Page 53 of M for Murder

‘Not that I was aware of. Though, come to think of it, there was that red light I ran a couple of weeks back.’

‘You’re not here because of a red light, we both know that.’

‘I’m intrigued then. Tell me more.’

‘How well did you know Emma Keeley?’

‘As well as I know any of my students.’

‘And how well is that?’

‘I tutor them in English, Agent Hickok. You may be familiar with the subject?’

‘Is that the only subject you tutor them in?’

‘Yes.’

‘Any of your students ever need extra classes?’

‘No.’

‘So Emma Keeley didn’t need extra classes?’

‘Emma was top of her class. She had a bright future ahead of her.’

‘Not anymore.’

‘No, not anymore.’

‘How about socialising? You ever socialise with your students, Lawrence? You mind if I call you Lawrence? Mr Parker seems a little formal.’

‘It’s Lawrie, and no, I don’t socialise with my students.’

‘Why’s that then, Lawrie? Have you got a hang-up on the old student–teacher thing?’

‘Hardly… I’m married.’

‘Oh, that’s right, you’re married. Your wife’s a student, isn’t she? Guess you’re not bothered by the student– teacher thing after all.’

‘I don’t tutor Kylan, she has other classes.’

‘You tutored Emma Keeley, though, didn’t you?’

‘Twice a week.’

‘What did you think of Emma? Did you think she was pretty?’

‘What’s your point, Agent Hickok?’

‘My point is trying to establish who killed Emma Keeley.’

‘You think I killed her?’

‘Did you?’

‘Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I didn’t.’

‘So you didn’t kill her, didn’t have intimate relations with her, in fact, you didn’t do anything except tutor her in English twice a week?’