Eeny Meeny

94

‘Is the public at risk, Inspector?’ Emilia Garanita made sure she got her question in first. With journalists from the national tabloids and broadsheets in attendance, she wasn’t going to miss this opportunity to twist the knife. Whittaker’s attack on her was still very fresh in her mind.

‘We don’t believe that the general public are in danger, but we would urge people not to approach the suspect. She may be armed and her behaviour is unpredictable. If anyone sees Suzanne Cooke, they should dial 999 immediately.’

‘What is her connection with the recent deaths in Southampton?’ The killer question from The Times.

‘We are still trying to establish the full facts of the situation,’ Helen replied, noting Emilia’s cynical eyebrow rise in response, ‘but we believe she may have been actively involved in inciting the murders of Sam Fisher and Martina Robins.’

Helen tightened a notch internally. It had been a tough call whether or not to mention Martina in the briefing. If the press got on to this and tracked down Caroline, the game would be up. There was no way she would be able to hold back telling them chapter and verse about Suzanne’s diabolical role in these murders.

‘Is it true that you’ve been promoted, Inspector?’ Garanita forced her way back into the conversation. ‘Rumour has it that Detective Superintendent Whittaker has been suspended and is facing possible corruption charges.’

At this point the room erupted – question after question raining down on Helen. It was a sustained assault but Helen had no choice but to weather it, however damaging or provocative the questions were. She needed the public to be vigilant, so she needed the press onside. It was a bitter pill to swallow but the situation was critical now. Sometimes in life you have to feed the hand that bites you.