Special Effects: The Jacket

"Maybe not," said Daniel, pretending to be thoughtful, "But they would probably believe this jacket. It's the same one, isn't it. Remember? I was wearing it just before you threw me out of the boat. You took it off me and dropped me in the water, then you rowed away and left me to drown ... such a lovely father."

"How do you know all this? Were you watching from somewhere?"

Daniel didn't reply. He picked his sandwich up off the table and started to eat it again.

The man began to pace. Caged. A lion behind bars. He lit a cigarette with a shaky hand and ran his fingers through his hair. Over and over. Combing. Combing.

"You swam ashore?" he guessed.

'Too far," said Daniel, "You know that. You took me at least a mile from the coast. And there was a current. Remember? I didn't stand chance."

"Someone rescued you!"

"No-one about. You made sure of that too."

"Someone was watching, with binoculars."

"At that hour. It was too dark. You rowed back in the dark, remember?"

The man sat down. His shoulders were bent. His eyes were large and frightened.

"How much do you want?"

"I told you, I'm not interested in money. Just tell the cops what happened and take your punishment. That's all I want."

The man sucked on the last of his cigarette and stubbed it out. He blew the smoke out and coughed.

"Not good for your health you know Dad. They'll be the death of you one day."

Suddenly the man lunged forwards. He gripped Daniel by the throat and shook him.

"You're not my son!" he shouted, "You hear!? I'm not taking any more of this from you!"

Daniel choked for air and fought to get away, but the man was strong. His fingers closed like talons. He squeezed until the boy sagged in his grip, then he