Maggie prepared herself for what she was about to do. It was never easy interviewing people you worked with. They either knew what you’d be asking and had answers prepared, or they became defensive and personal. It never ended well. The internal line rang on her desk phone and she listened as the enquiry desk told her that he was here.
Maggie collected her pen and notebook and walked downstairs to the reception area. She buzzed him in and took him to the nearest interview room. ‘Thanks for coming down to the station at such short notice. We’ve just a few questions to ask, to clear a few things up.’ Maggie motioned for him to take a seat.
‘Well I have to say, this is a bit of a surprise. Have I done something wrong?’
‘Why do you ask that?’
‘DC Jamieson, I’m a Forensics Officer. I know what happens in police interviews, and you wouldn’t have me here if you didn’t think I may be involved in something of a criminal nature.’ He cocked his head to the left and the accusation in his voice was clear.
Maggie noticed how calm he was. His breathing was normal and he was relaxed in the chair across from her. ‘We’re just checking some lines of enquiry and your name popped up. As I know you, I thought you might be more comfortable and assured if we spoke, rather than a stranger. I’d like to ask you some questions, if you’re OK with that?’
‘Fire away. I’ve nothing to hide.’
‘Can you just confirm that you are currently registered with ArrowRoot agency, here in Stafford.’
Maggie noticed he shifted forward in the chair.
‘Yes. I am. But I’m hoping it won’t be for long.’
‘And why’s that?’
‘Well I’ve had my final probationary period review. I’d like to think that Dr Blake will take me on permanently.’
‘So no plans to move on elsewhere in the near future?’
‘You’re asking some odd questions, DC Jamieson. What’s this really about?’ His eyes brightened and Maggie suspected he’d finally figured out the purpose behind the interview. ‘You think I’ve something to do with the murders, don’t you?’
‘I haven’t mentioned any murders. Do you have something you want to share with me?’ Maggie looked him directly in the eye. She believed that a person could lie from their lips but their eyes would always deceive them.
‘Why else would you have me here? Are you afraid I’m after Dr Moloney?’
Maggie stiffened. ‘What has Dr Moloney got to do with the murders?’
A sly smile crept across his face. ‘I’m not an idiot, DC Jamieson. Even in the forensic department, we hear things. I saw what was sent to her. She’s being stalked, isn’t she?’
Maggie sat in silence. Watched his mannerisms. The confident smile never left his lips, even as he spoke words of concern. ‘I can assure you, I’ve nothing to do with these crimes or any interest in Dr Moloney. In fact, I thought we’d got on pretty well. I’m shocked I’m even here, but you must have some reason and I’d be interested in hearing what that is.’ He sat back in his chair and waited for Maggie to respond.
He seemed composed and, for once, Maggie found she couldn’t read him. Could they have got it wrong? Maybe she should just be direct.
‘Did you know either Tracy Holloway or Kelsey Gilbey?’
He paused before answering. Maggie noticed he fidgeted with his tie. ‘Not as far as I can recall.’
‘Well, we have a witness who described someone who looks just like you and can place you with Kelsey Gilbey. How do you explain that?’ When Bethany had done some further checks, a description of someone who fit Charlie had been found in one of the witness statements, and Maggie hoped her instincts would pay off.
‘Really?’ His eyes widened. ‘I’d be very interested in knowing more about that. Where was this alleged sighting of me?’
‘The Smith’s Forge. You were seen talking to Kelsey and our witness described you as’, Maggie looked through the notes in front of her, ‘creepy and unable to grasp the concept of personal space, when you tried to chat her up.’
Charlie’s face reddened. ‘I … I don’t kn-know what t-t-t-t-to say.’ A noticeable stutter caught Maggie’s ear. She waited.
He composed himself. Maggie watched as his chest rose and fell. ‘I’m embarrassed now, DC Jamieson.’ He waved his hands in front of himself. ‘I’m not the best-looking guy out there and I admit that when it comes to chat-up lines, I’m … well … pretty shit. Pardon the language. I’m sorry I made the witness feel uncomfortable. If truth be told, after talking to a few women, and being shot down, I left the pub with my tail between my legs. I haven’t been out socially since.’
This time, Maggie could tell he was being honest, and her shoulders dropped. Perhaps they had got it wrong and he wasn’t their guy. ‘Would you mind submitting a handwriting sample?’
‘Seriously? What has my handwriting got to do with anything? Haven’t you shamed me enough? I can just imagine you all gossiping about what a loser I am.’ He covered his face and leaned on the table. His shoulders shook.
‘There’s no need to get upset.’ She passed him a tissue from the box in the drawer. ‘I can assure you that you will not be a topic of office gossip. I’m sure you can appreciate that we need to get to the bottom of this and having a sample of your writing could eliminate you immediately.’
‘Fine. Just give me a piece of paper and let’s get this over with.’ He huffed.
Maggie removed a sheet of paper from her notebook and provided a phrase which would allow the analysts to compare easily. She watched him closely as he wrote. He was left-handed, but his hand shook as he wrote. According to Dr Blake, the killer may be left-handed based on the nature of the injuries but the notes were written by someone who was right-handed – this was confirmed by the handwriting analysists, but could they have got it wrong?
‘There. Happy now?’ He shoved the paper towards her.
Maggie looked at the paper and put it in her notebook. ‘Thank you, Charlie. Can I ask one more question before we wrap this up?’
‘I don’t think I have much choice in the matter. What is it?’
‘Have you noticed anyone behaving unusually lately? Perhaps late for work? More stressed than normal? Maybe those who are not on the permanent payroll?’ Maggie worried she’d said too much by hinting at agency staff, but it didn’t seem to register with Charlie.
‘Not that I can think of. Everyone is stressed at the moment. We’ve been working around the clock on the murders. If I do think of anyone, I’ll let you know.’
‘Thank you. That would be helpful. I’d ask that you keep the nature of our conversation to yourself for the time being too.’
‘Don’t worry, DC Jamieson. I’m not about to brag that I was questioned by the police, am I? Shit. Does Dr Blake know about this?’
‘Not to my knowledge. I think it’s reasonable to assume we’ll have to let her know, but it’s up to you whether you want to disclose it first.’
‘Are we done?’ Charlie stood and waited for Maggie to confirm the interview had been concluded.
‘Yes. I’ll show you out.’ Maggie led Charlie back to the enquiry desk.
Before he exited, she touched his arm. He stopped and turned towards her. ‘I’m really sorry about all this. I hope when you have a moment to reflect on it all, you’ll understand why we had to speak to you.’
He simply stared at her, the hatred burning in his eyes.
The damage was done.