“We understand they were assisted by a Ms. Bea Costello, whom you had a former relationship with. A relationship that made her privy to events she felt could be used as leverage against you. She also admitted it was her idea to target Ms. Jacobs in order to influence your decisions. During her questioning, she is the only one of the three who has shown remorse.”
“Too little, too late,” Suze snorts across the room.
Detective Field’s eyes flit to her and back again.
“Ms. Jacobs…”
Reed’s thumb strokes reassuringly across the back of my knuckles as the detective turns his attention to me.
“After speaking to Mr. Chamber’s sister-in-law, following your suggestions, we have been able to identify the hotel the video you received was filmed in. And the approximate date it was taken. That being prior to the night of Mr. Walker’s assault.”
Detective Field clears his throat, looking back at Reed.
“Mr. Walker, I have personally reviewed the original report you filed twelve years ago. On behalf of the NYPD, I extend our sincere apologies that we were unable to get justice for you at that time. But please be assured, we’ve re-opened the case and are already pursuing new lines of inquiry arising since your interview with Mr. Tom Coulter aired yesterday evening.”
“New lines of inquiry?” My head spins as I look up at Reed.
“Yes.” Detective Field pauses. “Two other men have come forward. One, whom we believe to be the man in the video. And another, who has cited an incident that occurred two months prior to the date you gave in your initial report.”
I press a hand to my mouth.
“We can’t say much more at this stage. But once we have an update, we’ll be in touch.”
“Thank you, Detective,” Reed says.
“Reed?”
He lets go of my hand and wraps his arm around my shoulders, kissing the top of my head. “Fuck,” he breathes out softly so only I can hear.
I press into his side, taking comfort in the solid warmth his body transmits to mine as Detective Field continues.
“In the meantime, I would appreciate if you would all make time today to come down to the station and complete individual statements with me to assist us.” He looks at Maria. “Or with Officer Jones, should you prefer.”
“That’s perfectly fine,” Maria says. “We’ll both see you later, Detective, won’t we?” She looks at Griffin, whose eyes are intent on hers as he shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips.
I can tell what he’s thinking. That she’s so strong and determined. It’s what I love about her. She won’t consider speaking to Officer Jones for a second. She will walk straight into that interview room that holds so many bad memories for her, and she’ll give her statement to Detective Field.
Because she’s a brilliant friend and she’s doing it to help me and Reed.
“It’ll be all right.” I look up at him, all tense jaw, eyes focused on a spot on the wall, breathing in and out of his nose like he’s fighting to keep his emotions from exploding out. “We’ll deal with it together.”
The darkened cloak of worry that’s marring his features lifts, and his eyes meet mine, softening. “I know.” His gaze drifts to my hair and back to my eyes as he gives me a smile that’s grown wearier as the morning has passed. “I know, Harls.”
I grip his hand tightly in mine as we show Detective Field and Officer Jones out.
The door has barely closed behind them when two of the catering staff from The Songbird arrive with a brunch that looks fit to feed an army. They wheel in two trolleys piled high with fruit, pastries, granola, yogurts, eggs, and French toast.
The distraction is exactly what we need. It’s like pressing a reset button. Breaking the somber mood and injecting some lightness and activity into the room.
The Songbird caterers begin setting up the dining table, and I gaze around the room. Stuart is saying something that’s making Suze tip her head back in a deep laugh, and Maria and Griffin are talking in hushed voices, his hand resting on her hip as she sits facing him.
It’s a moment of normality.
And I couldn’t be more grateful for it.
“How do you feel?” I look up at Reed.
He takes my other hand and holds both in his.