DCI Armstrong burst into the open plan office, fuming. ‘Everyone out, now!’
Stunned, the officers left what they were doing and made their way out.
‘On the double! Not you.’ He pointed a finger at Taylor.
Once they were alone, Armstrong launched at the DI: ‘What did you think you were doing?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You know exactly what I mean − accusing Sandra Granger of lying? Still mourning the death of her five-year-old daughter. Just had her on the phone. Wants to make a complaint. What were you playing at?’
‘I don’t think she told the truth in court,’ Taylor replied, though he knew he’d been out of order.
‘And who the hell are you to decide that? The jury didn’t agree.’
‘I’m not sure about the safety of the conviction.’
‘What?’ Armstrong pointed a finger at Taylor. ‘And when did you become judge and jury? Getting too big for your effing boots, Taylor.’
‘I’m sorry but the evidence—’
Armstrong cut him off. ‘This is because I made DCI isn’t it? You want to undermine me?’
‘Where did that come from? I never wanted it.’
‘This is going on your file.’
‘My file?’ Unable to control himself, Taylor got up and stood toe to toe with the DCI. ‘Why does it matter so much anyway? Come to think of it, why did this case need a DI? So what if Anderson’s a barrister?’ Taylor’s brain was ticking over. Seeing things from a different angle. ‘Why was it so important to get me on this case? Who wanted me to nail Anderson so badly?’
Armstrong lost some of his bluster. ‘Always have to rebel against authority, don’t you? That’s why you never made it.’
‘What? Didn’t kiss the right arses, like you, you mean?’
‘You cheeky git. Right, that’s it. Go home and calm down.’ Armstrong shoved him in the shoulder. ‘Go on, sod off.’
‘With pleasure.’ Taylor stormed out. It wasn’t until he reached the car park that he got a sinking feeling. He’d overreacted. But why? Armstrong’s offensive remarks had never got to him before.
Was it because of a dawning realisation that somehow an innocent man had been convicted?
And that he had unwittingly been party to it?