Page 89 of Twisted Lies

‘Kept himself to himself, which is pretty much par for the course in this investigation, wasn’t unpleasant but didn’t engage in nice long chats either. You got anything?’

Stacey shook her head. ‘Nothing yet. Mrs Lennox still ay happy to divulge anything further until we issue her with a court order for the information.’

‘But she already gave Bryant Jacob’s address,’ Penn queried.

‘Well, maybe we should send Bryant back to get Jacob’s whole file, because she’s not willing to give it to me.’

Penn sat back and regarded her. ‘You know, Stace, when you make sergeant, as you most definitely will, you’re gonna have to learn different ways of talking to people.’

‘Oh, please continue,’ Stacey said, crossing her arms.

‘I’m not criticising or being condescending, but I heard how you spoke to Lynes. You trod gently and got the desired result. You also spoke the exact same way to Anna Lennox. With some folks, you just gotta be a bit firmer is all, and as I can see you’re not responding well to my friendly advice, I’m gonna take this opportunity to wind my neck in.’

Stacey chuckled. Not once had she been able to stay annoyed at Penn. He was far too self-aware.

‘You seriously think I’m not firm enough?’ she asked, unfolding her arms.

‘All I’m saying is horses for courses. Some people need a bit more of a push, but it’s okay if you can’t—’

‘Oh, it’s like that, is it?’ Stacey asked, picking up the phone. The gauntlet had been thrown.

Penn headed to the coffee machine while she waited for an answer.

‘Mrs Lennox again, please. It’s DC Wood from Halesowen CID.’

Stacey tapped her fingers on the desk while she waited.

‘Officer?’ Anna Lennox greeted her with a question in her voice, obviously surprised to hear from her again so soon.

‘Mrs Lennox, I reflected after the end of our conversation and I’d like to make sure you understand just how serious this situation is.’

‘You told me people died. I understand the seriousness of the situation perfectly well.’

‘Given that you do, would you not consider giving us complete access to your staff files?’

‘Constable, I’m sure I made myself clear a few moments ago. I offered your colleague Jacob’s address so that his safety could be checked. As soon as I have check—’

‘You also understand that we are trying to prevent any further deaths, and your co-operation would—’

‘Please don’t try to put that responsibility onto me. I have protocols to follow and guidance I must seek before opening my personnel files without proof of any wrongdoing.’

Stacey could feel the frustration growing inside her. Not least because this was not a stance she was comfortable with. But Penn was right. She had to learn how to toughen up some time.

‘Mrs Lennox, I must insist that you allow us access to the file of Jacob Powell as a matter of urgency,’ she said, inserting a metal rod into her words.

The woman was silent for just a few seconds. Stacey waited with bated breath. Had the strategy worked?

‘The answer is no, Officer, and if you attempt to bully me again, I will be making a formal complaint against you.’

The call ended and silence echoed in her ear.

That had been her first minor test as sergeant.

And hadn’t that gone well?

Seventy-Eight

Frost didn’t exactly relish the prospect of going back home.