‘Did you and Annabel ever meet by the gym block?’
‘No, never. Why would I meet her there? I teach geography and she teaches maths. I never go down to the gym block. Wait.’ He shook his head and smiled. ‘I know someone who always goes to the gym block. Miriam. She uses some of the equipment in her breaks. I’ve heard her telling the other staff and she’s always walking around with a kitbag. If this carries on, I will be reporting her for harassment. I can’t take much more of this.’ He walked over to his tablets, popped one into his hand and swallowed it down without any water.
‘Can you tell me about the night of the party, on the boat?’
‘Really. It was just a staff party in the run up to Christmas. Bloody stupid idea. It was cold and miserable and no amount of fairy lights and beer could improve the evening. Everyone thought it was a bad idea but they’d left Miriam to organise it.’ He shook his head. ‘So, what can I tell you? Despite the cold, there was a good turnout. I had a few drinks and I went home about eleven after asking the taxi to stop at a chip shop. The driver waited and then dropped me home. I think I might still have the receipt as I haven’t worn that thick coat since. Did something happen? Do I need to prove where I was that night?’
Gina leaned forwards a little. ‘You were seen leaving the party and going for a walk with Annabel during the course of the evening. You bought her a drink?’
‘I didn’t. I wasn’t that drunk that I’d forget buying her a drink. I didn’t buy anyone a drink that night. Just saw to myself.’ He sat on the arm of the chair and began patting a tortoiseshell cat that appeared from the kitchen. He pulled a small treat from his pocket and gave it to the animal.
‘But you did go for a walk with Annabel?’
He looked at Gina, then at Wyre before his gaze settled at his feet. ‘Yes, I did go for a walk with her.’
‘What happened?’
‘Nothing. We just talked.’
‘About what?’
‘Mostly school and some of the kids. That’s what we do.’
‘Annabel was seen looking upset after your walk.’
‘I promised I wouldn’t say anything.’
‘Mr Whittle. Annabel is missing and another person is in a critical condition. It’s important that you’re not withholding information.’
He threw his head back and he swallowed. ‘Okay, whatever. She was upset.’
‘About what?’ It felt like a long interview. Gina wished he would just talk without being constantly prompted.
‘Her husband. She was upset with him and she didn’t want to go home.’
‘Go on.’
‘Why don’t you ask him the rest?’
‘Because he too is missing.’
‘Well there’s your answer. He has her. He ran the other woman over and took his wife. Why are you bothering me?’
‘Mr Whittle, we are investigating every avenue—’
‘And because of what that woman said about me, you think I have something to do with it. Miriam is a liar and a drama queen. She thrives on attention. I don’t know Annabel’s husband. All I did was act as a sounding board when she was drunk.’ He sighed and picked up the tortoiseshell cat, kissing it on the head. ‘She said her husband was acting erratically and she’d caught him snorting something. When she confronted him, he got really angry and smashed a few things up in the house. I was concerned for her and because she was crying, I put my arm around her; that was all. I asked her if she was in any danger and she said that everything would be okay. We got on okay and I felt sorry for her; that’s all. We got back from our walk and I could see Miriam staring at me. She is so jealous of Annabel… wait. Have you checked her out? After what she tried to do to me, who knows what she’s capable of?’
Wyre caught up on her notes.
‘Can we stick to that night please? We have a witness who claims that you and Annabel appeared to be arguing.’
‘We weren’t arguing. She was upset because of her husband and, yes, she was drunk and talking loud. I can see how it might look like that from afar. Seriously, you need to find her husband, oh, and my car. Shall I get the details so that you can look out for it?’
‘We’ll send a uniformed officer to take a statement. What is the make and model?’
‘A Ford Fiesta.’
As Wyre wrote the information down Gina started to get to her feet.
