Free The Judgement Book by Simon Hall Page A

an issue in his private life. I believe it was the actions of this blackmailer that led Mr Freedman to kill himself. I have two things to say about that. The first is that a man has been pushed to his death over an indiscretion. Whatever anyone may think about that, it is a personal matter, and to use it against him is both illegal and immoral. In fact, I go further. We have all done things we are ashamed of. I say the actions of this blackmailer are disgusting and reprehensible and have no place in a modern and caring society.’
    Adam paused to check the room again, let the drama build. The reporters were all still scribbling, lapping it up, just as Dan knew they would. Strong quotes, he’d said, give them spice. Don’t do the police’s usual leaden, “I was proceeding along the road in a northerly direction when I came upon the aforementioned felon,” canteen-talk-type cliché. Make it direct and gripping, and Adam was delivering it beautifully. Many times Dan had wondered if his friend was a frustrated actor.
    There was just the sole issue they’d argued over. But that wasn’t surprising. It was the same one which bothered so many in British society. Fascinated with it they may be, but that could never be mentioned, let alone admitted. The subject was usually unspoken, but if it really had to be brought up – only if there truly was no choice, naturally – it was done so with taut faces and stilted words.
    Just three letters, but so dominant, driver of so much in life. And unfailing in always attracting interest.
    Sex.
    Give the hacks sex, Dan had advised. Sex makes stories and sells papers. But Adam was wary. He didn’t want to get the police involved in a sex scandal. Dan again checked his notes outlining Adam’s little speech. As with everything, there was a way around the problem.
    And here it came.
    ‘The second thing I have to say is this,’ Adam continued. ‘A person who can blackmail someone so coldly, and with such evident enjoyment, is extremely dangerous. We need to catch them and as quickly as possible. I would appeal for anyone who Mr Freedman may have spoken to about what was happening to him, or who knew him well and can give us an insight into his life, to contact us. Your information could be vital.’
    Adam stood up and there was the burst of questions from the journalists that Dan had expected. The detective ignored them and shuffled the papers on the desk, played for a little time. Dan waited for a moment to let the reporters’ flurry die down.
    Journalists began reaching for their phones, keen to file their copy. In the era of 24-hour news being first with the story was all. Dan knew it was a good tale, but not quite good enough to guarantee a nationwide splash. Not yet – but it would be in a moment.
    He readied himself for his part in the drama.
    Adam turned towards the door. Now, it had to be now. The room was still noisy with reporters, photographers and cameramen talking to each other. But it had to be now and loud too.
    Dan swallowed hard, then shouted, ‘What about the prostitute?’
    The room was suddenly silent, the hubbub instantly halted. Everyone turned. Adam stared too.
    ‘What about the prostitute?’ Dan repeated, more quietly now. ‘Come on, that’s what my sources say. That the blackmailer knew Freedman had sex with a prostitute. Are you deliberately keeping important information from us?’
    Adam held his stare. Dan felt his heart pounding. All the other reporters stayed silent, were watching the exchange. But they were getting their notebooks ready again, pens poised above paper, faces watchful and waiting.
    They sensed the story.
    ‘Certain details of the investigation are being kept back so as not to hamper it,’ said Adam quietly, his face impassive. ‘And certain areas I did not want to go into out of respect for the late Mr Freedman. But as you ask the question so directly, I will give you a direct and honest answer. Yes, it is alleged that Mr Freedman had