Waiting for the senior officer to arrive was like being stuck in limbo. I’m sure that had there been a clock on the wall of the study, the second hand would have appeared to waver in mid-air before ticking inexorably forward. Finally, he arrived, all ribbons and self-importance, but Chamreun seemed to know him, so I followed his respectful lead. Unlike his underlings, his manner was far more courteous and sympathetic.
He offered his condolences then asked me to explain the timeline of the day’s events. I was actually impressed with how he was dealing with me and with the situation so tried to be as helpful as possible. He then explained that as Chamreun had said, I would have to attend at the station to give a formal statement, but that after that I was free to go. But he required that, i
