Page 95 of Maybe Tomorrow

‘I’m sorry?’ Pauline was confused by the sudden change of subject.

‘Who got Anthony his job at the library?’

‘Erm, well, I know the manager, Jane Wilkinson. I asked her if he could work there voluntarily, and she agreed.’

‘And when a part-time paid position became available, did you also ask her to offer it to him?’

‘I… Yes, I may have done.’

‘How does he get his wages?’

‘I’m sorry?’

‘His wages, Pauline. The money he’s paid for the work he does at the library. How does he get them?’ Stefan asked, an irritated tone to his voice.

‘Jane brings them around to the house every Friday evening on her way home from work.’

‘Does she go to every staff member’s house to give them their wages?’

‘I… I’ve no idea.’

‘Does she hand the envelope to you or to Anthony?’

Pauline paused. ‘To me,’ she said, quietly.

‘A little louder, if you please, Pauline.’

‘To me.’

‘Why is that?’

‘I… I don’t know. It’s just… it’s just something she’s always done.’

‘So, Anthony doesn’t even see his own wages?’

‘He… I…’ Pauline stopped herself.

‘You give him pocket money, don’t you?’

‘No.’

‘You keep most of the money for yourself, for the shopping, bills, upkeep of the house, which is fair enough, but you give your own son, your twenty-eight-year-old son, pocket money, don’t you, Pauline?’

‘It’s not pocket money,’ she said, looking dejected.

‘Moving on. Does Anthony get on well with his colleagues?’

‘Yes.’

‘And how long has he worked at the library?’

‘About eight years.’

‘And they’re a close-knit team, are they?’

‘Yes. They all get along well.’

‘Can you point out his colleagues in the court room today?’