Page 36 of The Vow
Alone, I lose all sense of how much time passes before I’m escorted to the interview room. As I sit at the small table, I imagine those who’ve sat here before, echoes of their fear, desperation and anger rebounding off the dingy walls. They’re tangible, seeping into my skin, then into my blood, tainting me with their crimes; unwanted, when I’m innocent.
Consciously, I steel myself as the solicitor appointed to me, Andrew Nelson, sits down. Short-haired and clean shaven, he wears a middle of the road suit and polished shoes. Catching sight of the time on his expensive watch, I’m shocked to see only two hours have passed.
Across the table from me, PC Page sits beside DI Lacey. ‘Amy, I’d like you to tell us what you did the day that Matt disappeared.’ There is no trace of her former friendliness. Instead her voice is matter of fact, her blank eyes those of a stranger.
‘I drove to Brighton to deliver some orders. Then on my way back to my car, this old woman called after me.’ I stop suddenly, frowning. ‘I told you about her. I think she was somekind of a clairvoyant – at least, that was what she wanted me to think. She told me that Matt wasn’t who I thought he was. Then she told me I was in danger. I dismissed it at the time.’ But however implausible it sounds, she was right – about absolutely everything.
‘Ms Reid, could you start again from the beginning, and take us through exactly what you did when?’ DI Lacey’s voice is loud, his eyes boring into me.
I stare at him, my gut feeling kicking in, instantly not liking him. For whatever reason, I sense he wants to find me guilty. Swallowing, I force myself to stay calm. I have to be logical, careful to state my case clearly to him.
‘I got up at around seven. Just after Matt.’ Already, it feels like a lifetime ago. ‘We had breakfast together, then at about eight, he left for work. I did a bit of clearing up and put on some washing …’ I pause. ‘Then I drove to Brighton to deliver two orders.’
‘You’re a herbalist, I understand?’ His voice is questioning. ‘But you don’t have a shop. Can you tell me exactly what’s involved with your work?’
His manner is dismissive, but I’m used to the reaction of people like him, none of whom understand the power of herbs. I meet his eyes. ‘I make herbal remedies – tinctures, teas, creams – from herbs and flowers I grow myself. They’re organic – more and more people want natural, locally sourced products. I have regular clients and I also supply some local businesses.’
He raises his eyebrows before frowning slightly. ‘I understand you told PC Page that you started by treating your daughter’s eczema with herbal remedies you made yourself, before studying at college. That was quite a responsibility to undertake. It’s a good thing you didn’t get it wrong.’
I shake my head, because it’s clear he has no idea. ‘They were simple treatments. There is a wealth of information available. I used herbs I’d grown myself, so I knew they were pure. I learned what strengths to use, as well as the healing properties of each of them.’ I look from one to the other. ‘Later, I studied herbalism at college. I have a qualification.’
‘What do you grow?’ For the first time, he sounds as though he’s interested.
‘Common or garden herbs that many people grow – rosemary, bay, oregano, mint, lavender, calendula, echinacea, several types of sage. The list goes on.’
‘Do you use berries?’ He stares at me.
‘Sometimes.’ I pause. ‘Herbalism isn’t limited to leaves and flowers. Some preparations use the root and bark and seeds …’
‘But you said you use berries.’ He repeats it too quickly.
I frown. ‘That’s correct.’
He nods slightly. ‘I was just thinking about how many poisonous plants there are out there. It wouldn’t be hard would it – if someone wanted to kill a person.’
I stare at him, aghast, then turn to Andrew Nelson. ‘I can’t answer that. It’s like admitting I’ve done something.’ Then I add slightly accusingly, ‘I thought you were supposed to be helping me.’
‘It isn’t a trick question, Ms Reid.’ The DI interrupts. ‘I’m asking if it would be possible, that’s all.’
His words shock me.Do they think I’ve poisoned Matt?‘The whole world knows about plants like deadly nightshade or hemlock, that can kill people. Others can be dangerous and like any reputable herbalist, I’m aware of them.’
‘Tell us more about the old woman in Brighton.’
‘I was walking through the Lanes – after making a delivery.On my way back to my car. The first I knew of her was when she called after me.’
PC Page’s voice is sharp. ‘Can you tell us about her?’
I shake my head. ‘I don’t know who she was. I’d definitely have remembered her if I’d met her before. She said she had a message for me. I assumed it was to do with Matt.’ I shake my head, remembering. ‘She told me I wasn’t safe. To get away. She said Matt wasn’t who I thought he was. Then she told me I was in danger.’
‘You give this any credence, Ms Reid?’ The DI’s eyes are locked on my face.
‘Truthfully? I don’t know what to think. But after everything that’s happened, what she said makes sense.’
‘Did it resonate with you at the time? Perhaps tap into any unvoiced suspicions you might have had about Mr Roche?’
Frowning, I shake my head. ‘I didn’t suspect Matt of anything – not then. At first, I wanted to dismiss what she said as nonsense. But she was insistent.’ I pause, thinking. ‘It was the same day all of this started.’
‘What do you mean?’ The DI frowns.
