Back in the interrogation room:
Herris, “Did you have a comfortable sleep, Tom?”
Tom, “I’ve slept in worse.”
Herris, “Ever sleep with a noose around your neck, because that’s what happens to people that murder prostitutes, even rich men.”
Tom, “I didn’t murder her.”
Herris, “A jury might decide otherwise.”
Tom, “Wanna talk, get me my barrister.”
Greencrest, “Then just listen: We know about the establishments you frequented, and we know you had hefty accounts at some like Brisco’s, the Silver Stocking, Barbaro’s, the private club on Tower Street, so on and so forth. You owe a lot of money, don’t you Tom? We know Cristos Mineeo bought your debts.”
Tom, “ . . .”
Herris, “How ‘bout telling us just how much you owe?”
Tom, “I want my barrister.”
Herris, “Did you tell your family how much you owe? Why not? Was it because of how much it is? Shame? Pride? Will they disown you?”
Tom, “I want my barrister.”
Greencrest, “Or did someone threaten you and them if you told them so you can’t tell them?”
Tom, Silence.
Greencrest, “If someone threatened you and your family and is forcing, you to do something that’s extortion, Tom. You’re the victim. Having gambling debts may be embarrassing, may be costly, but it’s not a crime. Someone is extorting you is. Is that what’s going on, Tom?”
Tom, Silence.
Greencrest, “You were drugged, your girl, the woman you loved, is dead, your sister and cousin’s lives may be in danger, and you may end up getting hanged for a crime you didn’t commit.”
Tom, Silence.
Greencrest, “I talked to Hedi from Odelia’s. She said everyone could see that you loved Pene. Heidi also said it seemed like you and Pene were not quite yourselves before you left Odelia’s that morning.”
Tom, Silence.
Greencrest, “You might not have killed Pene, Tom, but you may know who did.”
Tom, Silence.
Greencrest, “We’re going to speak with your cousin and sister in more detail. Is there anything you’d like to tell us before we go?”
Tom’s head is down a bit, says nothing.
Greencrest, “Should we wait and send for your barrister?”
Tom, Silence.
Greencrest, “We’ll let you think on it some more.”
