Page 80 of Stolen Ones

Forty-Five

It was exactly 8a.m. when Kim received the call that Harte’s lawyer had arrived. It was no later than 8.01 a.m. that Kim groaned upon learning who it was.

‘It’s Kate Swift, people,’ Kim said, putting down the phone.

A collective groan travelled around the room until it reached Alison.

‘Who’s Kate Swift?’

‘An ambitious, ruthless but brilliant solicitor who normally encourages her clients to go along the no-comment route. She’s a cool fish. We’ve had her here a couple of times, but not many of our normal clients can afford her prices.’

‘You think he’ll close up now?’ Bryant asked.

Kim shrugged. After what Alison had said, it depended on how badly he wanted to punish her.

‘Stace?’ she asked, feeling the noose begin to tighten around her neck.

‘Going as quick as I can, boss,’ she said, without looking up.

‘Be back in a minute,’ Kim said, heading out the door.

Maybe a quick word with his solicitor would help move things along, she thought to herself as she descended the stairs.

‘Ms Swift, good to see you again,’ Kim said, standing in the doorway to the foyer.

If Alison could see her now, she’d be screaming, ‘Liar.’

‘We’ll bring your client through shortly, but if I could just take a minute of your time.’

‘Just a minute,’ she said, looking at her watch pointedly.

The woman had not changed since the last time they’d met. She still wore a smart navy trouser suit with heels that lifted her a good three inches. Her white shirt was crisp and clean. Her long black hair was tied in a ponytail that stretched halfway down her back. Her face was attractive and not needing much cosmetic enhancement.

‘Obviously I’m eager to speak with my client.’

‘Your client has abducted an eight-year-old girl. We need to know where she is.’

‘That’s your job, Inspector, not mine.’

Any hope Kim had of appealing to the woman’s humanity was disappearing fast.

‘Ms Swift, we’re pretty sure he’s responsible for the abduction and murder of Melody Jones, twenty-five years ago. Your client is dangerous.’

‘Has he confessed to any crime?’

‘Not yet.’

‘And he’s been arrested and not charged?’

‘That’s correct.’

‘Then you have suspicion but no evidence?’

‘Oh, we will have,’ Kim said, realising she was getting nothing from this woman.

‘Then I suggest you get it by threeo’clock this afternoon or my client will be walking out of here and back to his life.’

Kim had the urge to reach out and slap the polite formality out of her.