The Silent Suspect by Nell Pattison (epub e ink reader .TXT) 📕

this morning. She hung her head. I knew they were getting towards their limit for how long they could hold him. They’d already applied for the full ninety-six hours; they had to charge him or release him. But I suppose I thought they would have to release him without evidence that he’s guilty.

I rubbed my face. That’s it then, I signed. There’s nothing else we can do.

She stared at me fiercely, her eyes bright. What? Of course that’s not it! This doesn’t change anything.

I hesitated. But they must have some more evidence, Sasha. Something we don’t know about. They wouldn’t charge him if they thought there was any room for doubt. I spread my palms wide. What about the bruises? We still have no idea how he got those. Maybe they found evidence that he got them when he killed Nadia.

Well, what do you know about it that you’re not telling me? she snapped. You’re the one who’s been having cosy little chats with one of the detectives. What have you told him?

Hang on, that’s not fair, I replied, holding up my hands defensively.

No, what’s not fair is you not sharing things with me, Sasha replied. What have you been telling DS Singh?

Nothing that he didn’t already know! I stood up and walked over to the window. I wasn’t in the mood for this from Sasha, especially when I knew she’d been keeping more from me than I’d kept from her. I don’t want to do this right now. Maybe you should go, and we can talk tomorrow.

Sasha’s face fell and she stood up, crossing the room to join me. Paige, I need your help. I’m sorry. I just don’t know what to do. How are we going to help Lukas now?

I let out an exasperated noise. I don’t know, Sasha. We’re looking into things, but there’s nothing obvious. I can’t deal with this right now.

Why, what have you got going on that’s more important than an innocent man going to jail? she snapped.

Well, I split up with Max yesterday, if you must know, I retorted, scowling at her.

There was a pause while she took in what I’d just said, as I glared at her, my hands trembling and tears threatening to spill again. I knew she cared about Lukas, but she needed to understand that he wasn’t the only person in the world, and that helping her wasn’t my sole goal in life.

A moment later, she bit her lip and shook her head. I’m sorry, Paige. I’ve been so caught up with what’s going on with Lukas that I’ve barely noticed anything else that’s going on in the world. I should have realised. Do you want to talk about it?

I sat down again. Not really. I gave her the bare bones of the story – that he’d asked me to move in with him and I’d realised I didn’t want our relationship to progress any further – and to her credit she listened without interrupting.

Is there anything I can do? she asked once I’d finished.

No, I’m fine. But I think you need to take a step back from this, I told her, meaning Lukas and the murder investigation. I think it’s not good for you.

I understand why you’re saying that, she signed slowly, carefully choosing her words, but I can’t do that. I have a responsibility towards him.

Have you ever stopped to think he might have done it? I asked, knowing I might risk her wrath again, but also knowing that I had to ask the question.

She blinked rapidly, and for a moment I didn’t know if she was going to cry or explode at me again, but in the end she did neither. I don’t need to think about it, she replied eventually. Because I know there’s no way he could have done it. I don’t expect you to believe it, and if you don’t want to help me with this any more that’s fine. But I know he’s innocent, and I’m not going to stop trying to prove it. Even if he’s convicted and I need to fund an appeal myself, I’ll do it.

I thought for a minute, taking her words in. I trusted her judgement, but I also trusted Singh and his ability to do his job correctly, and in this instance one of them must be wrong. For the first time I started to think that perhaps Lukas was guilty, and Sasha was being swayed by her personal connection to him. I knew I couldn’t say that to her, though, without risking another fight, and I didn’t have the energy for it. Her comment about paying for his appeal reminded me of what Singh had told me about the solicitor, and I needed answers before I was willing to trust her further.

Why didn’t you tell me that you’d been to see Lukas on your own?

Sasha’s eyes widened and I thought she might be about to deny it, but she swallowed and nodded.

Okay, you’re right. I should have told you about that. I suppose DS Singh told you?

I nodded, waiting for her to answer the question.

I don’t know, if I’m honest, she signed with a shrug. I went on a whim, thinking I might be able to talk Lukas into speaking to the police, to professing his innocence. But it didn’t work and he still refused to speak to me. I hoped he might have changed his mind the next day; that’s why I asked you to call.

But why wouldn’t you tell me about it? I pressed.

I thought you’d say I was getting too obsessed with the case, she replied. I didn’t want anyone to know just how much of my time I’ve been putting into trying to find a way to prove his innocence. If my manager knew, she wouldn’t be impressed. Supporting a client through the criminal justice system is one thing, but I know I’ve neglected a few of my other clients this week because I’ve prioritised Lukas.

You paid for his solicitor, too,