Hidden on the Fens by Joy Ellis

Author:Joy Ellis [ELLIS, JOY]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joffe Books mysteries and thrillers
Published: 2020-02-13T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Cam stood in the doorway to Nikki’s office, shaking his head. ‘He’s refused protection. Patrick Shale will not hear of going into a safe house, and he doesn’t want to see uniforms anywhere near his home. He was adamant, and his mother was bloody rude.’

‘Yeah, I’ve met her.’ Nikki pulled a face. ‘Saves us some money, I suppose, but it also makes life a whole lot more difficult.’

Cam came in and sank down into a chair. ‘I cannot believe that no one apart from us has found out where he lives. Well, someone’s going to unearth him soon, and then . . . We all know what can happen when people start taking the law into their own hands.’

‘Has he clocked the crew on obo?’ asked Nikki.

‘He didn’t mention them, and they are a discreet distance down his lane, but like it or not, they’re staying put. Plus, we need to search that house. I’m sending two of our most “diplomatic” officers to just do a walk-through. They won’t turn the place upside down, just make sure there’s nowhere a girl could be concealed. The Shales will object, but we’ll have a warrant. Above all, we have an obligation to the public. Until we find Laurie, he’s going to be watched, day and night.’

‘According to the obo boys he’s not stepped outside the house and has had only one visitor; a ”surprise” visit from his probation officer. Even though he’s served his time, his supervision plan requires contact once a week, but he’s a rum one alright.’ She pointed to the piles of paperwork. ‘Joseph and I have been going over the trial, looking for anything indicating his possible innocence that hasn’t been noticed before.’

‘Any joy? Any opinions?’

She shook her head. ‘Face value? Guilty as hell, and nothing screams out for closer inspection. But even so, we still aren’t convinced.’

‘Then it’s open minds, and I’ll keep up the surveillance.’ Cam stood up. ‘Better get on, but at least we have one of the missing girls safe. That’s something to be thankful for.’

‘I’ll let you know how Yvonne gets on with the hunt for the party venue. Joseph’s gone with them. He’s all fired up about these youngsters’ morals and the dangers of waltzing off with strange men.’

‘Bit different to my day,’ Cam mused. ‘It used to take me a month to ask a girl to go to the pictures with me, and she would take another week to decide!’

‘Oh bless!’ Nikki laughed. ‘I can’t see that at all.’

‘You better believe it. Ask my wife.’ Cameron winked and closed her door behind him.

* * *

As the end of their shift approached, Cat and Dave returned to the office. Dave was carrying the phone in an evidence bag.

‘Anything else turn up?’ asked Nikki.

‘Not yet, boss, but just before we left we found a whole load more boxes in her attic. We’ll hit those first thing tomorrow morning, if that’s alright with you?’ asked Cat.

Nikki said it was. ‘You were late last night, get home now and re-charge.

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