A Game of Proof by Tim Vicary Read Free Book Online Page B

hesitated and looked down, and Terry saw tears in her eyes. Not such a big girl after all then. She had been frightened.
    ‘He said, “that’s a nice pony, darling,” something like that, and asked me how old Toby was. So I told him, and he said was he nice to ride, and I said he was brilliant but a bit lazy sometimes, and then he said could he have a ride. So I said no and he said, “oh come on,” something like that, and put his arm round my waist trying to pull me off, so then ...’
    Helen looked up at her mum, who nodded for her to go on.
    ‘... I screamed and hit him hard with my riding whip. He didn’t let go at first so I tried to kick him too and then Toby reared and we got away. Then I galloped home and told mum.’
    Terry nodded. ‘You must have been very frightened.’
    ‘I was, yes. Course I was.’
    ‘Did you see what the man did when you got away?’
    ‘No. I looked back once and saw him running into the woods. Then he was gone. I didn’t want to see him.’
    ‘No, of course not.’ Terry watched her for a moment in silence. He was fairly convinced she was telling the truth; there seemed no reason not to. ‘How did he speak? Like someone from round here?’
    ‘No. It was a funny accent - not local.’
    ‘And you’re sure he tried to pull you off the horse? You couldn’t have made a mistake - he wasn’t just trying to be friendly?’
    ‘No! What do you mean, mistake? I can feel him doing it, now!’
    ‘All right, I’m sorry.’ He had really upset her now, he saw. She was crying, and her mother reached out to hug her. This was serious, he thought angrily. It could have been very serious indeed. But the great thing was, she had seen his face. And heard his voice.
    He waited for a moment while the tears subsided, then, as gently as he could, said: ‘Listen to me, Helen. It’s important to catch this man, isn’t it? So I want you to do one more thing for me - in a while, when you’re feeling better. I want you to help us make a photofit picture of this man. We’ve got a lady officer who’s very good at that. Will you come and see her, please?’
    She nodded, still with tears in her eyes but determined, too. Encouraged, Terry made the arrangements with her mother and left.
    He sighed as Harry drove down the track, the collie streaking alongside. After Gary Harker’s arrest, this sort of thing should be over. Of course there were other men like Gary, but statistically, Terry knew, this sort of behaviour was odd. Most rapists were known to their victims; more rapes were committed by relatives in the home than by strangers in the woods.
    He thought how angry he would feel if such a thing happened to his own girls. It would be insupportable. I’d kill the bastard, he thought, his hands tightening on his knees. Kill him and ask questions after.

Chapter Four
    A S SARAH wheeled the Kawasaki into the street something tugged at her memory. She glanced at her watch and swore. 7.40. Her daughter Emily had a school concert that night and she had promised to go. When did it begin - eight? Eight thirty? Pray God it was the latter. Quickly she fastened her helmet, settled herself in the saddle, and turned the key. The engine purred smoothly. I must be quick, she thought. Not so much freedom after all.
    But as the bike wove its way swiftly down the street the old thrill returned. It was so powerful and free, compared to a car. Why shouldn’t she enjoy it, this daily adventure on the roads? It was her reward for long hours of work, for all the disasters of her childhood.
    If Emily was late for the concert and threw a tantrum, so what? Secretly Sarah regarded her daughter as spoilt. What did Emily know of trouble or poverty?  Nothing, compared to her mother.
    Sarah had been fifteen when she met Kevin Mills, and he had been seventeen. She had been an ordinary conscientious working-class girl at her local grammar school, not particularly clever or pretty, five foot six with short dark hair. The first