‘Yes, alone. I swear it wasn’t me. I don’t even know where she lives.’
‘What about this morning?’
‘I was still here. And then I went to work. At Coleman’s. You can ask them. You don’t think I killed her, do you?’
‘For the moment, we’re just trying to find out what everyone who knew her was doing at the time of her death.’
‘Well, I was nowhere near her. I promise you. Whoever killed her, it wasn’t me.’
* * *
When the two police officers have left, Toby paces the room. He’s not used to strangers in his flat. He’s especially not used to having detectives here, quizzing him and staring at him and trying to catch him out. They’re sneaky, is what they are. And that female detective, she was too attractive. He wanted to tell her everything, even though it seemed to him she didn’t trust him an inch. But he didn’t blab, because he’s no snitch. And if they ever question him again, he’ll just repeat what he said to them today.
Everything’s fine.
He pulls his phone from his jeans pocket, finds a name in his contacts. When he makes the call, the ring tone seems to go on for ever.
‘Hey, Toby,’ a voice says finally.
‘Hi. I hope you don’t mind me ringing you out of the blue like this…’
‘No, it’s okay. What’s up?’
‘I got some news.’
‘Okay.’
‘Big news.’
‘Okay.’
‘You want to know what it’s about?’
‘I assume that’s why you called.’
‘Yeah. Well, it’s about Alexa.’
‘Uh-huh. What about her?’
‘You’re not going to believe this.’
‘Try me.’
‘She’s dead.’
‘What? Did you just say she’s dead?’
‘Yeah. And not like in a road accident or nothing. She was murdered.’
There’s a long silence. Toby wonders if the call has been disconnected.
‘Hello?’ he says.
‘Yeah, I’m here. Are you sure about this, Toby? How do you know?’
‘Because I’ve just had the police here. They’re trying to find the killer.’
‘So why are they asking you?’
‘I think it’s because of what happened when she got me thrown out of the centre.’
‘You mean they suspect you?’
‘No! What? No. I don’t think so. But, well… I thought I should give you a heads-up.’
‘Why?’
‘Why? Isn’t it obvious? Because of, you know, the thing between you and Alexa.’
‘Toby, you didn’t say anything to the police about that, did you?’
‘No, of course—’
‘Because that was supposed to be confidential. Just between you and me.’
‘I know, I know. I didn’t say nothing to them about you, I swear. I didn’t even mention your name.’
‘I hope so. Because you’ve already got me into enough trouble over this. You know that, don’t you?’
