And Then I'll Know by PJ Brady

Author:PJ Brady
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Crime, Thriller, Police Procedural, British Crime, Female Detective
Publisher: 5W Press
Published: 2023-05-05T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Five – Now

‘Curtis went against procedure yesterday. That estate’s a virtual no-go area.’ As ever, Seabrook’s eyes give nothing away. ‘He’s lucky to be alive.’ The DCI leans back in his chair, looks at Pearson and me across the desk. ‘Nobody’s blaming you DS Ryan. In fact, if it weren’t for your swift actions... We’re all very grateful.’

His words sound genuine enough. But just because nobody else is blaming me, it doesn’t mean I’m not. I should have persuaded Curtis to wait or at least been closer to him. Then perhaps the knife man might not have got his chance.

‘I know his wife will be grateful too.’ A hint of Seabrook’s own gratitude finally breaks out on his face. ‘His daughters still have a dad because of you. The chief super’s talking about a commendation.’

I saw his wife, Hannah I think her name is, when I went to the hospital last night. She leant in close to Curtis as he slept, holding his hand, her shoulders shaking slowly. He was hooked up to all sorts of machines, the doctors still unsure about how things would go. I watched for a bit then turned away, not wanting to intrude on the moment. She had enough on her plate without having to come face-to-face with someone who’d been there when it happened.

Someone who hadn’t got stabbed.

Someone who could have done more.

Now though, it looks like Curtis is going to be OK. And everyone seems to think I’m a hero for scrunching up my coat and pressing down hard until the ambulance arrived. But at least now I’ll be able to face his wife if she does come to thank me.

His daughters too.

‘And you’re OK?’ The hint of concern in Seabrook’s voice doesn’t quite make it to his eyes.

I nod. ‘Fine, sir.’

‘Your statement’s all done? We need this by the book.’

‘Yes.’ Most of yesterday afternoon had been taken up by the inevitable process that follows a serious injury to an officer. First my clothes had been taken and bagged for DNA testing to see if we could find traces of the attacker. Next I’d sat in my old interview room in the jumpsuit they’d given me, while Pearson and DS Clough had questioned me.

Finally, I’d written up my statement, leaving nothing out, including Mikki’s phone call and the request to wait for back-up. Professional Standards are likely to be all over this. Curtis had taken a blade in the line of duty so it’s unlikely that anyone’s going to throw the book at him too hard. But I need my facts straight from the start.

‘And you think you’re fine to be at work. You’ve seen a fellow officer stabbed. There’s counselling and you could take a couple of days out.’

‘I don’t need counselling, sir. Or days off.’

‘We thought you’d say that.’ Somewhere in that face there’s a touch of relief. But it soon changes to something else that looks a lot like uncertainty. ‘This next bit’s a little delicate.’ Seabrook looks at Pearson then back at me.

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