‘Tony was arrested after what I believe to be a false allegation of indecent assault. He called me at home and I went to the station to find out what was happening.’

‘He was arrested for indecent assault and you didn’t tell me?’

‘I’m sorry, but it wasn’t up to me and—’

‘You were just worried about Tony’s arrest affecting your bloody job, weren’t you?’

Jane had had enough of being the scapegoat.

‘I put my job on the line for Tony and I’d do the same for you if ever you were arrested. I was just trying to help. You can let me explain everything or go to bed – the choice is yours.’

‘I’m all ears,’ she replied flippantly.

Jane went over everything, from start to finish, about her involvement in Tony’s arrest and why she went to the station. She was blunt and to the point, and even told Pam about the conversation they’d had in the cell about Tony’s emotional state due to Pam’s erratic behaviour.

‘Tony’s been a fool to himself, and he knows it. But put yourself in his shoes for one minute and think how you’d feel if someone made a false allegation like that against you.’

Pam started to well up. ‘I understand why he called you and not me . . . and he’s right about the way I’ve been treating him.’

‘I hated myself for not telling you, Pam, but you and Tony need to sit down and talk, and seek some medical advice about your condition.’

‘Do you think Tony will end up in court over the assault allegation?’

‘I’m pretty certain the DS dealing with the case believes Tony and Noel’s version of events. He’s going to see the woman again and re-interview her. Hopefully when confronted with the truth she’ll withdraw her allegation. If not, he could be charged and face trial.’

Chapter Twenty-Seven

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Jane let Pam sleep in her bed with Nathan, while she slept on the couch. She got to bed at 2 a.m. and hardly slept before the alarm went off at 6 a.m. On waking she was on autopilot as she showered, then dressed for work. Her vision was slightly blurred, and when she looked at her eyes in the bathroom mirror, they were baggy and slightly bloodshot. She used some moisturiser and did some facial stretches, but it didn’t make much difference, so she put on a bit more make-up than usual.

Before leaving she popped in to see Pam.

‘You OK?’

‘Yes, I’m fine.’

‘I’m off to work now, so make yourself at home. There’s bacon and eggs in the fridge and cereal in the cupboard.’ She leant forward and kissed Nathan, and then Pam’s cheek. ‘You can invite Tony over here if you want to have a heart-to-heart.’