I know she’s right, but there is life between the blacks and whites in my non-lawyer’s world. There’s a part of me that feels with conviction that if I explained it properly, with context, I could make them see what I mean. I have at least this in my arsenal. I have the ability to speak logically and clearly and sincerely.

‘No comment then,’ I say.

The taxi screeches to a halt and we scramble out. Jan hands over what seems like too much money for such a short journey and then slams the door shut. She carries on speaking to me as we walk.

‘Xander, trust me. Whatever is going on in that head, you need to focus. You bring every bit of attention you can. You’re going to need it.’

I nod as we walk through the doors and watch with admiration as Jan negotiates our way in with calm assurance. We are shown politely to a room and as we wait Jan rehearses with me the two words I need to say.

‘Look, they’re bastards, these guys. They’ll pretend to be all pally but they are not your friends. They are there to nail you. They will keep telling you it’s your choice to follow my advice or not. That you’re the one who’s going to be on trial. And Don’t you want to get on tape your version of events? They’ll try all that. And what they’re doing is making you feel stupid for saying “no comment”. But – and listen to me carefully – if you want any hope of seeing life outside four walls this side of the next twenty or thirty years, you’ll do as I say. No. Fucking. Comment. Got it?’

I nod.

‘I need to hear the words, Xander.’

‘No fucking comment,’ I say. She reacts. Just enough of a movement of the mouth to be recognised as a smile.

When he comes to collect us, Conway is skittish. Something about having Jan here has put him on edge.

‘Come on through, Xander,’ he says. Pally. Jan looks at me as if to say ‘I told you.’

We follow him to an interview suite and Blake is already there. She stands and shakes our hands.

‘Can I get you some water?’ she asks.

We shake our heads and the tape starts as soon as we sit. Blake does the introductions and then repeats the caution. This time the words clang in my ears. You don’t have to say anything but if you fail to mention when questioned … harm your defence …

‘My client will be exercising his right to silence throughout this interview,’ Jan says in a way that makes her sound bored, but really is signalling confidence.