Game of Bones

Chapter Two-2

CHIEF INSPECTOR YEARSLEY paid a brief visit to Babbington after listening to Rafferty, told him with the evidence Rafferty had amassed, there was no question of him being released, and that he would be charged and go before the Magistrate in the morning, when he could expect to be remanded in custody to be tried at the Crown Court.

Yearsley told Rafferty that he’d urged Babbington to reconsider having a solicitor, whether his own or the duty brief. ‘I can’t understand why he wanted to speak to me.’

‘Sorry, sir. Only Babbington was insistent on seeing someone more senior. He said he knows you.’

‘Did he?’ Yearsley frowned, then his brow cleared. ‘Ah yes. I remember now. I met him once. A rather unfortunate manner, as I recall. Anyway, I didn’t take to him. And there’s no need to apologise. It’s the mother-in-law’s birthday. I’d rather miss it altogether, but my wife would give me hell if I did. With any luck, it’ll all be over for another year by the time I get there. Bar the recriminations. I’ll be in plenty of time for those, unfortunately. Anyway, I’m off. Night, Rafferty. See you tomorrow.’

‘Night, sir.’

It was time he was going, too. Rafferty went up to his office, told Llewellyn he was for home, once he’d charged Babbington. He advised him to do likewise, unless he intended to babysit Babbington all night.

‘I feel a certain responsibility for him.’ Llewellyn’s voice had more than a hint of frost. ‘He’s used to a more rarefied atmosphere than one can find in a jail cell surrounded by the Friday night chorus of the intoxicated.’

‘I thought he’d appreciate this particular atmosphere. He’ll likely find some soul mates. And by the way, you aren’t responsible for him, I am. But I’ll ask you to accompany me to the interview room, while I charge Babbington.’ His satisfaction that he’d got his man deflated by Llewellyn’s attitude. ‘After that, you can suit yourself.’

Rafferty went out with at least a metaphorical bang, even if the door furniture didn’t co-operate to make it an actual one. Damn Llewellyn, he thought. Damn Babbington. Damn door.