Yesterday - Now Complete

Part 6

Paul was two third through a bottle of whiskey  when there was a knock on the front door. He ignored it. The knocking continued, getting louder and louder.

"POLICE! OPEN UP!"

"Fuck!" Paul got to his feet and walked slowly to the door. "Who is it?"

"Mr McCartney, it's the police!"

"Why?"

"OPEN THE DOOR!"

Swearing under his breath, Paul fumbled with the lock. Finally it opened.

"WHAT?"

"My name is DC Hardcastle. We'd like to ask you some questions Mr McCartney."

"This isn't a good time!" He held up his glass and gave a drunken shrug. "Can you not come back later tomorrow?"

"Can we come in Mr McCartney?"

Paul stood to one side and let them in.

"So what can I do for you gentlemen?" he asked, slurring his words.

"You're drunk Mr McCartney."

"Observant aren't you?" he quipped, "Getting pissed in my own house isn't a crime now is it?"

The officers scowled at him.

"No sir, it isn't. However disrespecting a police officer is." The officer eyed him coldly. "Mr McCartney we will return at 11am tomorrow morning to ask you some questions about an incident involving your girl friend Annie McIntosh."

With that they turn and left the house. Closing the door behind them, Paul scowled then returned to his whiskey bottle.

By 10 am the following morning Paul was sat in his kitchen facing a stern faced Brian Epstein. He was demanding to know what the police would want to question Paul and muttering about damaging publicity. Head thumping and mouth feeling like the bottom of a bird cage, Paul was doing his best to keep his already frayed temper. Brian made him strong coffee and forced him to drink it. Finally, the door bell rang. Paul cast Brian a look then went to open the door. The two police officers from the previous evening were there. He stood to one side and let them in without saying a word.

Brian stood up as they entered the kitchen.

"Gentlemen, please take a seat."

They looked surprised to find Paul accompanied.

"And you are?"

"Brian Epstein, Paul's manager. I'm sure you can appreciate that if something concerns Paul, then it concerns me."

One of the officers looked to Paul. "You're sure you want to discuss personal stuff with him here?"

Paul nodded. "I've not done anything wrong!"

The policemen sat down. "Mr McCartney, we would like to ask you some questions concerning your girlfriend Annie McIntosh."

"Annie? Why?" asked Paul, "She's not actually my girl friend anymore."

"When did your relationship end Mr McCartney?"

Paul shrugged. "She moved out a few days ago but we ended a few weeks ago. I let her stay until she found a new flat."

"How would you describe your relationship with Miss McIntosh? Before your parting?"

"We were together just over two years. She'd moved in. We had a good time."

"And your parting?"

"What about it?"

"Was it mutual?"