Page 59 of Killing Mind

What the hell was going on? she wondered as both the second drone and Bryant headed towards her.

She watched as the second drone hovered above the lake, turning and then ducking and diving. It paused in mid-air as it seemed to find the bigger drone. The bigger drone was paying no attention to it as it circled the area above the dive team.

Bryant arrived beside her as the little drone moved east towards the bigger one. It picked up speed, climbing until it was level with the other one. It found another speed as it flew into the other drone, a mid-air fight seemed to ensue before propellers were entwined and both drones fell to the ground.

Everyone who had stopped to look gave a small cheer.

She turned to her colleague with a smile.

‘You know, Bryant, if you hadn’t already killed Betty she’d be winging her way to your desk right now.’

‘Good to know,’ he said, looking around distractedly.

‘Hope you promised the kid something good.’

‘Oh yeah. I’ll be on Amazon as soon as I get home.’

Now for the bad news. Something he wasn’t gonna like one bit. She’d break it to him as gently as she could.

‘Look, Bryant, I’ve got a meeting with Kane but you can’t come,’ she said, heading towards the car. The words had sounded much more diplomatic in her head.

He didn’t much like being left out of conversations but she really needed to talk to this guy.

‘No probs, guv. That suits me just fine.’

Although she was grateful for his understanding it was not the response she’d expected.

Forty-Seven

The guv entered the café a few minutes early saying she wanted to get in first.

Normally he would have minded being excluded from any conversation related to the case, but on this occasion, he was relieved. He needed a minute to himself.

He took out his phone and read the message again. Richard had tried to call him twice and Bryant had purposefully ignored the calls. He knew he had to let the case go. After visiting the home of Tina and Damon Crossley he had fought the urge to get involved. He could understand the rage and frustration that had built up in Tina after finding out about Peter Drake’s release and there was no one else to take it out on. But he’d forced himself to step away. A team was handling the case, and although Damon wanted the book thrown at her, CID would decide the charges.

Despite ignoring the calls Richard had sent him a text message. Just three little words.

Have you heard?

He dialled Richard’s number, as he watched the guv take a seat at an empty table.

The man answered on the second ring, already shouting at him.

‘Fucking hell, Bryant. Where’ve you been. What the fuck is going on?’

‘Richard, slow down. What are you talking about? I’m out here doing my job.’

Despite everything, cursing was something he’d rarely heard from Harrison. He barely recognised the man’s voice.

Silence. ‘You haven’t heard?’

‘Heard what?’ he snapped. He wasn’t going to sit here playing guessing games.

‘It’s all over the fucking net, man. Exactly what we feared. He’s gone and done it again.’

Forty-Eight

Kim could see her colleague in animated conversation with someone. She checked her phone. No missed calls or messages. If it was anything to do with the case she was sure he’d let her know.