ALANA'S MISTAKE ✔

Chapter 31

There was a steaming mug of tea sat on the table in front of Alana. The police sergeant had brought it in for her. He had seemed quite nice, despite the bulky black uniform with the walkie-talkie bleeping in his pocket. But he wasn't the one who was going to interview her. That would be the slightly rat-faced woman sat staring at her right now, mousy brown hair scraped back into an uncomfortable looking bun. Alana took a shaky sip of the tea, her other hand on the letter she had received that morning from Elias Smith.

'So, you want to explain to me your complaint?' said the policewoman.

Earlier, she had introduced herself as Inspector Taylor. She hadn't looked particularly sympathetic when they had first met and she looked even less so now.

'There's this guy, his name is Elias Smith and he is everywhere I look, everywhere I turn. He followed me home the other night, he sends these letters to my house.'

Inspector Taylor lifted the letter between her thumb and index finger, as if picking up something extremely distasteful. She looked down at the letter, frowning as she read.

'Looks like somebody has an admirer.'

She lifted one of her thin eyebrows.

'It's beyond that,' said Alana, reaching over to point out the drawing of her, Noah and Snow on the beach. 'That's my family. He was watching us on the beach that day. I never saw him - just got this. He's following my every move. He's watching my daughter.'

The inspector nodded slowly.

'Usually these cases happen when there's been a prior connection. Is that true with you and this - Elias?'

It was Alana's turn to nod slowly. Her shoulders fell and she stared at the edge of the table.

'This is a confidential meeting, isn't it? I mean, you can't give out information I give you, if it's personal?'

The woman's lips puckered.

'It depends what information there is to reveal. If there is something that pertains to the investigation that needs further inspection then I can't make any promises. If there's a connection between you and this man you would be wise to reveal that now.'

Alana took a deep breath.

'I spent a night with him. It was a one night thing, a mistake. I was drunk, my husband was away, he's gorgeous looking, he's the lead singer of a band, he's manipulative...'

Her voice petered out as she noticed the inspector staring at her, a mild look of distaste on her face.

'I presume you mean you had sexual relations?'

Alana nodded, feeling shamed to her very core.

'And when exactly did these relations take place?'

'A few weeks ago. Saturday, 8th June. That night.'

The woman crossed her thin arms across her chest and sat back in her chair, letting out air through her mouth. 

'There's very little we can do in cases like this. It hasn't been a prolonged period. There was prior connection. I would hazard a guess that this young man will find another direction for his interests before long.'

Alana looked back at her wide-eyed.

'No, no you don't understand. The other night he appeared out of nowhere. He's watching my daughter, a six year old child...'

'There's no evidence that he intends to take it any further than a few letters and meetings. If anything does change and there's anything concrete to report, please don't hesitate to call the station. But until then I suggest you continue with your life as normal.'

'As normal?' cried Alana. 'There is no normal any more. He won't go away, he's at my college too.'

'Unfortunately there's nothing we can do to stop someone visiting a college. Like I said, if anything else warrants a report you just let us know.'

Her voice was sharp, unforgiving. Alana could feel the judgement oozing out of her. She thinks I've brought this on myself. She thinks I deserve it. With that Inspector Taylor rose from her chair and stuck out her hand towards Alana. There was nothing else for Alana to do but shake her cold hand and then allow herself to be led out of the room.

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