Cross and Ottey went over to Swift’s flat the next morning. Swift and Mackenzie had taken the day off work. It struck Cross that Swift was more upset by the attack than Mackenzie, which led him to conclude that she was holding everything in, keeping things in check. He knew this couldn’t last. Ottey wanted to talk to Mackenzie alone.
‘Perhaps Michael could show you his collection of crime scene books?’ Ottey suggested. Swift had a sizeable collection of these books together with his cellophane-wrapped rare comics that were catalogued in various storage boxes.
‘Sure, no problem,’ replied Swift, aware of what Ottey was up to. For Cross, however, it just seemed a wholly inappropriate thing to suggest at such a time. Nevertheless, the two men sat engrossed in crime scene photographs from the past while the two women spoke.
‘You know I worked in the sex crimes unit for a few years,’ Ottey began by saying.
‘I didn’t know that, no.’
‘So, if you want to ask anything about the process or just talk, you only have to ask,’ Ottey went on.
‘Oh sure,’ said Mackenzie, as if the idea of not taking her up on this would be just daft. ‘But I’m good. Honestly. I’ll be back in after the weekend.’
‘You’re still in shock, Alice, and it’ll wear off without any warning. When you’re least expecting it. Like suddenly coming off painkillers too early when you’ve hurt yourself. You don’t have to be brave and put on a strong front. It’s just not a requirement.’
‘I felt so calm, I mean not so calm but calm. Is that weird?’
‘Not at all. Unusual, but not weird.’
‘Maybe it’s because I knew who it was.’
‘Possibly.’
‘I can’t imagine what it must be like if it’s a complete stranger. So much more terrifying. I just thought, what can I do to prove it was him? Then he peppered me.’
Ottey said nothing. She knew all too well that commenting on events like this often had an unintended effect on the victim.
‘Alice, are you going to press charges?’ she asked.
‘Of course I bloody am. They got DNA from my fingernails. I wasn’t just fighting back doing that. I wanted his DNA.’
‘Good.’
‘It was intentional,’ said Mackenzie, trying to make sure there was no doubt.
‘I know. Michael told me. Quick thinking. We need to talk to Jacky Collins in Kent and get her up to speed. See if the others will come forward in the light of this. I think it’s only fair to give her a heads up that we’re going to arrest him.’
‘Sure. Is there a warrant out for him?’ Mackenzie asked.
‘No.’
‘Why not?’
‘George. He thinks Warner’s pattern of behaviour means he’ll just go back to work after a few days, thinking he’s got away with it again. When Collins tells us he’s back, we’ll go and pick him up. Unusually for George, he wants me and him to go and do the honours.’
‘Wish I could be there. Does he really think the bastard’s that arrogant? That he’ll just go to work?’
‘He does. Just be patient. You’ll get your chance to stare him in the face again in court. The man’s time is up.’