All the Rage

Adam Fawley
6 April 2018
09.35

Gis has already started the team meeting by the time I get there. I wait at the back, but I can tell the mood isn't good. An initial search of Ashley Brotherton's associates hasn't turned up any promising suspects, and the news from the scene is hardly encouraging either. A notice has been set up on the main road, appealing for witnesses, but there's still no sign of Sasha's bag or phone, never mind the murder weapon. They can't even be sure she went into the river where we thought. The rain is defeating everyone, dogs included.

Gislingham sums all this up neatly and concisely `“ he's got a lot better at doing that recently, so it surprises me that he seems so tense. Perhaps it's just what he was forced to witness at the PM. He's made at least one good decision though: three other DCs who aren't usually on this team have been drafted in. And he's right: we need all the bodies we can get on this one. And no, I'm not going to apologize for the pun.

I wait until Gis's report is over then join him at the front.

`˜OK, everyone, I know this is all we need right now, but you should be aware that Harrison will be issuing a press statement on Monday morning. There's going to be a review of the Roadside Rapist case. Only informal, at this stage, but there's no guarantee it won't end up with a full referral to the CCRC.'

People steal glances at each other, not sure how to react. It's one thing being aware there was a potential issue, it's quite another for the powers that be to go public on it. That makes a difference. To clean-up rates, careers, even to loyalties. At least that's what I'd be thinking in their place. And there's a definite undercurrent in this room, no question.

`˜I know this is going to put extra pressure on everyone, and there's bound to be a hell of a lot in the media. All of it inflammatory and most of it about Alastair Osbourne. Or about me. But none of it about you. So just stick to the job and don't let the shitstorm distract you. And don't speak to bloody journalists, even with the best of intentions. It never ends well.'

`˜Actually, sir,' says Gislingham. `˜About that `“'

I open my mouth to answer, but the sound of the door at the back forestalls me. The woman who's just entered is mid-height, angular, in a neat tweed trouser suit. Her hair is shorter and lighter than when I last saw her. She looks rather like Lia Williams. As well as open, positive and confident. Everything I don't feel right now, in fact.

I look round the team. `˜Everyone, this is DI Ruth Gallagher. She's going to be taking over the Blake and Appleford inquiries from here on in.'

You can hear the intake of breath, see the furtive looks, the glances at Gallagher they don't want me to spot. Two parts shock to one part embarrassment. I suppose it's only to be expected, but to be honest I haven't got a bloody clue what's `˜expected' in a situation like this. This is all new to me; I've never been taken off a case before.

I catch Gallagher's eye, invite her forward. `˜Do you want to say anything?'

She steps a little further into the room. `˜Not yet, I think. I need to familiarize myself with the case notes first. And I have a lot of catching up to do on the Parrie investigation. But this team has an excellent reputation; I look forward to working with you.'

She handled that well, I'll give her that. Not throwing her weight about, not muscling in. Unassuming but businesslike. `˜Inclusive', as HR would no doubt say. But she must have picked up on the unease because she takes another step forward. `˜Let's all be clear. No one is saying DI Fawley did anything wrong or that Gavin Parrie's conviction is anything other than rock solid. But we all know what it's like these days with the press and social media on our backs all day every day `“ it's not fair, and it's a pain in the arse, but there it is.'

She tries a smile, and I try one too.

I take a deep breath, feel my chest tighten. Because I've finally reached it. The point of escalation. The Rubicon I won't be able to reverse.

I turn to the team. `˜There's something else. I should have said something before, I know, but there was always a chance it wouldn't come to this. Anyway, I hope you'll understand why I didn't. One of the women Parrie attacked `“ she was called Sandie Sheldon.'

There's something wrong `“ I can't read their faces.

`˜Two years after the attack, she got married. To me. Sandie Sheldon `“ Alexandra Sheldon `“ is my wife.'

Gis clears his throat. `˜Yes, sir,' he says quietly. `˜We know.'

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