Page 37 of The Truth Will Out
“Her husband is away. He’s due back in a few hours. I tried to tell him over the phone, but the site was too noisy. In the end, I decided to back off and visit him later, once he’s home. He’ll probably hit the roof when he finds out that I’ve delayed telling him, but I’m prepared for the backlash. Our whole conversation was conducted by us shouting. It just seemed inappropriate to continue the conversation.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with you.”
The door opened, and Heidi brought the coffees in.
“Thank you, Heidi,” Armstrong said. He slid the cup and saucer in front of Sam.
Sam’s mind had wandered while Heidi had delivered the drinks.The email, the message from the killer. The precision of the kills. The victims the killer had chosen. Someone is hunting people connected to Pendle House, and now… the discovery of Rhys’s name on that list. What if he’s next? What if…?
“Sam, are you still with me?”
“Sorry, sir. I was going over all the information that has come to light since we found DS Owen’s body this morning.”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
Her head bowed. Should she tell him? Did he have a right to know that her fella might be involved in a scandal they knew very little about yet?
“I suppose I’m just working through the details in my mind, trying to sort out where we should turn next.”
“All that can wait for now. Your priority remains to tell the next of kin.”
“I’m aware of that, sir, and I’d be round there like a shot to tell Scott if he were available.”
“I know you would. It wasn’t a criticism. Drink your coffee. I’m going to call the superintendent while you’re here.”
“I can leave the room if you’d rather, sir.”
“Nonsense. Stay there and enjoy your drink.”
Sam sipped the rich coffee and, without realising she was doing it, let out a satisfied moan. Her coffee went down well, compared to the one Bob had made her earlier. She couldn’t believe it was after eleven and she was only just having her third cup of the day. She drifted off again, her thoughts lying with the investigation, blocking out the conversation the DCI was having until he hung up.
“That’s settled. He took some persuading, but he finally agreed, on one proviso.”
Here it comes.“Oh, and what’s that?”
“That I’m involved every step of the way.”
Sam pinned a smile in place and lied through her teeth, hoping he wouldn’t see through her. “Oh, that’d be great to be working alongside you, sir.”
“Don’t lie, Inspector. We both know how livid you are at the prospect. I’m going to leave you to deal with the investigation, but you must, and I can’t emphasise this enough, you must tell me if anything untoward is on the horizon. I don’t want to be told something majorhas happened after the event has occurred. Am I making myself clear here?”
“Of course. Thank you for trusting me and my team. We won’t let you down.”
“I have every confidence in you. Now, we’re going to need to sort out how to fill Claire’s shoes. You’ve already got a new member of the team, haven’t you?”
“Yes, Nick, the former desk sergeant. He seems to have slotted in nicely already. It’s only been a few weeks. I’m not sure who will be able to replace Claire. She was our whiz on the computer and mainly remained at her desk all day. I considered her role a key one on the team.”
“So, what you’re telling me is that an admin-led position would be best for you and the team?”
“Given the choice, yes.”
“Leave it with me. I’ll have a word with HR and get back to you.”
“Thanks, sir.” Sam downed the rest of her coffee and bid her boss farewell. “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news this morning.”
“Shit happens as we both know in this game. Don’t forget what I said. Any major issues, you must run them past me. I’m putting all my trust in you, Sam.”
“I know you are. I won’t let you down, sir. I promise.”
