Читать книгу A Year Less a Day - James Hawkins - Страница 12

For the second time in two days, Ruth Jackson finds herself crying as she undresses in front of strangers.

“Everything?” she asks, trying to hang on to her panties.

“Everything,” says the police matron as she holds out a one-piece prisoner’s suit. “Put this on, then sit over there and look straight into the camera.”

“But I haven’t done anything,” blubbers Ruth, as another female officer sweeps up her clothes and carefully seals them in an evidence bag.

“Tell the judge, dear, not me. Just hold that board up under your chin and give us a wide smile.”

The camera’s flash makes Ruth blink, but at least the picture won’t end up as a centrefold in Bazoomerama.

“What happens now?” she snivels.

“More inquiries, Ruth,” says the officer with the bag. “But it’s not my case. You’ll have to ask the detectives in the morning.”

“Do you mean I have to stay here all night?”

“Yup.”

“But what about my husband? I should be out looking for him. He’s dying. Why aren’t you looking for him?”

“We are, Ruth. Believe me, we are.”