CA: OK, but can’t we take a break? I’m knackered.

DC: [laughs] We just had a break.

CA: [yawning] I’m not faking the narcolepsy, you know.

DC: You use headware. Did you check to see if it was related to your illness?

CA: Oh, my earring? The doctor said not to worry. It couldn’t do anything like that. Anyway, I only use it for social media. And movies. And a bit of shopping, not that I can afford to buy fresh food, even, let alone shoes or hair products. I mean, you haven’t seen my hair but since the infection it’s pretty much beyond repair.

DC: Yet the piece you use is late-model. Well beyond most people’s budget.

CA: My grandad handed it down when he bought himself the latest upgrade. He’s . . . you know, he’s from that generation. With the money.

DC: So you’re not into tech?

CA: Me? No. I’m more of a people person. If I were into tech I could get a job with BigSky and then I wouldn’t have to sign up for medical trials just to raise the cash to get out of the cupboard under the stairs, do you see what I’m saying?

DC: About your friend O – her real name would be . . . ?

CA: Sorry, but I’m getting a bit hungry. How long will you need me for?

DC: We can take a short break. But we’d prefer no calls, no outside contact. Roman, sort some food.

CA: Uh . . . can you just tell me how long you’re likely to need me for?

DC: I would clear your calendar, Ms Aaron. The police are treating the death as suspicious and you’re a witness.

RP: Ms Aaron, are you all right?

CA: [unintelligible]

DC: We can’t understand what you’re saying. Could you speak up for the recording, please.

CA: Am I a suspect? Because the constable at the scene told me I could talk to you if I wanted but I didn’t have to. No outside calls doesn’t sound right to me. I mean . . . in films they get to make one call, or is that just America?

DC: This isn’t a film. You have the right to leave. You have the right to contact anyone you wish. I merely stated what my colleague and I would prefer.

CA: I think I should go.

RP: Excuse me, Donato. Er, Ms Aaron, my colleague can be a little . . . intense. Let me get you a kebab and a drink. You go ahead and call anyone you like. We’re not the police police. We only ask that you be . . . discreet. This is a sensitive matter.

CA: [crying] Sorry. Freaking out. I mean . . . it’s just been so . . . right off the roof . . . I mean dead as in just gone . . . and it’s not my fault his dick is so big . . .