I’ll have to talk to her. And so will Rimmer.’Staffe reaches out, holds her arm and whispers, as if he was making a tender confidence. ‘But it didn’t happen, Josie. Rosa didn’t go to the police with this. I’m telling you as a friend.’‘But you’re my boss, sir.’ She gives him a disgruntled look, as if she is betrayed. ‘Except, you’re not.’Staffe watches her go, then hitches his chair closer to the fire. He takes out the papers and reads about Arabella. As much as is publically known.Arabella Imogen Geraldine Howerd was educated at St Mary’s School, Ascot, but left without A levels, despite the offer of a place at Somerville College, Oxford. She has never been on an electoral roll, nor claimed benefits nor paid National Insurance stamp or PAYE.She was charged with possession of ecstasy, crack cocaine and MDMA at Bishopsgate Police Station on 1 May 2009. The charges were subsequently dropped as Miss Howerd had not been offered independent legal representation, and that case of misapplication was presented to the CPS by Sir Ralph Waikman of Essex Court.Arabella has never taken a driving test, is currently registered with neither a GP nor a dentist, but was admitted to A & E in Stratford, East London, in November this year when a stomach pump was administered.
