Page 84 of Final Betrayal

‘Yeah, tell me another one.’

‘Can I come in?’

‘Cynthia, I’m about to leave for work. I haven’t time.’

‘A minute. That’s all. I think I can help you.’

Lottie relented and led the reporter into the kitchen. Wiping up the spilled coffee she said, ‘Tea or coffee?’

‘No thanks.’

When they were seated, Cynthia fixed her black-rimmed spectacles on her nose and stared at Lottie. ‘You look like you could do with a good night’s sleep.’

‘What do you want, Cynthia?’

‘I want your story.’

‘You can feck off. You’re wasting my time. I’m going to work.’ Lottie stood.

‘Give me two minutes.’

Lottie remained standing, looking down at Cynthia’s short dark curls. ‘Go on.’

‘I want the full Bernie Kelly story, and in return I might be able to help with the murders of the girls.’

‘I don’t buy into blackmail.’

‘It’s not blackmail.’

‘Sounds like it to me.’ Lottie picked up her jacket from the back of the chair and began to pull it on.

‘I know something about Louise Gill.’

‘Our investigation is just starting, so anything you can tell us will have to be recorded by a member of the team. You need to make an official statement.’

‘Do you want to hear what I have to say or not?’ Cynthia tapped a fingernail on the table.

They didn’t have anything to go on with the girls’ murders, so Lottie felt she was being taken hostage. But she wanted to know. ‘Yes, I do, but I’m not promising anything in return.’

‘That might make it more difficult for me unless I get something from you.’

‘Tell me what you know and I’ll consider it.’ She had no intention of divulging anything to the reporter.

‘Don’t double-cross me.’

‘Oh for Christ’s sake, Cynthia, what do you know?’ Lottie sat back down, her jacket half on, half off.

‘Louise was pursuing a course in criminal behaviour.’

‘I know that.’

‘As part of that course, she interviewed prisoners.’

‘I have her paperwork.’ She had yet to read it.

‘She spoke with Conor Dowling.’

‘I’m sure she did.’ Lottie could feel her cheeks burning. Cynthia was ahead of her.

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