Page 73 of Deadly Cry

Kim felt her silent phone begin to vibrate as she stepped out of the building and into the glare of the press. Bryant sidled to the position he’d occupied a couple of days before.

The paper she’d been given was in her back pocket, and if Flora expected her to take it out and read it word for word she could think again. If she was being forced to talk to the press, then she’d talk to them properly. She knew by heart enough of what was on the paper to do what they’d asked.

Her phone stopped and started again as she approached the gaggle. She knew it wasn’t any of her team. They all knew what she was coming out here to do. The only other person who mattered was Keats and God forbid he’d be calling her right now. Answering the phone to the pathologist right in front of this group of people with their powerful microphones and speakers would not be a good idea.

‘Okay, folks, gather round.’ She paused to give them chance to switch on whatever device they were using. Frost’s choice was an iPhone pointed in her direction.

She forced her expression into neutral as she began to speak.

‘I can confirm that the body of a forty-six-year-old female was found at Uffmoor Woods earlier today.’

Kim paused. Every word she spoke took her closer to the third paragraph, with which she didn’t agree.

And yet, Woody had instructed it.

‘The family have been informed and obviously our condolences go to her loved ones.’

Even Flora thought it was a good idea.

‘It is too early to tell if the incident is linked to other cases under investigation. However, I can reveal that we have not yet ruled it out.’

Good old Freddie thought it was a great idea.

‘The post-mortem will take place tomorrow, after which the identity of the victim will be revealed and witnesses to the incident will be sought.’

And even Alison agreed.

‘I would like to reiterate that we will catch the person responsible for this crime and bring them to justice. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that we still have not located a six-year-old boy named Archie. His family are desperate for news on their little boy who has now been missing for over twenty-four hours.’

First part done. Now on to the second paragraph about which every expert around her agreed. Every one of them.

‘Thank you for your time, ladies and gentlemen, and there will be more for you tomorrow.’

She turned her back and walked into the building, taking out her phone. There was no live broadcast on the news, but the footage would hit the internet in about thirty seconds. Half a minute before Woody blew up her phone.

‘What the hell was that?’ Bryant asked, following her inside.

‘In a minute,’ she said, surprised that the missed calls were from Stacey. Well, she’d have to wait. She scrolled to the number she wanted and waited four seconds for it to be answered by a thin, incredulous voice.

‘Stone, what the?…’

‘Listen carefully, Frost, without making it obvious, meet me around the back of the building.’

‘Stone, I only go round the back of buildings for a smoke or a snog, neither of which I wanna do with—’

‘Just do it, Frost,’ Kim snapped, before ending the call.

‘Okay, now I’m even more confused,’ Bryant said.

‘Go see what Stacey wants and I’ll explain all later.’

She put her phone back in her pocket, aware that the second Woody saw her abbreviated press conference he would be seeking answers, but regardless of the instructions she’d received, the public chastisement had not felt right to her. There was much she wanted to say to this man, preferably with a red-hot poker, but not while he still had possession of a little boy.

She agreed that the killer was awaiting some kind of response from her, and he was going to get one.

Kim heard the rhythmic clicking of the high heels three seconds before Frost came into view.

‘Stone, I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing but those folks back there ain’t happy.’