Blindsided

‘They drew the short straw then? Sorry, this isn’t funny. I just can’t believe it. Are you going to question my aunt again? She’s going crazy wondering if we buried Jayden, metaphorically of course, or if he’s suddenly going to ring the doorbell one night.’

‘At this stage, we’re just trying to establish if there is a link between the incidents. If you can think of anything that might help us, or Niko or Devril, make contact, just ring me.’

‘Yeah, I will.’ But she couldn’t even begin to think where Devril might be hiding. Both Westbourne and Panfield had miles of estates, stretching from the coast to Highton Downs. The thought of Dev getting in touch set her nerves buzzing again. Niko would be back at his dad’s and she couldn’t imagine why he would ring her. But both men brought unwelcome memories. Had she totally wasted her time trying to turn herself into someone else? Someone normal … Tom’s voice came back to her, raised in anger during one of their many arguments. ‘You can’t do it, can you? Can’t really leave it behind. In your heart you’re still one of them, and I don’t want that in a wife!’

‘Holly?’ The DC’s sharp voice broke into her thoughts. ‘You might as well call me Karen, and screw the formalities. I know you don’t trust us, and I get why, but we need to work together.’ She smiled properly. ‘This is turning into a bitch of a case and the DCI is going to want daily updates. Not to mention DI Harper keeping a close eye on things.’