“Uh … yes?”

“Jesus, Ted.” Kelly gave a humorless laugh. “That hurts. You make it sound like I hate your guts.”

“I know you don’t hate me, I just…” I shrugged, as though she could see me. “Look, I’m not thinking straight. I just heard a murder confession and gave a girl her last car ride in the free world. I dropped her at the police station. It’s been a bit crazy here.”

We hung on to the line, both us of silent. Another flight announcement came and went.

“Can we just see each other?” she asked.

“Okay,” I said.

INNOCENT TED, EPISODE 9A: EMERGENCY SPECIAL EDITION

Content warning: Innocent Ted contains adult themes and violence. Some content may be distressing to listeners. It is not intended for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

<INTRO MUSIC>

<SLICE IN SOUND EFFECT>

FABIANA GRISHAM: Welcome to Innocent Ted, a true crime podcast about the 2016 abduction of thirteen-year-old Claire Bingley and the wrongful arrest of Ted Conkaffey, father and drug squad detective with the New South Wales Police Force. You’re listening to episode 9A, a special edition mini-cast addressing recent developments in Ted’s case. I’m Fabiana Grisham, lead crime reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald and true crime expert.

Innocent Ted listeners will know that, three days ago, Channel Three’s Stories and Lives began previewing an upcoming episode in which Ted answers reporter Lara Eggington’s questions about the case. Although it was initially billed as a tell-all about the abduction and Ted’s wrong ful prosecution, online newsrooms soon began circulating suggestions that new allegations of sexual misconduct against Ted will be revealed in the interview.

<CHANNEL THREE NEWS AUDIO>

And in other news tonight, Stories and Lives reporter Lara Eggington has refused to address rumors that an upcoming episode of the current affairs program will contain new sexual assault accusations against disgraced former detective Ted Conkaffey. Eggington revealed only that the episode will be “explosive,” and that the terrible case that captured the nation’s attention last year may not be over yet.

FABIANA GRISHAM: Here at Innocent Ted we have stood by Ted Conkaffey from the beginning and will continue to do so as these events unfold. We believe wholeheartedly that Ted was wrongfully accused of Claire Bingley’s abduction and sexual assault, and that her real attacker is still at large. We’ve done the best we can here week by week to examine the details of Ted’s case and try to find answers to those unanswered questions about Claire’s attacker, and determine how he can be brought to justice. Next week, as scheduled, we’ll be interviewing Trevor Fuller, the secret witness who was never heard during Ted’s trial. You’ll hear Mr. Fuller recount seeing Ted on that fateful day, minutes after the alleged abduction of Claire, at a nearby 7-Eleven.