Page 44 of Silent Scream

Stacey shrugged. ‘There ain’t many records of Crestwood and even less people that wanna talk about the place. My understanding is that the younger kids had already been placed in foster homes or other care facilities around the area. Another six or seven had gone back to family members, leaving around ten kids at the time of the fire.’

‘Sounds like a bloody nightmare.’

Stacey grinned. ‘To lesser mortals, maybe.’

Kim smiled. Stacey loved a challenge and that was about to be a good thing.

‘Right, Bryant, go get the car started.’

Bryant grabbed his jacket and left the office. Kim stepped into The Bowl and sat to remove her biking boots. As she did, she overheard the conversation taking place in the outer office.

‘Have yer tried flowers?’ Stacey asked.

‘Check,’ Dawson replied.

‘Chocolates?’

‘Check.’

‘Jewellery?’

No response.

‘Are yer kidding? You haven't tried jewellery? Oh, Kev, nothing says “sorry for being a totally amoral arsehole” like a sparkly expensive necklace.’

‘Piss off, Stace, what would you know?’

‘I'd know, lover boy, ‘cos I'm all woooooman.’

Kim smiled as she tied her right lace.

‘Yeah but your love life amongst the world of goblins doesn't count. I need advice from a woman who goes out with men. Like, real ones.’

The conversation ended as Kim stepped back into the office. ‘Stace, you’re now working on the staff membersandex-residents.’

Dawson looked confused.

‘Get your coat, you’re coming with me.’

He took his suit jacket from the back of the chair.

‘I’d get your overcoat as well. You’re now staying on site with forensics.’

His face lit up. ‘Seriously, Guv?’

Kim nodded. ‘I need to know what’s going on as soon as it happens. I want you to make a total nuisance of yourself. Keep asking questions, follow people around, listen to conversations and the minute you get anything new, let me know.’

‘Will do, Guv,’ he said, eagerly.

He followed her down to the waiting car.

She got in the front seat and he got in the back.

‘Buckle up, kiddies,’ Bryant said, pulling out of the car park.

Kim glanced into the rear view mirror at Dawson's eager, excited face, then turned and looked out of the window.

For a person with no people skills whatsoever, the law of averages dictated that now and again she had to get it right.