Let’s get started,’ she says briskly, reaching into her briefcase for a statement form. ‘Tell me what you told the FLO and we’ll take it from there.’
‘Okay.’ Ruby shifts some jumpers off a chair and sits down. ‘Sorry about the mess. We’ve both been so upset …’
Lewis pops his head around the door, a plate of sandwiches in hand. ‘Hi … I’ll be in the bedroom if you need me,’ he says.
DS Smart narrows her eyes at him and he scurries away. ‘Okay. So, this incident took place on the previous Saturday, when you were also babysitting Mabel …’
Ruby gives her account again, starting with the walk around the park, buying lunch from the food stall, sitting on the bench, then stopping to look at the ducks – another detail she’s only just remembered – before returning to the flat.
‘Lewis rang me,’ she says. ‘If you check his phone, you’ll get the precise time.’
‘And you didn’t realise at any point in the day that you’d left the key in the front door?’
‘No. I was busy looking after Mabel and I didn’t go out after that, so why would I?’
‘It just seems strange, that’s all, that you forgot so completely, even when you were interviewed, and then suddenly remembered this morning.’
‘It was the reconstruction that triggered it,’ Ruby replies, feeling increasingly defensive. ‘I don’t see why that surprises you. That’s the whole point of them, isn’t it?’
‘Indeed,’ DS Smart murmurs.
‘I’ll never forgive myself for leaving the key in the door – never! It was totally my fault, but if I hadn’t mentioned it, nobody would know. I’d be off the hook, to some extent. I truly didn’t realise until today. I’m owning up because I want to find Mabel, that’s all I care about.’
Smart scribbles something down. ‘Let’s see if any witnesses come forward,’ she clips.
‘Amber believes me; she experienced weird stuff too. She can corroborate—’
‘Can we stick to what you saw or heard? Or didn’t hear?’
Ruby stares at her indignantly. ‘Why are you being like this?’
‘I’m not being like anything,’ DS Smart replies coolly. ‘I’m just taking your witness statement.’
‘Yes, but you clearly don’t believe me.’ She can feel flames of anger licking her insides. ‘And you were really hostile to Lewis just now.’
‘I’d like to continue with the statement, please.’
‘There’s no reason he should be a suspect – it’s not fair, it’s intimidation.’ Ruby stands up. ‘He’s being trolled, you know. It’s causing real problems at work. He could lose his job over this—’
‘Ruby, please calm down.’
‘No, I won’t calm down. Mabel is missing and you’re blaming the wrong people. I can see why you might suspect me, but not Lewis.’
‘We do have reason to include Lewis in our investigations, as it happens. And not just because he’s your boyfriend.’
Ruby puts her hands on her hips. ‘Oh. I see. It’s because he’s got a criminal record. That’s discrimination. The situation was completely different and he only got a suspended sentence. It was self-defence anyway.’
‘I suggest you talk to Lewis, ask him to explain.’ DS Smart draws herself in. ‘Right. Is there anything more you’d like to include in your statement, or shall I start writing it up?’
‘Write it up,’ Ruby barks. ‘Shout when you want me to sign.’ She marches out of the sitting room and into the bedroom, where Lewis is perched on the edge of the bed, his sandwiches lying uneaten on the plate. His face is etched with anxiety.
‘I thought you were hungry,’ she says, plonking herself down next to him.
‘Lost my appetite.’
Ruby lowers her voice to the quietest whisper. ‘She’s vile. Can’t stand her. She’s been aggressive right from the beginning. I’m going to complain.’
He takes her hand. ‘Don’t. You’ll make it worse.’
‘She’s got it in for you. Said I needed to ask you to explain why you were a suspect. What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Ruby … Ruby … please, be quiet.’
‘She obviously thought you hadn’t told me about the assault conviction. Like we don’t have an honest relationship.’
He releases his grasp and leaps up, moving away from her. ‘Stop! Go back to the lounge and finish the bloody statement. Get rid of her, then we’ll talk.’
Ruby jolts. ‘Talk about what? Lew?’
He goes to the window, leaning heavily on the sill and taking short, rapid breaths.
‘What? Come on. You’re scaring me. What is it? Lewis! You have to tell me now.’
‘I’m Mabel’s father,’ he says.
Chapter Thirty
Day Seven with Mabel
I turn to Mabel. ‘Gosh, look, it’s time for the evening news,’ I say, reaching for the