Little Boy Blue

99

Sanderson finished her drink and considered the wisdom of having another. It was only a pint of weak lager – not exactly Oliver Reed standards – but still she hesitated. She’d known many a copper ruin a perfectly good career by slipping into bad habits. The Mermaid pub had been the location for several falls from grace over the years, hidden away in a back street close to Southampton Central.

She should have been at a spinning class, but somehow she couldn’t face all that shouting and positive energy tonight. The alternative was going back to her badly heated flat and empty fridge, so she’d retreated to the warmth of the pub instead, ignoring the occasional glances of the hopeful males at the bar, to enjoy an overpriced pint of continental beer.

‘Can I get you another?’

Sanderson looked up to find Emilia Garanita standing over her.

‘I’m meeting someone here shortly, but I’ve got half an hour to kill. Judging by the looks you’re getting, you could use a chaperone.’

Sanderson assumed she was lying, but didn’t immediately tell her to sling her hook. Garanita had been useful in the past and maybe some company was better than none. She would need to be on her guard, but what the heck?

Minutes later, Emilia returned with two pints.

‘I would have thought you’d be burning the midnight oil.’

‘Taking a break. We’ve done as much as we can for tonight.’

‘I dare say.’

Sanderson detected the note of sarcasm, but didn’t begrudge Emilia her scepticism. Sanderson had set several lines of enquiry in train, but she had little confidence that any of them would pay dividends in the short term. Furthermore, Helen seemed to have gone AWOL, underlining Sanderson’s sense that things were drifting. The investigation appeared to be stymied, morale fractured and her own career going nowhere. Her conflict with Charlie risked dividing the team and she still feared that her popular rival would be the natural winner.

‘So how are things going?’ Emilia said brightly.

‘Do you mind if we don’t talk shop?’

‘By all means, but if there’s anything you want to tell me, off the record…’

‘I’m good.’

‘Well, let me help you then. I know things aren’t going your way.’

Sanderson looked up from her drink.

‘It must be tough now there are twoDSs, especially as Brooks and Grace are so close. I’m not a betting woman, but when Grace eventually moves on, I’d say Brooks was favourite to take her place, wouldn’t you?’

Sanderson stared at Emilia, but said nothing.

‘Must be galling being pushed out, which is why I wanted to talk to you.’

‘Look, things haven’t been easy – I’m sure you’ve heard the gossip – but I don’t do quid pro quos, Emilia. If you want to know more about the case, there’s a press conference starting in ten minutes at Southampton Central -’

‘I’m not interested in that. The kind of questions I’ve got for you can’t be asked at a press conference.’

Sanderson looked at Emilia, intrigued now in spite of herself.

‘What I’m about to tell you is in confidence. I have important information regarding these murders.’

Emilia let her words settle, then continued:

‘If we act on this information, the implications for Hampshire Police will be profound, so I need to know I can trust you. Can I trust you, Joanne?’

‘Of course.’

‘Good.’

Emilia smiled and leant in close, dropping her voice to a whisper.

‘Because I’m about to make you an offer you won’t be able to refuse.’

And now Sanderson knew Emilia had been lying about meeting a friend. She had come here for her.