‘To tell you the truth, Ben, I wasn’t sure about this. Until a couple of days ago I never planned to see you again. I didn’t think there was anything in the world you could possibly say to me that would help. And sitting here now, I still think that’s the case.’

‘Seems like you’ve wasted your time then, Detective.’

Dani shook her head. ‘Actually, I’m not so sure about that.’

‘Yeah?’

‘Maybe this is worthwhile. The thing is… look at you.’

She said the words with genuine disdain. She noticed him clench his jaw, holding back a response.

‘You’ve caused me so much pain,’ she said. ‘Have caused others so much pain. But you, in here, you can’t hurt me anymore. You’re nothing.’

She got up to leave.

‘Where do you think you’re going?’ Ben said through gritted teeth.

‘Bye, Ben.’

She turned but then jumped when Ben thumped onto the table.

‘Sit down, right now!’ he shouted.

Dani turned back to him then flinched when Ben lurched forwards towards her. The chain on his cuffs caught and held him back. He snarled and tugged on his restraints.

‘You stupid bitch. Who the hell do you think you are?’

The door to the interview room burst open and two uniformed guards rushed in, grabbed Ben and tried their best to pull him back. Ben roared and started twisting and writhing.

Dani looked on in shock. She’d seen plenty of people act batshit crazy before, but to see it in her own brother… where was it coming from?

She took a step back, closer to the door. Then another. Ben locked eyes with her.

‘Dani, don’t go!’ he said, writhing around, trying to shove the guards off him, but his voice now sounded more panicked than angry. ‘Please!’

Dani realised she was shaking. She simply didn’t know what to say or do.

‘Get out of here!’ one of the guards shouted over to her, just as the other one pulled out a baton and swiped it down across Ben’s back.

‘Dani, help me!’

‘Go!’

Dani didn’t need to be told another time. Her legs feeling like jelly, her head a jumbled mess, she darted out through the open door.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Dani headed to her car, her legs wobbling underneath her. She sat down in the driver’s seat, closed her eyes and let out a huge sigh.