Page 83 of Don't Say A Word
‘Possibly. They would submit a file of evidence to an internal police department for a decision on whether to take further action. The girls may end up being issued with a summons toattend court, but they will certainly both be referred to the local youth offending team who will decide what to do next.’
‘Oh, God.’
‘Alice would most certainly cop a driving disqualification – even as a learner – until she turns eighteen. Now, in Betty’s case…definitely a fine, probably a number of fines. We’re talking aiding and abetting… The parents would get involved, I imagine… Driving unsupervised on a provisional licence…’ She looks up. ‘Would the pedestrian make a criminal complaint? Because that’s an important question.’
‘She can do that?’
‘Don’t get me wrong, the victim can’t bring charges, but depending on the level of complaint, their injury, they can certainly influence the police whether or not to prosecute.’
‘What kind of complaint are we talking about?’ I ask, my throat tight.
‘Psychological impact, ongoing physical pain… In which case the police would be more likely to prosecute. At any rate, I can’t see a custodial sentence.’
I drop my head. That’s something, I guess.
‘Does that answer your question? Or is there any other aspect of the situation you want to discuss?’
‘No, thank you,’ I say, picking up my bag. I’m finding it hard to breathe.
‘I can write all this up for you, if you like? Then you can decide if you want to pursue your options with one of my colleagues who specialises in criminal law.’
‘No, thank you. I don’t need anything in writing.’ I stand. ‘Will you send me an invoice? Is that how it works?’
‘Yes,’ she says, walking around her desk to open the door for me. ‘Dominique at reception will organise that for you. Let me know if you want me to follow up on anything.’
‘That won’t be necessary,’ I say, and walk out.
35
I walk out of the building in a daze. I was really hoping Teri wouldn’t have a leg to stand on, literally, and now I find out it’s even more serious than I thought.
I stand in the car park for a full minute. I can’t even process what Penny Malik told me. It’s already swirling out of my brain.
I probably should have taken some notes.
After walking to my car, I sit in there for a while, my fingers pressing against my temples. I try to think what to do next, but I draw a complete blank. At least one thing is clear: my bright idea to pre-empt Teri by going to the police and telling them about the accident was a really dumb one.
The afternoon brings no news of Mrs Ashford-Wells. I wish I had her address. See how she likes it if I showed up at her house. Would I strangle her? Probably.
I go through the afternoon on autopilot. After school, I drop by Waitrose since we’re completely out of food, and the last thing Holly needs right now is to starve on top of everything else.
I’m about to walk into Waitrose, and that’s when I see her. Or, rather, the back of her, her perfectly coiffed blonde hair held in place by a black Alice band.
I shouldn’t. I really shouldn’t. After all, I was telling Holly only last night not to draw attention to herself. I’d be stupid to start an argument in the middle of the supermarket, for Christ’s sake.
And yet, that’s exactly what I do.
‘Diana Ashford-Wells!’
She turns around, and it takes her a moment to see me.
‘How dare you,’ I say, walking up to her quickly.
She blinks and looks around for someone to help her.
‘How dare you post about my marriage? How dare you post about my stepdaughter? You don’t know anything! Who the hell do you think you are?’
‘Get away from me!’ she screeches. ‘I haven’t done anything wrong. It’s your fault!’
