Call connected at 17:52.
‘Hello?’
‘Hello, is that Jordan Haines?’
‘Yeah, who’s this?’
‘It’s Detective Inspector Juliet Stern.’
‘Oh. What do you want?’
‘I have an update on the investigation into the fire on the Dunlow Estate.’
‘Do you need me to come in?’
‘No, that isn’t why I’m calling. I wanted to let you know you had nothing to do with the fire. It spread from the fireplace.’
‘I didn’t start it?’
‘No, Jordan.’
‘Shit. Sorry for swearing. I was just so freaked out.’
‘I understand.’
‘Thanks for letting me know.’
‘You’re in the clear for this, but you need to stay away from the Dunlows from now on.’
‘Sure. I will.’
‘I wanted to give you some advice as well.’
‘What’s that?’
‘Stop following in your father’s footsteps.’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘Don’t play dumb, Jordan. I’ve seen your mum. I know what happens in your house.’
‘You don’t know anything.’
‘I know far more than I wish to. And I know you don’t want to be like your father. If I’m right, you should get help, Jordan. You might tell yourself it’s over now, that you won’t hurt another woman the way you hurt Melanie, but you’re lying to yourself. Unless you work through your issues, you will continue hurting the people you love.’
‘I didn’t mean to hurt Mel.’
‘I believe you. But the fact is, you did hurt her. A lot. And it’s up to you to make sure that doesn’t happen again.’
‘I’ll try, I promise.’
‘There’s a group that meets at the Methodist Hall on St James Road every Wednesday at seven p.m. They won’t pry, but they could help both you and your mum.’
‘I’ll take her there.’
‘Good.’
‘Have you found Mel’s killer yet?’
‘That’s a complicated question. We’re following some strong lines of enquiry.’
‘I hope you get them.’
‘Me too. Look after yourself, Jordan.’