The Taken Girls: An absolutely gripping crime thriller full of mystery and suspense

‘You seem to have settled in well.’

‘It was easier here than at the Station.’

‘I guess so.’ Saunders looked shamefaced. ‘Actually, that’s one of the reasons I’m here.’

Ed relaxed. For the moment at least his late-night visit was work-related. Their drinks arrived and she raised her glass.

‘Cheers.’

Saunders acknowledged her toast and they sat in silence, sipping their drinks.

‘So, what did you want to say about work?’

‘Let’s leave that for a moment. First I want to give you the full story behind tonight’s incident in the pub.’

‘I assumed there was previous.’

‘Fynn McNally is the local big fish in a small pond. He’s behind most of the villainy that goes on round here. If he’s not behind it he expects a slice.’

‘What’s going on between McNally and DS Potts?’

‘It goes back to childhood.’ Saunders took a sip of whisky. ‘They were at school together. McNally’s always been a bully. Mike got some of it when he was a boy. Their lives went different ways and then collided when Mike became a copper. He wasn’t vindictive but he was always out to get McNally for his crimes. The trouble is, McNally’s a wily bastard; he’s smart and he knows it.’

‘I don’t see how that accounts for this evening’s outburst.’

‘There’s more. Three years ago Mike’s younger daughter, Susanne, was killed in a hit and run. The word is that McNally was responsible but we can’t prove it. He got to witnesses and made sure they’ll not talk. He knows he’s safe and the arrogant bastard enjoys rubbing it in.’

‘But attempted assault with a knife, surely he’ll go down for that?’

‘That was out of character, a big mistake. It was a crazy stunt to pull with all of us as witnesses. Of course, his friends will testify that DS Potts made the first threatening gestures and it’ll be their word against ours. He’ll not be inside for long.’

‘Thanks for telling me.’ Ed toyed with her glass for a moment and then asked, ‘Has Mike got other children?’

‘An older daughter and a son, both at university. He and his wife took Susanne’s death hard. Reminders from the likes of McNally don’t help. I’m sure Mike’s over the initial hurt but he’s collapsed in on himself. The drive he once had has gone. I think he’d like to put the loss of his daughter behind him but something’s preventing that. He’s always ready to go for a drink after work. I wonder if things aren’t too good at home.’

After the DI’s behaviour at the team meeting that morning, Ed was surprised Saunders was now treating her like a trusted colleague. She nodded sympathetically and thought she’d use the moment.

‘And the DCs, Jenny and Nat, what can you tell me about them?’

‘Neither has been with us long but both come with baggage.’

‘Don’t we all?’

Ed received the briefest look from Saunders as if her throwaway comment held particular significance but he quickly continued.

‘Despite their youth, I don’t think either’s had the easiest of times.’

‘How so?’

‘Nat played football, had a trial with Gillingham FC. He won a development contract but was let go at the end of the year. By all accounts he took it badly, gave up football and joined the Force.’

‘And Jenny?’

‘Ah, you’ve noticed. It’s clear he fancies her but, on that score, she’s more difficult to read.’

‘I meant her background?’

‘Right … something’s not gone well in her life. I don’t know the details but I gather it’s personal. Since joining the Force, she’s making good progress.’ He paused as if going to expand but appeared to change his mind and concluded, ‘Both are shaping up to be good officers.’

Ed took a couple of sips of her drink and waited for Saunders to continue. He filled the pause with a mouthful of malt before leaning towards her without touching the table.

Alarm bells rang and Ed became wary but Brian’s next words were not what she expected.

‘I’m sorry you had such a cold reception.’

‘It was to be expected given the nature of my arrival. I’m sorry you’ve been transferred to Maidstone. I was unaware, knew nothing ’til I got here.’

‘If you’re feeling bad, don’t. I’m the one who should apologize.’

‘You? Apologize?’ Ed was genuinely puzzled. ‘What on earth for?’

‘I’m not sorry to be moving. I should’ve made that clear to my colleagues. I’ve known them for years. Couldn’t bring myself to make them think I was pleased to get out.’

‘Why d’you want to go? You’re settled here.’

Saunders took another sip of malt. ‘Nobody else knows but you deserve to. You’ll keep it quiet?’

Ed nodded.

‘I may be settled in the job but I want out. Your transfer to Canterbury was my ticket. The Force is not good for relationships. Many marriages don’t survive. Mine’s one. Ellen, my wife, resented the time I spent at work. A year after our youngest went to university she asked for a divorce. I hadn’t noticed anything, but she’d been seeing someone for months. I can’t wait to get away.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Aye, it’s a bit late for me to be starting over. Maidstone’s more of a desk job. Who knows, maybe I’ll meet someone new in the office.’

‘What about your children?’

‘They’ve moved out. We haven’t told them yet. I’m sure I’ll continue to see them.’

Saunders finished his drink and stood up.

‘That’s enough melancholy for one night.’

Ed left her drink unfinished and went with him to the street.

Watching her colleague walk towards Westgate Towers, Ed’s thoughts turned to the missing girl. When on a case, the victim barely left her head and some memories remained long after the case was closed. To break her train of thought, Ed turned back into the hotel. Her immediate priority was to get settled in Canterbury. She needed somewhere to live and tomorrow she’d make a start with the viewings. Before that she had something else in mind.

Walking through the hotel lobby, Ed went to retrieve her unfinished drink. When standing to accompany Saunders to the street, she’d recognized somebody sitting at the bar. Drink in hand, she slipped onto the adjacent barstool.