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Sally had spent the afternoon with the police, as they packed up all Hibbert’s paperwork to take into evidence. She’d given a full statement, or as much as she could recall, going right back to when his first letter had landed on her desk. She thought she could see in the eyes of the officer taking it down that there were things she could have done differently. She should have seen the dangers; she should have reported it. The problem with all that was, being an MP did not come with an instruction manual. It was all very well sitting there with 20/20 hindsight and passing judgement, but she had been running to stand still ever since she’d got elected. It wasn’t neglect or laziness; it was just an accident.
‘Thank you, Mrs Archibald, I think we have all we need for now.’ The detective sergeant handed her a card. ‘If you remember anything else you think could be helpful, then please get in touch.’
Sally showed her to the door. ‘How is he? Mr Hibbert.’
The officer raised an eyebrow. ‘He’s being assessed in one of our secure hospitals. He was extremely agitated when we arrested him. By all accounts he is still liable to aggressive acts. I don’t think he will be released any time soon.’
‘That’s not what I meant. Is he getting the right care?’
‘I believe we are dealing with him in the most appropriate way, given what happened.’
Sally nodded. ‘Thank you. I did want to help him, you know. We both did, Priya worked tremendously hard on his case.’
‘I’m afraid there are many people like our Mr Hibbert out there, Mrs Archibald. The system isn’t perfect, it never could be, and people are let down. By the time he came into your orbit, I fear the damage was already done. I’m not sure what you could have really achieved for him.’
Sally wanted this to be true, but doubted good intentions were enough of an excuse. She closed the door behind the officer and looked around her empty office. She had barely kept her life together when she had Priya working day and night to help her. Hiring another assistant had to be her number one priority, but where was she going to find anybody half as good?
*****
‘Who knew this divorce thing was so bloody complicated? I think we need another bottle.’ Mel raised her hand to attract the waiter’s attention.
‘Apparently Tom did,’ Sally said, ‘and he clearly delighted in letting me know.’
Carl tore another strip off his steak. ‘I wish I’d been there, I’d have shown him what “unreasonable behaviour” really looks like.’
Mel thought this must be the height of sophistication: dining with your ex and his new girlfriend, who is also your best friend, while discussing your pending divorces. But then a brush with mortality is bound to give you a new perspective on life and what really matters. ‘We’re a bit screwed then, unless we go back to Plan A and Carl sues me on the grounds of adultery.’
‘Or you sue him,’ Sally said.
‘Think about it, babes, do you really want to be the co-respondent in our divorce case? I bet the Daily Mail would love that.’
‘Ah, yes. You might be right. Mind you that would make it extremely hard for Tom to pretend we’re happily married, so it would almost be worth it.’
‘And if we don’t do that, we have to wait two years?’ Carl asked.
‘Yep, ‘fraid so. Anyone would think marriage was to be taken seriously.’ The waiter appeared, and Mel ordered another bottle of Pinot Grigio. ‘It’s up to you two, I’m not in a particular hurry if you’re not.’
‘It appears not.’ Sally took Carl’s hand. ‘Are you OK with living in sin for a bit longer?’
‘On that note, have you come to a decision on the living situation?’ Mel asked. ‘I don’t mean to be pushy, but matricide is looking increasingly likely if I don’t get out soon.’
‘It’s up to Sal,’ Carl said. ‘She knows how I feel.’
Sally suddenly found her ravioli endlessly fascinating.
‘Come on, Sal, he’s virtually living there already. I thought you liked having a big strong man about the house after what happened.’ Mel regretted the words the moment they spilled out of her big gob. ‘Sorry, that was tactless.’ It was true though: Mel and Carl had made sure Sally was hardly ever left alone since she’d got back from staying with her parents.
‘No, you’re right,’ Sally squeezed Carl’s hand. ‘I don’t think I’d have survived the last few weeks without you being there. And I know what you mean, Mel, a week staying with my mother was more than enough for me.’
‘So, does that mean it’s official,’ Carl asked.
Sally leant over and kissed him. ‘Yes. We are officially shacked up.’
Carl grinned and the kiss developed, tongues and everything.
‘I’m not sure I want to see this,’ Mel said. ‘It’s putting me right off my tagliatelle.’
Sally and Carl pulled apart.
‘Sorry, bae— Mel,’ Carl said.
‘It’s alright, babe,’ Mel said. ‘This is clearly going to take us all some getting used to.’