Page 44 of The Woodcarver's Model
“No. I said that,” Kevin interjected. “I used to be the boyfriend before he ruined my life.”
“I didn’t ask you,” Needy shot back.
“Are you Mr Hanson’s partner?” Inspector Collins asked Mitch, taking control of the questioning.
“We’ve been seeing each other for about a week now. He was here to write a story about Marsh Island, and we…connected.”
“I know more about his past, if that will be of any help in this situation,” Kevin added.
“Thank you, Mr… Can we use your first names just to keep things clear?” asked Collins.
“Sure,” replied Mitch.
“Works for me. What shall I call you?” Kevin asked Needy.
“Staff Sergeant. Or Sir.”
“Now, Mitchell,” Collins interjected, “you have no definite time for his return?”
“No, I don’t. Like I said before, it’ll depend on how his meeting went, and if he made his ferry connections.”
“Who was this meeting with and what was it about?” Needy asked.
“I’m not sure,” Mitch replied. “He said it was with a publisher in Victoria.”
“Do you know what the publication was?” Collins pressed.
“He might have mentioned it, but I don’t remember.”
Collins referred to her notes. “And you said it was about an article he was writing about this island.”
“Yes. He was going to try to help us stop a development that will ruin the mountain.”
“So, this had nothing to do with his recent stay in Somalia?” Needy asked pointedly.
“No. Nothing to do with that. He wasn’t even sure why that guy wanted money from him.”
“Money?” Kevin asked, truly surprised.
“What’s this about money?” Needy asked, now taking notes.
“He didn’t say.”
“And you didn’t ask?” Needy inquired.
“I—I don’t remember.” Mitch’s head was spinning.
“Does the name Abdi Mohamed mean anything to you?” Collins asked.
“No. Is that the guy blackmailing Rob?”
“No. It’s the nephew of the President of Somalia. The guy your boyfriend’s accused of gunning down in cold blood,” Needy said.
The blood drained out of Mitch’s face.
“No fucking kidding?” Kevin said as a small smile played at the corner of his lips. Mitch slipped slowly into a chair.
“The ferry operator has been notified to call us if Mr Hanson attempts a crossing,” Collins informed them. “If he contacts you in the meantime, you’d be wise to call us immediately. We’ll be staying at the hotel in town.” She handed Mitch her business card.
