Her Perfect Family(30)

‘Well, you couldn’t know.’ He smiles. Everyone hated babysitting trainees when he was in the force. Then he remembers that Mel’s waiting.

‘Oh, and just one more thing. More personal. I read in the paper that the university is offering counselling to students and staff.’ He’s keen to be diplomatic even if the chancellor wasn’t.

‘Yes – that’s right. We have a very good team.’

‘It’s just my daughter’s having nightmares. She was there that day – on the high street with my wife and heard too much. I was wondering if you could recommend someone. A counsellor from your team? I’d be happy to pay privately.’

‘What age is she?’

‘Four.’

‘Poor thing.’ Amanda’s eyes soften. ‘Well, our team specialises in student and adult counselling, but I know they have contacts who work with children. There were a few younger siblings at the cathedral. I can have a word with our head of student counselling if you like.’

‘Would you?’ Matthew hands over his personal card. ‘Email and mobile are on there. As I say I’m happy to pay privately but would love a recommendation. We need someone good.’

‘No problem. Happy to help. And about the seating. Do you want me to come clean with the chancellor? It’s just I’ll be in a bit of hot water but I’d rather tell her myself if it’s going to be an issue. I’ve been a bit worried your investigation might question why they were up the front. In the VIP section.’

Matthew realises it had never occurred to him to wonder. He looks down at the ground and then back at Amanda.

‘No. I don’t think it’s important. Mum’s the word.’

‘Thank you.’ She looks relieved.

‘And try not to worry. If the ceremony does go ahead, DI Sanders will keep everyone safe. She’s good. Very good.’

Amanda just nods and looks at her watch again. ‘Sorry. But I really ought to be going. The meeting.’



Twenty minutes later, as Matthew finally pulls up at the police station, Mel’s waiting on the steps, scrolling through her phone.

‘So what happened to you, Matt? On the phone to Sally?’

‘You should be a detective.’

Mel laughs.

‘Yeah. I spoke briefly to Sal but I also had a quick word with the PR Amanda. We were right. She’s trying to be diplomatic – typical PR – but she clearly doesn’t agree about the final ceremony going ahead. She’s more shaken than the chancellor realises.’

‘Interesting. And what about Sally? What does she think about my offer?’

‘We’re going to talk tonight. My guess is she’ll want me in a bulletproof vest minimum.’

‘Well, at least you’re skinny enough to carry it off.’ Mel’s smiling as she leads them through the front office, using her security card to take them into an inner corridor. ‘I look pregnant again in mine.’

Matthew’s turn to laugh. It was a standing joke when they last liaised over a case. Mel was in the final stages of her pregnancy and was so large that everyone, Matthew included, was sure she was having twins. She wasn’t. It’s funny to see her tiny again – her son at home. Separate and growing up fast.

He follows her to the lift, thinking also of Amelie and hoping that Amanda may help source a good counsellor. He wonders how anyone would even approach this – with a child so young.

‘You all right, Matt? You look distracted.’ Mel’s turned her head.

‘I’m fine. Sorry, mind in overdrive. One thing. Did you ever wonder why the Hartleys were right up front for the ceremony?’

Mel frowns. ‘No. Just assumed they got lucky. Why? Is something worrying you? Something relevant?’

‘No. I just wondered if it was better or worse for them. To have seen it all so clearly.’

Mel considers this. ‘Better to be nearer, I’d say. Given the crush you described. At least they got to Gemma pretty quickly.’

‘Yes. That’s what I think.’ Matthew pauses. He’ll tell Amanda this if she gets in touch about the counselling. That she shouldn’t feel bad about the favour. Might ease his guilt over asking so much of her after the shooting.

‘Come on, then. Let’s do this.’ He takes in a breath and next they’re moving swiftly through the CID offices to the small suite of interview rooms where Ed Hartley’s waiting for them.

Mel leaves Matthew momentarily, he assumes to explain to her team why she’s leading on the chat with Ed Hartley and taking him through too. He waits outside the door of the office but can’t quite make out what’s being said – though he imagines the eye-rolling. It’s not a formal interview but most inspectors would still bump this to a sergeant. Though Mel’s never been one for protocol.

Next they’re sweeping into the small, square room to find Gemma’s father drinking coffee at the central table. He stands.

‘I’ve been waiting ages.’

‘Sorry. We were at the university. We got held up.’

‘Do I need my solicitor?’

‘Why would you need a solicitor, Mr Hartley? This is just a chat.’

‘Right. That’s what Matthew said. Just an informal chat.’ He sits down as they take up their own seats opposite. ‘So you won’t be recording this or anything?’