Free Me Before You by Sylvia M. Roberts Page A

were forced too! And it’s all your fault...
    Judging from fat cheeks flushed and the glare, Cornwall looked like it if he was going to explode with so much indignation. And what made him angrier still, was the quiet man in front of him. Leather jacket and tight jeans, marking his muscled thighs, Edwards remained standing, with his eyes fixed on his superior. He could keep the serenity and even a slight smirk with stress.
    - Look at these headlines! - Cornwall ranted, shaking the newspapers around the table displayed in large letters: Concealment evidence creates freedom; Why had evidence been hidden? Why wasn’t the witness asked to give testimony.
    Richard Edwards watched him in silence.
    - For incompetence or corruption, is something I cannot tolerate - Cornwall continued. - For me you would be off the function, but your colleagues came up with a series of arguments about as if shaken on occasion. From my part, I don’t think a personal problem can justify such lack.
    Richard flinched at the harsh words, hitting like spears, reopening wounds barely healed.
    - My problems were and are still my business. I didn’t ask anything to anyone, nor they need to intercede on my behalf - he blurted, speaking through clenched teeth.
    - If so, think they pondered the boss. - It is best to empty your drawers and go home until I decide what to do.
    Richard turned around and, without a word, withdrew quickly.
    Soon after a middle-aged police officer, very easygoing, entered the room and approached Cornwall, who was reading a document.
    - I spoke with Edwards out there. Don’t you think you were very severe, boss? After all, it wasn’t just a personal problem with his wife and son...
    - We all have problems, Spencer - Cornwall interrupts him without looking up from the paper.
    Spencer left in disgust. Instead of getting back to his desk, he went down the stairs trying to reach Richard, before he left the building.
    - He'll regret it, I'm sure - Spencer cried approaching Richard. - It is better to take a few days off. What, moreover, I should have done long ago.
    - Do you think she's guilty? - Richard asked, slowly.
    - Of course she is!
    - I wouldn’t forgive me if I knew I had sent someone innocent to prison. If only I could remember exactly what happened in...
    The prompt intervention of Spencer prevented him from continuing:
    - You were out of your mind in those days. Well I said you should take a vacation, it’s a pity you haven’t taken them before.
    Richard nodded, and some time later the two said goodbye with a strong handshake. On the way to the car, Richard avoided the eyes of some colleagues with whom he crossed.
    He knows that many defended it, but most of them hated him. Rude manners and strong personality had raised him numerous enemies.
    Walking hurriedly sought to divert two men who came in the opposite direction as he realized that they were journalists.
    - I have nothing to declare - he was just anticipating with his arms trying to open the way between the reporters.
    One of the reporters, holding a microphone from a famous TV station, insisted;
    - How do you feel with the release of Annie Pearce? It is true that they will not reopen the case?
    - I have nothing to say - Richard repeated.
    - You are sure to be fired from the police? - Another journalist asked.
    At cost Richard controlled his inner irritation. Finally he got into the car. But when one of them knocked on the window insistently, he couldn’t endure more. He rolled down the window and shouted in fury:
    - Get out of my way!
    The reporter stepped back, scared.
    Upon arriving home, Richard sighed relieved to see that the crowd of reporters who had planted there the night before had disappeared. At least he would have had a quiet night.
     
    *****

Chapter 2
     
    Meanwhile, across the city, one of the most humble neighbourhoods of South of London, Mia accommodates Annie in a modest pension. The room she had rented for her client and friend was not much