Tideline by Penny Hancock Page A

than going home. Helen shifted in her chair and changed the subject.
    ‘I bumped into his girlfriend yesterday. She said he was due to meet her in the foot tunnel on Friday afternoon but he didn’t turn up.’
    ‘The foot tunnel?’ Maria blanched. ‘The Greenwich foot tunnel? You let them meet down there?’
    ‘It’s not what it was,’ said Mick. ‘There are CCTV cameras down there these days.’
    ‘That’s true,’ said the young constable, speaking for the first time.
    ‘We need to speak to the girlfriend,’ said Kirwin. ‘Did anyone else see Jez that day? In your family, I mean. Obviously we’ll check with your sons too.’
    They all shook their heads.
    ‘To clarify, then, you came home on Friday lunchtime and saw him leave the house at about three thirty,’ the policewoman said, staring at Helen rather intently.
    ‘Yes, that’s right,’ Helen said. She felt her face go hot and hoped no one would notice.
    ‘Well thank you,’ said Kirwin. ‘If you could let us have a look at anything that might help – a laptop or mobile he may have used, before he went missing. We’ll
need a recent photo of Jez if possible, for our missing persons poster. And if you don’t mind, there’s a reporter who’s interested in your case. I know it can feel intrusive, but
it often helps to get publicity out there as soon as possible. Are you happy to talk to someone if they come round later?’
    ‘Of course,’ Mick said straight away.
    ‘I have a lovely photo of him,’ said Maria, ‘on my phone. Could I print it out Mick?’
    ‘Sure,’ replied Mick. ‘Let’s get that done straight away.’
    The policewoman smiled.
    ‘You can email it straight to us at the station,’ she said. ‘I’ll give you the address.’
    As they all stood up the phone began to ring. Helen picked it up.
    ‘Helen, it’s Simon.’
    ‘Simon, just a friend,’ Helen told the expectant group, covering the mouthpiece. They trooped out of the room. Helen was relieved to have an excuse to hang back.
    ‘Listen. I’ve got a spare ticket for Tosca, the dress rehearsal this Friday. You interested?’
    ‘Oh, Simon, how timely. I’ve had the most horrendous weekend. Thank you. If no one else wants it?’
    ‘I was going to offer it to Sonia but Greg often gets tickets and I thought you’d appreciate it more.’
    ‘I’d love it.’
    As she put the phone down, Helen could hear Maria with Mick in the study sorting out Jez’s photo. She made for the fridge. She could kill for a large glass of wine.

 
CHAPTER TEN
Monday
    Sonia
    I let one end of the silk run through my hand. I’m about to untie it so Jez will never know, but suddenly he opens his eyes. Blinks up at me.
    ‘What are you doing?’
    ‘Nothing. It’s fine, Jez. Everything’s fine. I have someone coming this morning who’s interested in hearing you play. My opera friend. You know, I said he could help
you.’
    ‘I don’t want help. I’m leaving.’
    He struggles, pulling at the bonds, which of course only tightens them. His wrists redden. ‘Let me go. I want to go now.’
    ‘Please don’t, Jez. Don’t say you want to go. It upsets me.’
    ‘But you’ve tied me up.’
    I stand up. ‘It was just a little game. Look, I’m popping out to get some things to eat. I can get you croissants, bagels, whatever you prefer. What would you like?’
    ‘I just want you to let me go. This is mad. Mad!’
    I sit down on the bed, stroke the hair off his damp forehead.
    ‘You’ll be glad of the contact, won’t you? Then you’ll be free to follow it up in your own time.’
    He’s quiet for a bit as he searches my face. Then he says, ‘If it is a surprise party for my birthday on Wednesday, I think you’re going a bit far.’
    ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘Tying me up! Locking me in! You could just tell me I have to stay here now I’ve guessed. I won’t tell Helen I know about it. Honest.’
    ‘OK. But I want to get your ankle better, and I don’t want you to do anything