Page 6

6.50 A.M.

‘So, ground rules, folks. It appears we’re stuck with Frost for the time being, so I insist you treat her with the respect she deserves. Rotten veg and grotty water will be supplied on request.’

‘Funny,’ Frost said with an eyeroll.

‘Sticking with you, Frost, is there anything at all that might have prompted someone to have a joke at your expense? I’m not even gonna ask if you’ve pissed anyone off cos we ain’t got that kind of time, but is there anyone you’ve pissed off more than normal?’

‘Not that I’m aware of.’

‘Well, you’ve been chosen for a reason, so I want a printed copy of every article you’ve written in the last three months and a list of every place you’ve visited.’

‘You really need all that?’ Frost asked, reaching for the laptop they’d collected en route to the station.

‘Probably not all of it, but it’ll keep you out of trouble for the foreseeable future.’

‘While you’re on me can I ask a question?’ Frost asked.

‘Make it quick.’

‘He’s made it clear that I’m to write articles every six hours beginning at midday. What am I allowed to share and what am I not?’

‘Decent question,’ Kim said, taking a minute to think. ‘You just need to keep it as vague as possible. You can mention the places we’ve been but nothing that reveals who or how we’re investigating. Clear?’

Frost rolled her eyes. ‘Oh yeah.’

Kim turned to the team. ‘Thoughts?’

‘I don’t think it’s a joke,’ Penn offered.

‘Go on,’ Kim said.

‘This message is too well thought out. He’s used it to communicate his intentions. He’s not seeking or begging for attention. It’s almost like the game is going ahead whether we like it or not.’

‘Exactly,’ Kim agreed, even though Stacey and Bryant still looked doubtful.

‘For the purpose of moving forward, we’re gonna assume this isn’t a hoax and that bad things are going to happen if we don’t stop them. With that in mind, what questions should we be asking?’

‘Why Frost?’ Stacey asked.

‘Hopefully Frost can answer that one eventually. Next?’

‘What does he want?’ Bryant asked.

‘Yes. Next?’

‘Has this happened anywhere else?’ Penn asked.

‘Can we track anything on the Jester?’ Stacey asked.

‘Yep, anything else?’ Kim asked, counting off her fingers.

Silence.

‘What he means about something missing,’ Frost offered.

‘For future reference, you’re not allowed to speak without raising your hand. In fact, you’re not even allowed to listen. But in this case, you are correct.’

Frost let triumph show on her face before turning her attention back to her computer.

‘I think that should be enough to?—’

Kim stopped speaking as Frost’s phone beeped, startling them all.

It was exactly 7 a.m.

Frost pressed a couple of keys and then raised her hand.

‘Bloody speak,’ Kim barked.

‘It’s a text message from him, and it looks like our first clue is in.’