Chapter 102
The hospital ward was flush with get-well cards and bouquets of flowers. Their scents could cause a heart attack in anyone suffering a pollen allergy or incite an asthma attack. Poor Louis had coughed and coughed when Katie visited, and eventually she took her son home.
‘I thought I was Chloe no-mates,’ Chloe said, ‘but apparently there’s a few who miss me.’
Matt Mooney steadied himself on the wonky visitor chair and folded his arms. ‘Or they realised your mother is a detective inspector.’
‘Did anyone tell you you’re a Debbie Downer, Matt?’
‘No, but I’ve been called plenty of things over the years that I dare not repeat in the presence of a nice young lady.’
‘Thanks for taking the time to visit. I appreciate it.’ She smiled at him. Mooney was one of the good guys, which made her think of those at the opposite end of the scale. Sam McKeown. The nerves in her body jingled in fear. ‘What am I going to do, Matt?’
‘I spoke with your mother the other night, when you were brought in.’
‘Did you tell her?’
‘No. I wanted to, I really did, but I honoured your request. You need to speak to her, Chloe.’
‘No.’
‘Why not?’
‘She’ll make me report the sexual assault, and I can’t say he attacked me on Friday night without bringing that up. I don’t think I can endure what comes after.’
‘What do you mean?’
She sighed loudly, almost frightening herself with the exhalation. ‘I’d have to testify against him. He said, she said. You know how it goes.’
‘McKeown almost killed you and he’s pinning it on an innocent man.’
She felt anger surface, surprised at the emotion. ‘Liam Scanlan is not innocent.’
‘I agree, but he didn’t attack you. It’s your duty to report the truth.’
‘The truth? Who cares about the truth in today’s world? Everyone is so angry all the time, the truth gets lost in translation. The bottom line is Liam Scanlan stabbed Martina and Clarice. That is the truth.’
‘But he did not stab you,’ Mooney reiterated. ‘Sam McKeown did. And who’s to say he won’t go on to do similar violent things to other young women who reject his advances. You can’t allow that to happen.’
‘I know all that, but I can’t face the interrogation I’d have to undergo. Honestly, I’m not able for that.’
‘Certainly not at the moment, but you will be stronger in time.’ He sighed and looked around the ward before returning his focus to Chloe. ‘At least talk to your mother. McKeown will be suspended while the investigation is ongoing. There may be forensic evidence to tie him to the attack.’
‘He probably contaminated everything. He’s the hero who was on the scene in minutes to rescue the boss’s daughter. Give me a break.’
‘Not yet. I have something to say and I want you to listen to me.’
‘Why do I get the impression I’m not going to like this?’
‘Because you’re not.’ Mooney braced himself. ‘McKeown has to be reported. I have to tell your mother.’
She made to sit up and the pain was instantaneous. She flopped back onto the hard hospital pillow. ‘Where do they get these things? A steelworks?’
‘I’m serious,’ he said.
‘Can I stop you telling her?’
‘No.’
‘But I told you in confidence.’
‘I’m not a priest.’
‘What has that got to do with anything?’
‘I’m not bound by the laws of the confessional.’
‘Do such laws even exist?’
‘In the Catholic church, perhaps.’
‘Last time I was in a proper church was for my dad’s funeral.’ Suddenly she was crying. Loud, ugly sobs. She couldn’t stop. ‘I miss my dad.’
Mooney was flapping his hands, flustered, as if her tears frightened him more than facing a criminal. ‘I’m sorry, Chloe, I didn’t mean to upset you.’
‘My dad would know what to do. I loved him so much, but I never told him. He knew, but I should have said it.’
‘What would your dad tell you if he was here now?’
‘He’d tell me to be honest. To do what’s right even if it makes me uncomfortable.’ She took the tissues Mooney had robbed from a box on another table. ‘And you know the funny thing?’
‘What’s that?’
‘Even though I make it my job to rarely listen to her or do what she tells me, my mother would tell me the exact same thing.’ Chloe wiped her tears, blew her nose and balled up the tissue in her hand.
Mooney visibly relaxed, like someone had let the air slowly out of him. ‘So you’re going to tell her and report the bastard?’
‘Despite knowing what lies ahead of me, yes, I will report McKeown.’ She hoped she would be strong enough to do it. ‘I feel better already. Thank you, Matt.’
‘What did I do?’
‘You helped me see sense.’
‘I think your dear departed dad just did that for you, Chloe.’
‘That’s a nice thought. Thank you.’ She glanced at him side-eyed. ‘You know something else?’
‘Go on.’
‘I’d kill for a McDonald’s.’
‘No, don’t kill anyone,’ he laughed. ‘I’ll sneak it in.’
‘You’re a good friend. I like you. And you know something else?’
‘I’m all ears.’
‘You’d be a good friend for my mother, too.’
‘That’s my exit cue.’ He stood awkwardly, running a hand over his stubbly chin.
‘Don’t be long, I’m starving. And Matt?’
‘Yes?’
‘Thanks again.’