When Eli’s phone next went off, it was Mum.
“I’m sorry,” he said to the copper taking his statement. “Can I get that?”
“‘Course.” He was the kind of copper Eli wanted Rob to meet: young, earnest, and with a calming manner. And armed with this big smile that got the nurses to keep bringing cups of tea as Eli had reached the part where he’d seen the kid stab Rob.
He shuffled aside to take the call. They were in the back corner of a quiet-ish waiting area, as at that time of night there was nowhere really private left. “Mum?”
“Eli! Eli, dear, where are you?”
“Um, on the second floor. I’m giving my statement to the police—you need to—”
“Already?”
“I didn’t want to wait.” Eli swallowed hard. “Are you with Jenny? Jenny’ll need—”
“Yes, dear, I’m with Jenny.” Mum’s voice was even more flus
