‘Oh, and I bet you’re also wondering about Marcus Olsen, you know, seeing as there’s not a shred of truth in that black folder there.’ Even from a distance the man’s words were still clear. ‘Marcus Olsen had nothing to do with your daughter, Danny. I want you to know that. And as for the woman you killed, she was a police officer. Your daughter met her. She liked her too by all accounts. I think it’s only right you know what you did before you die. Lies, Danny – that’s what this is all about. Do you see where they can lead? Do you see what lies can do? There’s an important lesson here, one you need to understand. Call it my good deed.’

Danny hardly noticed the pain in his jaw now as his voice came back with a higher pitch still, as close to a scream as he could manage. The sounds of the footsteps became more and more distant, and when Danny paused to suck in another lungful of air, they were gone completely.

Chapter 28

Richard’s vision blurred to the point where he couldn’t read any more of the printed words. He had to focus on his breathing, wait for his heart to stop hammering, take his time. Only when he got himself under control was he able to start reading again.

Information suggests that EVANS was at a house party near to the address where the vehicle was stolen. He was heavily intoxicated while also high on cocaine. A member of his party gained entry to the car and committed the theft by taking it back to the party but we now know it was EVANS who drove the vehicle from this point. The incident occurred within the first two miles of the journey. EVANS was described as ‘showing off’, or at least playing up to his persona. He was swerving the vehicle and using rapid acceleration and deceleration to scare or thrill the passengers.

On entering Green Lane, Dover, EVANS spotted a lone dog walker. The dog was on a lead by the (road) side of MADDOX. EVANS is reported to have made a bet with other occupants of the vehicle that he could run the dog down while avoiding the female. The account states that, while the idea was EVANS’S, other occupants of the car may have encouraged him.

We know that EVANS then mounted the pavement on purpose. At this point his intention is said to be to run down the dog and not MADDOX. As intent is impossible to prove in this matter, we will continue with this theory, however, you will note that at least two other accounts (both of which could be described as hearsay) allege that EVANS’S intention quickly changed to also run down MADDOX and he announced this intention just prior to impact.