They separated us at the station.
I know it makes sense, we can hardly be interviewed together, but I keep wondering where she is and how she’s coping.
I’ve got a pack of ice on my knuckles. I half expect someone to mention charges for ABH but they’re not, and I wonder if it’s because they’d all do the same if they were in my position.
Bob arrives a few hours later. He immediately sits down with the detectives interviewing me.
They’ve got it all on tape. I guess I should be grateful that they put the surveillance cameras up straight away but the thought that anyone has seen what happened, seen Eden in that moment, makes me so fucking angry.
“How is she?” I ask for what must be the hundredth time.
“She’s with specially trained officers.” Bob says echoing the same words the others have each time they reply.
I sigh shaking my head.
“The good news is we can link the money to him.” Bob says and I look back at him.
“How?”
“He’s not as clever as he thinks. You can’t just wire money and think there’s no trace. While the paperwork might point to you we can prove you’re not the one who’s done it.”
“So I’m in the clear?” I ask.
“Yes Dom. But it’ll be a messy fight at court. We’ll need you to give evidence.”
“I’ll do whatever is necessary.” I state.
“And Eden?” Bob says.
I wince. Christ, how did I get her caught up in all this? “It’s her decision. I won’t make her do anything she doesn’t want to.”
All three of them nod.
“Do you know why he did it?” It’s not like he’s strapped for cash. He’s got enough shares in the business, he’s got a plush house, hell even his salary matches mine and Eric’s.
“He’s got debts.”
“What debts?” I ask screwing my face up.
“Gambling debts. From what we can tell he frittered it all away. Kept chasing the big win that would save his ass. Only it never came. ”
“Fuck.” I mutter. I knew he liked the slots. I saw him playing on his phone often enough but I didn’t realise it was to that extent. I thought it was a bit of fun. Not something serious and certainly not an addiction.
Someone taps on the door before sticking their head round. It’s a woman, in her forties, she glances at me before looking at the detectives. “We’re done.” She says. Bob nods.
“So are we.” The detective beside him says and the woman opens the door so we can all see Eden stood, arms around herself avoiding everyone’s gaze.
“Eden.” I murmur getting up and walking to her.
She looks up and gives me a weak smile. “I’m okay.” She says. But she’s not. I can see she’s not.
“Shall we go home?” I say gently.
“Yeah.” She says leaning into me and I wrap my arms around her, holding her so tightly, and kiss her head.
I don’t care who sees.
I don’t care who knows because let’s face it they all do.
In this moment I just care about her and I need her to know that.