Page 72 of Stolen Ones

‘Yes, Inspector, there is something I’d like to say. I think it’s time to call my lawyer.’

Thirty-Nine

‘Hope you all got something from that,’ Kim said as she and Bryant entered the squad room. ‘Cos it looks like that’s the last intimate chat we’ll be having.’

Steven Harte had been handed back to Jack, the custody sergeant, to make the necessary calls.

She wondered briefly if he was trying to run down the clock. It was almost seven and his legal representative wouldn’t be attending until the morning, which meant he was now off limits for at least twelve to fourteen hours of the initial twenty-four she had to hold him.

No matter how much control she thought she had, he was still calling the shots.

‘Glad to see you followed my advice,’ Alison said, nodding at the screen.

‘You stay calm and rational while interviewing the sicko,’ Kim snapped.

‘I meant about the tea,’ Alison said easily. ‘I’d have kicked him in the bollocks about two minutes in but hey ho, that’s why I do the job I do.’

Kim laughed loudly and wondered if Alison was one of those people that was impossible to offend, but she guessed the behaviourist knew her well enough by now to accept there was no malice behind her tone. Just frustration.

Kim kept her attention on Alison. ‘You got anything for me?’

‘Oh, I think I’ve got some stuff, but I’d like to go over the recording a few times before I report.’

Kim nodded her acceptance. She wasn’t getting another run at him until tomorrow anyway.

‘Stace?’

‘I’ve ruled out more girls, boss, but I’m still in double figures.’

‘Penn?’

‘Started whittling down the projects, boss.’

She glanced around her team. ‘Has anyone got anything that’s gonna help us find Grace Lennard this side of some much-needed sleep?’

Her team looked exhausted. They had pulled out all the stops to provide surveillance on Harte last night, and Stacey hadn’t even been home at all. She knew Stacey’s wife, Devon, would understand, having a high-pressure job herself.

A collection of despondent ‘nos’ was the reply. If therehadbeen the chance, not one of them would choose to leave, however rough they were feeling.

To prove her point, their efforts in collecting their belongings were sluggish, as though she might change her mind.

‘Seriously, guys, go get some rest. Briefing at seven.’

‘Okay, whoever wants me most gets to give me a lift home,’ Stacey said to Penn and Alison. ‘I have a hot date with a chicken curry and a furry giraffe.’

Alison raised an eyebrow before answering. ‘Not me tonight, matey – I’m hanging on here for a bit.’ She was cleared to view the footage but not remove it from site.

‘Gotta go the other way, Stace, to pick up Jasper from Billy’s house. It’s brother-bonding night, which consists of picking up a McDonald’s and then me watching him fight his mates on the Xbox.’

Kim glanced at Bryant.

‘Well, even though I wasn’t even in your top two I’m happy to drop you off.’

‘Oh, Bryant, you are my knight in a shining Astra,’ she said, heading for the door.

He stood. ‘Stace.’

She turned just in time to catch his car keys.