Dave Slater Mystery Novels Box Set Three by P F Ford

Author:P F Ford [Ford, P F]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 37

‘It appears Bradshaw has been pulling strings in the background. Lipton is sending Alan Randall down here,’ said Slater as he finished his call and slipped his mobile phone into his pocket.

‘That’ll make life easier,’ said Watson, as she eased the car into a vacant space close to Ramlinstoke Police Station.

‘But it’s not making us very popular with Randall’s solicitor,’ said Slater. ‘Apparently he’s filing a complaint about the way we’re treating his client, and he intends to get his client released forthwith.’

‘Ah,’ said Watson, ‘that’s not so good.’

‘Yeah, well, Bradshaw doesn’t seem to be unduly concerned. He suggested we just carry on regardless, and he’ll deal with the shit when it actually hits the fan. Does that sound about right?’

‘Yes, he’s not fazed by much,’ said Watson. ‘This wouldn’t be the first time we’ve ruffled a few feathers.’

‘Shake the tree and let’s see what falls out,’ said Slater with a wry smile. ‘It works for me!’

They climbed from the car and made the short walk into the reception area at Ramlinstoke Police Station. A desk sergeant was perched on a stool behind the counter, studiously ignoring them. Watson marched over and flashed her warrant card. He managed a cursory glance. ‘I’m DS Brearley,’ she announced. ‘We’d like to have a few words with DS Colin Norton.’

The sergeant was unimpressed. ‘And why would you want to talk to him?’

‘He’s been helping us with an inquiry,’ explained Watson.

‘Oh, so you’re the mob over at Trillington, are you? I’m not sure I should be helping you lot.’

‘And why’s that?’

‘Apparently we’re not good enough to investigate a case right here on our own doorstep, so I doubt—’

‘What’s your name, Sergeant?’ snapped Slater.

‘Smith.’

‘Well, listen up, Sergeant Smith, just like you, we don’t get to choose what comes through that front door, we don’t get to pick and choose what cases we get, and just like you, we have to get on with whatever gets thrown at us. I’m sorry if the fact we’ve been given a case on your doorstep offends you, but that’s how it is, so I suggest you deal with it. You’re supposed to be a professional, so why don’t you grow up and try to act like one.’

Smith drew himself up from his seat and looked down his nose at Slater. He stood about six feet four, so he towered over him. ‘And who the hell are you to be telling me what to do?’ he boomed.

Slater slapped his own warrant card down on the counter. ‘Slater, detective inspector,’ he said, quietly.

Smith looked down at the warrant card and then back up to Slater. He swallowed noisily. ‘Oh, right, well, I suppose that’s different then.’

‘I suppose that’s different then, sir,’ corrected Slater. ‘Whatever you might think about us, Sergeant, you will show respect to my rank and to my colleague, who is a fellow police officer trying to do her job, okay?’

‘Yes, sir, of course.’

‘So where is DS Norton?’ asked Watson.

‘You’ll be wasting your time,’ warned Smith.

‘Yes, well that’s going to be our problem, not yours,’ said Watson.

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