A Man of Sorrows

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Book: A Man of Sorrows Read Online Free PDF
Author: James Craig
Tags: Fiction, General, Mystery & Detective
suspiciously watched the policewoman take a seat at the table. Slouched in his seat, looking half-asleep, McGowan failed to acknowledge her arrival.
    ‘Where is Inspector Carlyle?’ the lawyer asked, replacing the cap on the plastic bottle. ‘We have been waiting . . .’ she glanced at an expensive-looking watch, ‘a ridiculously long time.’
    ‘The inspector,’ said Roche primly, not offering her hand, ‘is attending to other matters. I am his colleague, Alison Roche. I will be conducting this part of the interview.’
    Taking a business card from the pocket of her jacket, Slater passed it across the table.
    Roche picked up the card. Abigail Slater, Director, Catholic Legal Network . ‘What’s the Catholic Legal Network?’
    ‘I am Father McGowan’s legal representative,’ Slater replied. She pointed at the priest. ‘As you can see, my client has been viciously assaulted.’
    Roche looked at McGowan’s face. Happily, apart from some red marks on his neck, there was no sign of any bruising. She kept her expression studiously neutral and said nothing.
    ‘I have asked for a doctor.’
    ‘He’s on his way.’
    ‘And I want the tape of the interview,’ Slater pointed at the remains of the security camera hanging from the wall, ‘before your colleague went berserk and smashed the equipment.’ Biting her lip, she tried to suppress a smirk. ‘As you must be aware, this will signal the immediate end of his career in the police force.’ She tapped the file of papers on the desk in front of her with a ruby-red nail. ‘Criminal charges will undoubtedly follow.’
    Roche took a deep breath and told herself to remain calm. ‘The camera has been out of service for several weeks now,’ she said evenly. ‘Your allegations are extremely serious. They will, of course, be investigated thoroughly.’
    Slater nodded, waiting politely for the ‘ but ’.
    Roche, knowing that she was not going to disappoint, allowed herself the smallest of smiles. ‘However,’ she continued, ‘I have been present when your client has been interviewed and I can confirm that he has been properly treated at all times.’
    Rousing himself, McGowan started to protest but the lawyer put a firm hand on his arm. ‘Has he now?’ she said softly.
    ‘Yes, he has.’
    ‘I hope you’re sure about that, Sergeant. Or maybe the inspector won’t be the only one facing charges.’
    ‘I would remind you,’ Roche said sternly, ‘that we are investigating the case of a young boy who has gone missing – a young boy who, along with several others, has made some extremely grave allegations against your client.’
    ‘Petty gossip,’ the lawyer said dismissively. ‘Across the whole world, there is hardly a priest left who hasn’t been accused of something. These days, we are just an easy target.’
    Roche pulled her up. ‘We?’
    ‘The Church.’
    ‘Ah.’ Roche nodded, happy to move the conversation away from Carlyle.
    ‘The Church gets the blame for everything.’ Slater waved a careless hand in the air. ‘Invariably, it’s just people jumping on the bandwagon, trying to make some easy money.’
    Roche looked at McGowan and then back to his lawyer. ‘Your client, however, has a criminal record.’
    ‘Which is unfortunate,’ the lawyer conceded, ‘but that was all a long time ago. It is a matter of historical interest only.’
    ‘I see.’
    ‘It does not,’ Slater said angrily, ‘justify this ongoing campaign of police harassment, culminating in his arrest last night and today’s outrageous behaviour by your colleague.’
    ‘Father McGowan is refusing to assist with our enquiries,’ Roche said stiffly. ‘What does he have to hide?’
    ‘He is not in a position to help,’ said Slater, ignoring the complaint. ‘He knows nothing.’
    Roche pocketed the lawyer’s business card and got to her feet. ‘I will send Dr Weber down when he arrives,’ she said, pulling open the door. ‘After he has examined your client, you are
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