‘I have no idea,’ said Adrian, wondering why anyone would do that.

‘I’m not sure anyone does, but the fact is we need to find out what is going on. I’m sorry if you feel like you’ve been treated unfairly, but we had to do this by the letter. No room for error.’

‘I understand. I’m just glad that the truth is out.’

‘Well, actually, we need you to keep it under wraps for now. At least until after we interview Caitlin. We need to hear her side of the story again and look for holes. Or listen to her in case she remembers something else. It’s entirely possible that because of the level of trauma involved, her memory has been affected. You won’t be officially off the hook until after we either confirm your alibi or secure a confession. Best if you only tell Imogen for now. If the press get wind of it they will think it’s a massive cover-up, as usual,’ Matt said.

Adrian supposed it was better than nothing. He knew that the officials at least believed him now. He knew they had his back. No doubt rumours would continue to circulate and there would be some insinuation that the witness had been pressurised to change her statement. To cover up the truth. Adrian couldn’t worry about that. The evidence was enough for him to keep his job and that was what mattered right now.

At that moment Imogen walked in and sat at the desk. At least now he had something to talk to her about, something other than their kiss.

Adrian waited until he saw Gary approaching before he made his way back to the desk. He didn’t have the courage to face her alone. As ever, Gary was holding a thick wad of paper. For someone so tech-savvy, Gary sure did like hard copies of everything.

‘What have you been up to?’ Adrian asked.

Imogen looked up, her face flushed. She obviously thought that Adrian was addressing her. He kept his focus on Gary.

‘I’ve been looking into Caitlin. There are some strange things going on with her file,’ Gary answered.

‘Strange, how?’ Adrian said.

‘Technically speaking, she shouldn’t even be on that course. She looks like a charity project.’

‘What do you mean?’ Imogen said.

‘Her grades were nowhere near as great as the ones she should have achieved in order to get onto that psychology degree. I learned that she got a partial scholarship and that her entrance to the university was personally endorsed by her lecturer, Gillian Mitchell.’

‘I’ve never been to university, so you’ll have to explain that to me,’ Adrian said.

‘I’m saying that Gillian Mitchell wanted to make sure Caitlin Watts came to that university, and what’s more, she wanted her in her department. The entry requirements for the psych degree are three As and Caitlin got B, C, C,’ Gary clarified.

‘Didn’t Owen Sager’s mother say something similar happened with him and Hugh Norris?’ Adrian turned to Imogen.