Page 110 of Stolen Ones

‘You condone violence towards children, Inspector?’ he asked, trying to twist her words.

‘Absolutely not, but there is a distinction to be made between—’

Kim paused as her phone began to ring. It was Inspector Plant at Wyley Court.

She nodded towards Bryant, who terminated the interview as she headed into the corridor.

‘You got something?’ she asked, closing the door behind her.

‘Nope, and that’s the problem. This Brad guy with the satchel says that excavating any further beyond this point will mean permanent damage to the fountain’s integrity.’

‘Why?’

‘One of the side walls that they’ve been trying to preserve is on the point of collapse.’

‘How far down are they?’

‘Almost four feet and both guys want it stopped. The machine operators are having a fag break but we’ve only got a couple of hours of good daylight left.’

Kim had to give herself a moment to think.

Never had she and the rest of her team worked a case where the apparent murderer had presented himself at the station.

After consideration, they had believed him and entered into the game he wanted to play. Every decision, every move had been based on that single fact. There would be repercussions for her next move if she’d called it wrong.

Did she have the courage of her convictions?

‘Carry on digging,’ she said before ending the call.

Sixty-Six

It was almost seven when Kim re-entered the squad room after briefing Woody about Harte and the dig at Wyley Court. He had commented that daylight was fading fast, which had done nothing to calm her nerves.

Her team had been at it for twelve hours straight, and their desks bore the evidence of meals taken while they continued to work. The search team had expanded by a further three square miles around the day-care centre, and crews were in place at both Wyley Court and Clent. Keats and Doctor A were on call for any developments, and Harte was off limits until he’d had his prescribed rest period.

‘Okay, guys, I’m calling it,’ she said, pouring the last coffee from the jug. ‘Tidy up your mess and bugger off.’

‘But, boss…’

‘Nothing more we can do tonight. We can’t have another crack at him until tomorrow. His lawyer has left the building, and we’re all exhausted. We’re not doing Grace any favours if we miss stuff because we can’t see straight.’

The crinkling of packets came from all directions as they did as she’d asked.

‘Not you, Alison. You can stay,’ Kim said as jackets were lifted from chairs.

Penn offered a mock bow to Stacey.

‘Your chariot awaits, milady, if you’d like a lift home. I would imagine a timely return home to your good wife is in order this fine evening.’

He held out his arm.

She took it. ‘Why, thank you, kind sir. I would indeed benefit from a hasty retreat.’

Bryant groaned. ‘It’s like a low-budgetDownton Abbey.’

Kim smiled as he followed them out, bidding them both good night.

She waited for a few seconds.