Page 128 of Maybe Tomorrow

‘I just want to go home.’

Pauline looked to Leo.

‘Mate,’ Leo began, sitting next to him on the bed. ‘We’ve explained that money’s a bit tight at the moment so we’ve had to agree to certain things with the newspapers and TV people so that we can pay the bills. They just want to ask you a few questions.’

‘What questions?’

‘Nothing difficult. Just how you’re feeling and what you plan on doing next.’

‘I don’t know how to answer those questions.’

‘You just… you just say that you’re happy to be able to go back home.’

‘Can’t you tell them for me?’

‘It needs to be you, Anthony. But me and your mum will be right beside you.’

‘I’m tired.’

‘I know. I tell you what: how about, this evening, we all go out for a slap-up meal somewhere fancy. You like steak, don’t you?’

Anthony smiled. ‘Steak and chips.’

‘We can do steak and chips. Can’t we Pauline?’ Leo asked.

‘Of course. Anything you want.’

‘Apple pie for afters?’ Anthony’s eyes lit up.

‘We’ll ask at the hotel to see if they do apple pie and custard.’

Pauline sat on the bed and took Anthony’s hand in hers. She squeezed it tight. ‘Everything seems a bit odd right now, doesn’t it?’

He nodded.

‘Things’ll settle down in a few days. You need to adjust to being out and back in the real world again. But you don’t need to worry about anything, because you’ve got me and Leo, and we’ll always be by your side.’

‘Forever?’ Anthony asked.

She nodded. ‘Forever.’

Jennifer had arranged for the press conference to be in the hotel. Several newspapers and TV channels had already offered large amounts of money for an exclusive interview and there was talk of a book deal, but that was a conversation for another day. Right now, the world was waiting to see how Anthony Winstanley felt about spending ten years of his life locked up for a crime he didn’t commit and what his plans were for the future.

The room was filling up with print journalists who scrambled for a front-row seat. At the back, television cameras were set up, all pointing to the desk on a makeshift stage where Jennifer, along with Anthony, Pauline and Leo would sit. Jennifer would read out a short statement she had written and then it would be open for the reporters to ask questions. Half an hour maximum.

In the corridor behind the stage, Anthony could hear the bustle of the room filling up.

‘I don’t want to do this.’

‘It won’t be for long, Anthony,’ Jennifer assuaged. ‘All you need to do is smile and relax and answer a few questions. Are we ready?’ She smiled at everyone.

‘Just think of steak and chips,’ Leo whispered which made Anthony smile.

As Jennifer pulled back the curtain and they all walked out, the room fell silent, and suddenly the cameras began to flash. The blinding light caused them all to wince as they found their seats and sat down. Anthony had to be guided to the chairs. He could only see out of one eye and the sight in that wasn’t perfect. Every movement he made, every little bit of help he required to function, was photographed to be slapped on the front pages of every newspaper tomorrow. Pauline reached for a jug of water, poured a glass and handed it to Anthony.

He turned to look at the sea of strangers in front of him, all of them staring, the camera lights flashing, hurting his eyes. This was too much. His hand was shaking as he picked up the glass of water. He spilled some as he tried to drink.

‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ Jennifer said loudly to bring the room into order. The flashing abated. ‘We thank you all for coming here today. First of all, I want to say how pleased I am to see Anthony released from prison after over ten years living convicted for a crime he didn’t commit, a crime he had no involvement in. There are many conversations to be had about this, but they’re for another time. Today is a day of celebration that Anthony can begin his life again and put this whole nightmare behind him. Personally, I’d like to thank Anthony for his bravery and courage during the past decade; his mother, Pauline, for always being there and fighting; Leo, for his unwavering support, and the passion of Detective Inspector Freya Sloan from North East Police who unveiled the corruption at the heart of the original investigation. We mustn’t forget that a young woman tragically lost her life, and that thanks to a bungled enquiry, her killer may never be caught. But as I said, today is about Anthony and his new life. Obviously, as I’m sure you’ll understand, today is a little overwhelming for Anthony so we’ll take a few questions now and, at a later date, I’m sure Anthony will be more than happy to sit down and talk more to some of you.’