Page 89

‘Where the hell have you been, Helen? I’ve been going out of my mind here.’

Charlie’s overriding feeling was one of relief, but her enquiry was nevertheless tinged with anger.

She’d spent the last few hours trying to placate an irate Holmes, but more than that had been genuinely worried about her old friend.

News had reached her of the arson attack at the women’s refuge and the subsequent discovery of an injured woman lying in the street, but her enquiries at the local hospitals had yielded nothing, Helen having apparently discharged herself a couple of hours ago.

‘Look, I’m sorry about that and I’ll explain later,’ Helen replied, her voice catching.

‘All you need to know right now is that they’ve got Viyan.

It’s my belief that she’s being held at Dearham Farm, which is just on the outskirts of Swanwick.

I’m there now. Also, your man is on the move.

A Dutch registered Scania truck just left the farm at speed.

I think he’s making a break for it, trying to get home before the shit hits the fan. ’

‘Did you catch the registration plate?’ Charlie enquired urgently.

‘R 945 DX, so it’s definitely our guy,’ Helen replied quickly. ‘If he’s heading to the docks, he should be there in under an hour. Anyway, that’s all, I’ve gotta go. See you on the other side.’

She rang off, leaving Charlie hanging.

‘Bye then …’ Charlie said to the dead line, shaking her head at her old friend’s unfailing ability to surprise her.

‘Good news?’

Charlie spun round to find DC Malik staring at her curiously.

‘Very good news,’ Charlie replied, raising her voice as she continued.

‘Right, listen up everyone. We have a confirmed sighting of our man. He’s just left a remote farm in Swanwick and, we presume, is heading for the docks.

DC Malik, can you liaise with the port authorities?

I want a name for whoever’s booked a crossing today for a Scania truck, registration number R 945 DX. ’

‘I will alert Traffic and Border Force and I want us all on the road in five minutes. Our top priority now is to intercept him with the minimum drama, bringing him into custody safely and securely.’

For a moment, the assorted team members did nothing, staring in astonishment at this sudden change in their fortunes.

‘Well, what are you waiting for? This is our chance to show what we’re made of.’

Now there was a flurry of activity, as phones, jackets, batons and more were scooped up, the team keen to respond to her call to arms. It was a sight that stirred Charlie’s heart, sending pulses of adrenaline coursing through her.

After months of dead ends, embarrassments and failures, this was her chance to make amends.

To show Holmes she was worthy of her rank.

To convince the team that she was fit to lead.

To prove to herself that she could do the job.