1911021494 by MICHAEL HAMBLING Page B

heavies from the photofits. So fetch yourself a coffee and get stuck in. Jimmy, the tongue-cutting may give us a lead. Start digging to see if there are records of any previous incidences. By the way, I think the victim might be Nadia’s cousin. If so, his name is Stefan.’
    ‘The pick-up truck is a dead end. They hired it from a company in Poole, but gave false details. An address that is no longer there for a man who doesn’t exist,’ said Marsh.
    ‘Well, it was worth a try.’
    Sophie called Archie Campbell again. This time she managed to speak for longer.
     

Chapter 5: Horror Story
    Wednesday, Week 1
     
    Nadia was discharged from the hospital and she and Sophie drove to the police station. As they entered they passed someone waiting in the reception area who Sophie vaguely recognised. She led Nadia to her temporary office, and called Marsh to sit with the girl.
    ‘The interpreter’s arrived, ma’am. She’s waiting in reception,’ he said.
    ‘That’s what I was afraid of. Okay, you stay here with Nadia. I’ll go and get her. Or not. Oh, why did it have to be her?’
    Marsh looked puzzled.
    ‘We have a history. I didn’t realise she was a Romanian speaker. I may have to abort this, Barry, and get someone else. So be prepared. And this cubbyhole is too bloody small. Is there any chance of getting somewhere a bit more spacious and comfortable?’
    Sophie returned to reception and approached the visitor.
    ‘Doctor Porter.’
    The woman smiled awkwardly. ‘Hello again, Chief Inspector. I suspect that you might not feel very positive about taking me on as your interpreter. And I can understand that. You left me feeling humiliated and ashamed last time we met. I have to say that I deserved the tongue-lashing you gave me. It was only after your harsh words that I fully understood how badly I’d let that young woman down. It made me rethink my approach to what I was doing. I suppose I really owe you my thanks. I offer you my apologies over what happened, even though they can never bring that poor girl’s life back.’
    Sophie nodded. ‘I didn’t know you were a Romanian speaker.’
    ‘My husband is Romanian. I met him on an exchange of Business Studies students. I’m fluent in spoken rather than written Romanian. I imagine that’s what you want? That’s why I’m registered with the local police in Bournemouth.’
    ‘Yes. To get someone in from UCL would take days, and whoever they did send would be vastly overqualified for the interpreting I want them to do. But I’d be prepared to wait if necessary. Do you understand that?’
    ‘What you’re in fact saying is that you’d prefer to wait rather than use someone in whom you had little confidence?’ Dr Porter said.
    Sophie nodded again.
    ‘I’d like to regain your goodwill, Chief Inspector, if I can. You won’t regret using me, I promise.’
    ‘This is another murder inquiry, Doctor Porter. Please realise that you will be bound by absolute confidentiality. Not a word of what you learn can be spoken outside these walls without my permission. And the confidentiality extends to chatting with your husband. Not only no mention of what you hear, but no mention of the fact that you have even been here until I say otherwise. It won’t be easy.’
    ‘I think I can understand that.’
    ‘It’s probable that the girl in question has been gang-raped, Doctor Porter. I also believe that she was forced to witness a sadistic murder. I need the details from her, but she must be treated with the utmost delicacy. I found her last night, so she hasn’t had much time to recover. She was naked, nearly dead from exposure and absolutely terrified. Knowing all this, are you sure you still want to continue?’
    Mary Porter was silent for a few moments.
    ‘Yes,’ she said finally. ‘I want to make amends. To show you that I’m a better person than you think I am. And, if you do decide to use me, will you please call me Mary?’
    ‘Okay, we’ll give it a go,