Chapter 5

I glance at their badges but stare at their guns. It makes me feel very uneasy. I almost freeze up.

“Jason these two gentleman are detectives and have some questions for you. I’ll give you the space of my office.” He says as he comes round away from his desk. “If you need anything else please don’t hesitate to call.”

“Thank you Mr Bowman” one of them said as both in turn shakes hands with him before he takes his leave. Patting me on the shoulder in the process.

“Mr Holmes, my name is detective Armstrong and this is detective Martinez. We just have a few questions for you. Please sit.” He offers me one of the chairs and I don’t resist. I take my seat.

“Mr Holmes, how long have you known Mr Smith?” Armstrong asks. I’m guessing he will be the one to ask the questions. I don’t sense a good cop bad cop vibe though.

“I’ve known him for maybe ten years or so. Just from working here at Bowman and bowman. He had started the year before I did and taught me most of what I know.

“So you’ve known him a while then, how would you describe him as a person?”

“Nice guy but can be a bit arrogant. I can see how people can’t take to him though but that’s just his personality.”

“Ah ha, you say arrogant, would you say boastful? Did he like to parade his achievements?” I could tell were this was leading but I can only defend what I know.

“Yes he liked to show off his achievements and wins out in the open. He wasn’t a bad guy for that like he didn’t throw it in anyone’s face. He was just proud of his work.” He was a proud guy and like Bowman said, he did make the company a fair bit of money.

“Did you ever socialise with him out with work?”

“Yes on occasion we, along with other colleagues would go out for food or drinks after work. It was a good way to bond as a group.”

“I believe you were out socialising with Mr Smith on the following date...” he rattled off the date, time and location. They knew I was there, it wasn’t like I was going to lie anyway.

“Yes, he and I along with an other colleague attended a soft opening at one of Fletchers friends new places.”

“How was Mr Smith that evening?” Armstrong had been asking all the questions as Martinez had been taking notes.

“Seemed like his normal self.” I shrug, he did seem normal.

“What was his normal self exactly?”

“Um, I woukd say an extra bounce in his step. Giving off a sense of confidence due to a good mood.” I didn’t want to go into too much detail that his normal self was acting like he had the biggest cock and balls in the group.

“Describe to me how Mr Smith was later that evening. Was he intoxicated?”

“Yes he was, we all were. We had many drinks that night.”

“Are you aware of Mr Smith taking any illegal substances?”

“Drugs? No!” I have known Fletcher to take drugs, hell ive even done them myself but I’m not convinced he did that night. He may have done it when we all split up.

“When was the last time you saw him that night?”

“Can’t remember the time for sure but maybe around ten.”

“We don’t have footage of Mr Smith leaving the establishment until the next morning where we tracked him straight to this building. Did he mention or allude to where he had been?” This was it, the truth will very much go against Fletcher but I can’t lie. I can’t say I owe that much to lie to the police.

“He told me that he hadn’t been home and stayed to party with the owner and some girls.” At the mention of the end, the detectives eyebrows rose.

“I see, did he mention any names?”

“No, I only know that the owner was Hugo.

“Mhmm, what if I was to tell you that Mr Santino, or Hugo as you know him was found dead later that day?”

“Hugo dead?? Are you suggesting that Fletcher was involved.”

“We can’t say for sure but Mr Smith is considered a suspect.”

“As well as a named suspect in a rape allegation.” Martinez adds.

“What the fuck!” I breath.

“Yes all very disturbing and worrying Mr Holmes.” Armstrong nods. “May I ask you where you were in the night in question?” If they’ve already watched the cctv footage then they probably know what I was doing but again not going to lie.

“I went home with girl that night...”

“Do you have any details for her?” Martinez’s asks.

“I don’t sorry, to be honest I don’t even know her name...” Hope that didn’t shed me in any bad light. Although you cant do anything wrong with that.

“Ok, well I think that’s all. Unless my partner has anything?” Armstrong looks to his partner who shakes his head.

“Thank you for you time Mr Holmes” he extends his had and he stands up. I shake his hand and then the other detectives in turn.

I take the sense of handing them a business card of mine and tell them to contact me if they need me for anything else. They thank me again and I take my leave.

“Fletcher what the fuck have you done?” I mutter to myself as I head back to the room I left Danielle in. I find her huddled in one of the chairs, quite visibly upset.

She springs up when she sees me and wipes her face.

“Danielle are you ok?”

“I’m fine sir ... Jason, I’m fine!” I took the hint from her tone not to push it any further.

“Okay, we can get back to work but I just want to say you can always talk to me!” I offer her the open door to talk and share when she wants and is ready.

“Thank you” she smiles and nods at me.