Second Bite of the Apple

Chapter 37: Just For The Record

Chapter 37: Just For The Record

"This interview is being tape recorded. I am Sergeant Winters and  I am in charge of case 75301. Can you confirm your full name please?"

Ever since the door had closed behind me and the tape machine had clicked into action I had felt close to tears. Now I actually had to try and speak it seemed as though my throat was rapidly closing up. My tongue seemed far too large for my mouth and even my name was a struggle.

"Sian," I choked, "Sian Bailey."

"And your date of birth?" Winters inquired.

"15th January 1996," I managed.

"Thank you. The date is Monday 28th October 2013 and the time by my watch is 11:35am. It is my duty to inform you that although this interview is being conducted at the station, you are not under arrest and are free to leave at any time. You are also entitled to free and independent legal advice. Do you wish to have a solicitor present?"

I hadn't even consider the possibility that I would need one. This had suddenly become a lot more real. Almost surreal. I felt like I was on a crime drama or something.

"No, I'm fine on my own," I replied, feeling anything but fine. "I just want to get this over with."

"I understand," Winters responded calmly, "I know this may be tough for you but please try to give us as much detail as possible, okay Sian?"

I nodded, wanting to save my energy for having to relive the ordeal.

"Just for the record, can you confirm the date on which the alleged attack against you occurred?"

"17th December 2010," I said automatically, the date deeply ingrained in my mind.

"And you believe your attacker to be Mr Matthew Dean, who we currently have held in custody?"

"He confessed! I know it was him!"

I still hated the way they treated all of my evidence as belief rather than fact. They must think there's some sort of truth in what I was saying or surely Matt would have been released immediately. They must know he has a record. They know what he's capable of. Who knows, I may not even be the first. Or the last. The thought made my skin crawl, and reassured me a little that this was the right thing to do.

"Please could you tell me about the night in question. Start from the beginning and try to remember as much as possible. Don't skim over the details, sometimes the slightest thing can be important, even if it may not seem it to you."

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and let the memories of that night wash over me.

Over an hour later, they finally unlocked the door that had held me captive with my demons and released me. Despite being no prisoner, I had never felt so trapped in my life. Not just in the room, but in my own head, in that moment. It was hell. Now it felt as though I had slipped between the bars and I just wanted to run. I had a need to feel the sunlight on my face, the wind in my hair. I needed to escape. I walked as fast as I dared, but was convinced that everything about my demeanour screamed guilty right now. I brushed my hair back from my face, staring hard at the ground, unwilling to meet anyone's eyes. I didn't look up until I reached the main doors and when I did I was sure I was hallucinating.

There, leaning seductively against the bonnet of the nearest police car, was Laura. Her blouse was unbuttoned low enough to see a slither of lace from her bra, her skirt was hitched up revealing the delicate lace at the top of her sheer black stockings and perched jauntily on her head was a black police cap. I was speechless. The absolute cheek. She was twirling a set of keys around her index finger. Surely she hadn't?!