Page 71 of Twisted Lies

‘Support, counselling, a fresh start and—’

‘You don’t get it, do you? Imagine having everything familiar ripped away from you: friends, family, places. There’s lots of people telling you you’ve done the right thing at first, and when it’s all over you’re left with access to one psychologist and one police officer. Some are happy to have a fresh start and think they’ll have a better standard of living, but they don’t. Many people in protection are former criminals of some kind. It’s the only life they know. If they commit any crime, they’re thrown out of the scheme and left to fend for themselves. Many can’t cope with a new way of life. The programme helps to find them jobs but it’s not always easy given their skill set. And this is all if they get accepted.’

‘There’s criteria?’ Penn asked.

‘Absolutely. A witness has to give essential evidence in respect of a serious crime like murder; attempted murder; kidnap; serious sexual offences; or organised crime. There must be a fully documented and imminent threat to the life of the individual or the family, and they must be fully prepared to abide by agreed conditions.’

‘Who makes the call?’ Kim asked, trying to get a feel for the food chain.

‘Investigating officers will be accountable for a decision to refer an individual for witness protection.’

‘So who knows new identities?’

‘A senior official in the Protected Persons Service; up to two probation officers; a police officer at commander level in the local area; and the assigned officer.’

‘And who are the probation officers?’ Kim asked.

‘I’m sorry but I can’t help you with that.’

‘And the local commander in—’

‘I’m sorry but I can’t help you with that.’

Kim was about to ask what exactly she could help them with when her phone rang.

When she saw the name of the caller, she prayed she was getting an update on the findings of Keith Phipps.

‘Keats?’

‘Stone, I need you at Wren’s Nest as quickly as your broomstick will carry you.’

‘The housing estate?’ she asked, ignoring the quip.

‘The nature reserve, east side,’ he said, ending the call.

All eyes were on her. Her own team knew what such a call from Keats meant.

Leanne looked from one to the other and then fixed her gaze on Kim.

‘What’s wrong. Is it another one?’

‘I’m sorry but I can’t help you with that,’ Kim said, reaching for her jacket.

Fifty-Seven

‘You know, guv, there are days that I’m really glad you like me,’ Bryant said, pulling out of the car park.

‘Hey, I wouldn’t go that far. I just dislike you less than a lot of other folks.’

‘You do know that your instant dislike of her is a little irrational?’

‘Not at all. I dislike most people before they’ve opened their mouths, so she had a fair opportunity to change my mind. Did you hear how she spoke to the guys?’

‘I did.’

‘And you felt her total lack of emotion when talking about families she’s worked for in the past?’

‘I did.’