pain and confusion strangle her words. Fear. Panic. She’s going through them all now. Emotional overload.
‘Where’s Mrs Lehane?’ she asks.
‘With the rest of the class.’
‘Let me speak to Alice.’
‘She can’t speak.’
‘Why?’
‘She has masking tape across her mouth. But don’t worry, Sylvia, she can hear you. Let me put the phone down next to her ear. You can tell her how much you love her.’
A groan. ‘Please, let her go.’
‘But we’re having fun together. She’s such a sweet little thing. I’m looking after her. Little girls need looking after. Where’s Alice’s daddy?’
‘He’s not here.’
‘Little girls need a father.’
‘He’s away on business.’
‘Why do you act like such a whore when he’s away?’
‘I don’t.’
‘Alice thinks you do.’
‘No.’
‘She’s growing up. Budding.’
‘Please, don’t touch her.’
‘She’s very brave. She didn’t cry at all when I cut her clothes off. Now she’s a little embarrassed about being naked but I told her not to worry. I couldn’t put her muddy clothes back on. You really should invest in a bra for her. I think she’s ready… I mean, she will be twelve in May.’
She is begging me now, sobbing into the phone.
‘I know all about Alice. She likes Coldplay. Her horse is called Sally. She has a picture of her father on her bedside table. Her best friend’s name is Shelly. She likes a boy at school called Danny Green. She’s a little young to have a boyfriend but it won’t be long before she’s giving blowjobs in the back row at the cinema and spreading her legs all over town. I’m going to break her in.’
‘No, please. She’s just a-.’
‘Virgin, I know, I’ve checked.’
Sylvia is hyperventilating.
‘Calm down,’ I tell her. ‘Take a deep breath. Alice needs you to listen to me.’
‘What do you want?’
‘I want you to help me make her a woman.’
‘No. No.’
‘Listen to me, Sylvia. Don’t interrupt.’
‘Please, let her go.’
‘What did I tell you?’
‘Please.’
I slam the phone into my fist. ‘You hear that, Sylvia. That’s the sound of my fist hitting Alice’s face. I’m going to hit her again, every time you interrupt me.’
‘No. Please. I’m sorry.’
She falls silent.
‘That’s good, Sylvia. Much better. I’m going to let you say hello to Alice now. She can hear you. What do you want to say to her?’
She sobs: ‘Baby, it’s Mummy. It’s OK. Don’t be scared. I’m going to help you. I’m… I’m…’
‘Tell her to relax.’
‘Just relax.’
‘Tell her to co-operate.’
‘Do as the man says.’
‘That’s very good, Sylvia. She’s much calmer. Now I can begin. You can help me. Which hole shall I fuck first?’
She wails down the line. ‘Please, don’t touch her. Please no. Take her outside. Leave her in the street. I won’t call the police.’
‘Why would I want to do that?’
‘She’s only a baby.’
‘In some countries they marry girls off when they’re her age. They also circumcise them and sew their cunts shut.’
