“So, if I’m getting my facts straight this time,” said SSC Vanessa Broadbent, uncrossing her legs and leaning forward, “by the end of the second day of your partnership with Mister Crane, you had insulted the Deputy Prime Minister, a Cabinet member, and lied to most of the staff in Scotland Yard about what you were actually doing.”
“I really don’t think…” started Henry, stepping in.
“And I really do not think you have any right to be telling me anything, Mister Blackwater!” snapped Vanessa, turning to Henry. “As I see it, you are as complicit as Detective Townsend in these matters. At the very least, you had knowledge of what was happening and did nothing to prevent it. There are at least five breaches of the Metropolitan Police Code here, let alone…”
“Oh, please stop!” said Sir Jeremy, taking his cap off and placing it on the table. Not even glancing at Vanessa as the colour drained from her face and her jaw headed south. “I do apologise for these outbursts Detective Townsend. I for one am greatly enjoying reliving these events with you. As I am sure DCI Blackwater is.”
Neil could see a tear welling in Vanessa’s eye. Even though on some level he was pleased she was getting some of her own treatment, he was not sure he could allow it to continue in good conscience. He could tell from the look on Henry’s face that he would not be stepping in anytime soon to say anything to Sir Jeremy, which left any actions squarely with him. Lowering his head and gathering his courage, he slowly returned his sightline to the man. “I thank you for your interest in what I am saying, but I was under the impression that finding out the truth was kind of what we were doing here. Thus, thanking me for doing what I have been asked seems a little strange, if not a waste of time. In addition, unless it is a tactic of yours to insult everyone around you to throw me off and get me to make a mistake, I would ask you restrain your tongue going forward. Otherwise, I will be forced to make an official complaint at the end of this interview regarding your conduct.”
Not moving his focus from Sir Jeremy, Neil reached forward and poured himself another water. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see both Vanessa and Henry twisted, mouths agape, unsure what would happen.
“Very good.” said Sir Jeremy, after a short pause. His eyes were wide, and it was clear he was weighing something up. He sipped his own water, not even blinking as he slowly nodded his head. “So, what happened after you finished drinking that evening?”
Neil caught the look on Henry’s face. It was loaded with worry and doubt. Well, if he were worried about anything that happened before, the next few hours of this story would probably push him well and truly over the edge.