‘There’s no fixed rule about needing two people present, it’s just advisable to counter any allegations of it being false,’ Edwards explained.
Jane hesitated before she spoke. ‘You’re not convinced about the confession, are you? Do you think we should take it further… speak with Metcalf maybe? I’m seeing him in a minute about joining the department-’
Edwards was quick to interject.
‘No, I don’t… definitely not. If you raise any queries regarding Allard being fitted up by DI Moran, the first thing you’ll be asked for is proof… and the fact is you don’t have any. It’s his word against yours, and you won’t win.’
‘Come on, Brian, you know DI Moran obviously decided Allard was guilty of the rape as soon as we arrested him. When Allard lied about what happened with me Moran decided his course of action and planted the knife. The more Allard lied, the more it played into his hands… he’ll probably claim that Allard’s emotional stress with his wife made him break down and confess-’
‘For Chrissakes, Jane, wake up and get real! You’ve got more to lose than gain here. Why ruin your career for a piece of shit like Allard? He split your lip, he terrified the life out of you and other helpless women whose lives he’s ruined, not to mention not giving a damn about his wife’s feelings. He’ll get a long stretch, whatever happens… and to be frank he’ll get what he deserves.’
Jane shook her head. ‘For a crime he may not have committed…’
‘Listen to me, Jane, neither of us knows the truth, but if he’s signed a confession he’s screwed. We both know he lied at the start about his arrest and who he really was… Allard did himself no favours, so you and I don’t owe him anything. Lemme tell you, there have been plenty of people like the guv who look upon a fit-up as what is called “noble cause justice”. You might think they have a warped sense of loyalty to the job in bending the rules and making up confessions or fabricating evidence if they are convinced someone is guilty. I don’t… I really don’t, because if the ends justify the means, that’s a success. If you want to be part of CID you’d better get used to it and learn to turn a blind eye fast.’
Jane took a deep breath and looked at him in disbelief as he turned to leave.
‘Wait a minute… I can’t believe what you’re saying! That’s not justice, it’s corruption, whatever way you look at it.’
Edwards ran his fingers through his hair and sighed as his cheeks flushed.
‘That’s the big dilemma, Jane. But with no proof there’s no case… so there’s nothing you can say, no matter how bad you feel about it. You need to learn quickly who the bent cops are and try to avoid working with them. If they try to get you involved in something dodgy, just say no and walk away. But don’t ever say anything to anyone else because everyone will think you’re a grass and ostracize you.’
Jane shook her head. ‘I’d be hated because I told the truth about a dishonest police officer? That can’t be right.’
Edwards sighed; his head was really throbbing now. ‘No one said it was right, Jane, it’s just the way it is. It’s how you define the word “corrupt”, and in my eyes Moran isn’t corrupt. He doesn’t take backhanders or steal from drug dealers.’
‘Really? Well, do you think Moran might have assaulted or threatened Allard to get him to sign a false confession? Is that what you define as “noble”?’
‘For Chrissakes, Jane, no way… He might have come off second best in the fingerprint room, or in a cell alone, with a bloke like Allard who has karate skills and is a martial arts expert.’
‘There’s no need to be sarcastic, Brian… Whatever you say, I don’t believe Allard would have knowingly signed a false confession if he was innocent.’
He was losing his patience. ‘It’s Moran’s word against Allard’s, and we can’t be sure of the truth either way. I’m on your side, Jane, but I’m not stupid enough to shout about it. So let’s just forget we ever had this conversation, OK? After what you did the other night you’ve already got one foot in the door of the department… don’t fuck it all up now. Go and see Metcalf and reap the rewards, and we’ll do the lab form for the steroids when you’ve finished.’
Edwards walked out of the locker room. Jane waited a few moments as the implications of their discussion sank in. This was some learning curve. She looked in the mirror and put some foundation over the bruise above her cut lip, powdered her swollen cheek then headed out of the locker room for her meeting with Metcalf.
Jane knocked on the door. ‘Ah, Jane.’ Metcalf invited her in, gesturing to her to sit down. ‘I hear you’ve had good news and that Allard has admitted the rape?’
‘Yes, sir,’ Jane replied against her will.
‘Excellent. When this case appears at the Old Bailey the judge will no doubt commend you. You’ll also be put forward for a Commissioner’s Commendation for your part in the arrest of a very dangerous man.’
Jane sat bolt upright on the hard-backed chair. ‘I’m sure that the trial will be very interesting. Do you think Allard will actually plead guilty?’
Metcalf laughed. ‘Given he has confessed his crimes and signed a statement to that effect, he’d be mad to go for a not guilty claim and risk a much longer sentence.’ He smiled coldly. ‘Anyway, let’s talk about your future, Tennison… Tell me, where do you see yourself in three or five years’ time?’
‘I’d like to think I’d be a detective, sir.’
He gave her an icy stare. ‘Are you sure that’s what you want? It may not be the best career path for you at this time.’
Jane was taken aback by Metcalf’s attitude. He had promised he would recommend her for the CID after DCI Bradfield’s death.
‘Excuse me, sir, can I ask if DI Moran or Sergeant Harris have said anything to you about me joining the CID?’
‘No… why do you ask? Is there a problem between you and them?’
Jane blushed. ‘No, sir. I had told them I’d like to join the department and I just wondered if they had spoken to you favourably, or otherwise, about me.’
‘Detective Moran said you did a good job on the Allard arrest, and Sergeant Harris has never mentioned you… but I try to avoid conversations with him as he usually has something to moan about.’
He gave a short bark.
‘Could I ask why you think the CID may be the wrong career path for me?’
Metcalf formed a church steeple with his fingers, and leaned his elbows on the desk.
‘I’m not saying that being a detective isn’t right, but it may not be the right choice in the long term. There is always the possibility of a more rewarding opportunity.’
‘What would that opportunity be, sir?’
‘Well, if you sit the sergeant’s promotion exam and got a mark in the nineties you would automatically be considered for the Special Course.’
‘I see… but Sergeant Harris has already said he wouldn’t recommend me to sit the exam yet.’
Metcalf glanced away, staring at a small stain high on the wall behind her.
‘Well, Jane, I would recommend you for accelerated promotion, whereby you could be a uniform sergeant within three years and an inspector within five.’
Jane paused for thought. She then said quietly, ‘It’s very tempting to have a go at accelerated promotion, but I think first I’d like to make detective, work in the CID and maybe sit the exam later.’
‘But you could still apply for the CID even if you pass the promotion exam,’ Metcalf pointed out. ‘You might find it worth studying to sit the exam in January next year, then apply for the CID once you’ve passed.’
Again Jane took time to think about it. ‘Could I become a detective and then sit the exam after a year or two in the CID?’ she asked politely.
She could tell that Metcalf was now becoming a trifle impatient as he drummed his fingertips on the edge of the desk.