Page 47 of Dead Serious Case 5 Madame Vivienne

“As I explained earlier, I suspected Detective Inspector Byrnes has some sort of problem with me, although what it is, I have no idea. I was trying to ignore it, but going after my partner is a step too far. It’s unacceptable. Every time Byrnes has crossed paths with Tristan, he’s been rude and belligerent, even at Vivienne’s funeral. He has no respect at all for the fact that we have lost a friend. Tristan and I have already provided alibis and statements which should more than preclude us from the Wilson investigation. But Byrnes’ attitude towards myself and especially Tristan is now bordering on harassment. When I left your office to find Inspector Byrnes waiting for me, I had every intention of walking away until he started making snide insinuations about my partner’s safety.”

“That doesn’t give you the right to attack a fellow officer,” Butler barks.

“But, sir,” Maddie interjects, “Byrnes was goading Danny. Surely that’s unacceptable behaviour from a fellow officer.”

“That’s enough from you, Wilkes. No one wants to hear your opinion.”

I see her jaw clench and her eyes flash.

“Hayes, I believe you owe Byrnes an apology,” Butler says. I glance over his shoulder to Byrnes.

“No,” I say.

“No?” DCI Butler replies as if he hasn’t heard me correctly. “What do you mean, no? That wasn’t a suggestion.”

“I don’t care if it was a commandment from God engraved in granite.” My jaw clenches so tightly that I’m pretty sure I’m about to crack one of my back molars.

“Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?” Butler turns a startling shade of puce. “As of now, you’re on permanent suspension pending an investigation.”

“That’s not fair!” Maddie declares.

“You wanna join him, Wilkes? Say one more word,” Butler warns.

I grasp her wrist and look down at her, giving the barest perceivable shake of my head. Her eyes still blaze with indignation, but she clamps her lips together so firmly they almost turn white.

I step forward, place my hands on Butler’s desk, and lean in. “You want me out of here? You want to drag my name through the mud and get me dismissed? Fine. Hit me with your best shot. But just so you know, I will be putting in formal complaints about both of you.” My eyes flicker to Byrnes, who’s stopped smirking and is watching me, his eyes dark and intent. “Make no mistake, I will take this up the chain as high as I can. The difference between us is that I’m willing to lose my job to stand up for myself. Are you?”

Butler hisses, his fists balling as they rest on his desk.

“I’ll see myself out.” I send him a small, condescending smile and stalk out of the room, leaving him spluttering in fury behind me.

I’ve almost reached my desk when Maddie catches up with me.

“Jesus Christ, Danny, how the hell do you walk with balls that big?” She laughs.

“Carefully,” I sigh. “And probably all the way to the unemployment line.”

“I can’t believe you spoke to the DCI like that.” She shakes her head. “He’s a dick but still…”

“It wouldn’t have mattered what I said.” I shrug. “They were getting me out one way or another.”

“I’ve got your back. You know that, right?”

“I know.” My temper eases a little. “And don’t think I don’t appreciate the loyalty, but I can’t be responsible for you losing your job too.”

“Fuck ’em if they think they can bully me or denigrate me just because I’m a woman. I’ve come up against worse than them,” Maddie says fiercely.

“That’s the Maddie I know and love.” I smile. “Besides, we need someone on the inside.”

“That’s me.” She nods. “I’ll start gathering our allies. Trust me, we’re not the only ones in here those two have pissed off.”

I give her a quick hug then grab my jacket. “Be careful.”

“You too,” she mutters.

I runmy thumb along the surface of my pint and watch the condensation gather on my skin. My mind continues to churn over the past hour as I stare at a new bead of moisture rolling down the glass.

My suit jacket is slung over the barstool next to me and my shirtsleeves are rolled up my forearms. I’ve unbuttoned mycollar and loosened my tie, but it still feels like it’s choking me. I guess it’s the burden of all the words left unsaid that are sticking in my throat.