Little Boy Blue

83

‘So what do you think?’

Gardam had been waiting for Helen outside the interview suite. She’d been keen to get back to the team, but he’d pressed her for an update. So they now found themselves in the smokers’ yard once again.

‘I think she’s a good suspect. She’s admitted engaging in extreme BDSM practices with Paine on the night he died, she knew Elder and I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to place her at both scenes. She’s definitely damaged enough – she’s been a victim of violence all her life and I suspect it’s the only language she knows. Plus it’s clear that she has an unhealthy interest in subjugating other people.’

‘She told you all this?’

‘She doesn’t seem to mind, in fact she seems to enjoy it.’

‘So why hasn’t she confessed? If she’s so willing to talk?’

‘It could be that she’s innocent – though she’s never said as much. It may be that she’s cornered and wants to enjoy the game for as long as possible. Or it may be that actually admitting what she’s done is too hard for her. Don’t forget she’s a victim too.’

‘So what’s the next play?’

‘We keep digging – see if we can link her to BDSM purchases made with stolen credit cards. Anything we can turn up will increase our leverage.’

Gardam nodded and drew hard on his cigarette. A brief silence followed as Helen did likewise. They were alone today and the smokers’ yard had a curiously intimate feel.

‘I really should give these things up,’ he said, exhaling.

‘Me too. But somehow every time I make the decision to quit -’

‘Something comes up.’

Helen nodded.

‘Occupational hazard, I guess,’ Gardam continued, flicking his ash on to the ground. ‘How long have you been a smoker… ?’

‘Since I was a kid,’ Helen replied. ‘There wasn’t much else to do round our way when we were bunking off school. It was my sister who really got me into it.’

‘I was the same. I wanted to be like my older brothers. Of course, they both quit years ago and now the bastards do triathlons just to rub my nose in it.’

Gardam finished his cigarette and rubbed it out on the wall behind him.

‘Maybe we should both quit together?’ he said. ‘Keep an eye on each other.’

‘Let’s not run before we can walk, eh?’ Helen replied, extinguishing her cigarette. ‘We’ve still got a long way to go on this one.’

‘I guess you’re right,’ Gardam answered, pocketing his packet of cigarettes.

Helen waited to be dismissed, but Gardam made no move to do so.

‘Was there anything else, sir?’

‘No. And don’t feel you need to call me that. Jonathan is fine, as long as it’s not in front of the troops.’

‘Of course, thank you.’

‘Good night, Helen.’

Helen took her leave and headed back to the seventh floor. Perhaps she had been wrong about Gardam. Against all the odds, they were starting to get along.