No Longer Safe(91)

‘And that’s what they found in your case?’

‘Yes – but a growing number of doctors believe that relying on the triad alone is no longer enough. During my sentence I did all the research I could. I found out that in a small number of cases, injuries associated with the triad can occur naturally and are not always the result of trauma.’ Her eyes were bright and wild. ‘I’ve got people fighting for me, now.’

‘And no one supported you at the time?’

She shook her head. ‘But these exceptions are so significant that experts now believe that at least half of those brought to trial in the past for this kind of injury have been wrongly convicted.’ Her voice tailed off into a croak. ‘I was too late to get my conviction overturned.’

‘So – you didn’t do it?’

Her head dropped. ‘She was choking on baby food. I was trying to get her to breathe, to get rid of the blockage…’

‘Why didn’t you tell me? Why all the lies about America?’

She slapped her hand down and laughed. ‘Would you have kept in touch with me if you’d known? Would you have wanted to be associated with…a child-murderer?’

‘I would have wanted to hear your side of the story,’ I insisted. ‘I might even have been able to help.’

‘Thanks – Alice.’ Her expression was sceptical. ‘You only have my word that I was wrongly accused – but everyone – the medical profession, the courts – found me guilty. I’m not sure you would have found it an easy ride.’

‘It would have been nice to have had the choice,’ I said.

‘I’ve got stacks of paperwork at home with all my findings, if you’re interested,’ she said. ‘I should have a PhD in it by now. Ironic, isn't it? You were right. Medicine was going to be my grand illustrious career. I was going to go right to the top, once I’d taken a year out to travel, but I got pregnant…and after that everything fell apart.’ She gave a chilly laugh.

‘Nevertheless, I’ve spent hours scrutinising reports, statistics, other cases. You can see it all – back in Brixton – if you like. My lawyer is filing an appeal for miscarriage of justice at this very moment. I’m determined to clear my name.’ She was back to the old Karen; fiery, single-minded, invincible.

‘What about your parents? Did they stand by you?’

Her hands snapped into fists. ‘Did they hell! They disowned me. Completely.’

I dropped my head. ‘Oh…’

‘It wasn’t just me. I never told you that my brother went off the rails when he was in his teens, did I? He did the total drugs-drink-crime rebellion thing. Serves them right. My dad is a conniving swine. I found out he’s been fleecing his mates out of money for years, reneged on deals, cheated and lied. He uses people.’

I looked at her. Like father, like daughter.

The door opened and Jodie came in looking flustered.

‘You okay?’ said Karen.

She threw herself into a chair. ‘I don’t know. Mark has been so bloody weird, lately. It’s like he can’t stand my company for more than about half an hour, anymore.’

‘Where’s he gone?’ I asked.

‘How the hell would I know?’ she snapped. ‘I mean – what is there that’s urgent – out here? We’re on holiday for fuck’s sake. What’s wrong with him?’

‘Maybe it’s not you that’s the problem,’ said Karen.

‘What do you mean?’ Jodie asked. She snatched the packet of capsules from her bag and threw a tablet into her mouth before taking a long swig of orange juice.

‘Maybe Mel is driving him mad,’ Karen suggested.

Jodie didn’t look convinced. Karen seemed about to speak again – as if she knew something – but then she shrugged. ‘Perhaps he can’t stand being cooped up. Being cut off like this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.’

‘Yeah, well – he’s driving me mad.’ She laid her head on her folded arms on the table. ‘Any coffee going?’

Karen pointed to the fresh pot on the stove.

‘I don’t want to speak out of turn,’ I said, ‘but is he using too much dope these days, Jodie? Has it got out of hand?’

She shook her head adamantly. ‘He uses the same as he always did – we both do.’

Karen twisted her mouth to one side.

‘There is one thing,’ said Jodie. She propped her head in her hands. ‘I shouldn’t be telling you this – but I don’t know what to do. He’s in a lot of debt and I’ve lent him piles of money.’ Her chin started to wobble. ‘It’s getting really bad...’