The harsh overhead lighting struck the tense muscles in Pellacia’s jaw as he stood in front of the window staring out into a night sky. He turned around as though autotuned to Henley’s presence.
‘This is my fault,’ Pellacia said, his voice low and pained.
‘Stop it,’ Henley said, making her way to his side. She silently counted to three, hardening herself, sealing off her emotions and her attachment to Ezra before she asked, ‘What happened?’
Pellacia opened his mouth just as the lift pinged and Ramouter stepped out, his face fixed in a combination of anger and determination.
‘What the hell happened?’ Ramouter demanded in a tone that made it clear that in that moment he had no respect for rank.
‘His cousin Zyon said they left the gym on New Cross Road at about 9.15 p.m.,’ said Pellacia, his voice hardening with each syllable. ‘He offered Ezra a lift home, but he refused, because it was only a ten-minute walk. Zyon said he was expecting a call or text from Ezra by 9.30 p.m. to let him know he was home, but he didn’t get one. He called but got no answer. He called Natalie, Ezra’s sister and she said he wasn’t home. Zyon decided to go to Ezra’s house but when he got to Jerningham Road, well the place was lit up. Paramedics and police. Ez—’
Henley remained where she was as Pellacia’s voice broke, and he turned his back. She looked at Ramouter and for the first time since getting to know him she couldn’t read his expression.
‘Who called 999?’ Henley asked.
Pellacia turned around. His eyes wet. ‘A couple who were walking home saw a man hit Ezra multiple times with a standpipe.’
Ramouter placed his hands on his head and turned his back. Henley closed her eyes.
‘This man then ran off when the couple shouted at him. A cab driver was completing a drop off at the same time and he also called 999.’
‘Were they able to give a description?’ Ramouter asked as Stanford and Eastwood arrived.
‘I haven’t seen their statements yet or spoken to the officers from Peckham who were there,’ Pellacia answered. ‘But CSI did retrieve the standpipe, and they’ve got Ezra’s clothing.’
‘So, what was it? Is this to do—’
‘Ramouter stop,’ Henley said to no avail when she saw the intense anger in his eyes.
‘Say it,’ Pellacia said through gritted teeth. ‘I can hear it in your voice. You blame me.’
‘Of course I fucking blame you,’ said Ramouter, his voice cold but amplified in the hallway. ‘It’s this case. We’ve got two lunatics out there and they both know that Kaiden Longley was talking to Ezra. You left Ezra out there exposed even though you—’
‘Do you know what, you can stop talking right now,’ said Pellacia his face reddening as he stepped up to Ramouter.
‘Hey, hey,’ Stanford said, moving swiftly in front of Ramouter and pushing Pellacia back. ‘What are you playing at? This ain’t the—’
‘He’s just a kid. I know that he gives it the big I am, but Ezra is a kid,’ said Ramouter. ‘You’re the one who brought him into the SCU and—’
Pellacia inhaled sharply. ‘Don’t even—’
‘You told me to say it, so I’m saying it,’ Ramouter challenged.
‘All right, stop,’ Henley said firmly as she and Eastwood bothgrabbed Ramouter and pulled him back. ‘We’re not doing this here. In fact, we’re not doing this at all. Do you understand me?’
Ramouter turned his head away as the dull tone of an arriving lift rang and a doctor stepped out.
‘Ramouter, did you hear me?’
‘Yes, boss,’ Ramouter said quietly.
‘We’re taking a walk,’ Stanford said to Pellacia in a tone that made it clear he was not messing about.
‘Get off me,’ Pellacia said his voice low.
‘You either walk or I fucking carry you,’ said Stanford.
‘Stephen, please,’ Henley said. ‘Go.’
