‘Of course, her podcast is based on real crimes,’ said Cilla. ‘But she was taking what was in the public domain and dramatising it. It’s a legitimate technique used by documentary makers, and some podcast creators.’
There was a long silence in the office.
‘Officers, you suddenly look a bit green,’ said Colin. ‘Are you sure I can’t tempt you to a drink? I won’t tell if you don’t.’
Erika needed a moment. She moved around to stand in front of the fireplace.
‘We believe that Vicky was working on a new podcast episode, and she potentially uncovered something about a series of crimes that have taken place in student accommodation here at GDA,’ she said.
‘What?’ asked Cilla, looking up at Colin. His eyebrows shot up into his hairline and he shook his head.
‘Crimes here, at GDA. I’m not aware of any crimes. What are these crimes, officers?’ he asked.
‘A series of break-ins at your student accommodations near New Cross. Three young women were threatened, and in one case that we know of, the attacker assaulted her.’
Cilla and Colin were both shocked into silence. Erika watched them carefully. Their shock seemed very genuine.
‘Do you have proof of this?’ asked Colin.
‘Yes. Vicky interviewed these young women and the police records match what they told her,’ said Erika.
‘How do you know this? Did Vicky tell you?’ asked Cilla.
‘We can’t go into much more detail at this stage,’ said Erika.
‘Because she said nothing about this to me when she came to stay. Did she say anything to you, Colin?’
‘No. Nothing. When was this? When did these assaults happen?’ asked Colin.
‘In early 2012 and 2014,’ said Peterson.
‘I wasn’t aware of this,’ said Colin. ‘Which is surprising. Students here like to talk. This would have been a big subject.’
‘These women weren’t students. They auditioned unsuccessfully to GDA, and only stayed for one night in student accommodation,’ said Erika.
‘Then we might not have heard about it,’ said Cilla. ‘I’ve been present at auditions every year. We only meet the auditionees for half a day, and most we never see again.’
Colin frowned.
‘Do you have the names of these young women? In case we remember them? Or can help?’
‘Yes, but as I said, we can’t share that information with you,’ said Erika.
‘Have you spoken to Sheila, our student office administrator?’ he asked, now sounding wary.
‘No, but I’ll make sure we do. I presume the school keeps its own records of incidents of assault at student halls?’
‘Yes, but let me just say, we have a zero tolerance procedure here at GDA, isn’t that right, Cilla?’ said Colin.
‘Yes,’ she said.
‘In all my years here, I’ve known the students to be fun-loving and kind, and as for the female students being assaulted, it’s unheard of,’ said Colin.
‘Yes. So many of the male students are gay,’ finished Cilla. There was an awkward pause.
‘Can I ask where you are staying, and how long you are planning to be in London?’ said Erika.
‘I’m staying with Colin, just up the road at his house on Telegraph Hill,’ said Cilla.
‘What time did you land last night?’ asked Peterson.
‘Eight o’clock, eight thirty,’ said Cilla. ‘We flew Glasgow to Heathrow. And we can’t have got back to yours until well after ten.’
Colin nodded.
‘And you both stayed the night at your house in Telegraph Hill?’ asked Erika.
‘Are you asking us for an alibi?’ said Cilla, suddenly with a flash of anger.
‘We’re just trying to establish all of the details,’ said Peterson firmly.
She put her plastic cup down on the desk. ‘I’ll have you know that I don’t appreciate this line of questioning. I have just heard that a very dear, dear, dear friend is dead. I am in shock, and you come in here and ask me these ridiculous questions and have the cheek to imply—’
‘Cilla, darling. They’re just doing their job,’ said Colin, taking her hand in his. She pulled her hand free. He looked up at Erika and Peterson.
‘Yes, we both stayed at my house. I think we got back from the airport around ten thirty and it was off to bed shortly after this. We rose late, and took a little time to get sorted this morning; we only left the house to come here a couple of hours ago. Cilla was very tired. Flying takes it out of her, however short the flight.’