Aftershock

Thirteen

‘Let me ask you again,’ said Bob Skinner. ‘Are you absolutely sure about this?’

‘Yes, I am. I don’t expect to achieve anything, apart from the comfort of knowing I made the effort, but I feel that I have to do it.’

‘Maggie, my dear, you’re on sick leave, maternity leave and compassionate leave all at the same time. It would be against justifiably established police practice for me to let you do this.’

‘Yes, it would, wouldn’t it?’ They were a thousand miles apart, yet he could see her smile as she spoke.

‘Ah, to hell with it,’ he exclaimed. ‘Go for it. Mario’s already called me to let me know, and I think to seek my approval after the event. The report we put together was typed up by a Special Branch secretary; that’s how confidential it is. But I’ve agreed with his rash promise to give you a copy.’

‘Thanks, boss.’ There was a moment’s silence on the line. ‘Mario said there was other information, stuff that only you have.’

‘There is,’ said Skinner, ‘but I’m not going to give you it over an insecure telephone line. If you think you need it, I’ll visit you when I get back, although I’m not sure that any of it will be any good to you.’

‘In that case, I’ll start with the report, and see what I can glean from that.’

‘You do that.’ He paused. ‘Let’s be professional about this, Maggie, rather than just plain personal. What are you bringing to this investigation. . apart from your obvious motivation, that is?’

‘A fresh eye. I won’t say objectivity, but I’ve held high rank in CID, so I should know what I’m doing.’

‘And that’s why I’m giving you the go-ahead, albeit on one condition.’

‘What’s that?’

‘That should you find it becoming too much for you to handle, emotionally or physically, you hold your hand up at the very first moment it does and tell me. I’ll pick up whatever progress you’ve made and take it on from there myself. Deal?’

‘Deal.’

‘Good. Now, I’ve been thinking as we’ve been speaking. If you’re going to do this, you’d better have official status. Your study, as we’ll call it, will be part of the internal investigation into Stevie’s death, and for its purpose, you are temporarily attached to Special Branch. You won’t use its office, and you won’t get in the SB commander’s way, but if at any time you need access to sensitive information, you can use the clout that department gives you.’

‘Thanks, sir. I appreciate the leverage, even though I don’t imagine I’ll use it.’

‘Don’t be so sure. If you make any progress, I reckon you will. All the best now, I’ll see you when you get back. Oh, and one other thing, Chief Superintendent Steele. I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I am that you’ve changed your mind about leaving the force. It can’t afford to lose you.’

As he hung up, Aileen came into the room. ‘Who was that?’ she asked.

‘That? I reckon it was the awakening of a sleeping tigress. Maggie Rose Steele is on the prowl, on the scent of Dražen Boras.’

‘Judging by the look on your face that’s good, but is she up to it yet?’

‘It’s probably the best therapy she could have,’ said Bob. ‘I’ve told Mario to monitor her closely, but I’m sure she’ll be fine. Who knows? Maggie being Maggie, she might even get a result.’