Page 149 of Too Close To Home

Christ.

The man was striking.

Chris would’ve fancied the pants off him.

“So do you—”

Shut up.

You’re dead. You left me. You don’t get a say in this.

“Mr Whitton.” Harrison stepped forward. “I understand you have some information?”

God, he hated the formality. Hated it because it felt like a lie. Because he was certain—absolutely certain—the desk officer would see straight through it. Would see exactly what had happened between them. That this man had had his mouth on him, his hand on him, and dragged the stalemate out of him he’d kept locked down since Chris. And now here he was, standing across from him as if none of it had happened, looking like a man half the town probably turned their heads for.

And if he’d stayed with Neon Arcade?

Yeah.

The whole country would’ve.

Jake glanced around. “I don’t know if it’s relevant or…well, when Robyn…the detective back then said everything were relevant. Even when it isn’t.”

“Good detective.”

“Not likely. He was shite. My sister is still missing.” Jake ruffled his hair back. “But maybe Emily doesn’t have to be.”

Harrison had no choice at that. He gestured with his head. “Then come through.”

Harrison led him down the corridor and into one of the spare interview rooms, where everything was stripped back to function. Table, chairs, nothing else to hide behind. He shut the door behind them and felt the looks from the team outside. He didn’t need to see them to know they were watching his every move. New detective, and twice now he’d shoved their biggest annoyance into a private talk.

So he cleared his throat, smoothing his tie out of habit, and gestured to the chair opposite. “Take a seat.”

Jake dropped into it, eyes snapping around the room before settling back on Harrison. “You recording this?”

“Do you want me to?”

“I dunno.” Jake gave a small shudder. “Hate these fucking rooms.”

Harrison pulled out his chair and sat, sliding in under the table, keeping the space between them measured. Controlled. “Why’s that?”

Jake tilted his head. “Because you lot are trained to make us lot, this side of the table, feel like we’re lying. Even when we’re not.”

Harrison held his gaze. “You’ve been interviewed under caution.”

“Aye.”

“This is different. It’s just a quiet room. A space to talk. Privately. No record.”

Jake didn’t look convinced.

So Harrison leaned back, keeping his tone even. “You said you have information? So—”

“Do you still have Andy in custody?”

“Yes.”

Jake chewed the inside of his cheek, restless. Harrison felt the clock tick louder in his head.