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pulse and temperature, asked if she had any pain in her limbs or her jaw, although I was certain of my initial diagnosis.’
    â€˜Was her mother present during the examination?’
    â€˜Of course, damn you,’ Clarkson retaliated heatedly.
    â€˜Did you lower the girl’s pyjama trousers during the examination?’
    Clarkson glared again. ‘How else could I feel her abdomen?’
    â€˜It was necessary to do that?’
    â€˜She had severe stomach cramps. Of course it was bloody necessary.’
    â€˜How far down did you pull her pyjama trousers?’
    â€˜I didn’t expose the pubic area, if that’s what you’re getting at,’ he snapped.
    â€˜After the examination did you adjust the trousers, or did she?’
    â€˜I nodded and said something like, “That’s fine, thank you, Stacey.” Then I turned to Jean and told her there was nothing to worry about, it was simply a virus going the rounds. When I looked back at Stacey she . . .’ He stopped and frowned. ‘She was still lying there with her body exposed.’
    â€˜What happened then?’ asked Max.
    â€˜Nothing happened ! What d’you take me for? I told her she could get under the duvet again because I’d finished my examination.’
    â€˜Did she cover her stomach before pulling up the duvet?’
    â€˜I’ve no idea. I explained to Jean that the sachets I took from my bag and gave to her contained a powder to be mixed with tepid water, and assured her they would alleviate the stomach cramps quite swiftly.’
    â€˜Did you then send her downstairs to fetch a glass of water?’
    â€˜No, I did not! I began to write a prescription for further sachets, but Jean rushed away to fetch water so that Stacey could take a dose immediately. As I said, parents panic unnecessarily.’
    â€˜So you were alone with Stacey in her bedroom for around five minutes?’
    Clarkson gazed at Max during a lengthening silence as the shock of what was happening hit him anew. ‘You don’t believe these lies, do you?’
    â€˜What I believe or not has no bearing on the case. A serious charge has been laid against you and I have to uncover the truth. You were alone with the girl long enough to act as she claims. Yes or no?’
    â€˜ Yes . I had time enough to ravish her, steal her junk jewellery, strangle her teddy bear, STAND ON MY HEAD,’ he said, voice rough with anger. ‘But I continued writing the prescription for further medication while reassuring my daughter’s friend she’d be bouncing back in a couple of days. Nothing happened! ’
    â€˜When Mrs Laine left the bedroom why did you stay there?’
    â€˜I was writing the prescription.’
    â€˜That could have been done downstairs. Why stay alone with a young girl in her nightclothes?’ probed Max.
    â€˜I was in a room with a patient ,’ he said, thoroughly rattled. ‘I’m a happily married man with four kids, not a closet paedophile! Why, in God’s name, have they invented such a damaging story? Why? ’
    Hiding his personal conclusions, Max asked neutrally, ‘Has there been any bad blood between your family and the Laines? Has your daughter fallen out with Stacey? Perhaps the little coterie of friends you mentioned has ostracized the girl for some reason.’
    Clarkson sank back in his chair, saying bitterly, ‘Does it matter? The blow has been struck, for whatever reason.’
    Max got to his feet. ‘My two female sergeants are presently interviewing the girl and her mother in depth. When they report back I’ll decide what action is necessary. Meanwhile, we’d like the clothes you wore yesterday for forensic examination, and there’ll be a brief personal one.’
    â€˜ What! ’
    â€˜If you had gone downstairs with Mrs Laine you’d not have left yourself open to these charges. I’ll inform you of what action will be