Page 20 of Brimstone Bound
Liza shrugged. ‘Over on that desk. Your temporary Supe Squad warrant card is there as well. It arrived this morning.’
I nodded my thanks. She dropped her gaze back to her magazine and Fred slumped back into the sofa. So much for London’s finest.
I found the phone under a pile of papers on the desk near the window and picked up the warrant card. The number was the same one I’d been given when I entered the Academy, but the symbol was different: the card was emblazoned with a small red crucifix on the bottom and a silver crown at the top. The card still had ‘Trainee’ stamped across it in big red letters. So much, so different. I slipped it into my pocket. At least I now had some form of ID.
I tapped my mouth thoughtfully, picked up the receiver and dialled my own number on the bizarre off-chance that my murderer would answer. It didn’t take long to hear the click that told me my phone was turned off. Oh well – it had been a long shot. I glanced at the helpful list of numbers taped to the desk. It was time to get creative and call someone else.
‘Hi,’ I said into the receiver, as soon as the operator answered. ‘I’m looking for one of your detective trainees, Molly Brigant. I need to speak to her urgently.’
‘Who is calling?’
I glanced over at Liza’s name tag. ‘Liza Faulkner at Supe Squad.’
Liza’s head snapped up and she frowned. I gave her a vague smile.
‘One moment please.’
‘What are you doing?’ Liza hissed.
I covered the mouthpiece with my hand. ‘I told you,’ I said. ‘I’ve lost my phone. I need to speak to my friend as soon as possible, and using your name seems the best way to go about it. It’ll be fine.’
‘Why don’t you use your own damned name?’
Because at least one person believes that I’m dead and, right now, I don’t want to dissuade them from that belief.
‘You’re more likely to be put through,’ I told her.
The expression on Liza’s face put me in mind of sour milk. Fortunately, I didn’t have to continue explaining myself because Molly came on the line. ‘Hello?’ she said uncertainly.
I breathed out. Praise be. ‘Molly, it’s me.’
‘Emma? What on earth are you doing calling me? I was told it was someone else.’
‘I’ve lost my phone. Long story. Look, I need to ask you a favour. It’s important.’
‘Go on,’ she said, confused.
‘A woman was killed at St Erbin’s Church last night. It’s just on the edge of Soho. I need you to find out whether CID has been tasked with the investigation, and what details they already have on the murder. In particular, if there are any suspects. I know you’re busy, but I wouldn’t ask if I had any choice.’
Molly let out a short laugh. ‘Right now I’m reading a manual on search and seizure regulations. I could do with the distraction. I’ll nose around. Let me see what I can find out and I’ll get back to you.’
‘Thank you so much.’ I read off the Supe Squad number and she noted it down.
‘Anyway, how are things with you, Ems? You sound different. Is Supernatural Squad really all that horrific?’
‘Honestly, Molly? I couldn’t even begin to explain. Don’t tell anyone you’ve spoken to me.’
‘What? Why?’
I couldn’t give her a quick answer, so I played chicken and pretended I’d not heard her before I mumbled a farewell and hung up.
‘We won’t get the case,’ Fred said. ‘There’s no point looking into it.’
‘It won’t do any harm.’ I wrinkled my nose. ‘What’s Tony’s number?’
‘Are you going to call him and pretend to be me again?’ Liza asked. The corners of her mouth turned down disapprovingly.
No, I didn’t want him to know I was in the office. ‘Why don’tyoucall him? Find out where he is.’ I paused. ‘And don’t tell him I’m here.’
