Page 119 of Joker in the Pack

“Like you told the truth about Claire Downing two years ago?”

Warren lost a little more of his colour. “That was all lies. Nothing happened like she said it did.”

“You didn’t sleep with her?”

“I did, but I sure as hell didn’t rape her. She was fine when she left my place.”

“Really? Because if a woman leaves your bed and even contemplates reporting an assault, I’d suggest she was anything but fine.”

“I swear, that’s what happened. I painted her portrait, we had a couple of drinks, and things just happened. Next thing I knew, Graham hauled me in for questioning.”

Nye shook his head, his expression one of disbelief. “So, is this the first night you’ve decided to pay Olivia a visit?”

“I came once last week after I’d finished my shift, but all the windows were dark, so I had a quick check around then left.”

“And you didn’t see anyone else?”

“I’d have told the police if I did.”

“Why Olivia? I take it you don’t offer your amateur surveillance services to every girl in the village.”

Warren looked down at his feet. “Because I like her, okay?” His gaze landed on my hand, firmly clasped in Nye’s. “I can see you understand that feeling.”

“Yeah, I do. And you’d better back the fuck off.”

“Okay, okay. I get the message. Now, will you uncuff me? You’re not allowed to keep me here like this.”

“You’d rather spend the night in the police station?”

“No.”

Nye let go of me and stepped right up to Warren, never breaking eye contact with him.

“I’ll uncuff you, but I’ll be watching. And if I see you anywhere near this place again, I’ll make your life hell. Got it?”

Warren nodded, although he looked furious about the situation. “Got it.”

CHAPTER 34

WARREN. I STILL didn’t know what to believe. Nye had spent most of the night on the phone, asking questions and organising another surveillance team, and I’d barely slept a wink.

The tiredness showed as we ate breakfast. Nye’s stubble had gone well past a five o’clock shadow, and I’d been wearing the same pair of leggings for two days.

“Do you think it was Warren who broke in?” I asked.

Nye stared into his coffee—already on his second cup before we’d started work. “Circumstantial evidence suggests it could well be, but until we get something concrete or he admits it, we can’t be sure. I’ve got a team working around the clock on it. We’re checking his alibi for each of the incidents, but seeing as he’s self-employed, it’s hard to pin down his whereabouts at each particular time.”

My earlier feelings of guilt came creeping back. “Nye, how much is this costing?”

“Don’t worry about that. At Blackwood, we all help each other out, and at some point, I’ll have to return a few favours, but it’s worth it to see you safe.”

“I’d like to do something to thank everyone too. Perhaps I could bake some cakes?”

“I’m sure they’d love that, babe.”

The front door slammed, signalling the arrival of today’s team of reinforcements. “Did you give everybody keys?”

“Nah, I took the deadbolt off when I came downstairs, so they just pick the lock.”

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