The Whole Truth

Reynolds gives a quick laugh. ‘No, Inspector, I was not. But I hear Marina stole the show. The Vice-Chancellor was relying on Marina to lead from the front and it appears she more than delivered. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that there’s a lot riding on this.’

He’s going to offer to draw me a diagram next. But I’ve got the message. Loud and clear. Both the college and the University are going to do their damnedest to prevent this woman going down. And taking them with her.

‘Mr Morgan said the incident took place at Professor Fisher’s house, last night.’

Reynolds raises an eyebrow. ‘Yes – that’s what he claims.’

I register the nuance of that ‘claims’, and wonder in passing if Reynolds’ facade of scrupulous objectivity is starting to crack.

‘So what was Morgan doing there?’

Reynolds frowns now, and I press my advantage.

‘You just told me that Professor Fisher was at a University dinner, so she must have got back quite late. So I’m going to ask again – what was Morgan doing in her house at that time of night?’

Reynolds’ frown deepens. ‘I’m afraid I don’t know. Your officers will have to ask Mr Morgan, but I cannot think of any reason why he should have been there.’

‘Is Professor Fisher in the habit of inviting students to her home?’

‘I doubt it – indeed, it is explicitly prohibited by college policy, as Professor Fisher will be well aware. We make an exception for occasional social gatherings – Christmas drinks, for example. But Fellows are strictly forbidden from holding one-to-one meetings or tutorials in their private residences. Not least, in these litigious times, for their own protection.’

He’s looking unsettled now – as if he’s only just realized how disquieting Morgan’s story is.

‘Who else lives in Professor Fisher’s house? Does she have a family?’

He shifts in his seat, making the leather creak.

‘I will need to be mindful of privacy issues here, Inspector. Data protection and so on. Someone in your position, you know how it is. But it’s common knowledge that Marina lives alone, with her son.’

‘How old?’

‘Eight, I think. Perhaps nine now?’

I sit back, allow the pause to lengthen a little.

‘The address you gave DC Quinn – it’s a very desirable part of town.’

That’s an understatement. Georgian town houses. Golden stone, sash windows, wrought-iron balconies; even Pevsner was impressed. A lot are offices now, or flats, but judging from her address, Marina Fisher has the whole three storeys. That’s some chunk of real estate.

Reynolds reaches to pour tea. And – apparently – buy time.

‘Marina’s former husband was a financier,’ he says eventually, lifting his cup. ‘He returned to Boston after the divorce. I believe Marina got the Oxford house as part of the settlement.’ He looks at his watch. ‘Now, if you will forgive me, I promised my wife I’d be home over an hour ago.’

There’s something he’s avoiding here, and it’s not just the quagmires of the Data Protection Act. But I’ll play the game. For now.

The door opens and the guard-dog PA stands there once again, waiting to show me safely off the premises.

‘I trust I can rely on you to keep me in the loop, Inspector?’ says Reynolds as I get to my feet. ‘This is going to be challenging enough, without being blindsided into the bargain.’

‘I’ll do my best, sir. But I’m sure you can appreciate that there’s only so much I’ll be able to tell you.’ I allow myself a small smile. ‘Data protection and all that. Someone in your position, you know how it is.’

* * *

Thames Valley Police

INITIAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

Rape and Sexual Offences

LOCATION AND IDENTITY OF THE PERSON MAKING THE REPORT

Professor Hilary Reynolds, Principal, Edith Launceleve College, Oxford OX2

THE EXACT LOCATION (WHERE POSSIBLE) AND TIME OF THE INCIDENT

Monmouth House, St Luke Street, Oxford OX1

06/07/2018 11.30 p.m.

WHETHER THE PERSON MAKING THE REPORT IS THE VICTIM, THIRD PARTY OR WITNESS, AND THE CAPACITY IN WHICH THEY ARE MAKING THE REPORT

Third party (head of the college, to which report was initially made)

NATURE OF THE INCIDENT

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Suspect made sexual advances to the victim, which he rejected. The suspect persisted, leading to a minor physical altercation, which resulted in minor scratches being sustained by the victim, and intimate touching in the groin area. It is not yet known if the suspect sustained any injuries. After this altercation occurred, the victim was able to leave the premises.

IDENTITY AND LOCATION OF THE VICTIM (IF KNOWN)

Caleb Owen Morgan, DOB 09/11/1995

Address: Flat 34, Graduate Accommodation Block, Edith Launceleve College, OX2