This time round, the conversation is much more direct, just a timeline, the facts of what happened last night. What I discovered on Cain’s computer. Did I want to press charges for assault? Of course not. But he grabbed you? It says here by the throat. No, not technically by the throat but that seemed to be what he was reaching for. No, it didn’t feel like assault, not now in the light of day. Everything happened too quickly. I don’t even really know what happened.

There’s no subterfuge, I’m barely cognisant.

‘I can understand your loyalty, you’ve been married to the man for a long time. You probably feel like you should know everything about a person after seven years.’

I just shrug. ‘I guess so,’ I say. ‘I just want answers. I don’t know why he was looking at that video or how he got access to it, I wish I knew but I don’t have anything else to tell you.’

He squeezes his lips together and gives a small nod.

‘Some men need control. In the military all they have are rules. As odd as the rules are they will stick to them. I started out in the army in my early twenties. Willie Apiata was my hero. But they’re not all heroes. I’m sure you know.’

‘Why are you telling me this?’

‘I’m thinking aloud I guess.’ He runs his tongue over his top lip. ‘It’s possible that your husband installed the cameras in the lake house. I’m not saying he did, I’m just saying it’s possible. He has the footage and he visited that house. He might have done it for the money, he might have justified it to himself as a victimless crime. But why were you at that house that night, Lina?’

‘Someone had stayed there as well as our place. That’s the truth. I just wanted to check it out.’

‘So why didn’t you visit all the other places that profile had booked? There was another place in Auckland, one in Whitianga. That profile booked eight places in New Zealand in total, but so far we have only found evidence of cameras in two properties, yours and the one you booked at Hillview Terrace. So why choose that place?’

‘I’m not going to beat my head against the wall trying to convince you. I’ve answered your questions. I want to go home.’

The room is silent for a moment. Then he drums the table. ‘Do you have somewhere to stay for now?’

‘I can stay at home,’ I say. ‘I’m fine to be home.’

He rises, opens the door. ‘I’ll arrange a car for you. If and when your husband is released, you will be notified.’

‘I’ve really got to get going,’ I say. ‘I have work.’

‘You’re working today? After last night?’