Harry raised his eyes. ‘Okay, I’ll speak to Mike.’ He waved a hand in the air as he shook his head. Was he dismissing her?

Mia could feel the anger burning in the pit of her stomach.

‘Anything else, because I really need to make a call …’

‘No,’ she said, very faintly but through gritted teeth. ‘No, there’s nothing else.’

Tuesday 14 May

Initial interviews between DC Emily Marlow and the staff of Morris & Wood, following the fire on Monday 13 May

Mike Lewis, Head of Creative

Mike:You still don’t know anything more? Staff are talking – asking questions no one can answer. I hear there were people in the building?

Marlow:I’m sorry, I can’t confirm anything at the moment.

Mike:It’s just that I have a friend who knows someone in the police. He said they pulled two people out, but …

Marlow:As I said, I’m really sorry, but right now we don’t have any details.

Mike:(nods) That’s okay. I understand.

Marlow:Mr Lewis, I believe you were accused of bullying someone who worked in your team. A Sarah Clifton?

Mike:What? Why are you asking – that was nothing more than office gossip.

Marlow:So you’re denying she accused you of harassment?

Mike:She might have said something, but it was ridiculous. I wasn’t bullying anyone. I thought I was here about the fire? Why are you asking me about a girl who doesn’t even work for the company any more?

Marlow:Oh, this is about the fire, but I’m trying to understand exactly what was happening inside Morris & Wood prior to last night. And that means I might be asking some questions that don’t always feel relevant.

Mike:This isn’t relevant.

Marlow:Maybe not. But it might be, and all the same I’d appreciate if you’d allow me to—

Mike:You’re thinking someone who worked at the company did it, then? Set fire to the place, I mean? Who?

Marlow:It’s early days, and right now we’re talking to everyone who worked there.

Mike:Well, it has nothing to do with me. And whatever the girl said about me … it was all fabricated. I’ve never heard anything so— (breaks off) It can destroy people, you know, lies like that.

Marlow:How do you mean?

Mike:I’m just saying, people start accusing you of things and it sticks. Whether or not it’s true, it gets round and then (shakes head), I don’t know …

Marlow:Could you speak up, please, for the tape.

Mike:I said I don’t know. I don’t know what started it, and I don’t know why it was all blown out of proportion. But it was. By Mia Anderson.

Marlow:I was under the impression that an official complaint was made against you and taken to Harry Wood. Is that true?

Mike:No. There was nothing official.