Susan Perbia’s upsetting interview with the Police

Here is a script for the interview. Susan is edgy and clearly hasn’t slept well. She’s unsure quite why she’s there. So get affronted by the manner and questions from the Detective.

DI Lever: 11.30 Thursday 31st, present are DI Lever, WPC Amanda Noyce and Susan Perbia. Can you state for the record your name, age address and Occupation?

My name is Susan Perbia, I am 23. I live at Flat 63 Breton House, Barbican, London EC2. I am a creative consultant for a high profile media company.

DI Lever: Miss Perbia thank you for coming down to the station today, at a time that must be very difficult for you, to assist with our enquiries. May I start by asking you how you know the…err Jonathan Spillers Guinness?

Jonathan is my fiancée we were, are planning to get married later this year. I have known him for 8 of the happiest months of my life…

DI Lever: How do you know him Susan?

I met up while on holiday, a boating holiday. There was a slight accident – nothing serious – and Jonathan was such a gentleman.

DI Lever: When did you last have contact with Mr Spillers- Guinness?

Jonathan and I were in regular contact until Saturday night..

DI Lever: The 26th ?

Yes we were expecting him at the knightly club. I’d organised a welcome home party for him. But he never turned up…

DI Lever: And you haven’t heard from him since Saturday Miss Perbia?

No nothing. I am so worried this is just not like him. We never go to asleep without talking….

DI Lever: Where were you on the night of the 26th May 2007?

I’ve already said that I was at the Knightley Club, god this is getting no where. The party for Jonathan THAT’S WHERE I WAS inspector.

DI Lever: Detective Inspector.

Detective Inspector! I was there with my sister Irenia from about 8.30 until about 01.30. Ask any of the others at the party. Why are you making ME feel that I’m the guilty one?

DI Lever: How would you describe your relationship with Mr Spillers-Guinness?

Oh for Pity’s sake DETECTIVE INSPECTOR I’ve ready told you!

DI Lever: For the record Miss Perbia…

Jonathan and I are engaged to be married. We have a close natural and totally legal relationship based on love and mutual trust.

DI Lever: Calm down Miss there’s no need to make this any more difficult than it is. I appreciate that you are under a lot of stress at the moment. I am just building up an idea of the background of this case…

What do you mean case? He’s a missing person isn’t he? I have a right to know! We’re as good as married – I’ve already signed a pre nuptial….

DI Lever: Lets just stick to the matter at hand Miss Per….

I came here to help and all I get are stupid questions with obvious answers. And this will bring my Jonathan back!

DI Lever: Are you aware of Mr Spillers-Guinness financial situation?

Err I’ve signed the pre…

DI Lever: No, no I mean his financial situation?

Well he’s from a wealthy background, obviously. And very hard working…

DI Lever: How about more recently, was he under any financial pressure?

No, of course not. Ridiculous – I would have known.

DI Lever: He didn’t seem subdued and introverted? Was he acting oddly? In an unfamiliar and out of character way?

No, not at all. He has been very busy recently and very engrossed with the American Office – he’s had to go to the States time after time.

DI Lever:did he talk to you about his work in America? DID he mention at names? Or anything relating to his work?

(For the record Miss Perbia indicates to the negative.)

DI Lever: Finally have you any idea where he may be?

(Pause) Have I any idea where he might be?!! Well if I knew that I wouldn’t be worried half out of my head! Of course I don’t know – and what are you doing to find him? Silly time wasting question after silly question. IS that all Inspector Leverage?

DI Lever: Detective Inspector Leaver. Yes, for the time being. Can I ask you to hand over your passport? It’s only routine. We will be in contact. Thank you again Miss Perbia.