Joe felt Pearl's weight against him.

"Everything I'll be alright. It's not your fault." His lips hardened into a line as he decided to take charge.

"Constable, do ye mind if I take 'er 'ome to 'er family? Ye can see she's no fit to answer a lot of questions just now."

Neil stopped scribbling and looked at the couple with narrowed eyes.

"Suppose so. Where will you be staying if we should need you to help us with our inquiries?"

"I'll take Miss Carrington back to Carrington House. Then I'll go to mine in Osway Street, number -." Joe added helpfully. Then came the flash thought of the police knocking on the front door asking for him. Just make sure his parents don't answer the door...

"Very good then." Neil seemed satisfied with that answer, so moved on to the next person to be interviewed.