Page 60

CHAPTER SIXTY

A fter all he’d done for her, Beth noticed that Lisa Carpenter didn’t ask about her husband’s condition until the very end of her interview, and even then, it was as though she’d only just remembered his existence. When confronted with the accident, she immediately broke down.

‘I didn’t know what to do. I was going to help,’ she said, sobbing. ‘But others came, and I panicked. I know I shouldn’t have driven off, but I’d been drinking, and Luke said that Robbie Benson would take care of the car and after I found out she hadn’t died…’

She stopped when she saw the expression on DI Miller’s face and then started sobbing again. ‘I’ve been depressed,’ she said as though that explained everything. ‘We’ve had some money difficulties.’

‘Lisa Carpenter, I’m arresting you for driving without due care and attention and causing a near-fatal accident while intoxicated. You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something that you may later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Do you understand what I’ve just said?’

Lisa nodded and lifted her tear-stained, blotchy face. ‘You know me, Beth, I wouldn’t hurt anybody. There’s no need to arrest me.’

‘You can’t just knock people down with your car, Lisa, and get away with it, and Luke should never have covered up a crime or destroyed evidence.’

‘I would have handed myself in, but Luke said it would affect his pension and everything.’

Christ , thought Beth. She is trying to squirm her way out of it by blaming Luke.

Lisa’s eyes widened. ‘Is he okay? You said The Vigilante beat him up.’

Beth shook her head in amazement. Now she’s concerned for him. For all she knows, he could be dead. Beth explained Luke had been badly beaten but would be okay and Lisa could visit him if she wished after making her statement at the station.

Tom was still trying to figure out how The Vigilante knew to go to Ana’s flat. Had he been following Luke, and if so, why?

‘It’s badly bruised but not broken,’ the doctor assured Ana. ‘I’ll give you some painkillers and muscle relaxants for when the pain is severe.’

She’d messaged Jonny to say she couldn’t meet with him as she’d had a minor accident. He was at the hospital within half an hour, his face creased in concern. ‘My God, what happened?’

She briefly explained, ending with, ‘I was stupid. I shouldn’t have invited him to my flat.’

‘Well, I’m taking you home to your flat, whether you like it or not,’ he said forcefully.

At that moment, Ana liked someone deciding for her, but her fierce independence kicked in quickly. ‘It’s fine. I can get a taxi,’ she said.

Jonny was not even listening. ‘I’m bringing the car round.’

Ana, realising she was too tired to argue, simply nodded.