June stood there for a moment, but when it was clear that he’d finished with her, she took a seat on one of the chairs. Would Stanley have a solicitor? And if he did, would they be good enough to stop him from being charged?
A thought occurred to June, and she reached into her pocket for her mobile phone, only to realize she didn’t have it on her. In the chaos of the eviction she must have left it in the library. She walked back to the hatch.
“Excuse me?”
Officer Riley raised his eyes grudgingly from the page. “Yes?”
“Could I please borrow your phone?”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible.”
“But don’t people get one phone call at times like this?”
“That’s people who’ve been arrested, not members of the public.”
June could tell he wasn’t going to budge, but then a door opened behind him and another police officer walked in. He caught sightof June through the hatch. “Aren’t you a librarian at Chalcot Library?”
“I’m the library assistant,” she said.
“I take my kids there sometimes. My daughter loves those Dr.Seuss books. I was just there for the eviction.”
“That’s why I’m here actually, Officer...?”
“Inspector Parks.”
“My friend from the protest has been arrested.”
“Mr.Phelps? I’ve been interviewing him.”
“Is he okay? I’m trying to sort out some help for him. I was asking your nice colleague here if he could find me a phone number and let me use the phone so I could make a quick call.”
“Course we can. Help this young lady, Riley.”
The officer scowled at being bossed around in front of her. “What number do you want?”
“The Golden Dragon, please, in Chalcot.”
Both police officers looked at June in surprise.
“You want a number for a Chinese takeaway?” Parks said.
“Yes.”
“You’re going to order food? Now?”
The two men exchanged glances, and Parks reached for his mobile phone and searched for the number before writing it down and handing the piece of paper to June. She typed the number into the phone on the desk, her hands shaking. They were both still watching her. June heard the ringing on the line and held her breath, praying someone would answer.
“You know, I’m a bit peckish,” Officer Riley said. “If you’re ordering, I wouldn’t mind some spring rolls.”
“Sh,” June said.
“Hello, Golden Dragon.”
“George, it’s me, June.”
George let out a grunt. “Your usual?”
“Not now, thanks. Is Alex there?”
