Page 60 of Traitors Gate

‘Suspicion of corruption and attempting to pervert the course of justice in that he tried to influence a juror while a trial was still in progress.’

Ross leapt up and said, ‘Is this some kind of joke?’

‘I’m afraid not, Inspector,’ said King. ‘I must therefore warn you that you do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.’

Ross was used to delivering those words, not receiving them.

William was already on his feet. ‘Don’t say anything, Ross, until I’ve spoken to my father – and I mean anything,’ he repeated even more firmly. Ross nodded in his direction almost as if it were an order. No one spoke as Ross was led silently out of the room.

‘And that also applies to the rest of you,’ said the Hawk once the door was closed. ‘Don’t forget, if the case were to come to trial, you may well be called on to provide evidence as to character, and you won’t want to be reminded in the witness box of something you wish you hadn’t said.’

‘Ross is incapable of trying to influence a juror,’ said DC Rebecca Pankhurst without hesitation. ‘He sets standards the rest of us try to live up to.’

‘And, unfortunately, one or two you don’t,’ said the Hawk.

‘Does that mean you think he’s guilty?’ asked DS Paul Adaja.

‘Never,’ said the Hawk. ‘However, I know no one more likely to get himself into trouble because of his own stupidity.’

‘And no one more adept at finding a way out,’ added William.

‘But he may need a little help from his friends this time,’ said the Hawk, looking around the table. ‘I intend to make sure I’m called as a witness, and I won’t hesitate to let the jury know that Inspector Hogan is one of the finest officers I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. The moment he’s cleared, I’ll welcome him back so he can continue doing what he’s best at.’

The team erupted, showing their support as if their colleague was a boxer who’d been temporarily felled but would surely get back up and knock out his opponent. Not that they were altogether sure who that opponent was. The Hawk wasn’t in any doubt.

• • •

‘Alice, I’m so sorry,’ said Ross. ‘But I have to postpone our dinner date.’

‘Ah, so someone has stolen the Crown Jewels,’ came back the immediate reply.

‘No, I’ve been arrested, and as you’re likely to be a key witness, I won’t be able to contact you again until after the trial.’

‘Arrested?’ said Alice, sounding genuinely concerned.

‘A juror in Simpson’s trial is claiming I tried to influence her before a verdict was reached.’

‘How could anyone possibly believe that?’

‘Perhaps they don’t,’ said Ross, ‘and someone has a motive to make sure the real criminal is released from prison and I end up taking his place.’

‘Can anyone be that evil?’ asked Alice.

‘Oh yes,’ said Ross, ‘and he’s not someone who takes no for an answer.’

‘I’m so sorry,’ she said quietly. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

‘That’s the irony,’ said Ross. ‘You mustn’t do a thing except agree on a rain check and then not until after the trial is over. That’s assuming I get off.’

‘And if you don’t?’

‘It will be tea and biscuits on a Saturday afternoon in Wormwood Scrubs for heaven knows how long,’ said Ross, trying to make light of it.

‘It wouldn’t be my first visit to Wormwood Scrubs,’ said Alice quietly.

• • •

William travelled down to Kent to see his parents at the weekend and, while Beth and the children went for a walk with their grandmother, William headed straight to his father’s study.

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