Page 48 of The Girl in the Woods

‘Yes, my car. Bloody expensive it is, too.’

‘Were you driving it?’

‘Yeah, I was.’

‘Okay, so just breathe into this for me,’ she held out the breathalyser.

‘Look, there’s no need…’

‘I can smell it on your breath. Are you refusing to take a breathalyser test?’

‘Look, I’m not at fault here. It’s my car that’s been damaged.’

‘My father is a judge, so you might want to think about what you’re doing,’ said Maurice arrogantly.

Beth scoffed. ‘I don’t care if your dad is the King of England.’

Jack sniggered.

‘Now, are you going to take this test? If you don’t, I’ll have to take your keys and ask you to accompany me to the station.’

‘Oh, for fuck’s sake,’ Rory said, blowing into the tube.

Beth waited a few seconds. ‘Right, you’re over the limit. I’m afraid you’ll need to come to the station with me. Meanwhile, you might want to phone someone to pick up your car.’

She turned to the punters. ‘Anyone see this vigilante?’

Several hands went up, including Dan’s and Jack’s.

‘Did you recognise his voice? Did he seem familiar in any way?’

‘Nah,’ said Jack.

‘I thought he was disguising his voice,’ said Dan.

‘If you could all stay here, I’ll have someone come and take statements from you.’ Bloody vigilante, she thought. What is he up to? He’s becoming the local bloody hero and making us look stupid.

‘If you find that vigilante guy, tell him there’s a pint here on the house for him,’ said Jack.

Great, thought Beth. Hero he already is.

Rory arranged for someone to collect his car and called his lawyer. ‘It’s pointless you cautioning me. I’ll get off,’ he said, lighting a cigarette, which Beth whisked off him.

‘Not in here. You’re not that bloody special. Matt, escort him to the station.’

‘I’m coming, bro,’ said Maurice.

‘Spoilt little buggers,’ said Beth.

‘He’ll get a fine, anyway. Hopefully, he’s already gotten points and may well lose his licence,’ said Jack.

Life seemed so unfair to Beth. Still, she thought, at least Jack is happy.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

SEVEN YEARS EARLIER

The first missed period, Laurie put down to stress. Since the rape, she hadn’t slept properly, and her mind was foggy, so she couldn’t think clearly.

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