TO PATRICK TRANTER (PT), FROM NATASHA DOWLING (ND)

July 21st, 1:45 a.m.

How would you feel if I killed myself? Would you even care?

7:51 a.m.

I’m really sorry about that last text. I promise I won’t send any more. I’m just feeling really down

12:03 p.m.

I know you might say no to this but would you meet me for coffee? Just for a chat. I really need to see you

11:34 p.m.

I don’t know how you can just switch off your feelings like this Patrick. I can’t do it. I need to see you

July 22nd, 12:09 a.m.

You’re a fucking bastard and I hate you I hope you die

TO ND, FROM PT:

July 22nd, 12:10 a.m.

This is the last message I’m going to send. My wife is ill. I have newborn twins. I’m sorry if I hurt you but I don’t have time for this. Please leave me alone now. I hope you get the help you need

TO PT, FROM ND:

July 22nd, 12:39 a.m.

You’re going to be sorry you said that. Really, really sorry.

1:44 a.m.

Why should you be happy when you’ve destroyed my life? Why should you get to keep what you have?

7:48 a.m.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I really miss you. Call me anytime. Or I could meet you from work, go for a coffee?

Harper put the papers down on the table.

“In light of this evidence, would you like to tell me how you know Patrick Tranter?”

Natasha glanced at the solicitor, who nodded. Wearily, she looked back at Harper, then dropped her eyes.

“He was my boyfriend. Or, I thought he was. We met in a bar, around four months ago.”

“And he tried to end it recently?”

“Yes.”

“But you didn’t want it to end.”

“I suppose.”

“If you threaten to hurt a man’s family, do you think that will make him love you back?”

“I didn’t threaten him.”

“Look,” said Harper, pointing at the words on the screen, “you said, among other things, why should you get to keep what you have. Looks like a legitimate threat to me. It could easily be construed, in hindsight, as a threat to take Patrick’s children. To hurt him, the way he hurt you.”

Natasha pushed the tablet away with one finger. “I did say that. I also said, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. I didn’t do what you say.”

“Patrick’s a married man. You must have known that when you got involved with him. What did you think would happen?”