5
Irvine held her hand up, telling Murray to stay where she was. It didn’t sound like whoever was out there had gone away.
Irvine’s mobile rang. It was Armstrong.
‘Where are you?’ he said.
‘I’m in Suzie Murray’s flat. Someone was here. I think it might have been the guy who dumped Joanna Lewski’s body. And I think maybe he’s come back.’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘What?’
‘Well, I mean, I’m standing outside her door waiting for someone to answer and I’m the only one here.’
‘That was you?’
‘Yeah.’
Irvine ended the call and went to open the door. Armstrong looked at her face and winced.
‘Jesus Christ,’ Irvine almost shouted. ‘Why didn’t you say anything when you knocked?’
‘It’s not something I’m in the habit of doing.’
‘Wait here.’
Irvine went back to the living room and gave Murray one of her cards. Told her to call if she could remember anything else that might help. Asked if she had anywhere else to stay in case he came back.
‘What do you care?’ Murray said. ‘And, anyway, there’s nowhere else.’
‘I’ll have someone call in on you. Take a full statement.’
‘Look, lady. No offence, right, but I’m not telling you any more.’
Irvine stared at her.
‘Want to know how I keep out of trouble? I don’t get involved. You’ll have to sort it out without me.’
Irvine wanted to say more, couldn’t work out what might help.
‘Let’s go,’ Armstrong said, from the hall outside the flat.
Irvine turned to look at him.
‘She’s said all that she’s going to say,’ Armstrong told her. ‘That’s the end of the story.’
Murray shrugged at Irvine.
‘Unbelievable,’ Irvine said, stepping out into the hall and closing the door to the flat.
‘Where to now?’ Armstrong asked.
‘You’re taking me to the hospital to get this looked at,’ she said, pointing at her face.
‘It wasn’t my fault.’
Irvine stopped at the top of the stairs, looked around and kneeled to lift the canister of pepper spray from the floor.
‘Was lucky I had this.’
Armstrong looked at her and shrugged.
‘Sorry.’
Irvine turned and went down the stairs without waiting for him.