Page 33 of The Girls in the Lake
‘I need to know if there is any history of complaints from the local Polish community about any incidents concerning females; let’s cover all bases. We will also chase up the roommate who reported Julia missing.’
He looked at Sam; since working so closely together on the last investigation he automatically chose her to pair up with. He didn’t think it was favouritism, not really. If Sykes or Paton had drawn the short straw that fateful day not that long ago it would have been one of them. He liked how they worked together; it was easy. No having to make polite, strained conversation and she wasn’t afraid to tell him when he was wrong. He wasn’t sure if the others would be so forthcoming, and besides, he knew he could trust her and valued her opinion. If she disliked being pulled out of the office to accompany him, she never complained. He thought they made a pretty good team, although maybe he should check with her that she didn’t mind. Somehow, he didn’t think she’d put up with him if she didn’t have to.
‘Is that okay with you? Do you have anything else on that’s more pressing?’
‘Not really, it’s fine by me.’
He drained the last of his coffee, pushing down his guilt about Beth and Jodie so he could concentrate on work. At least he was helping Beth by following up on these enquiries. He was hopeful it might go some way to making up for the mess he was in.
Sam was quiet in the car, which suited him fine. He wasn’t really in the chatting mood either, but he thought maybe he should check she was okay.
‘Is everything all right?’
She didn’t even look at him. ‘Yes, thanks. Well apart from another huge argument with my daughter about this stupid bloody party tonight.’
‘It’s tonight? I didn’t realise it was that soon. She’s still adamant she’s going then?’
‘More than ever since I told her I’d rather she didn’t.’
He shook his head. ‘Kids, eh, who’d have them?’
This made her laugh.
‘Why don’t you go as well? Gatecrash the party and hide in the toilet all night, or something.’
‘Josh, it’s onThe Tequila. It’s big, but not that big. She’d see me or wonder who was hogging the toilet all night. It would cause a riot. I suppose we could hire a boat and follow it, you know, just to make sure nothing bad happens. Are you busy later?’
He looked at her in wide-eyed horror, and she laughed so loud it made him jump.
‘You’re so gullible, I’m joking.’
‘You had me there, very funny.’
But she’d planted an idea in his mind. It might not be a bad call. Maybe they could see if anyone was on duty who used the police boat, or at least ask the lake wardens to keep a close eye onThe Tequilato make sure there were no more accidents. He had no idea who to contact, but decided to swing by the office at Ferry Nab on their way back. It would make Sam feel better, and Beth would appreciate the fact that he was taking her concerns seriously.
Satisfied with his plan, he dialled the number from the sticky note with Stacey Jefferson’s phone number on, relieved when she answered, because they were almost at The Swan Hotel in Newby Bridge. She agreed to meet them in the car park, and that suited him fine; at least he wouldn’t have to go inside another bar. Lately all his job seemed to entail was speaking to hotel workers and bar staff.
He parked the car, but left the engine running.
A tap on the window surprised him; he hadn’t noticed anyone here. He pressed the button.
‘Stacey?’
She nodded.
‘I’m Detective Sergeant Josh Walker and this is Detective Constable Sam Thomas; can we have a word with you about Julia Bach?’
Her arms were crossed over her body, and he realised she was shivering. She wasn’t wearing a coat.
‘Do you want to get in and out of the cold?’
She hesitated, eyed them both up, taking in their suits and Josh’s police radio in the cup holder, then opened the rear door and scrambled inside.
‘Have you found her?’
‘We might have located her, yes.’
‘Oh, thank God for that. I’ve been so worried; she’s so lovely but very quiet. Did she tell you why she left all her stuff? I bet it was because of that pig Marcus.’
