Manolis looked across at Sparrow, who was gently shaking his head.

‘Well then, until there is such a report, I will take your concerns on advisement and have a precautionary word with my staff.’

Turning his head, Manolis pinched his earlobe in mild annoyance at all the platitudes he was hearing.

Sparrow found his voice. ‘I heard rumours of a gay asylum seeker being raped by two other detainees,’ he said, before adding, ‘But nuthin’ official.’

The director fired a combative look at Sparrow, the lines on his face appearing dark and menacing. ‘I don’t operate on rumours.’

‘Perfectly understandable,’ Manolis said. ‘But it’s also my understanding that these cases are often never reported for fear of further consequences. That’s something that I, personally, believe to be true because I’ve seen it in broader society. Underreporting happens a lot in small ethnic communities where a social stigma is cast on the victims.’

‘Same with gay men labelled a disgrace by their families,’ said Sparrow.

‘Women can be disowned by their families, or subjected to further violence,’ Manolis added. ‘In the most extreme cases, this has resulted in honour killings.’

Onions stared at Manolis for some time, his eyes fixed like lasers. Finally, he said, ‘Honour killings? You mean, like being stoned to death?’

His words hung in the air. Manolis’s brow creased. Sparrow’s mouth fell open.

‘I’m sorry,’ said Onions. ‘That was highly inappropriate.’

‘Actually, no,’ Manolis said, forehead softening. ‘In fact, it was quite accurate. That’s precisely what happens.’

‘But inappropriate, given recent events,’ said Onions. ‘And far be it for me to speculate on a motive for Mrs Abbott’s unfortunate death. But you’ll have to excuse my cynicism, Detective. We hear lots of personal stories inside these walls, much of them contradictory and confusing. I am, of course, well aware that we have homosexual detainees, and that they often engage in activities beyond our control. Sometimes, that turns ugly. Homosexuality is illegal in many detainees’ homelands, with people imprisoned, tortured or executed for performing homosexual acts.’

Sparrow snorted his contempt.

Onions ignored him, continued. ‘Other stories are complete fabrications designed to enhance an individual’s application for refugee status and asylum. I hope you can see why some people are motivated to make false complaints.’

Onions went on to detail some examples. Detainees who lied about their country of origin, their circumstances, even their names. Detainees with forged paperwork.

‘My colleague here has previously mentioned fake passports,’ Manolis said.

The director looked back at Sparrow, now with a combination of surprise and admiration.

‘In… deed,’ Onions said with some hesitation. ‘I once had a whole drawer’s worth. Some of them were remarkably good copies worth a lot of money on the black market.’

Manolis thought laterally a moment. ‘Didn’t you say the guards here wear portable cameras? Can I view footage?’