Cold Water by Wendy Cartmell

Author:Wendy Cartmell [Cartmell, Wendy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-04-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Driving back to Aldershot, Crane got Bevins to do a search on the Isle of Man. He knew nothing about it, had never visited, equally the Channel Islands, but they’d start with the Isle of Man for now as that’s where Max was supposedly been going to school.

Bevins read, ‘The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown dependency in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. It’s known for its rugged coastline, medieval castles and rural landscape, rising to a mountainous centre. In the capital, Douglas, the Manx Museum traces the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage. The Isle of Man TT is a major annual motorcycle race around the island.’

‘So that’s the Isle of Man,’ Crane said. ‘I’d never even given it a second thought. Neither Jersey nor Guernsey. You?’

‘Nah, if I go on holiday, it’s to the Costas. The wife likes her holiday on sunbeds on the beach or around the pool, then a few drinks and dinner of a night. Simple pleasures.’

Crane smiled. ‘Indeed Bevins. A lot more restful than taking Daniel to Disneyland Paris, which is what I’m doing in the summer holidays.’

‘Ha, ha,’ laughed Bevins. ‘Rather you than me. You’ll need a holiday to get over your holiday! But what’s our next move?’

Crane like the use of the word, our. ‘I need to get publicity on the Islands. See if anyone has seen Max Green, or if anyone else knows of this adoption scam. If I draft something up, can you pass it to the police please? I’ll get in touch with the local press on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, actually probably through Diane Chambers, and get a piece put in the Aldershot News as well. You never know, someone else might have been approached before they settled on Max.’

Crane figured it was easier to go to Diane Chambers than have her on the Garrison, so after dropping Bevans off, he parked on the High Street and walked to the paper’s offices, which were situated above an estate agent. As he walked in a receptionist greeted him.

‘Good afternoon, how can I help you?’

‘Is Diane in please?’

‘Yes, but I’m not sure if she’s free.’

‘Trust me, she will be, tell her it’s Sgt Major Crane.’

Just then a door behind reception opened. ‘I heard that, Crane. This is very unexpected, walking into the lion’s den,’ she grinned. ‘Sally, get us two coffees would you? One black one white, no sugar and bring them through. Come on, Crane, if you’re brave enough.’

As they walked through the newsroom Crane noticed that it was very quiet compared to how it used to be back in the day. ‘Low on staff these days, are you?’ he said as they entered Diane’s messy office.

She moved a pile of newspapers so he could sit down.

‘So much is done online now, Crane,’ she said. ‘Most of them work from home now.’

‘But not you?’

‘No, old school, me.’

Crane grinned. ‘You and me both.’

Just then Sally came in, handing Crane a black coffee and Diane a white.

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